Everyone has a story. Some stories are tougher than others, but the real power lies in how we respond to them. Today, I want to share mine — not for pity, but to show you exactly why I refuse to live as a victim, no matter how many excuses life has given me. Growing Up in South PhillyI was born and raised in South Philadelphia, in the projects. A lot of people use that as a reason why they can’t succeed, but I chose not to. The projects were rough, no doubt. I’ve seen and been through things that could easily justify quitting on life. Gangs, Fights, and TroubleAs a kid and teenager, I ran with gangs. I got into fights. I got suspended, expelled, arrested — the works. Anger consumed me, and trouble followed me everywhere. But even then, I knew I didn’t want that life forever. Taken from My MotherI was around seven when they took me from my mother and put me in foster care for about five years. For a kid who loved his mother deeply, that felt like a lifetime. It hurt deeply and filled me with more anger and confusion. Health and TraumaAs a baby, my father — an alcoholic — dropped me on my head. I had seizures afterward. I still remember what some of those felt like. I also remember seeing my father getting jumped by gang members while holding me as a baby. My mother told me the story later, but some memories were burned into my mind long before that. Abuse and BullyingI was bullied in elementary school. At first, my mother came to my rescue every time — but that only made me dependent on her. When I got taken away and placed in foster care, the bullying continued. I had to learn to fight back myself. The first time I did, I realized: no one will protect me better than me. A Single Mother and an Absent FatherI grew up with only my mother. I had no positive male role model. My father was alive but not around. That left me confused and angry, feeling abandoned. Later, as an adult, I reconnected with him a bit — but he passed away suddenly before we could really build a relationship. Labeled with ADHDWhen I was in foster care, they labeled me with ADHD and put me on medication. I never accepted that label. I didn’t want the meds. I hid them, spit them out, and refused to believe I was broken. To this day, I believe ADHD is often an excuse — not a life sentence. Gang Violence, Guns, and SurvivalFrom about age 15 to 21, I kept getting into trouble — gangs, fights, and risky behavior. I’m grateful I made it through alive. I’ve lost people to the streets, but I chose a different path. Becoming a FatherToday, I’m a proud father of four amazing kids: Jason, Jaleah, Trinity, and Romen. I had them all out of wedlock. Do I regret it? In some ways, yes — but I don’t use it as an excuse to be an absent or poor father. I teach them what I wish I’d known. Being Black and Dark-SkinnedI’m not just Black — I’m dark Black. Growing up, even my own community called me names: “charcoal,” “dark monkey,” “midnight.” Racism and discrimination are real. I’ve lost business deals because of my skin. But again, I don’t let it be my excuse. So, Who Am I Now?Today, I am:
I am living proof that where you start does not define where you finish. What’s the Lesson?I could have claimed victimhood my whole life: poverty, gangs, abuse, no father, foster care, ADHD, racism. I have every reason to say, "Poor me." But I don’t. Instead, I fight for my success. I fight for my growth. I fight for my children to have better than I did. If you’re reading this, you can choose the same. Don’t fight for your limitations. Fight for your expansion. Fight for your future. Thank you for reading my story. I hope it inspires you to write your own — not as a victim, but as a winner. See you at the top. — Jerome Lewis
|
Implement inbound or outbound marketing to attract more leads, monetize your expertise, and close more deals. Eliminate the fluff. TRUTH Methodology.
Get Paid on Low Equity Creative Sales Mastering New Sales: Seller Finance & Creative Finance As real estate professionals, you face challenges. Selling properties often means high costs, endless showings, and slow progress. However, a powerful solution exists. It’s called seller finance, also known as creative finance. Some people also call it selling “on terms.” This approach offers sellers full price, reduced expenses, and a quick, efficient sale. More importantly, we can ensure you receive...
Foreclosure Uncovered: Your Rights, Options, and How to Fight Back with Mike Russell The Problem... You're Facing Foreclosure Because of Missed Payments: Your home, to the bank, is simply collateral for the money they lent you. If you've stopped making mortgage payments for an extended period, the bank has the right to take it back. You Feel Paralyzed by Fear and Denial: It's common to feel overwhelmed, afraid, or even deny the reality of your situation when facing foreclosure. This often...
Tired of the Real Estate Grind? Discover Your Path to Financial Freedom Are you a real estate agent or investor feeling trapped in a cycle of endless hustle, chasing deals, and sacrificing your life for your business? Do you dream of true financial freedom and consistent cash flow without the constant overwhelm? On a recent episode of The Real Estate Marketing Implementation Podcast, we cut through the noise to bring you a no-nonsense look at how you can achieve just that. Host Jerome Lewis...