Fellowship Memphis

Pictured above, Brandon, his mother Tara, his brother Ryan, and his step dad Derrick. Brandon works as an intern for City Leadership and participates in DownLine's Emerging Leader program.

As I reflect on my life during this Thanksgiving holiday, I have so much to be thankful for, most significantly, my mother. Most of my life, she served as both parents. I watched her work feverishly as she provided for me and my brother Ryan, while going to school and receiving her bachelor’s degree. She always made sure we had everything we needed to succeed in school even if it meant her having to go without some things. She is the epitome of a fighter, and I am so thankful to have a mother who fought for us, despite the odds, to provide a life that most children in my neighborhood never had.

I am thankful to my track coach at The Ohio State University, who took a chance on me when I was a freshman and allowed me to walk on the team. Little did he know that he was allowing me to live out a dream I had since I was a child. He then took more risks and allowed me to run in meets that I did not think I was not ready for. The confidence he had in me during my career at OSU was remarkable, and it allowed me to grow leaps and bounds not only as a leader but also as a man. He opened his life up and allowed me to be a part of his family which meant the world to me because I looked up to him as a father figure. Although I am in Memphis, he still calls and checks in on me, and it is to this end that I am appreciative of him.

Finally, I am thankful for the Puckett family because they have helped me in so many ways. Derrick sacrifices his time discipling me, and he made significant efforts getting me here to Memphis to help me pursue a life in pastoring and church planting. For his enduring love and patience, I am extremely grateful. Kaley has been the most patient and loving wife I have ever seen. She has opened her house to me and loved on me just like my mother has. Her selflessness and servant heart have been things I am extremely grateful for.

I thank God for these individuals more than they will ever know.