by Cyrus Webb
In 2024 I had the privilege of speaking at author Colette R. Harrell's Writers Brunch in Columbus, OH. One of the authors I was introduced to and interviewed was Moses Mattox.
It was very obvious from our first introduction that he had a story, and part of it is being shared in his first book THE BOOK OF MOSES: Surviving Childhood Trauma. In this conversation we discuss the book, being a role model and what's to come.
Moses, it was great meeting you in Ohio last year. Your story is
touching people around the world. What has it been like for you to see the way
readers are responding to THE BOOK OF MOSES?
It was scary at first, because I didn’t know what to expect; but witnessing the way readers have been responding to "The Book of
Moses" has been an incredibly rewarding and humbling experience for me.
It’s everything I could have hoped for and more. I've poured my heart and soul
into this book, and to see it resonate with so many people is profoundly
moving. Readers have reached out to share their own stories, their struggles,
and their triumphs, creating a beautiful tapestry of shared experiences and
understanding. It feels like a conversation—a two-way street where we're all
learning and growing together. It's been heartwarming to witness the community
forming around the themes of this book, highlighting how deeply interconnected
our stories are.
The feedback has also been a significant reminder of the
power of vulnerability. By laying bare the challenges and traumas of my past, I
hoped to create a space where others felt seen and heard. Seeing readers
express that connection is a confirmation that sharing our truths can lead to
healing and empowerment for many.
Moreover, the response reaffirms the idea that while these
stories might stem from individual experiences, the emotions—hope, fear,
triumph, and resilience—are universal. It's been an incredible journey, and I
am looking forward to continuing this dialogue with each reader, knowing we are
all on a path of mutual understanding and support.
Overall, it's been an inspiring and transformative
experience. I am grateful for every reader, every story shared, and every
conversation sparked.
You are able to share some difficult truths about your
life. Was it an easy decision what you were going to share?
Deciding to share the difficult truths about my life in
"The Book of Moses" was far from easy, but it felt necessary. There’s
a significant weight that comes with revealing the most vulnerable parts of
yourself to the world. However, I knew deep down that in order to truly connect
with others and do justice to my story, I had to be open and honest.
Initially, I faced a lot of inner conflict. I asked myself
numerous times whether I was ready to confront these parts of my past, knowing
that doing so would require revisiting painful memories. However, the prospect
of potentially helping others who have faced similar struggles was a compelling
motivator. I realized that by giving voice to my experiences, I could
contribute to broader conversations about trauma and healing – conversations
that are often shrouded in silence. Knowing that I could potentially validate
someone else's experience and offer them hope was a critical factor in my
decision. Ultimately, it was about breaking the stigma and fear surrounding
these topics.
By sharing openly, I hoped to empower others to embrace their
narratives, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared resilience. The decision
was challenging, but it felt like the right one – not just for myself, but for
every reader who might see a part of their own journey in mine. Though it was a
difficult path, the sense of liberation and the opportunity to touch lives in a
meaningful way made it an invaluable choice. I’m grateful for every step of
this journey and for every person who feels less alone because of it.
The title of role model and mentor is not always easy to
accept. How does it feel to know that people are inspired by you?
Being seen as a role model and mentor is both an honor and a
profound responsibility. It's something that I approach with gratitude and
humility, knowing the impact such titles can have on people’s lives. When
others express that they’re inspired by my journey, it’s both incredibly
humbling and a testament to the power of authenticity and vulnerability. I’ve
always believed that being transparent about my experiences, with all their ups
and downs, can help foster understanding and hope. Knowing that people find
inspiration in my story reaffirms my belief in the power of embracing our true
selves, no matter how messy or challenging our paths may be. It’s a reminder
that strength is often found in our willingness to share our truths, and in
doing so, we can lift each other up.
At the same time, it's a reminder to remain grounded. Every
person's journey is unique, and I feel a great sense of responsibility to
encourage others to write their own stories, embracing both the struggles and
triumphs. My hope is to empower others to find their strength and courage
within, seeing themselves not just in my story, but in their own. Ultimately,
it feels like a privilege to be part of a shared journey toward healing and
growth. As much as others may look to me for inspiration, I am equally inspired
by their courage and resilience. It's a continuous cycle of learning,
supporting, and inspiring each other. This title, though sometimes daunting, is
incredibly enriching, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to
positively impact lives.
Challenges are not new to you, but every day has its own
unique circumstances. What keeps you inspired?
Challenges are indeed a part of my everyday life, each day
brings its own set of hurdles and opportunities for growth. What keeps me
inspired through it all is the deep love and unwavering support I receive from
my wife and my kids. They are my anchor and source of joy, even on the toughest
days. Their belief in me and our journey together gives me the strength to face
whatever comes my way.
My faith in God is another cornerstone of my inspiration.
