Have you ever asked, Why me Lord? I know personally that we will be tested as Christians. This compilation of Spiritual writings is a testimony to Faith. This compilation is also a testimony to God’s gift of families for it contains writings from three generations—mother, son, and granddaughter.
Although traditional, this compilation of inspirational writings and poems are relevant to this global based, social media twenty-first century. Interesting, most of my writings in this compilation occurred at the oddest times—while I was trying to sleep, while teaching, while relaxing or even while talking to others. Ultimately, this compilation of Spiritual writings reflect that life is a series of experiences. As our faith in Jesus is tested, we grow spiritually, emotionally, and sometimes creatively.
Dr. Byrdie A. Larkin is the daughter of Reverend Charles Haile Larkin and Mrs. Lula Berry Larkin. She was born at John Andrews Hospital in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama; but grew up in Troy, Alabama. Her maternal Grandmother, Mrs. Elbirdie Felton Berry, also played an influential role in her life. She was Valedictorian of her high school graduating class and received a four year scholarship from Alabama State University.
At Alabama State she was a member of Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, the Social Sciences Honor Society and Beta Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Alabama State University, she received fellowships and scholarships from Notre Dame, Ohio State and Clark Atlanta Universities. She attended Clark Atlanta where she received the Masters of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Political Science.
Dr. Larkin is currently the Coordinator and a Professor of Political Science at Alabama State University. She has served as a political analyst for local, state and national media. She has also been interviewed by the British Broadcasting Company. She has organized and served as a panelist on several Voting Rights programs. She is presently a member of the Executive Board of the Alabama Political Science Association where she has also served as President. She is also a member of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists where she has served on its Executive Board and has chaired the committee for Best Paper Award. She is also a member of Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society where she serves as advisor to the Alabama State University chapter. She hopes to begin research on Women Leadership and Activism at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She has been a Fulbright and Oxford Scholar. One of her most recent listings is in the 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century.
She is the mother of one son, Seve Mwangi Leonard, and the grandmother of Genesis Ruth Asaray Leonard. She has one sister, Ms. Lula Darnell Larkin, and one brother, Mr. Charles H. Larkin, Jr. However, one of her most important achievements is that she is a child of God and a member of the Mount Gillard Missionary Baptist Church where she serves on the Trustee Ministry
