For the past two years, I have literally judged Tyler Perry’s book, Higher Is Waiting, by its cover. I took one look at the cover, which if I’m being honest, is kinda cheesy, and figured the contents would be, too. So, for two years, I passed that book in the same bookstore and watched it collect dust.
Last week, I finally plucked that book off the shelf.
Let me put some things in perspective. I have been a longtime fan of Tyler’s and support most of his ventures, from his stage plays to his sitcoms and movies. If there’s a magazine with him on the cover, I’m buying it.
I love that he is very philanthropic and he never neglects to tell you the source of his success: God. He’s also very motivational and inspires me to live my best life. He certainly is living his.
Anyway, days after witnessing Tyler open his studio in Atlanta, I noticed many people who hadn’t supported him suddenly jumping on his bandwagon. Ok, it comes with the territory. No shock there. But, I also found myself growing more curious about how he had gotten to where he was. After all, he didn’t just wake up successful and famous.
Tyler’s story of childhood abuse, homelessness and failure are well-documented. But, I wanted to go deeper. So, I decided to go to the source – Higher Is Waiting.
In The Beginning
The book starts off with Tyler documenting his childhood, life with his mother, how she met his father and what it was like growing up under a man who ruled with an iron fist. Readers will get real insight into the terror Tyler and his mum lived with. He details feelings of fear and abandonment, but never forgets to showcase just how much his mum, Maxine loved him. It was her that got him involved in the church.
Throughout the book, Tyler talks about his journey to success, the little lessons he picked up along the way, and introduces us to several characters who positively impacted his life.
In his book, he tells a story of not respecting a quilt that a relative had given to him and ultimately regretting that decision. As someone who often gets gifts and other trinkets from my mother, it made me more appreciative of the little things, which will become big things later on in life.
Tyler Is Brutally Honest
I loved that Tyler appeared brutally honest about his climb to the top. He talks about investing all of his money – money that should have been spent on rent and his car, and instead, pumping it into his play. It should be that if you believe so strongly in something, you really need to make serious investments to ensure they come to pass. It may not always work out immediately, but eventually, you will get there.
I know this is going to sound weird, but I loved reading about his failures more than anything. I think we can learn a lot from watching people fall. It makes the climb even more beautiful.
After reading this book, I felt like I missed out. But, then I quickly remembered that things happen the way they are supposed to, when they are supposed to.
For anyone out there who doesn’t have their life together but has an incredible dream in their heart, this inspirational manual is for you. It’s a very easy read, I got through it in a couple of hours.
I give Higher Is Calling a five-star rating.
