One of the greatest blessings in life is seeing dreams come true—especially the dreams God places in your heart. For me, it has been a journey of creativity, persistence, and God’s abundant favor. I’ve been blessed not only with creative talents but also with the support of incredible people and unexpected opportunities that have led me to the milestones I celebrate today. “When God plants a dream in your heart, trust that He will provide the path, the people, and the purpose to see it through.”
This trust has been my guiding principle as I look back on the opportunities God has brought my way. From a young age, I knew that storytelling was my calling. Inspired by the books I read, the heroes I admired (especially Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superman), and the mentors who encouraged me, I set my sights on a future where I could use words to make an impact. Little did I know, God had a plan to turn those dreams into reality, each step marked by His guidance and favor.
Early Dreams as a Journalist
My dream of becoming a journalist started early, long before I was old enough to consider it a career. Even as a teenager, I was writing and reporting, telling stories that mattered. My involvement with The Commercial Appeal as a Teen Panelist and The Teen Appeal in Memphis gave me the confidence to pursue journalism as a serious endeavor. But it was my mother, Marjorie Reed, who spotted the article about the Teen Panelist position, which in turn led me to The Teen Appeal. My efforts were rewarded with honors such as the Golden Quill Award for Best Sports Story, an experience that motivated me to keep improving my craft.
When I graduated from Franklin College with a degree in Journalism, after writing for the college’s newspaper, The Franklin, I embarked on a journey that allowed me to pursue my passion professionally. Working at The Jackson Sun as a Public Safety Reporter was challenging yet fulfilling. Covering everything from murders and major trials to local stories, I developed my voice as a writer, continued to live by the principles of integrity and truth in reporting, and was blessed with awards and accolades for my work, along with respect and love from readers. Through these experiences, I saw God’s favor in the opportunities to impact people’s lives through storytelling. It reminds me of Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” God knows our desires, and His plan often unfolds in ways that bring them to life beyond our wildest dreams.
Writing, Recognition, and Comic Conventions
My journey as a journalist gave me the foundation to explore other dreams that God placed on my heart. One of those was storytelling through novels. As a lifelong fan of superhero stories, I dreamed of creating my own heroes—characters who reflected the challenges and triumphs of everyday people and possessed the strength to battle powerful foes. That dream became a reality with the creation of my superhero novel series, S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™.
Through hard work, faith, and persistence, I published the first two books in the S.O.L.A.D. series. These novels weren’t just stories; they were the culmination of years of inspiration, struggle, and spiritual growth. My characters, Kevin Edwards a.k.a. Angelo™ and Juanita Grayson a.k.a. Angeline™, are superheroes who fight not only physical enemies but also moral and spiritual battles—paralleling the real-life challenges we all face. I couldn’t have accomplished this dream without the favor of God, who provided the resources, ideas, and encouragement to bring these stories to life.
The journey didn’t stop with publishing. I had the honor of being a guest author and panelist at several comic conventions, including MidSouthCon in my hometown of Memphis, Tenn., and Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois. I’ve been a guest and emcee of the Haywood Comic Convention in Brownsville, Tenn., and a guest at Covington Comic Con. Speaking on panels, meeting fellow creatives, and sharing my work with fans at these events were blessings I never expected. Each convention experience reaffirmed my belief that God’s favor was opening doors I never imagined, allowing me to share my message with a wider audience.
Marriage and the Blessing of a Creative Partner
One of the greatest blessings in my life has been marrying my wonderful wife, Tajuana Cheshier. She has been a constant source of inspiration, encouragement, and love. Being married to someone who understands my creative journey and supports my dreams has been a gift from God. She’s been my partner in everything—from cheering me on at conventions to supporting my writing endeavors and even lending her voice to commercials for my books. Her presence has enriched my life and my work, reminding me every day of the importance of having a partner who believes in you as much as you believe in your dreams.
Our journey together has shown me that God’s favor is not just about personal accomplishments but also about the people He places in our lives. My wife has been a blessing beyond measure, and her support has made every achievement even more meaningful.
Looking Forward to New Dreams and Adventures
As I look to the future, I see endless possibilities. I’m excited to continue writing, developing new books in the S.O.L.A.D. series, and sharing stories that inspire hope and courage. Each day brings new ideas, new challenges, and new opportunities to grow. My dreams are constantly evolving, and I know that God’s favor will continue to guide me, helping me reach greater heights and accomplish things I once thought were impossible.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m grateful for every step, every lesson, and every person who has played a role in my story. From teachers and mentors to friends and fans, each of you has contributed to my growth, pushing me to become the writer and storyteller I am today. While I can’t list everyone who has been an influential creative in my life (because I know I’d leave someone out), I want each of you to know: You know who you are, and I thank God for you. I appreciate all you have said, taught, and done for me. I pray God’s blessings over you and your families.
Why We All Need Creatives in Our Lives
No matter what field you’re in, it’s essential to have other creatives around you. Creativity thrives in community, and surrounding yourself with other passionate, innovative people will fuel your own growth. Creatives bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and encouragement that can keep you motivated, especially during times when doubt or uncertainty creeps in. Their energy inspires you to push beyond what you thought was possible and helps you see your work through different lenses.
For me, working alongside other creatives has kept my ideas fresh and my inspiration alive. Their support has been a constant source of encouragement, pushing me to dream bigger and try new things. Whether through collaboration, feedback, or simply shared passion, the presence of other creatives is invaluable. They remind me that we are all part of something larger and that creativity is a gift meant to be shared, nurtured, and celebrated.
Favor and Faith: A Testimony of Dreams Fulfilled
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the influence of all these creatives—people who challenged me to grow, encouraged me to stay the course, and inspired me to believe in the dreams God gave me and continues to give me. Their support has been a constant reminder that creativity thrives in community. Each of them, in their own way, has contributed to my story, helping me become the creative I am today.
God’s favor has been evident in every step of my journey, from the smallest encouragement to the biggest achievements. Every award, every book, and every opportunity has been a testament to His guidance and provision. And while I may never be able to repay those who have influenced me, I can honor them by continuing to create. I can push myself to dream bigger, work harder, and encourage others, just as they have done for me.
So, here’s to all the creatives who create other creatives. May we continue to inspire, uplift, and challenge one another as we walk this journey of creativity together. To see how I’ve expressed my own creativity—shaped by those who have inspired me—check out my superhero novel series S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop.
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