Leumas Publishing

09/28/2025

Finding Strength in Faith: A Journey Through Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer

�In times of great struggle, it can often feel like the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. This sentiment rang true for me as I faced the daunting challenge of stage 4 colorectal cancer. My battle began with a fear that gripped my heart, made worse by the isolation of the pandemic and the physical distance from my immediate family.�During my recovery from major surgeries—having parts of my colon and liver removed—my days were filled with pain and uncertainty. The sterile environment of the hospital, devoid of visitors, added to my sense of loneliness. As I lay in the recliner next to the bed where my wife and daughter slept, the darkness of despair often crept in.�Despite the agony, I found solace in prayer during the quiet hours of the night when the world was asleep. I turned to God, pouring out my fears and hopes, seeking comfort in our connection. The memories of my marriage and the joy of my daughter's birth became lifelines, anchoring me in moments of turmoil.�The strength to get up each day and face chemotherapy came from knowing that I was not alone. My family was there, even miles away from our home, and their love became a beacon of hope that guided me through the darkest days. Each treatment brought with it the reminder that God had not forgotten me; He was with me every step of the way.�As I continue to navigate the long road of remission and treatment, my faith has grown deeper. I often find myself reflecting on the importance of self-encouragement, especially when the path ahead seems long and daunting. Each day is a gift, and my journey has strengthened not just my body, but my spirit.�In the face of adversity, we can choose to embrace our pain and use it to fuel our faith. It is in these moments of trial that we discover the depth of our strength and understanding of God's purpose in our lives.�If you are facing your own struggles, remember that hope can be found even in the darkest moments. Lean on your faith, embrace the love of those around you, and find encouragement in the little victories each day brings.

09/23/2025

Trials and Tribulations Are Only There to Make You Stronger

�Recently, at an event, I found myself experiencing a moment many public speakers dread. After taking my new pain medication, I stepped up to the microphone, only to choke on my words. If you’ve ever faced a similar situation, you know how quickly that feeling of confidence can turn into one of despair. However, instead of succumbing to embarrassment, I recalled the wise words of my good friend and business partner, Theresa Caldwell: “Never stop, even if you run into a moment like this.”�In that moment, with my feelings bruised but my faith intact, I had to remember something vital—I had a child watching me. How I responded during and after that incident would define not just my day, but also the example I set for my child. With that thought in mind, I made a choice. Rather than letting this setback discourage me, I channeled my energy into something positive.�I decided to embrace a new opportunity. With two new books launching the week of Black Friday, I realized that this was the perfect chance to share my message even louder. Instead of letting one embarrassing moment deter me, I opted to begin rounds of radio and podcast interviews. I had interview requests waiting, and now was the time to step up, reclaim my narrative, and inspire others.�This experience reminded me of a crucial lesson: it’s not about whether you stumble; it’s about how you rise after falling. Resilience is a choice we make every day. To inspire belief in others, you must first cultivate belief in yourself. This incident may have momentarily shaken my confidence, but it also reinforced my commitment to push through challenges.�We all face trials and tribulations, and they can serve a greater purpose—they’re there to toughen us up and help us grow. Each challenge becomes a stepping stone, a way to refine our character and enhance our resolve.�So, the next time you find yourself stumbling, remember this moment. Dust yourself off, keep moving, and show the world your strength. Life has a way of tossing challenges our way, but it’s how we respond that truly matters. What’s your story of resilience and overcoming challenges?

09/16/2025

Happy 11th birthday Baby Bella! We love you!

09/14/2025

Happy 15th Anniversary to my beautiful wife, Imani Harris-Griffin.

It feels like we’ve only been married a few years because every day with you is still fresh, exciting, and filled with love. You are truly my dream come true. I prayed for a woman who loved the Lord and who would love me unconditionally—and God blessed me beyond measure when He brought you into my life.

Just the other day, when we were at the DMV getting our Real IDs, the receptionist noticed something between us. While waiting for your paperwork, she blurted out, “He still does it for you, doesn’t he!” Without missing a beat, you winked at me, smiled, and confirmed it. Of course, I couldn’t help but answer, “Yes, I do!”

That moment reminded me of the foundation of our marriage: love, faith, and God at the center. Hand in hand, we walked out knowing that when God is the leader, we will never be misdirected.

Happy Anniversary, my love. I pray that we celebrate many more years together, filled with joy, faith, and endless love.

09/13/2025

📚 Pre-Orders Now Open!

Leumas Publishing LLC is excited to announce that we are now accepting pre-orders for our upcoming releases: Safety In Numbers and When A Jailbird Sings.

✨ Safety In Numbers is a children’s book that encourages kids to see numbers in creative and practical ways, helping them build both confidence and curiosity in everyday learning.

