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The Miracles that Lie Ahead: Michael Davis at TEDxBYU

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Danielle
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Michael Davis, a former homeless man, convict, and addict, relates the story of his life. Michael turned to the counter-culture, drug dealers, and other negative influences after an identity crisis at a young age. He traded his Catholic school clothes to fit in with other African Americans who lived in the projects. After ending up on the infamous Haight-Ashbury he became a drug dealer and his own biggest customer. He ended up spending years in jail and panhandling on the streets.
After recounting his lows he talks about his wife, whose tough love kept him from sinking to the bottom. Still, Michael became "the dwarf of his fears, rather than the giant of his dreams." He then met Glennamae Matthews, a formerly homeless woman and member of Downtown Streets Team, who convinced him to give the unconventional homeless program a shot. As a member of Downtown Streets Team he thrived, giving up panhandling for the dignity of work. Today, Michael is free from his addiction, housed, and the highest ranking member of the program. He has brought more than 30 people to the program and says his job now is to help others. In his own words: "I am a Miracle." He challenges the audience to refrain from dwelling on the past or even an imperfect present and instead focus on the miracles that lie ahead.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event:
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
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