Man of the Month: Herman Goins, Jr.

Herman Goins is a man of distinction. As I sought to win him as my own, he sought only to befriend, encourage and stimulate my thoughts towards becoming the woman God sees in me. He has a most easy disposition, a most forgiving heart, and a most subtle diplomacy. He earnestly cares for his friends.

Besought with his own personal tragedies of losing a wife unexpectedly, he himself recovering from a vehicle accident, raising 3 daughters, he consistently is able to look beyond his circumstances, thanking the Lord for his many blessings. The accident has caused him many health problems, leaving him dependent on a cane, but he remains active in his church, teaching in middle school and doing all he can to assure his daughters he'll be there for them always.

He teaches with the wisdom of the sages as he speaks to me and others in our weekly chat sessions in a forum where we seek to establish long-lasting relationships with our significant others. His 25 year marriage to one woman makes him our resident expert and he proudly shares anecdotes of his life with that wife, to relay his point to us.

I love Herman Goins Jr. He has no idea how he has touched my life. I've written the poem below in tribute to how much he means to me.

How I Knew You Were There

During times of trepidation that somehow always manage to abound
Even with the knowledge of how abruptly one's life can be turned around
When those icy cold fingers of doubt slide beneath my skin of brown
That dark, dank dusty feeling that tries to submerge even deeper down
Now fortressed is my wall of new found will, a force field standing ground
I knew, even then, you were there

When freedom for the mind was just another "NO" away, I dared reiterate
I am poised between temptations and an edifying faith
Once shunned by secret lovers I stand now at the amber gates
Knowing that just beyond the horizon a new me patiently awaits
Seeping to the surface, this blue courage does not abate
Purging procrastination, I move forward and will no longer hesitate
Of course I cry aloud, "You were there!"

With my soul a'busy smiling now as the sun kisses each sleepin' beach
As the laughter in a daddy's face at the sound of his baby's speech
So joy encamps around me too, as I've learned lessons you steadfast teach
I have new mountains to go o'er and I see my destiny is now in my reach
No longer at all fearful when the preacher starts to preach
I take comfort in just knowing that you were there

You who are my mentor and my every artful muse
You who have encouraged and when I cursed still would not refuse
You who challenged me to do what I know I ought to do
Standing here in your aura, I am finally where I choose
Thanks be to God in heaven, for sending His help through you
I am forever grateful knowing, you were always there.

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