Marion L. Jones is the author of “Poems from within Me, a Recovering Addict,” and a motivational speaker who shares his story of how he made it through his circumstances, highlighting to audiences that there is a way out.  Although the book has been a work in progress since 1998, the book became a full-time reality in 2006, a gift he says was given to him by God.

Jones is a former drug user and has been clean and in recovery since October 19, 2005.  It was then that he realized that he could help others with his testimonial poems of encouragement. 

In retrospect, he knows he was messed up as a child, as a result of his father’s death.  During those painful times, he had no clue of the way his life was going and stuffed all the pain and hurt deep inside himself with no one to talk to about what he was going through.  For a long time, he didn't even know himself, but he could see now that God was preparing him.  Now with such clarity, he sees himself in his son who is sort of doing what he use to do but at a much earlier stage in life.  Jones knows that he had to get clean and straighten up to be a better example for his son in order to keep his son from going down that same path.

Although Jones worked as a Sales Associate, a Car Salesman, a Construction Worker, and Counselor, he believes his current career as a successful motivational speaker helps others.  He says, “It would be one less soul messed up, if only I can plant positive seeds and give people hope and something to hold onto.  That would make a big difference to those who need help and have their own desire to help others who are recovering from any addiction, symptoms of depression or suicide attempts.  I've been there.  I know what it feels like to be alone and think that no one cares.  I don't give up.  I keep trying.  If I could reach just one, he or she will tell someone else that there is a way to not to just get their life back but keep it and help others too. God wants all his children to be saved and well.”