Author Randolph R Camp reflecting upon his childhood in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

 No matter where you’re at or what you’ve been through you can still reach your destiny. As a kid growing up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, I would sometimes get really sad because the world around me didn’t always match the world in the books I would read and one day hope to write myself. But, at the little country church on the then-dirt and gravel road, I remember listening to the uplifting gospel songs of ‘Ain’t Gonna Study War No More’, ‘This Little Light of Mine’, and listening to the encouraging sermons from Elder John ‘Sonny Boy’ Carter and Elder William Camp (my father). Whether they were preaching behind the pulpit of the Highway Christian Church down on Camptown Road or speaking with you outside in the yard, their words were always positive and encouraging. I have fond memories of my time at this little church. Although no one had a lot of financial wealth, I remember when people would stand up to testify in church, they were so grateful for what they did have. I’m truly grateful for these two men because they, along with my wonderful school teachers, played a big role in keeping me motivated. “A tree without roots will not grow” is a quote from Marcus Garvey, and I certainly will never forget where I came from or those who have had a hand in shaping me. – Randolph Randy Camp