Junior's Cave recently sat down to speak with motivational speaker and author Destry Dokes who elaborated on his new book titled "Walk In My Shoes", his quest in life, and why he is so passionate about education, knowledge and the welfare of others. We also discussed with Destry Dokes his strong love for God and his family. If you want to get to know a person who is truly doing amazing things in life and full of warmth and passion, then this exclusive interview with the motivational speaker and author will share some light on the man behind the name. Enjoy!
JuniorCave.com Interview with Destry Dokes!
Isaac: Destry, thank you for taking the time to complete this interview for our magazine. What I would like to start off with is briefly discussing your upbringing?
Destry: I was born in Independence, Louisiana, but actually grew up in the Amite/Roseland, Louisiana area. There were many role models throughout my life while growing up in the small country town of Roseland or sometimes called, Holy Hill.
As a child I had a passion for people and a willingness to give. My career and educational interests were centered on business, athletics, and music. The encouragement of my family drove me to excel in traditional business, sports, and the business of supporting others. Over the last couple of years I have pursued my additional interest in writing and acting. Although, I have only performed in local church plays, I did realize one of my biggest dreams of becoming an author through the release of 'Walk In My Shoes: things happen to the best of us'.
Isaac: Family is an integral role of who you are as a Christian male today? Elaborate about what has been the biggest enjoyment that your family has bought to you in your life so far?
Destry: My family serves as the foundation for my passion to give to others. They often remind me through their unyielding demonstrations of love how important it is to reach out to those in need. We are all just a pray away from being more in need than we are today. My family's ability to constantly laugh at each truly serves as my greatest joy. We believe, life is too precious to spend it on frowning at opportunities to laugh.
Isaac: You are also a devoted Christian man. How has your faith in our Lord and Savior Christ shaped you and your personal and professional quest to help others?
Destry: My faith in God serves as the very foundation of my personal and professional journey. I am, because he is. This is what I remind myself each morning. Without faith it is impossible for me to please the lord regardless of all my efforts. However, I do know that faith without works is dead; therefore, I make every effort personally and professionally to go out and give that which I have-ME.
Isaac: Currently, you are pursuing your doctoral studies. What have been the main reasons why you decided to pursue your doctoral studies and what do you hope to gain from achieving your PHd?
Destry: Knowledge is a vital resource in expanding ones boundaries. Therefore, I am earning my doctorate to share new and innovative concepts and approaches to those who will not or do not have the resources to obtain such knowledge. It's not about me but about those around me.
Isaac: You are also reaching out to others within your community through your motivational speaking events. What led you to want to become a motivational speaker?
Destry: I grew up watching great Christian leaders alter the lives of folks who situations appeared to be hopeless. I also grew up with a family who always motivated us to be the best we could be. I now want to take the rein and motivate others to be their best. I'm often found in school systems, agencies and book setting motivating those who are facing obstacles with what we may sometimes perceive to be the basic affairs of life.
Isaac: What do you believe is the reason why many people were affected by the events of Hurricane Katrina?
Destry: There are events that occur in our lives (Tsunami, Katrina etc.) that we cannot explain; however, we often believe there is greater benefit that which often goes beyond our comprehension or understanding. What I do know is, people are resilient and they usually find ways to bounce back in spite of their 'Life Storms' which I label as those events that attempt to leave rubbish, debris, chaos and devastation in our lives. Cancer, AIDS, and bad decisions are just a few outcomes that have the ability to limit our dreams and aspirations but we cannot allow such to occur.
Isaac: What are you r thoughts on our government slow response to handle many of the problems that have arisen from Katrina Hurricane?
Destry: I am not sure why our government responded in the manner it did regarding Hurricane Katrina. It is my hope that the individuals who experienced the saga of Katrina, Ike and any other 'Life Storm' get the support they need to continue their journey. I have made a commitment to God and myself that I will make every attempt to reach out to those in need.
Isaac: You have had some discussions about Hurricane Katrina. What have you found interesting about your talks with others on the impact that Hurricane Katrina had on our society?
Destry: Wow…I learned how change is one thing but forced change is a horse of a different color. My conversations taught me to be thankful for whatever state I am found because it could be worse. Some folks expressed their emotional and physical challenges, while other stated how it was the best thing that could have ever happen to them. We are all in different places within our journey, regardless of the size and impact of our daily challenges.
Isaac: You have recently completed your book titled "Walk In My Shoes" which you dedicated to all of those who were directly or indirectly affected by Hurricane Katrina. Describe the process of making this book and why was it important to complete this project…..
Destry: Walk In My Shoes was an inspirational undertaken. God encouraged me to focus on those who were affected by Hurricane Katrina as well as those who are addressing other difficult challenges. Therefore, the project was dedicated to those who are addressing the challenges associated with Life Storm (i.e. cancers, AIDS, Bridge Living, Hate, etc.). It is important to me that I share my gift of motivation and encouragement to soften the blows that life often brings.
Isaac: Who are your inspirations in your life?
Destry: My inspirations are my forgiving God, awesome family, supporting friends and those who are challenged on every hand.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal that you want to achieve professional in life?
Destry: Professionally, I would like to build an organization that develops opportunities for others as I enjoy the blessing of life. The organization will serve as a building block of inspiration for those who believe that they cannot obtain their dreams and aspirations.
Isaac: Destry, in ten years, I will…..
Destry: I would like to be enjoying the high school years of my children, traveling around the world carrying a message of hope, fishing and hunting.
Isaac: Where can people access your information online and purchase a copy of "Walk In My Shoes"?
Destry: 'Walk In My Shoes: things happen to the best of us' should be available wherever books are sold (bookstores and online book retailers). Information regarding upcoming events, functions and booking can be obtained at www.destrydokes.com.
Isaac: What are some final thoughts you would like to address with our readers online…
Destry: I would like to encourage readers to attend one of my functions as you will be introduced to my approach of conveying hope in spite of the obvious-CHANGE. I also would like to leave readers with a quote from my book.
"Do not invest all your energy in the size and impact of your storm. Instead, address your storm, embrace the change and live your life"- - Destry Dokes
