Meet The Man Behind The Curtains
Sayings by Robert Jerome Thomas
Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. Embrace your fears, for they are the stepping stones to greatness.
Your limitations are merely the shadows of your potential. Break free from the shackles of doubt and soar into the boundless sky of possibility.
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Trust your intuition, and success will follow.
Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Let adversity be the fuel that ignites your determination to rise stronger and wiser.
The journey to success is paved with persistence, resilience, and unwavering faith. Keep moving forward, for every step brings you closer to your dreams.
About
Retired U.S. Navy Chaplain, author, poet and motivational speaker
My father’s diverse talents greatly influenced my understanding of the essence of ministerial excellence. He was the perfect example of a spiritual leader, gifted not just as a powerful preacher and orator but also as a thrilling vocalist and wise church administrator. He exuded power and elegance, imposing a tremendous standard on everyone nearby.
Even though I sensed a spiritual calling in my life, I struggled to accept that my gifts differed greatly from my father’s impressive skill set. Even as he easily commanded attention from the pulpit and sang heart-stirring tunes, I couldn’t help but wonder where I fell on the ministerial spectrum.
My family roots were deeply ingrained in my spiritual legacy, as evidenced by the reverberations of fervent prayers and the echoes of hallowed melodies. The soft piano notes of my paternal grandmother, which reverberated “Songs of Zion” throughout our house, served as the background music for my childhood, fostering a sense of belonging and reverence for the Almighty.
The year 1953 saw my father ordained as a Methodist elder, establishing a legacy that would significantly impact my own life. My mother’s devoted attendance at church and his unshakable dedication to the Methodist religion provided the groundwork for my complete immersion in the colorful tapestry of church life. I was baptized in the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church as a baby, and as I eagerly participated in the elaborate rites and customs of our faith, Sundays came to represent community and communion. I found comfort and meaning in the embrace of our church family, whether I was sharing my thoughts in a Bible study, serving on the usher board, or participating in the choir. Every experience strengthened my bond with the divine calling that exists inside me.
Jerome's Photography Journey
Welcome to the Gallery and Pictures pages, where moments of inspiration, celebration, and connection come to life through the lens. Explore a treasure trove of images capturing Jerome’s journey, from book reveal celebrations to award ceremonies, postcards, and beyond.
Jerome's Crossroads Of Creativity
Seed Planted
At age six, I had a strong calling to dedicate my life to God, which sparked a tremendous desire to strengthen my spiritual bond. Despite my developing enthusiasm, I faced significant personal challenges that put my commitment to walking this holy road to the test. Fighting a stammer and hearing loss, I faced obstacles that could have ruined my spiritual path.
Nevertheless, I never wavered in my resolve to serve God in the face of difficulty. Despite being a major obstacle, my speech impairment unintentionally served as a springboard for my academic and spiritual development. I gained priceless knowledge and understanding via extensive reading and astute observation, which enabled me to face life’s challenges with fortitude and elegance.
I wouldn’t let hardship stop me from pursuing spiritual enlightenment and serving the divine. I embarked on a life-changing journey to overcome adversity and fully accept my divine destiny with unyielding faith and dedication. I found the fortitude to rise above constraints and welcome the infinite possibilities of spiritual satisfaction in the furnace of adversity.
The Accountability
Amidst the flickering flames of my soul and the whispers of history and time, in the heart of York, Pennsylvania, I experienced a deep metamorphosis—a spiritual awakening. In the stillness of reflection, I faced the core of myself, looking to God’s embrace for forgiveness and rejuvenation.
I bowed before the altar of mercy in humility and repentance, pleading for forgiveness for my errant steps and the doubtful echoes that obscured my path. Similar to the reticent prophet Jonah, I had eschewed the holy task assigned to me and ran from the divine summons.
Vows Made
Amidst the colorful tapestry of life and the unadulterated embrace of nature in the heart of Kenya, I experienced experiences that tested my entire existence. Every encounter with death left a lasting impression on my spirit, creating a story of tenacity, faith, and unyielding resolve.
I walked the dark paths between life and death, feeling everything from the burning sting of a scorpion’s poison running through my veins to the terrifying grasp of malaria tightening its hold on my weak form. I fell down the chasm, losing consciousness for what seemed like an eternity before being saved by the prompt delivery of life-saving countermeasures.
