| Filling in the Empty Spaces is a personal testimonial of faith and the resilience of the human spirit. Bryan Edney takes us on his journey of transitioning from the depths of personal opposition to the heights of spiritual triumph. What makes a man born without privilege believe that he can move forward to achieve great things and overcome insurmountable odds? How does a Gay, African-American man defy the odds of where he is supposed to be, statistically, and forge ahead in love, forgiveness and prosperity to where he was meant to be? The answer, according to him, is Faith, Prayer, Peace and Self-determination! He has lived through the deaths of two of the most significant people in his life -his grandmother, Ethel, and unexpectedly his mother, Ruth. The losses were compounded by the fact that they happened two weeks apart. In the wake of the AIDS/HIV epidemic and in spite of the deaths of friends, family and loved ones to the virus, this extraordinary man has found a way to express words of hope to any individual who has felt forgotten or abandoned in the wake of their circumstances. He credits his HIV-free status to many of the lessons he learned from those who are no longer with us. Death seemed to be happening all around him, but he believed enough in the power within himself to see Life! As a part of his healing process and at the advisement of a close, personal friend, Edney has written these memoirs. They serve as written accounts of what one can achieve, through faith, despite what one faces at the hands of adversity. 'This is probably the most significant thing I could have done to give back to my community, to honor my ancestors and to inspire others to move forward,' he said. 'Statistics said I shouldn't be here, but I AM!' Written in journal form, Filling in the Empty Spaces is a literary, inspirational treasure to cherish and/or share with anyone who needs a boost to their spirit. |
