We recently connected with Terrance Pope and have shared our conversation below.
Terrance, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I developed my confidence & self-esteem through 1. Discovering my true identity.
Since a child lables and opinions of who I was or will be was placed on me “He’ll be a drunk and incarcerated like his father”
“He’ll be a thug and incarcerated like his brother ” or “He’ll be dead by his teenage years”. As early as I can remember words of discouragement was handed to me and eventually it’ll take form in my thoughts, behavior & character. So you can only imagine after being paralyzed how much more insecurity would grab a hold of me.
But in 2013 that would all change. After giving up a life that only brought death, and desolation, I would discover something or someone that brought life and fulfillment (Jesus) I began to read his word,encountered his love & who I was in him.
I began to see myself & life differently. I can walk or roll lol with my head high knowing I was created for a purpose and given a gift by God to use for his glory. I was a new man with a new perspective, confidence & self-esteem.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Terrance J. Pope. I’m a husband to a BEAUTIFUL wife and a father to an AMAZING son. I’m also a mentor, minister, author, public speaker & CEO.
I grew up in a household of 5: two sisters, one brother, our mom, dad & of course, myself.
My childhood wasn’t all that great. I was physically and verbally abused often. Not only by my parents but also by my peers in school. By 1st grade, I was labeled mentally retarded and placed in a special education class, and by 9yrs of age, my father would go to prison for almost 10 years which left my brother and I to be subjected to the gangs in our neighborhood. By age 12, I would join a gang, following the foot steps of my oldest brother. I found myself getting into all kinds of trouble: stealing cars, breaking into homes, doing drugs, robbing, going to a juvenile detention facility… ETC. As time passed, I would only get worse. By the age 16, I ran away from home. I would like to say that it was the excitement of my gang life that aided in that but honestly, it was young love that caused me to fly away from the nest lol.
At age 21, I would experience the worst heartbreak and the most dreadful moment; the lost of my mother. This loss would take me down the longest and darkest hole of my life which would later result in me being shot 7 times four months after her death and even dying twice that night before being resuscitated.
After being paralyzed from that incident, I knew something had to change but (where do I start)? I was enslaved by public opinions & pride knowing that I had to do something different but was afraid to because of what people might think, that “…the big bad wolf had turned sheep”.
Shortly after, I would sence a familiar call once again a call that I ignored for so long (The call of God) After fighting the call for two years after my injury I would finally answer him and my life would change for ever.
Today, I’m a public speaker extending hope, change & the power of God. Speaking is my passion, it’s one of the most powerful tools in the world and I possess it! Having a voice that can build or destroy nations and I use it to build up people and destroy the lies!
I’m the founder of Transitionz7, L3C, a mentorship group helping men transition into authentic men, an author of my book, “Sitting Down Was The Tallest I Ever Stood: From MOB To M.O.G”, an Ordained Minister
&…did I mention I’m a Husband to a BEAUTIFUL wife? Lol
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three skills that were super impactful for me was…
1. Acceptance, accepting where you are is the only way to being navigating to your desired destination .
2. Identifying the lie, Once you’ve identified the lie you rob it of its power & control over your life.
3. Replace it with the truth, truth releases you from the bondage of the lie, false identity & narrative. You’re able to function in your God given gifts true identity, loving and operating in grace.
Applying these 3 steps early in your journey will give you a foundation to build upon. In addition, get around people who are conducive to your growth and that will invest in your development. Work hard daily on improving yourself sharpening your skills & most importantly keep God first.
1.Acceptance.
2. Identifying the lie.
3. Replacing it with the truth.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed I pray, read my word, schedule an appointment with my therapist or call a friend. One thing that I don’t do is hold it in because what we conceal can not be healed.
Get a community or someone you can be vulnerable with and share your true feelings and emotions.
Contrary to popular belief, true strength in not doing it alone but being willing
to admit you need help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://transitionz7l3c.godaddysites.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/terrance_j._pope?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terrancejpope89?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Image Credits
I have the rights.
