It was a difficult and often dangerous life for a child growing up in Columbus, Ga. Drug dealers, burglaries and violence were commonplace, and after witnessing it all firsthand, young Corby Eason decided that he didn’t want to live that way.

Corby’s mother, Teresa, also wanted a better future for her son. A strict parent, she established a strong religious foundation for her family in the Southern Baptist faith. Teresa was a secretary in the Southern Baptist Church and made sure her son was involved with the religion seven days a week.

Looking back on his childhood, Eason has great love and appreciation for the direction and guidance he received from his mother.