The most influential people in my life were my dad, a small business owner and my mother a housewife, mother, and minister of the Gospel.  Life was happy and safe as I grew up during the 1960's and 1970's.  Our home was full of prayer, laughter, love, and peace.  Not until I stretched my wings and launched out into my own marriage, did I understand the perils of life.  With the enclusion of all the challenges I experience in life, I felt compelled to write 'Pearls & Pigs; The Backslider's Journey Home", in hope to inspire, encourage, or perhaps forewarn anyone that may be walking down the same path I treaded.  I admonish you to take claim of your personal value and never exchange it for anything else, no matter what.