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Calvin Brasley is a stage play writer and producer whose life journey has been marked by struggle, loss, and a deep, transformative faith. Born as one of eight children in a difficult South Baton Rouge neighborhood, Calvin and his twin brother, Alvin, faced a challenging childhood filled with poverty, physical abuse, and neglect. Their early years were spent in and out of foster homes, a reality they endured between the ages of 10 and 12.

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Tragedy struck in 1984 when Alvin, at just 14 years old, drowned while attempting to save another person’s life at a swimming party. This loss deeply affected Calvin and fueled his passion for writing, a way to process the pain and experiences he couldn’t escape. Just a few years later, in 1989, Calvin experienced another devastating blow. On Thanksgiving Day, he missed the bus to visit his father and brother, and that very day, his brother took his father’s life and then his own in a tragic act of domestic violence. Calvin’s world continued to unravel as he faced the ultimate pain of losing both his father and brother in one tragic moment.

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In 1994, the losses continued when Calvin’s mother, Mrs. Ethel B. Teal, passed away from a stroke. Calvin was the one who prayed for her and closed her eyes, a final moment of deep connection and sorrow. During this time, Calvin experienced the breakdown of his marriage, which dissolved in 2000, leaving him with nothing but his 1995 Mazda 626. He spent over a year living in the car before it was repossessed, marking a low point in his life. For the next two and a half years, Calvin lived homeless, jobless, and penniless, surviving by living in abandoned buildings and relying on the generosity of strangers for food and water.

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In 2003, Calvin’s struggle led him to a dark place of depression and suicidal thoughts. He found himself unable to write, as his creativity seemed to vanish. Desperate, he worked multiple daily jobs to save up enough money to buy a gun, hoping it would end the pain. But each time he tried to purchase the weapon, obstacles arose: the Brady Bill delayed his efforts, and when he finally had the money, he was robbed of it. The few bullets he eventually obtained were defective, an ironic twist in his dark journey.

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It was in this moment of utter despair, lying on an air mattress, that God intervened. The Holy Spirit filled the room and spoke to Calvin, guiding him away from his plan to take his life. God told him, “I am the one who gives, takes, destroys, and creates. I am Jehovah Elohim, the ever-creating One. From this day forward, hold your tongue. Whatever you write, speak, or ask in My name shall come to pass. I have given you all things that pertain to life and godliness. Whatever you don’t have, CREATE IT! The best is yet to come.”

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Calvin’s life was forever changed by this divine encounter. Through faith and perseverance, he rediscovered his passion for writing and went on to become a successful stage play writer and producer, using his work to inspire others and tell stories of struggle, triumph, and healing.

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His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the transformative impact of creativity. Through his work, Calvin continues to share his story, encouraging others to never give up, no matter the obstacles they face.