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ROOTS OF MERCY & GRACE MINISTRY
Grassroots Giver: Roy Kelley with Mercy and Grace Ministry
Wednesday, February 4, 2009By Michelle Carter
Thirty-two year old Roy Kelley, who had abandoned all of his worldly possessions, was “lost” as he played student to an unknown father like figure who spoke fluently about how long he had been on the streets. The smooth stranger's voice spoke with experience that commanded Roy’s attention. Roy, now “at home,” stood near the edge of a building taking mental notes, while he continued to listen to the stranger rattle on about how he has survived without incident. Roy had zero street knowledge, so he moved closer to familiarize himself with the dos and don’ts of the street life. Nothing could have ever prepared Roy for what he had thought was just an act of “curiosity,” which landed him homeless and revealed a profound revelation that changed his life forever.
The third from the youngest of seven siblings, Roy grew up around street violence, drugs and hopelessness of everyday life in the housing projects of North Dallas.
He couldn’t remember any of his father’s qualities because he died while Roy was still young. His mother had the daunting task of raising seven children alone, and his sense of emptiness of not having a father growing up combated the problem even more. Later, he would come to resent anyone he encountered who had one. Many young African American boys struggle to identify with their masculinity in homes where males are absent. It had become increasingly difficult for his mother to balance work and home with a low paying salary, provide food, clothing, and most importantly, offer any adequate level of testosterone education for her three budding sons who were nearing manhood.
More frequently than not, some single mothers in the black community fall short when it comes to providing the necessary tools to provide positive male role models for their son’s lives. At times, life became difficult growing up without a father, he remembers. He used to watch his mother struggle with juggling several hats to maintain order in their home with three sons. He identified with the tender sensitive side of a woman that all men experience when raised by a single woman. He recalls watching his mother drink and consumed illegal drugs just to relax. At age 16, he himself began to experiment with pills, alcohol and marijuana. Unlike most of his peers who had a history of drug abuse, his criminal record was remarkably clean. Roy’s story was a bit different. It wasn’t consistent with most reports that indicate that young men from low income communities are more likely to use drugs, have higher HIV/AIDS rates and unprecedented incidents of incarceration. For the most part, Roy managed to stay clear from the notable crimes that plagued his community. He conformed to the demands of his mother. But being without a father, sometimes compelled him to engage in negative activities to fit in with his friends.
Even though he grew up in poverty, he managed to stay employed for 12 years, meet the perfect woman and own a vehicle he was most proud of. His life seemed normal for the most part, he notes, but remembers how he continued to use alcohol and drugs that took a turn for the worse. As he recalls, he had recently moved to a new apartment complex and was trying to get to know his neighbors. He vividly remembers one afternoon, one of his neighbor friend’s started smoking crack and his “curiosity” from the aroma prompted him to join in. He says, at that moment, he knew his curiosity had become his worst nightmare. It was the beginning of a life-changing experience of despair, devastation and pain. He had chosen a drug he knew all too well was dangerous, but indulged only to fit in. There are many mechanisms that trigger's one down a path of drug abuse, which causes great disconnect for loved ones who can’t comprehend the depth of a crack addiction. Roy found himself sleeping in abandoned cars and sometimes in grassy fields after days of drug and alcohol binges. His addiction would last a little over three years. He wanted to stop and admits he had become tired of his addiction. He decided to seek help at a ministry where he said he learned about Christ. He had never been introduced to religion growing up and was unaware of the power of prayer. He developed a personal relationship with Christ in the ministry but still struggled to break free of his addiction. The ministry provided a new vision, new hopes and options to help him change his circumstances. He hadn’t realized he had options to change his life. What resonated with him at the ministry was that the founders were also prior addicts who had overcome their drug addictions. He felt connected because they understood what he was experiencing. In Roy’s recovery he slipped several times, but he never forgot the teachings of Christ and the father he never knew, but Roy said through prayer, he could now hear his voice from within. He realized his life was only 10 percent of what happened to him and 90 percent of how he would react to changing it. He moved to McKinney, Texas where he later joined a new ministry with the belief that the love of Christ was with him and he would step out on faith and trust his convictions to change.
I remember a quote by Stephen Covey that stated; “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey but we are spiritual beings on a human journey”. It is that spirit of resurrecting oneself recited by President Obama’s inaugural address that America needs to dust itself off, get back on its feet and move forward with a purpose. This is especially true for Roy Kelly, who has not only gotten back up and brushed himself off but has started a ministry of his own. Currently his non-profit status is pending approval for 2009. He feeds and clothes the same drug addicts and homeless friends he had once abused drugs with. He is the founder of Mercy and Grace Ministry, which is dedicated to prevent, educate and restore the lives of those lost to alcohol and substance addictions. His mission is to provide young black men the tools to become productive men in a world filled with deception and isolation. Roy’s ministry delivers monthly brown bag lunches and cold water to the homeless in North Dallas. It is his vision to ensure those who fall down have an opportunity to get back up. Through his program, Mercy and Grace Ministry, he is able to extend the same hand of compassion and humility he once received.
How YOU Can Help
Monetary donations, food and clothes can be sent to: Mercy and Grace Ministry – 5536 Slay Dr. – The Colony, Texas 75056 or you can become a volunteer by emailing Minister Roy Kelley at: aroykelley@yahoo.com
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