When I first started writing "3 Strikes" back in 2002, I originally deemed it my 'vent-stration' book, meaning I wanted to vent my frustrations to the world about how the world's view of me affected the way I viewed myself and the way I lived. I was only 23 years old then and didn't understand how to take control of my own life without living under the world's constraints. I blamed the world for my pain and at times, I blamed God for allowing it to happen. Over time, as I matured, not just mentally but spiritually, my views about myself changed. Emotionally, I was still stagnant but I knew those walls would eventually breakdown once I got the others under control. Now, ten years later, I am stronger and most confident in who I am. It took a lot of sacrifice to get here; letting go of self, giving up to God. I am not frustrated or bitter anymore. I have forgiven myself and those who hurt me because my steps were indeed ordered by God. Just as Joseph's life looked bleak in the beginning, I too sit among royalty in the latter stages of my life. Genesis 50: 20 (NLT) says, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people." God's good is allowing me to share my victory with others who are going through the early part of their Joseph season.