Connie Etemadi
Image Credit: Gerald
In a world saturated with noise, where distractions vie for our attention and purpose often feels elusive, stories of personal transformation stand out as beacons of hope. Gerald, a 59-year-old retired airline worker and recent Bible college graduate, embodies such a story. His journey from a life marked by personal struggles to becoming an author and advocate for spiritual growth is both inspiring and instructive. In an exclusive interview with LA Weekly, Gerald shared the pivotal moments, faith-driven motivations, and life experiences that led him to write his book, It is Time to Rewrite Your Story, and his mission to inspire others to find their purpose through faith.
A Calling Born from Reflection
Gerald’s path to becoming a writer was not a straight line but a winding road shaped by introspection and faith. Though he had nurtured the idea of writing for a decade, it wasn’t until April 1, 2023 that he took the leap. “What led me to become a writer was about… I wanted to share some personal things as I evaluated different things in life with my faith,” he explained. His book, It is Time to Rewrite Your Story, is a testament to his desire to share insights from his spiritual journey, offering guidance to others navigating their own faith walks.
The catalyst for Gerald’s writing came during a reflective moment in April 1, 2023, when he was asked a profound question: What would you tell your 17-year-old self? At the time, Gerald was 57, and the question prompted him to consider the trajectory of his life. “I realized that the Word of God for me, was that there was already a plan before I was born that would give me guidance on how to live my life,” he said. This realization became the cornerstone of his book, which encourages readers to align their lives with their faith to overcome challenges and rewrite their personal narratives.
Reflecting on his younger self, Gerald acknowledged the mistakes and hardships he faced, many of which he believes could have been avoided by staying true to his spiritual convictions. “If I had to go back to the age of 17, I would have stayed more focused on what my walk was concerning my faith walk, which would have helped me to miss and minor out a lot of the difficulties and things that I’ve experienced in life,” he shared. This introspective exercise not only shaped his book but also solidified his commitment to living a life grounded in faith.
A Life Shaped by Faith and Resilience
Gerald’s story is one of resilience, marked by moments of profound struggle and triumphant recovery. He candidly shared that he contemplated suicide twice in his life once at 27 and again a decade ago. These dark periods were turning points that deepened his reliance on faith.
His faith not only helped him navigate personal crises but also became the foundation for his desire to help others. Gerald’s experiences taught him that life’s challenges are universal, but a steadfast commitment to spiritual principles can provide clarity and strength. “Everything that we experience in our lifetime is going to be either a test or a trial,” he noted. “If you remain firm in what you believe and do what you believe, we will be able to overcome those things, no matter how many times those things may come.”
A Diverse Background Informing a Unified Mission
Gerald’s professional and educational background further enriches his perspective. With over 22 years in the airline industry, he developed a strong sense of responsibility and accountability, values he carries into his writing and mentorship. “Everything that I do, I strive to treat my fellow man and my fellow woman the right way,” he said. His recent graduation from a two-year Bible college program, where he earned honors, has deepened his understanding of his faith and equipped him to share it with others. “I have 30 years of experience in my faith walk, but I decided to add some other things to it,” he explained, highlighting his commitment to lifelong learning.
This blend of professional discipline and spiritual education shapes Gerald’s approach to his work. He views his writing as a means to hold himself accountable while inspiring others to do the same. “It’s helped shape my life and seeing how I treat people and seeing where I can help assist people at,” he said, emphasizing the importance of integrity and intentionality in all aspects of life.
Inspiring Transformation Through Intentionality
At the heart of Gerald’s message is a call to intentionality and consistency. He believes that success, particularly in one’s spiritual and personal growth, comes from a deliberate commitment to one’s values. “What I have found out is that in my life, anything that I do outside of the Word of God, I found that there is no success in it,” he said. His book targets “intentional readers” those who are purposeful in their pursuit of growth and open to aligning their lives with spiritual principles.
Gerald’s message resonates with those who feel stuck or uncertain about their purpose. “I believe that fear, fear is the biggest enemy that really cripples us in things that we desire to do,” he said. Drawing from his own experience, he encourages others to overcome self-doubt by taking a “step of faith” and believing in themselves. His journey from self-doubt to authorship serves as a powerful example of what’s possible when one embraces their calling.
Addressing Universal Struggles
Gerald’s insights are particularly relevant in addressing common struggles like depression and identity. When asked whether depression can resurface after being overcome, he offered a candid and hopeful perspective. “Sometimes those obstacles, I believe as long as we are living here, there will always be a test or a trial where things will begin to come back,” he said. However, he emphasized that remaining firm in one’s faith can provide the strength to overcome recurring challenges. “If you remain firm in what you believe and do what you believe, we will be able to overcome those things,” he affirmed.
His message to those struggling with identity or direction is clear: ground yourself in a spiritual foundation. “Whatever you decide to do in life, to me, your foundation has to have a spiritual background and your belief in God,” he said. This belief has not only transformed his own life but also enabled him to mentor others, fostering a sense of purpose and community.
Expanding the Mission
Gerald’s vision extends beyond his book. He plans to write six to seven more books, including targeted works for men, women, and children. “They’re going to be personal books that are being developed for men, developed for women only, and developed for children,” he said. Additionally, he is exploring opportunities in counseling, mentoring, and public speaking, with plans to engage in podcasts and seminars. “I’m open to do a lot of different things in person, or if it’s something I need to do online,” he said, noting that “the sky’s the limit.”
A Message of Hope and Action
For those hesitant to share their own voices, Gerald’s advice is simple yet profound: overcome fear and take action. “You’ve got to believe in yourself,” he urged. His journey from self-doubt to authorship, supported by his faith, family, and community, underscores the power of perseverance. “My wife has been very supportive. My kids have been very supportive, and my friends have been very supportive,” he said, acknowledging the importance of a supportive network.
As Gerald continues to share his voice through writing, speaking, and mentoring, his journey serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and intentionality. In a world full of noise, his call to stay spiritually grounded offers a path to clarity, purpose, and hope.
About the Author
Gerald, a retired airline worker turned author and spiritual mentor, channels 30 years of faith and hard-won wisdom into his debut book, It’s Time to Rewrite Your Story. A recent Bible college graduate and LA-based voice of resilience, he transforms personal battles with depression and doubt into a roadmap for others seeking purpose. Now 59, Gerald blends gritty life experience with scripture to empower readers, proving it’s never too late to rebuild a life anchored in faith and rewrite your own story.