This book consists of the first
collection of poems and writings by Jo Ann Sumbry and
her son, Gerald Griffin. The authors’ writings are based on their passion for
writing and the experiences they have encountered over the years. Jo Ann and
Gerald are God spirited and are greatly concerned
about others’ well-being.
Not often do parents and their
children grow together and form a relationship that lasts from childhood
through adulthood. Jo Ann Sumbry and her son, Gerald,
are an exception. Since Gerald was two years old, his mother bonded with him to
help him to become the best of the best. They have always been inseparable.
When you would see one, you would see the other. Of course, there were
occasions when Jo Ann had to stand back and allow Gerald to be coached by his
father, but there were only a few such occasions during Gerald’s childhood and
adolescent years. For the most part, it was mother
and son fighting the battles with
God on their side.
Jo Ann and her son, Gerald, began
getting really serious about their writings when Gerald was in the 7th
grade. As the years passed by, Jo Ann and Gerald continued to write and put
together their best writings. These are included in this book. We hope you will
be inspired by their writings to release some of your own inner feelings
through words.
Jo Ann Sumbry
Jo Ann Sumbry
is a born-again Christian and woman of God. Born in Columbus,
Georgia and raised in Phenix City, Alabama,
Jo Ann is a licensed preacher and Associate Minister at the Saint Luke A.M.E.
Church in Opelika, Alabama.
She is a former elementary teacher, assistant principal, principal, system-wide
curriculum director, and state special-services administrator. She is presently
the field-based experiences coordinator, instructor, and university supervisor
at Tuskegee University
in Tuskegee, Alabama.
In addition, Jo Ann is pursuing her Ed.D. in educational leadership at NOVA Southern University. She
is known by many for being warm-spirited, inspiring, and motivating. Her
greatest gift from God is her son, Gerald, co-author of this book.
Gerald D. Griffin
Gerald D. Griffin was born on January 1, 1981, in Columbus,
Georgia and raised in Phoenix
City up to grade five. Like his
mother, Gerald has a special God-given spirit about him that touches everyone
he meets. Gerald is known by his friends and others as the “perfect”
intelligent gentleman. He is blessed with multiple gifts and talents. In 1996, Gerald
was selected to be a participant in the United State Collegiate Wind Band,
performing in more than eight countries throughout Europe.
He graduated from Cornell University
in Ithaca, New York
on May 25, 2003 with a B.A.
degree in biology, specializing in neurobiology. He was nominated as a National
Dean’s List Scholar recipient twice consecutively while attending Cornell.
Gerald also received many awards and scholarships while attending Cornell.
Presently, Gerald is working on his Ph.D. in neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Gerald’s greatest gift
from God is his mother.
Who am I really?
Who am I really?
There are days that my soul says, “I’m not sure!” Then I say, Why?
But my spirit says, “You are my child, made in the very image of me.
Do not be deceived by the enemy when questioned,
“Who am I really?”
Speak out and say, “I really am God’s child made in his own image.”
“I am. Really!”
August
18, 2002
Jo Ann Sumbry
Black Streak
As someone sings
Their personal version of the
Star Spangled Banner,
I recognize that I am only
A Black Streak on a White Wall.
Only me, there alone.
When I examine
The Black Streak on the White Wall,
A lovely person is in sight, but just out of
my range.
A Black Streak on a White Wall
Reflects all inside shadows.
A Black Streak on a White Wall ...
Always alone with that lovely shadow
Haunting him.
Gerald Griffin
7th Grade