The cover of Pass the Blessing describes the author as “the faith warrior.” And after hearing about Delleon McGlone’s (Public Relations ’03) triumphant victory over his personal demons, I understand why.
The story begins about 2 years ago. McGlone, a loving husband and father, was working as a teacher in Tampa, Florida, when a new principal came in and eliminated McGlone’s job. He had some money saved, so he was still able to help support his family. But after months of job searching with no luck, and a dwindling bank account, he sank into a deep depression.
“I felt like less than a man,” he said. “I started to think my wife would be better off starting without me.”
So when he was home alone, he pulled out his pistol and plotted ways to take his own life.
“I was in such a deep depression, I knew [my family] would be sad. But I told myself they would get over it.”
One day, as McGlone sat, contemplating when and where to end it all, his wife came home early. When he saw her, the facade of happiness he’d been wearing fell off, and he broke down, bawling. Through his tears, he told her everything. And when he was done talking, she offered one solution; a solution he admits he didn’t want to hear. Prayer.
“I wasn’t even in the right space to pray. I didn’t want to pray,” said McGlone. “But how do you turn your back on God?”
So they started to pray. And although his situation remained the same, over time, McGlone’s perspective started to change.
“It was either stay depressed or look for the opposite.”
To encourage himself, McGlone started writing down every positive thought that came into his head. “Start your day with renewed faith and a renewed vision.” ”Limits…have none.” ”Never give up on your dreams unless you would rather live a nightmare.”
The writings “were therapeutic.” With each word, he started to come out of his depression. 100 affirmations later, he felt compelled to compile his thoughts into a book to inspire others: Pass the Blessing: Inspirational Quotes of Service and Encouragement.
He says the book is for “anybody who’s going through something, or anyone who just wants to smile.”
I believe God is smiling on McGlone right now. God took McGlone’s suicidal thoughts and used them to give birth to a new man, a “faith warrior,” who is proof that while the battle may be difficult, with faith, you will win the war.
If you want to contact McGlone, send an email to Dbmcglone@gmail.com. You can also click here, or here, to reach him on Twitter.
Pass the Blessing: Inspirational Quotes of Service and Encouragement is available on Amazon.com.
If you or someone you know is depressed or having thoughts about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
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I Thank God for this courageous brother who is using his life as an open book to let others know God is real in your finest and darkest hour. His light is your life line.
Hopefully this young man will travel through out the world witnessing to others who are using artificial coping mechanisms such as drugs , alcohol, sex , womanizing, etc. to mask their depression. He can let them know God is there for them too. Bless you brother.