THE FLIPSIDE
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
On another occasion in the city of Nashville, they had reunions for the North, South, East and West sides and this particular reunion was on the North side. That was special because I spent some time later in life living there. People were all over the place posted up in different areas. It just so happened there were some preachers standing at the entrance of the park talking to one another. As I entered the park and started to approach the area where some preachers were standing and talking, they saw me approaching from afar where they were standing. I heard one of them say, “Here comes this funeral preacher,” and immediately I knew who it was, and he was saying that in a sarcastic and arrogant way about me. In doing so I said, “oh a funeral preacher huh?” So I just moved along knowing deep down he had never called me to come to the church where he serves as pastor to preach. Much later after that time during a conversation, I thought I would share this with one of my greatest supporters of the ministry, Sister Regina. I asked her to let me share something with you and then I explained to her what was said. I was not sure if she was upset or not but it didn’t take her long before she told me, “I would rather hear a live word at a dead man’s funeral than to hear a dead word at a live church.” I understood where she was coming from. The tradition of man will sound good, look good, and feel good, but will have no substance in it according to the word of God. Knowing I have a particular assignment from God and completely sold out in doing so, by all means never would I let any of that small talk get me down especially when I know that God brought me “up from down” under. That is why I continue to speak and share as he leads me. I continue to listen and allow God to lead me in all truth.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Ricky Waller aka known as "Fat Ricky" was born July 10, 1957 in Nashville, TN. to the late Mr. James Richard and Mary Frances Waller. He was raised in Preston Taylor and attended Cohn High School where he was very active in sports and a natural with the "basketball." Ricky was destined for the PROS until he glimpsed and fell into the trap that led to a crime. After 20+ years in the life of corruption and addiction, he pleaded with the Lord for help and as expected the Lord answered in a mighty way. He does not remember the day he was captured but he does remember the day he was made free-January 31, 1992. Today, 28 years later he is still going back to the people and communities he once infiltrated to become a beacon of hope. Declaring to all who will listen especially the youth, gangs, and drug addicted that there is hope and a better way. God is the answer! He launched New Way Outreach Ministry, which you will find setting up tents and spreading the gospel of good news around the city and the nation. Minister Waller is an active member of Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church. He is the father of 3 children, Ricky, Kristian, and Taylor. He is a brother to 5 siblings, Mary, Sandra, Frederick, Vernon, and Priscilla. He speaks fondly of his "Aunt Priscilla" as being his continual guiding light and a very powerful influence. He is also proud to have a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives. Ricky's phenomenal story has been captured and told in his autobiography book, "Still High." To purchase a copy or to book a speaking engagement please contact Ricky directly at, 615-491-5489. His story will blow you away and is a testament to God's amazing, transformation power.
About the Author
Ricky Waller was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1957 at George W. Hubbard Hospital, which is now known as Nashville General at Meharry. Ricky grew up in West Nashville in the projects called Preston Taylor Homes. He lived on Fortieth and Clifton Avenue. At a young age, Ricky began playing basketball and baseball in the front yard by himself. Ricky excelled at basketball and became known as Fat Ricky due to being husky. Ricky became involved in drug dealing and using drugs, and for twenty years, he felt like he was corrupting the community. Pastor James Cooke of Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church invited Ricky several times to attend services. Pastor Cooke would find Ricky on the corner. It was years latter before Ricky would accept Pastor Cooke’s invitation. However, it wasn’t too late. Ricky went from pushing and using drugs to pushing God’s Word. Ricky has been delivered for twenty-eight years. He is determined to save a new breed of black children who are often blinded by the glamour of street life. During his journey from selling and using drugs to ministering to others about the horrors of drug addiction, Ricky never lost his basketball talents, and he was known for throwing accurate passes. The people always reminded one another how they never knew what type of pass he would throw out there. Normally, it was going to be accurate. When the time did come when he threw a bad pass, he would always say, “My fault.” And he would try not to throw that bad pass again. Yet he admits there is one pass he will never again throw to his community. What Ricky wants to instill in youth today is hope. Ricky is not afraid to go around wet faces and wet places (areas where drugs are being used) to save lives. Ricky has never forgotten the harm he brought to his community. “Until I met God, I loved heroin,” he says. Never having forgotten where he came from, today Ricky brings hope to his community and not dope. (Had it not been for God giving me the flip side, none of this would have been possible.)