Unashamed: The Process of Reconstruction

Unashamed: The Process of Reconstruction

by Richard Taylor

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2012 by Richard L. Taylor Jr.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Cover design by Jen Marquez.

Photographers: Cover: Bryson Martin

Visit Richard at http://taylormadeempowermen.wix.com/rlt

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1: Rejection

Chapter 2: Resentment

Chapter 3: Dead Weight

Chapter 4: Romantic Abuse

Chapter 5: Family Failure

Section II

Chapter 6: No Way Out

Chapter 7: Identity Crisis

Chapter 8: The Transition

Chapter 9: Road to Redemption

Chapter 10: The Conqueror in Me

Closing the Door On Your Past

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Procrastination kills! I learned this firsthand while writing this book. The blueprint was designed in December 2009, but work did not begin until August 2012. I realized that talking about having a book that tells my story sounded good, but it was not something I had yet found myself committed to doing. Writing this book has been a very humbling and emotionally trying process. Nonetheless, as I reflect on the work that I put into this--my first book--I am happy that my completion came through my commitment.

This book was birthed through my experiences, good and bad. It’s a book of blatant transparency, that I pray reaches the heart of your deepest issues and darkest secrets. This book was created for people who have ever struggled with their self-worth, or has been labeled as things other than what they felt they were. Each chapter speaks on a particular problem I dealt with or struggled to overcome, and is designed to show you that you are not alone. It is my desire that you can find as much healing reading this book as I did writing it.

I want to start off by thanking God for sparing my life and allowing me to survive two near-death experiences. I realize that I am where I am because of the Source! My faith has carried me this far and I know it will continue to lead me.

I must thank my beautiful and dedicated wife, Ariana. You have sacrificed so much for us over the last year to see this vision come to fruition. There is really no way I can repay you or say thank you enough, but please believe I am working on a way to figure it out. Thank you for believing in me and trusting the vision I told you God has given me; I am forever in your debt.

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my father and mother. I understand that you really did try your best to raise me in the right way, and you did. Despite our fights and disagreements, you have taught me so much along the way, and I truly thank you for that. Mom, your three sons are working hard so one day soon you’ll be able to retire. Dad, I know you will never really sit down, but once mom retires, take a very long vacation--I’ll watch the boys. I love you guys dearly.

To my brother Brandon, we understand each other on a totally different level than most. People always ask if we are twins and sometimes it honestly feels like that to me. You inspire me to be greater in everything I do. Your hustle and flow mentality is going to be what separates you from being average to being excellent in life. I love you twin! To my baby brother Bryan, I’m not putting any pressure on you, but you will be keeping up the banner of greatness years after Brandon and I. Know that I believe in you and I thank you for your