A Gift Grows in the Ghetto

*A Gift Grows in the Ghetto* explores the spiritual struggles of Black men who are too often treated as social problems rather than full human beings with purpose and giftedness. Drawing on the biblical story of Ishmael—who survived, grew, and was blessed in the wilderness—the book illustrates how God meets individuals in the “ghetto,” the wilderness of modern life, affirming their worth and nurturing their gifts.

The book encourages Black men to embrace a faith that grounds them in divine seeing, divine nurturing, and divine relationship. By reconnecting with their spiritual gifts and recognizing God’s presence even in harsh environments, they can move from survival to flourishing. Its core message is that giftedness can grow in unlikely places, and that spiritual identity is a powerful antidote to marginalization.