Joshua U Inspire Motivational Speaker from Fort Myers, FL

A published author, poet and motivational speaker, who uses his story to inspire others to discover their purpose and to reach their God-given potential in life. Whether addressing youth groups at church or, at-risk youth in detention centers; whether speaking to a room full of pastors at a leadership conference or, a room full of men and women in recovery, Joshua’s faith and passion borne out of his lived experiences, combined with his raw, authentic “get-to-the-heart-of-the-matter” approach enables him to connect with and inspire people of all ages, from all walks of life. Despite being labeled “gifted” as a child, Joshua spent his early childhood years facing extreme poverty, an absentee father, a mother battling addiction and an environment inundated with crime and hopelessness. After a juvenile crime spree at the age of 17, Joshua found himself in solitary confinement, being charged as an adult and, facing a natural life sentence plus over 100 years in prison. It was in that solitary confinement cell, wrestling against depression and thoughts of suicide that Joshua hit “rock bottom”. It was that “rock bottom” that caused him to cry out to God, surrender his life and become a follower of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 5:17) After his encounter with God in solitary confinement, everything began to change. Evidence dissipated, eye-witnesses recanted and, as opposed to spending the rest of his life in prison, at the age of 18, he was sentenced to 15 years in Florida Department of Corrections. He began picking up the pieces. Praying. Reading. Studying. Learning. Unlearning. Healing. Rebuilding. After 13 years and 10 months, at the age of 31, Joshua was released. However, the 31 year old man who emerged was entirely different Individual than the 17 year old boy who entered. Almost immediately, he began speaking at churches, youth groups and detention centers; mentoring, hosting poetry workshops and spoken word banquets and, sharing his story and the faith that enabled him to make his transformation. In the seven years since his release, Joshua has inspired thousands with his story. Being not only a powerful speaker but a gifted poet/spoken word artist, he uses a unique blend of personal experience and powerful artistry to inspire and empower his audience. Husband, father, mentor, author of Christian non-fiction book 13:3, and founder of Thirteen3 Ministries Inc., Joshua Underwood has a powerful testimony and an exceptional ability to tell it.