My Experience: Roby S. Williams

The Lord works in mysterious ways.  My father passed away on March 12, 2012. I have since looked for ways to honor his memory. Interestingly, I heard Ms. Gayle Rose on the Mary Beth Conley Radio Program on Friday November 21, 2014.  Ms. Rose was discussing Team Max and the grief she experienced as a result of the tragic, fatal auto accident, which claimed Max’s life. She spoke of her constant sorrow and her decision to have, “Grief Counseling.” 

I completely understood and felt her pain and connected it to the pain I still felt over the passing of my father.  Of course, my father had lived for 88 years and it is appropriate for the young to hold requiems for the aged.  Max on the other hand was in the springtime of his life and his passing was, well, tragic.

As a result of hearing Ms. Rose explain how she decided to honor her son, I made a commitment to be a Team Max Volunteer.  I Told Ms. Rose that I would do this in honor of my father. Team Max was scheduled to deliver Thanksgiving Meals to the elderly on Thanksgiving Day.  We had a wondrously spiritual volunteer session and delivered the baskets. It was inspirational. The elderly recipients of the baskets were so appreciative.


Now, I often have conversations with both my deceased parents. Why? Because I know their hearts and their thought processes and I cannot make a bad decision when I speak with either of my parents. Told my Dad I was honoring him by volunteering for Team Max.  Dude said, “So you’ve decided to Honor Me by investing four hours on Thanksgiving Day to deliver baskets to the elderly.” “Yes Sir.”  “Ok. What Else?” “Well, that’s pretty much it, Pop.”  “Tell you what son, do That in honor of someone else. To honor my memory, you need to invest more of yourself, for a greater length of time and have a more impactful outcome.” “Yes Sir.” “And there should be a Hard Work component.” “Yes Sir.”

On Monday, November 24, 2014, Dr. Maurice Johnson came by our office and talked about, “Grooming Greatness.”  I was, “ALL IN” from the door. The BBA Staff was ALL IN.  This mentoring program for young men aged 13 plus is just what this community and all communities need. 

I told my father that I was going to do, “Grooming Greatness” in his honor.  He said nothing. But, he gave me a, “Thumbs UP.” 

Grooming Greatness is a faith based, principle centered mentoring program where Mature Men support young men in their development of, “Life Skills.” The young me are supported academically, spiritually, and through social awareness. THIS IS GOD’S WORK!