- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Faith
Remembering Ray Nelson Griffin.: The Good Samaritan-Protector, Preacher, Teacher (March 6, 1940 to March 7, 2013)
Following the passing of my father, I have spent the past year reflecting on how much he influenced me and shaped me as a person and Servant Leader. It is because of his influence, and more than 18 years of recovery, that I have dedicated my life to building strong recovery-oriented systems of care, human service-minded communities, advocacy and policy analysis and teaching, for more than a decade, for graduate and undergraduate students.
My story is not unique, but the source of the inspiration, Ray Nelson Griffin, was one of a kind and I was always Daddy’s girl. Born and raised near Birmingham, Alabama, I was the middle child of three children. We all loved and idolized our father. Family meant everything to Dad. He made millions in his lifetime and invested it into the “best stocks,” on the market. His family and his children, Lisa Yvonne G., Jackie Sue G. and Jonathan Ray G. – were his prized possessions. Daddy taught me daily what it means to be a steward and Good Samaritan in the community. And he provided me with the best leadership training on the planet.
He was a natural Servant Leader and was constantly demonstrating random acts of kindness, embracing our world with unconditional love and forgiveness. It was in his blood to give generously in his service to others. Through the years, Daddy opened his home as place of refuge to several of my brother’s friends. He provided jobs, rides and even gas money to those in need. As such, my father raised me to be empathetic, motivational, generous, faithful and a good listener. These gifts, and the work ethic my father instilled in me, led me to dedicate 17 professional years to a non-profit behavioral healthcare organization in Florida, procuring more than $43 million in discretionary grant-funding as its vice president of development.
These community-based services provided behavioral healthcare treatment, prevention and research for individuals and families struggling with the disease of addiction. Each day, I strive to achieve that excellent standard my father set as his performance benchmark during his 73 years of living. My daddy was known for his love for preaching the gospel, family and friends, storytelling, country music, Alabama Crimson Tide SEC football and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a brick mason and an amazing artist. He could visualize and build new creations without blueprints or architectural drawings. His masonry work spans the hills of Alabama and throughout Florida’s coastal and rural communities as homes, businesses, churches and restaurants.
I, too, am able to visualize change and map community assets to devise a system and strategic plan to mobilize community champions. As an individual with 18 years of recovery from alcohol and other drugs, I understand firsthand the need to change people, places and things to ensure a better lifestyle for myself and my son, Devon. I also understand that each individual’s recovery process is unique and that when it comes to prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery that “one size does not fit all.” Expanding access to primary and behavioral health and wellness prevention, intervention, recovery coaching and treatment is essential. This is why all of us in recovery should work steadfast to develop alternatives, besides the juvenile justice or criminal justice system, for addictions and mental health treatment, continuing care and recovery support.
On a daily basis, I am motivated by both my father and the amazing everyday heroes of recovery – the champions who inspire others by their miraculous stories of perseverance and success against all odds. Additional motivators include optimistic-minded people, dedicated human service leaders, vibrant community involvement and inspiring spirituality and fellowship. Much like my father, I surround myself with good souls, good people, good food and good football.
Daddy didn’t mind getting his hands dirty and doing whatever it took to get the job done. He was relentless with his work ethic and challenged others in his company to keep the same pace. I strive to do the same. I will continue “getting my hands dirty” while teaching others to find inner strength and garner the understanding that when it comes to primary health and behavioral healthcare, there are many options to explore.
I believe it is never too late to build a new tomorrow until we no longer have that tomorrow. I will always strive to make him proud, both as a parent and through my work in the community. It is because of him, my 18 years of recovery, and the fundamental lessons he taught me via “Power of Example,” that I work so hard to make sure our communities are a better, more positive place to live and grow.