He made his grand entrance into this world on September 13, 1969 and during his adolescent years he faced abuse and many difficulties, but yet he survived the nightmare and has become a living testimony for people all over the world. There are people to this day that are still learning about his story as if it was hot off the press. This man I speak of is Tyler Perry who has inspired audiences near and far since his debut in 1992, but even with all of his success he still remains humble and passionate about his work while continuing to wow his critics and turn heads in Hollywood.
Tyler worked many odd end jobs prior to becoming one of the richest men in Hollywood, but took many valuable lessons from them all. There was a time when Perry found himself homeless, but he refused to give up and soon discovered his passion. Many years ago while watching the Oprah Winfrey Show, he heard that it was cathartic to write and began to write about his personal experiences. In 1992, Tyler invested $12,000 of his hard-earned money into his very first production titled I Know I've Been Changed. The production only showed for one weekend and a total of 30 people were in attendance. After that disappointment, Tyler was ready to throw in the towel, but in 1998 he took a leap of Faith and his production I Know I've Been Changed returned to the stage and what he thought was the final show was only the beginning to something great.
Tyler has gone from 30 in attendance in one weekend in 1992 to now selling out movie theaters across the country and not to mention his phenomenal stage plays that inspire thousands of households all over the world. From his hit stage plays, sitcoms on TBS, and the OWN Network, to blockbuster hits, Tyler is showing that with much faith and great determination there is nothing one can't achieve. What if Tyler had given up after his disappointment in 1992? And what if Oprah Winfrey had given up after she was fired for becoming too emotionally involved in the stories she was reporting? We wouldn't have the fabulous Tyler Perry, the Oprah Winfrey Show or the OWN Network. I thank their mothers and all those that planted a seed in their lives because these two individuals have empowered me to empower others. Tyler and Oprah are using their God-given gifts to inspire people all over the world and that is a mother's prayer answered.
Speaking of mothers, Tyler Perry's film The Single Moms Club made its debut in theaters across the country on March 14. It was an amazing film about five struggling single moms from different backgrounds that faced some of the similar issues we all face as single mothers. The film's five leading ladies are Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Amy Smart, Zulay Henao and actress/comedian Cocoa Brown. I had the honor of spending an evening with other single moms Charlene Carter, Janice Chester, LaTerra Sinkfield and Wendi Stovall.
These women are absolutely phenomenal and have amazing stories which also inspired me as a single mom. After a great dinner and watching the film, we all gave the film five stars and agreed that Tyler did a great job. I saw myself in May played by the amazing Nia Long for I am also a single mother, writer with a dream, and raising a son with the Lord's guidance. It showed that, in life, we all face challenges regardless of our professional background or where we come from. Whether it be Beverly Hills or Compton, we as women have a lot in common and have the hardest jobs in the world which is raising phenomenal children.
Thank you Tyler,
The Single Moms Club of Atlanta, GA