If there’s one thing growing up through poverty taught me, it’s that sometimes the only thing stopping someone from having a comfortable life versus continuing to be poor is opportunity and a person to provide it. I think God tests us all when it comes to helping those in need. In my life I can tell you there were many who failed the call. My real dad left my mom before I was born and worse yet, when my mom was on welfare he begged her to not come after him for child support. Another failure was when I was released from foster care when I was nine and the State tried to pair me with male role models in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program. Every single dude passed me over.
Those missed opportunities hurt and I made a promise to myself that I would never be like those failed models in my life. I love being a father to my wonderful daughters and I volunteered with Big Brothers, Big Sisters for three years. It feels good to fight darkness with light.
When I met Daya in January of 2013 we used to always end our Skype calls with a prayer. In that prayer we asked to “be a light” for the world. This was long before we were a part of 90 Day Fiancé so you can imagine how we felt after praying that prayer and then suddenly on TLC for the world to see. Ah, but God didn’t work like that. Here we were thinking doors were going to open to help others and be an inspiration to people’s lives. If you followed the season, you saw that it didn’t quite go like that. We learned a lot about how the reality TV game is played. Though Daya was often referred to as a “gold digger” that season, for those who followed her social media platforms, they realized she was anything but. However, because we felt blindsided by having to deal with damage control, I think we both felt like we missed an opportunity to help others. We were newly married and basically had no money so I’m sure we just used the show money for bills.
This time I wanted to do something different with my show money. My original plan was to buy a new toy that I’ve had my eye on for a long time but something didn’t feel right. The world is in a dark place right now. My wife and I are both working (for now), we have health insurance, shelter, food, transportation and are in good health. What more can we ask for? There are so many people who could use a helping hand and I want to do my part and offer mine.
I left a video on my podcast instagram page, The Tip Touch Podcast. If you or someone you know needs a helping hand, send me a DM there and we’ll go through each story and decide on a final one once I get paid. It’s not much, but it’s something. Our producer said we’ll probably be in three episodes and if that’s the case, I’ll get a check for $750. I have to keep 15% for taxes so the total to help someone should be about $638. I just want to be a light, a glimmer of hope in someone’s life during such trying time.
To be able to do this, I’m so grateful that Sharp Entertainment asked to have us on this Self Quarantined series. I know I’m a terrible example of how a Christian is supposed to act from the Church’s perspective. I cuss (a lot), my wife swears I’m an alcoholic because I drink a six pack of beer in a two week span, every now and then I like to light up a cigar and I’m very opinionated and set in my beliefs. However, I always try to do what I feel is right. I let my heart lead the way and I feel like God loves me for the broken man that I am. What helps me feel less broken is helping others and sharing my light with those who need it. Goodnight, world.
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I think Daya was misunderstood from the very first encounter on screen. I know how the media can twist things to make them interesting for others to watch, having no real consideration for those being filmed and how that will make them feel or be perceived by the public. I love that you two made it. I felt so terrible for you both when she was crying on the show. She is so sweet and I wish you nothing but the best. Now, the reason for me replying to this blog and I normally don’t EVER reply to blog posts. But, yours sang to my heart. In 2012 I watched the secret and I always had the personality of “paying it forward” But I learned that being grateful and generous are the keys to a balanced life. In every part of life, if you’re generous (whether it is time, money, food, clothing……) and you give thanks for ALL things, you will be truly blessed. I can see that through you and your writings. I am glad I stumbled on this when I did. The world is a dark place and you are a bright shining light. You’re humble, kind, generous and thankful. So, I think the christians would be proud to call you brother. Being a christian is more than attending church. I want you to know that this gesture is not unnoticed nor unappreciated!! Thank you. From the bottom of my heart…Thank you. Continue to be who you are and from my family to yours…..God Bless
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Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement and also for the reminder that my mic is always on. Talking about my faith has always been hard because I’ve never seen myself as a “model Christian” due to my many flaws and shortcomings. Daya is the one who has given me the courage to speak more openly about it and what it means to us. You have no idea how much it means to me that you said what you said in your comment. Thank you so much and God Bless!
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Wow, this gave me a new perspective on you guys! good for you! it was nice seeing you on the self quarantine special.
stay safe guys
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