Virtuous

My name is Ralonda Tooles; and because I strive daily, I know that, “I am Virtuous”.  I have three wonderful and talented children; a 17-year-old daughter named Majesty, a 14 year old son named Zaccheaus, and a 23 year old step son named after his father, Purcel Porche’ II, whom I raised, and love as if he were my own.  I am the oldest of six children, and blessed that both my parents are alive, and well.

 At age 14, a very confused time in my life, I was introduced to “LOVE” by my late Pastor, Tina T. Duncan; a meeting that was necessary to occur, at that very moment.  That “LOVE” was stronger than any force that I had ever encountered before; it also carried me through the more evident forces that came along later. Even more confused, after accepting “LOVE”, my life seemed to take a turn for the worse.  I was no longer able to stay in that place.  I started running away from home, feeling attacked by my family.  Looking back, it’s not that they were doing anything any differently, I was the one who was different. Now, knowing that, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood...” I realize, that it was my light that was now exposing the apparent power of darkness.

 Only a year later, at 15, it was as though my “LOVE” journey had all but ended. I was no longer living at home, tossed from group home to group home. I lacked the stability, and focus I needed to remain grounded.  I stopped attending church, and started skipping school; drinking, smoking, and even started a little gang banging. This is when my personal “testimony” began.

 God had already imprinted on my heart, and turned all of the hatred, anger, rejection, and over all pain, from everyone that had hurt me, into love, compassion, and forgiveness. After that, I no longer had the mindset to kill, steal, or destroy.  Even with this great change in my life, the spirit of suicide haunted me daily. I felt like I did not belong to anyone, or anything.

At the age of 21, “LOVE” found me again. I gave birth to my first child, which finally gave me a sense of belonging. Now, I belonged to someone, and someone belonged to me...  I now had a reason, and a purpose to live. Although I was single, and conceived her through a “sinful act”, it ultimately saved my life.

My first single titled, “My Testimony” was released in January of 2004.  I was not aware of the strong impact it had on the hurting people until my first performance. That’s when it became apparent to me that this was not about me, but about God’s people.  So, with the help of a wonderful God given team, I have been blessed to travel all around the U.S. sharing “my testimony” along with my full album titled, “War Cry”, making an impact, and touching lives everywhere I’ve been. To date, we have distributed over 5000 copies.

 I’ve been blessed to share the stage with, and have opened for many local and national artists in events such as the Bobby Jones Gospel, “I hear Music In the Air”, “The Holy Hip-Hop Awards”, “New York Gospel Awards” and by far, my greatest moment was having the monumental pleasure of rubbing the infamous log and performing on the stage of “Showtime at The Apollo”,  where I placed 3rd in my audition!

Given my past experiences, I am moved by compassion to reach backward, forward and sideways to grab my sheep from whatever hold that has them bound. With concern for the youth in my area, I have chosen to volunteer at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center as well as various group homes and youth shelters.

 In closing, I am inspired, motivated, and determined to touch lives, make a difference, and win lost souls back to Christ. I am here for that reason; I was purposed for this season, and I will not let go of the charge that has been given to me, to free those that are bound, and not give up on those that are lost. It is because I know that if God can do it for ME; he will do it for YOU... I Am Virtuous!!!