Unshackled

About the Book

We are living in a society that is highly technological and modernized. People scramble to obtain an education at some of the most highly accredited schools so that they can obtain prestigious, high paying jobs. Elaborate homes are purchased and the most expensive vehicles must sit in the driveways. All kinds of appliances set on the shelves of our homes, many of which, we don''t even have time to use because our lifestyles are so busy. Yet, this is the American Dream and everyone wishes to pursue it. As this deceiving picture of a successful life is depicted, another one protrudes in the very midst of it, distorting it immensely. Sickness and disease is on the rise. Divorce and neglecting to marry is on the rise too. Children rebel against their parents as never before and some parents abuse and batter their own children. We may ask ourselves, "What''s missing from this picture?" The answer is, we''re a nation that was built on the beliefs and principles of God but now has turned its back on Him. The Ten Commandments, which was written for the precise purpose of allowing us to understand the will of God for our lives, so that we could walk in His ways and consequently be protected and blessed, are not allowed to be displayed in public places. Children are no longer allowed to pray in school and we wonder why they are so defiant and undisciplined. Teenage pregnancy is at an all time high. Gang activities and drug addiction are astronomical. Surely, God is trying to tell us something - WE NEED HIM IN OUR LIVES!!! As you journey through, Unshackeled, take a circumspective look at your life. Be Blessed!!!

About the Author

            Carolyn Martin attended Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey where she obtained her degree in Sociology. She continued her education at Kean College in Union, New Jersey where she received her Master''s degree in Elementary Education.  She is married and has two children.  Mrs. Martin works in the Orange Public School System where she teaches elementary education.  She has worked in Orange for many years.  She has always believed that positive words are profoundly important and that they outweigh negative ones overwhelmingly.  She has used this strategy to motivate students to become socially stable individuals and academic achievers.  She credits her positive attitude in life to her parents and the fact that they raised her up in church and taught her Godly principles.  She began writing poetry many years ago when the school''s music teacher gave an assignment to some of the students to create a rap.  Realizing that so much negative rap was around at that time, Mrs. Martin decided to teach a positive one to the students.  This rap, titled, "I Am the Best", was performed by three students as music was played in the background and the students did dance steps to it.  This took place at the school''s talent show.  Subsequently, because of its positive words that encouraged students to meditate on doing what''s right, to have confidence in themselves and to value their educational opportunities, the rap was coined the School''s Pledge.  To this day the students recite the School''s Pledge daily, from grade kindergarten to grade six.  Mrs. Martin has included the School''s Pledge in this book for your enjoyment.  This is the poem that served as a foundation of which birthed all of the other poems that were created by Carolyn Martin.  She continues to write poetry, just about every day and hopes to have another book published in the future.