✍🏽 When A Jailbird Sings by Daniel L. Smith began as personal reflections through poetry—on love, family, life, and the harsh realities of incarceration. His words soon grew beyond himself, as he began writing heartfelt poems for fellow inmates to share with their loved ones. From scraps of paper to notepads—and even toilet paper when inspiration struck—Daniel turned his gift into both a craft and a powerful means of connection.

Be among the first readers to receive an autographed copy of either book!

📩 To place your pre-order, contact us at:
[email protected]

09/01/2025

09/01/2025

Don’t Quit – Your Dream Is Waiting

It’s not every day that we get the chance to turn a dream into reality. Some dream of owning a business. Others want to become professional athletes or even astronauts. Whatever your dream may be, know this—it won’t come easy. Hard work is the main ingredient, like flour in bread, helping you rise to where you need to be.

Along the journey, some of us will stumble and fail. But failure isn’t the end—it’s just a lesson along the way. If you fall, don’t be discouraged. Instead, become inspired. Start over. Adjust. Push again until you get it right.

Remember: “Winners are simply losers who refused to quit.”

Just when you feel like giving up, a breakthrough might be right around the corner. Don’t listen to the naysayers—many of them gave up on their own dreams. Instead, focus on your journey and know that one day you’ll share your story of how you overcame trials and tests to claim victory.

As the Word reminds us:

“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but to those who endure until the end.”
(Ecclesiastes 9:11, KJV)

To those who are pushing to achieve their goals—never give up, and never give in. If you keep putting one foot in front of the other, soon your walk will turn into a run. Don’t look back. Stay in the race. Stay in your lane. Your dream is waiting—ready to be claimed—if you simply refuse to quit.

Leumas Publishing LLC

08/23/2025

Faith of a Mustard Seed

I’ve always believed that life is best lived one day and one step at a time. But here’s the thing—you can’t even begin to take good advice unless you have faith. Without faith, you’ll try to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, taking on too much instead of giving it to God and trusting Him to handle the rest.

Nothing worth having happens overnight. As the old saying goes, “Easy come, easy go.” I’ve seen it in my own life—when something was given to me without effort, it slipped through my fingers just as fast. But when I worked hard—grinding through two full-time jobs to buy a home and a car—I valued those blessings more because I understood what it took to earn them.

Faith teaches us patience, discipline, and gratitude. It reminds us to appreciate the blessings we once dreamed about—because they’re no longer dreams, they’re our reality.

My dream has always been to have a God-fearing wife and a healthy child. Today, I am living that dream. And because I never want to lose what I’ve been blessed with, I make sure to love my wife and daughter deeply, never taking them for granted.

Faith—just the size of a mustard seed—is all it takes to turn dreams into a reality worth cherishing.

08/21/2025

Staying Safe in an Uncertain World

Safety is no longer just a suggestion—it’s a necessity. In today’s climate, where violence against law enforcement is on the rise and unpredictable dangers are becoming more common, awareness is our first line of defense.

For college students, traveling in pairs—especially at night—is one of the simplest yet most effective safety measures. Ask your university about its rules regarding self-defense tools like pepper spray. Many schools offer training classes that teach how to use it properly—because misuse in confined areas, like cars, can cause accidental exposure.

For those who feel comfortable, applying for a concealed weapons permit may be an option. But know the law—carrying without a permit can result in serious legal trouble. Even with a permit, weapons are prohibited on federal and state properties like courthouses, schools, and hospitals. Private businesses may also post signage restricting weapons on their premises.

At the end of the day, safety isn’t just about tools—it’s about mindset. Awareness, training, and good old-fashioned common sense are what truly keep us secure.

08/20/2025

✨ Light Your Path with Leumas Publishing

At Leumas Publishing, we believe every story is a guiding light. Your words matter, your vision matters, and your story can inspire someone’s journey. 📚✨

Just like our signpost, we’re here to help you find direction, stay encouraged, and keep creating with purpose. Writing isn’t just about words—it’s about lifting others, sharing wisdom, and leaving a legacy.

💡 Keep dreaming.
💡 Keep writing.
💡 Keep believing.

Your voice is powerful. The world is waiting for your story. 🌍

08/17/2025

🌟 Motivational Sunday – Leumas Publishing 🌟

As we begin this Sunday, many are preparing for the week ahead—whether that means getting ready for work, giving back by volunteering, or simply finding a quiet moment to recharge. No matter who we are or what we do, one thing we all seek is peace of mind.

At Leumas Publishing, we strive to inspire others while making a difference in our community. For me, preparation brings peace. Each week I start by filling up my car, washing and cleaning the inside, and making sure everything is in working order. Running out of gas can happen—but preparation helps prevent unnecessary setbacks.

Take a little time today to prepare yourself for the week ahead. Small steps today can give you the peace of mind you’ll need to face tomorrow with strength and confidence.

✨ Prepare. Refocus. Inspire. ✨

—Leumas Publishing