Survivor urges others to persevere

"You Are the Reason: A Survivor's Guide to Ultimate Strength," by Jonathan Craig. Borderline Publishing, Boise, Idaho. 96 pp. $9.95.

By Dicey McCullough

For the Salisbury Post

The book "You Are the Reason" is author Jonathan Craig's attempt to share his journey of what it has been like to live with HIV for 27 years.

He wrote the book so that others could be inspired and find strength and purpose in their lives.

The book is concise and to the point. It has less than 100 pages, and the author does not waste words. No matter if you have AIDS, this book is for anyone going through a crisis.

Craig was given up by his mother at birth, abused by his adoptive father, assaulted at the age of 16, and tested positive for HIV at 17, due to the assault. In spite of these tragedies, he has led a meaningful life.

Craig does not go into much detail in his book about the abuse, only describing one or two episodes. Even without the details, the reader can still sense the intensity and fear that must have been part of the family dynamics. These feelings began to become internalized, causing Craig to develop low self-esteem.

It seems the cycle of abuse began when Craig's father was a little boy. Craig heard stories about his dad being tied to a tree or locked in a closet. He believed his dad wanted to be a better father, but didn't know how due to the mixed messages inside his head.

Life was a mixed combination of "blessings and generational curses." The only saving grace for Craig was his adoptive mother. She was a kind woman who encouraged and loved Craig unconditionally. She filled in the gap for him. The family was a spiritual family, and Craig took comfort in his faith and believed that God would make everything turn out all right. Craig's dad died when Craig was only 20. Craig says you never get over the abuse, but you just have to learn to forgive. When you do forgive, it gives you back the freedom to move on with life.

Craig's life took many twists and turns over the years. One of those life-changing events happened when he was 16. It was a summer weekend and he was invited to spend the night with a friend at her uncle's beach house. The time spent on the beach was wonderful. That night at the house, the friend's uncle sexually assaulted Craig and threatened him if he told anyone about it. Craig was terrified and did not tell anyone for a long time. He recalls that he was so frightened and intimidated he could not fight back.At 17, he tested positive for HIV. The truth of what had happened the night of the assault came to light. Eventually, the attacker died of AIDS.

Craig was very fortunate that he has not gotten sick from the disease. He credits the doctors and his faith for keeping him well. He struggled for a long time with doubt and fear, just trying to make it through the day. Things started to turn around for him when he found prayer.

He says that prayer allowed him "to connect with God and to learn to revel in the person he made me." He uses his testimony as an opportunity to motivate those who are without hope. He shared his story with others who have the same disease to show them that one can thrive with this illness.A doctor friend was instrumental in guiding Craig to make trips to Africa to speak about his life. Craig travels often to Africa to talk to patients who have tested positive for HIV or who may have AIDS.

In 2007, Craig was named Ambassador for Goodwill for the Kingdom of Swaziland.

Ironically, even though he suffered abuse from his father, it was from his father that Craig developed the gift to inspire others.

His father was a major developer in California and had the ability to develop major projects out of nothing. In this area of life, Craig admired his father and wanted to follow in his footsteps. Craig developed his entrepreneurial and creative skills by becoming a designer.

Today, Craig designs for many of the stars in Hollywood. He works hard and uses the same determination in his business that he does in his personal life. Dealing with an illness led him to the realization that life is precious and not one day should be wasted. Craig loves every minute of his life, and he wrote the book specifically to help others in their quest to find their purpose.This book will inspire and motivate you to move beyond your problems. If Craig can make a positive impact on the world with all he has been through, then anyone can.