Featured Writer: Jeffery Martin

By Raja's Insight on April 8, 2018 • ( 0 )

Author Jeffery Martin has written 10 books and contributed poetry to 7 anthologies. “Weapon of Choice” won the 2008 New Jersey Beach Book Festival ‘Best Book of Poetry’ and honorable mention in both the New York Book Festival and London Book Festival. Mr. Martin, a storyteller, has also used stories to inspire classrooms and youth groups in both New York and California. While living in Rochester New York he founded the BEHOLD Theater group (he hopes to kick start this again) which introduced to youth to various disciplines within the arts, ranging from Poetry to Fencing. Recently retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District he plans on taking poetry, drumming and storytelling on the road to reach a broader audience. He is currently writing a film script with hopes of releasing it sometime in 2018. His most recent book “Jus Sayin‘” released in June 2017 is a myriad of thoughts he has shared over social media over the past few years.

Here are a few excerpts from Jefferyâs latest book Jus Sayinâ

November 9, 2014

One of the biggest lessons I took from my mom was to take care of my shit. Whether I lived in a mansion, a shack or a cave to treat my space with dignity and respect. I have never grown comfortable with disarray or untidiness. Thank you, Mom. I ain’t got much, but I keep my shit nice!

November 12, 2014

And finally…

I learned that I was capable of loving through my feelings for my mom. Period. I was angry and bitter about some things growing up but my heart could never grow completely dark because mom made it smile so much. No one has ever made my heart smile more. The compassion I carry to this day stems from those early days when her love seemed to blanket me.

As I grew, I saw her flaws but that unshakeable feeling she instilled within me gave me a resilience that brought me through the lowest of times. I cannot give her full credit for my strength but there is no doubt she was that initial spark.

November 23, 2014

I am definitely on the other side of perfect. Flawed in countless ways. But I am not phony. None of what I do is ego satisfying or to get likes on Facebook. I firmly believe whatever gift we are given should serve the planet in some small way. My biggest contribution is my sincerity to making a difference for the better through words, then deeds. All else, for me, is trivial.

December 23, 2014

Every time the harshness of this planet starts to get to me, I remind myself of the kindness, which is the glue; holding this place together.

The smallest of gestures reaffirms my faith in what is possible.

Find More Inspiration in his book Jus Sayinâ

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