My thoughts danced at the edge of reason during the madness, struggling with the phantom of death hovering menacingly above. But in the middle of all the confusion and uncertainty, a firm resolve echoed in my heart—a serious commitment that seemed to be whispered to the sky above.
After every dangerous experience, I made an unwritten agreement with God, promising to return to the United States and live my life for the benefit of others. Through the furnace of hardship, I found a steadfast determination and a passionate desire to respect life and the gifts given to me.
I was forged anew by the fires of hardship and tempered by the crucible of experience as the sands of time ebbed and flowed, leading me through the crucible of trials and tribulations. My trek through the heart of Kenya became a sacred covenant and a monument to the human spirit’s tenacity, the enduring strength of faith, tenacity, and the heavenly grace that saw me through the darkest of nights.
Speech Impediment Resolved
In 1971, while attending the University of California, Davis (UCD), I started an unforeseen adventure that would improve my confidence and help me communicate more effectively. I took the chance to enter the radio industry by applying to work as a disc jockey at KDVS, the local station.
I found more than simply a place to play music at KDVS; it became a haven for improving my speech, which had been a problem since I was a teenager. I committed to daily practice with tenacity and determination, painstakingly honing my articulation and fortifying my connection with every breath.
As I learned more about radio broadcasting, I gained more self-assurance in communicating and interacting with others. I gave everything to my musical performance every week, aiming for perfection and welcoming the process of personal growth.
After four years of steadfast dedication to KDVS and my development, I came out of it feeling purposeful and confident again. My time in front of the microphone fueled my desire to be a lighthouse of inspiration and encouragement in the ministry, and it strengthened my resolve to clearly and vehemently proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom.
Writing Skills Developed​
Over my life-changing two and a half years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya, my spiritual journey reached uncharted territory and descended to unanticipated depths. Engrossed in the intricate fabric of Kenyan life, I felt driven to record my encounters and distill the spirit of my voyage using the craft of journaling.
I tried to capture the vivid culture, breathtaking scenery, magnificent wildlife, and the harsh reality of living in a poor African country with every writing stroke on aerograms. These letters functioned as a means of communication and windows into the hearts and minds of a country facing hardship. I developed close relationships and gained priceless insight into the predicament of those without access to the necessities of life—clothing, food, and shelter—through this immersion experience. I came upon the genuine meaning of compassion and the transforming potential of service against the backdrop of Kenya’s untamed landscapes and kind people.
Every interaction and moment we shared brought me one step closer to comprehending the human situation and the necessity of helping those in need. In addition to enriching my spirit, my experience as a Peace Corps volunteer gave me a strong sense of purpose based on empathy, camaraderie, and an unyielding dedication to making a big difference in the lives of others.
Advanced and Improved Writing Skills
I decided to test my language skills further in the maze of literary study and enrolled in a creative writing program at Alameda Junior College in January 1980. What started as a pursuit of mastery became a wonderful discovery when my instructor’s perceptive ears found my poetry.
While learning from my mentor, I explored the intricate pathways of creativity and expression, going deeper into the subtleties of language and compositional talent. I learned new self-expression and literary grace levels with every stanza I wrote.
The classroom became an inspiration haven, where the supportive environment and insightful criticism stoked my creative spark. Encouraged by the supportive atmosphere, I took advantage of every chance to hone my skills and show off the endless potential of storytelling.
Awaiting the Ultimate Call
Amid the whirling currents of unending creative writing and the weight of deep intellectual reflection, I discovered that I was strengthened and ready to take on the many obstacles that seminary would present. I went to my father with a heart lifted in earnest expectation, telling him how much I truly believed that I was ready to answer “The Call” that was calling from the bottom of my soul.
I gave my first sermon in June 1980, feeling determined as I stood before the church, every syllable resounding with the sincerity of purpose. Spurred on by this turning point in my life, I started the next phase of my journey by enrolling in the prestigious San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, CA, and seeing its colorful tapestry of education and enlightenment unfold in the fall of 1980.
I followed the heavenly path revealed to me, unwavering in my resolve to follow the sacred calling that was stirring within me with every step I took.
