By: Seraphina Quinn
Can a brush with death change a person’s entire life? Gerard Troise’s life dramatically shifted after a life-threatening incident. Once a troubled youth from Queens, New York, struggling with drug addiction and living dangerously, his life took a positive turn one night in Left Rack City, a tough neighborhood in Queens. This is the story of how he found hope during his darkest moments and used his experiences to inspire others.
Born on May 31, 1960, Gerard Troise faced many challenges from a young age. He struggled in school, dropped out, and earned a high school equivalency diploma. He initially worked in air conditioning and refrigeration but fell into drug addiction, which nearly ended his life. One night, after failing to pay a drug dealer, Troise was shot in the head upon returning to the same neighborhood weeks later. Miraculously, the bullet was deflected by his car window, saving his life but leaving a permanent mark. He believes this was a divine message urging him to change his life and pursue a greater purpose.
Believing it was a divine calling, he turned to writing, a field he never imagined entering. Inspired by his renewed faith, he wrote “King Josiah: The Untold Story,” linking his own transformation to that of a biblical king who reformed his society. Troise says his writing was inspired by spiritual guidance, making it his mission to connect with young people who might be struggling like he once did. This transformation from a life marked by challenges to one of redemption and purpose shows that change is possible, no matter how dire the circumstances. His journey from near death to becoming a source of inspiration is a powerful reminder of the potential within all of us to overcome adversity and impact others positively.
“King Josiah: The Untold Story” is a book that mixes true historical events with important life lessons. It’s a great read for anyone interested in how leaders handle tough times and the impact of pride and fear. The story follows King Josiah as he deals with both internal struggles and external threats to his nation. Readers can relate to Josiah’s issues with pride, fear, and the weight of responsibility, which are common feelings for many people. The book highlights the importance of listening to good advice and not letting personal emotions get in the way of making smart decisions. By looking at Josiah’s experiences, readers can learn about being humble, the value of listening to others, and the importance of making decisions that are morally and ethically sound. This story doesn’t just tell about the past; it teaches lessons on personal and leadership qualities that are useful today.
His mission is to share his experiences to help young people avoid the mistakes he made. He uses his story to spread hope and the possibility of a new beginning. “This book is dedicated to the young people of this generation…it is not by accident,” he notes in his dedication. He believes that every struggling young person can find their way out of darkness, just as he did.
Today, Gerard Troise views himself not just as someone who overcame his past but as a messenger of hope. Through his writing, he demonstrates that change is achievable, no matter how tough life may seem. His journey isn’t only about his own transformation; it’s also a guide for those feeling lost, providing them a path to recovery and spiritual renewal. In his words, “God’s Word doesn’t lie…my treasure is in the lives I touch.” His life and writings show us that profound lessons often come from unexpected sources and life’s hardest challenges.
Published by: Khy Talara
