Keep Your Head Held High

This book is like no other you have read. You will find it intriguing and inspirational. You are taken on a unique journey of a man, Karl, faced with remarkable struggles, and his personal walk with God to help him survive. The story begins with the conflict of his religious upbringing and sexual orientation. Raised in a traditional Baptist faith which vehemently objects gays, he struggles to find meaning in life beginning at just eight years old. Pressure from his family to be the "perfect" child compounds his struggle, leaving him broken and confused. In an ironic parallel of homophobia and bigotry, Karl seeks acceptance for being gay as his parents once sought acceptance for being African American. He decides to leave home to establish his own identity and meets David, a powerhouse who takes him on a magic carpet ride of discovery and self-acceptance. Wise men say only fools rush in, but Karl doesn't listen. He is hungry for love and adventure but ends up with a little more than he bargained for. David's mix of sugar and spice takes Karl's breath away, and he builds his life around the most unique man he has ever met. Soon afterwards, Karl makes a best friend, Sam, and the trio develops a family based on unconditional love. The tie that binds them is their hunger to be loved simply as they are and not what others want them to be. What makes their story special is that they learn to love themselves notwithstanding the rejection of others and without the support of their families. From out of nowhere, tragedies strike that nearly destroy Karl to his core. He suddenly encounters a life he no longer recognizes and halts at the crossroad to destruction. Completely on his own, he struggles to reconcile his past from his future. The only thing he has is the faith he fostered as a little boy - which still conflicts with his adult identity. He is rescued by Robert, a chivalrous man. Like a broken doll and a damaged bird, Robert delicately pieces Karl back toge