From Darkness Toward Shining Light

Spending an entire childhood orphaned, delinquent, and with a school dropout label, led to a challenging twisted journey toward achievements not thought possible - earning the highest academic degree, and leading a successful and incredibly fulfilling career in behavioral health.Overcoming adversity and challenges built an internal resilience that was beneficial in overcoming obstacles that were perceived as roadblocks. Experiencing moments of sorrow in witnessing the pain and suffering of hungry and starving children in Africa, led to accompanying moments of guilt directed at a world of wealth with an abundance of food. Surviving stage four cancer led to a deeper appreciation of life and the recognition that the benevolence and mercy of Almighty God played a significant role in reshaping my early wayward life. Hopefully, my story will inspire others facing similar challenges to directly face their darkness and redirect their life to a shining light. Jules Modlinski is a retired executive director of Southside (Virginia) Community Services Board (now Southside Behavior Health). He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He is a graduate of Wisconsin State College - Whitewater, where he was a member of Phi Chi Epsilon Fraternity. He is also a graduate of the Former American Institute of Foreign Trade (Thunderbird), now known as Thunderbird School of Global Management, a part of Arizona State University.He is the author of three books critical of the American Moravian Church for interpreting the Bible with a newfound "elasticity" and permissiveness.He served in the U.S. military (1951-1955), with a tour of duty in Korea. He worked to further the U.S. Food for Peace Program in Africa from 1962 to 1966. He is presently married to Larua Le and lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.