Nationwide — Harold F. Butler III, author of Born to Survive, Built to Succeed, shares the lessons, spiritual awakening, and inner transformation that taught him the true value of life and the power of finding freedom within. Prison is often viewed through the lens of punishment, confinement, and failure. But for Harold, who was sentenced to life and additional consecutive prison terms, living behind prison walls became an unexpected journey of self-examination, education, spiritual growth, and transformation. He has already spent 16 years incarcerated and faces another 35 years before becoming eligible for parole, followed by an additional six-year sentence if parole is granted.
Published by Profound Publishing 1, Born to Survive, Built to Succeed takes readers through different stages of Harold’s personal and spiritual awakening. The book combines short stories, personal reflections, poetry, letters, and words of wisdom to explore what can happen when a person decides that confinement need not determine who he becomes. Together, the stories, poetry, reflections, and letters tell the story of a man determined to become more than the worst decisions of his past.
In “Revelations Revealed,” Harold shares lessons learned through life experiences and trial and error. “Conscious and Awaken” explores the value of Black life, systemic oppression, racism, unity, self-belief, love of self, community, and character. Another section, “Love, Passion and Chemistry,” examines his evolving understanding of women, particularly Black women, and the importance of giving them the love and respect they deserve. In “Advice and Wisdom,” personal letters written to family members offer lessons drawn from experiences, relationships, mistakes, and growth.
Born to Survive, Built to Succeed ultimately carries a message that reaches beyond prison walls: circumstances may restrict where a person is, but they do not have to dictate who that person becomes. His message to readers is one of accountability, perseverance, self-worth, spiritual discovery, and purpose. When there is nowhere else to look for strength, he believes, sometimes the most important place to begin looking is within.
The transformation described in his book is reflected not only in Harold’s words but also in how he has chosen to spend his years of incarceration. “When you are locked inside four walls 23 hours a day, you have to find hope somewhere,” Harold says. “I found hope within myself. I found love within myself. I found power and strength within myself. Life and the decisions we make give us lessons to learn. Pressure purifies, and adversities offer opportunities for true growth and development.”
Once a high-ranking gang member with considerable influence among those around him, Harold eventually came to a life-changing realization: influence could be used for something greater. “I didn’t just become a new man,” he explains. “I evolved and became an example of what others needed.”
That evolution is at the heart of Born to Survive, Built to Succeed.
In 2016, Harold walked away from his position as the second highest-ranking member of his gang affiliation at the prison. His reputation and influence had once made him someone other groups could turn to when conflicts needed to be mediated. As his thinking changed, however, he began redirecting that same ability to influence others toward personal development, education, wellness, cultural awareness, and service. Through Born to Survive, Built to Succeed, Harold hopes to encourage others – inside and outside prison – to recognize their value, discover their inner strength, deepen their spiritual awareness, and understand that their circumstances do not have to define their future.
Book Details:
Born to Survive (paperback) ISBN: 979-8-2561-7604-4 / 196 pages / $20
Born to Survive (paperback) ISBN: 979-8-3495-3103-3 / 196 pages / $9.99
Written by Harold F. Butler, III
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or wherever books are sold
Bookstores-Libraries-School Libraries-Universities:
Email your purchase orders to Ingram Book Company
For press inquiries or bookings, contact profoundpublishing1@gmail.com or haroldfbutler3@gmail.com