Through every trial and triumph, my faith provides me with hope and guidance.
It reminds me that there is a greater purpose to each challenge I encounter and
that I am never alone in my journey. Together, the love from my family and my
faith create a wellspring of inspiration and motivation. They remind me every
day of why I continue to persevere and share my story. Knowing that I have such
a strong, loving foundation keeps me grounded and encourages me to keep moving
forward, no matter what life throws my way.
It's this combination of love,
faith, and resilience that inspires me to not only face life with courage but
also strive to inspire others who might be going through their own struggles.
This circle of support and belief in something greater is what truly keeps me
inspired.
Social media is the way you and I have stayed connected.
Talk to us about the role it has played in sharing your message and platform.
Social media has played a pivotal role in helping me share
my message and expand my platform. It has become an invaluable tool for
connecting with people from all walks of life, allowing me to reach a broader
audience than I ever could through traditional means alone. Whether it's
through heartfelt posts, live sessions, or direct interactions, social media
has been a bridge that connects my story with others who may resonate with it.
One of the most powerful aspects of social media is its ability to foster community
and dialogue. It's given me the opportunity to engage with readers and
supporters on a personal level, creating a space where people feel comfortable
sharing their own stories and experiences. The conversations sparked by this
virtual connection are incredibly enriching and often serve as a reminder of
our shared humanity. Moreover, social media provides a platform for
authenticity and immediacy. The ability to share thoughts, reflections, and
encouragement in real-time keeps the dialogue going and allows for ongoing
engagement. It's a dynamic space that encourages transparency and openness,
which are key elements in sharing my journey and fostering genuine connections.
Ultimately, social media has been instrumental in amplifying
my voice and mission, enabling me to inspire and be inspired by others. It’s a
place where relationships are nurtured, ideas are exchanged, and hope is
spread. I'm deeply grateful for the community it has allowed me to build, and
for the shared stories and support that continue to drive my passion each day.
What are you looking forward to in 2025?
As 2025 continues, I am filled with anticipation and
excitement for what’s to come. This year promises to be a transformative and
impactful journey, and I’m so eager to share it with all of you. One of the
most thrilling ventures on the horizon is the continuation of "The Book of
Moses" series. I am actively working on parts 2, 3, 4, and potentially a
fifth installment, with the goal of releasing a new book every 4 to 6 months.
This series aims to delve deeper into the themes of resilience, healing, and
growth, and I can’t wait to continue sharing this journey with readers.
Additionally, I’m gearing up for a nationwide book tour to
connect with readers in person. This tour will allow me to engage with you at
various events and speaking engagements, opening up conversations about trauma,
healing, and empowerment. As a trauma coach, sharing my story and insights
worldwide is a mission dear to my heart—I want to inspire and support as many
people as possible on their own paths to healing.
Beyond the books and events,
I'm passionate about helping individuals overcome personal challenges,
including trauma, encouraging growth, and igniting the spark for positive
change. Through my work, I've had the privilege to support not just married
couples, but a diverse range of individuals, guiding them through healing with
wisdom from my own experiences. I've witnessed the profound transformation in
marriages when partners embrace vulnerability, especially among men.
Encouraging men to speak openly, to be seen in their authenticity, has been
incredibly rewarding. It’s about dismantling the myths that vulnerability
equals weakness. By speaking out, men find power in their truths, fostering
deeper connections with their spouses and families.
My goal is to be a beacon
of light in dark times, to motivate and inspire. I aim to give voice to those who
feel unheard, to be the catalyst for healing and understanding. The journey of
opening up is not just personal but also communal, as it helps others open up
too, fostering an environment of shared healing and connection. I am truly
excited for all these opportunities in 2025 and beyond, and I look forward to
traveling, meeting new faces, and expanding this incredible community.
What advice do you have for those who might have been
hesitating about sharing their own story?
Sharing your own story, especially when it involves personal
traumas, is undoubtedly a challenging journey. My advice for those hesitating
to open up is to first recognize that your story holds immense power—not just
for you, but for others who may be walking similar paths. As a trauma coach, I
understand how daunting this can feel, but also how transformational it can be.
It's important to acknowledge that every step of this
journey requires courage. It's not easy to face the memories and emotions tied
to our traumas. Yet, the act of confronting and sharing these parts of
ourselves is a crucial step toward healing and empowerment. By facing your
traumas, you take back control from the past and empower yourself to redefine
your future.
When you share your story, you're not only releasing the
weight that you’ve been carrying but also creating a ripple effect of courage
and hope. You give others permission to do the same, to speak their truths and
find healing in unity. It's a collective journey—no one should feel they must
navigate it alone. Remember, the perceived challenges of opening up pale in
comparison to the strength you gain through healing. Once you face your
traumas, there’s a profound shift; the hurdles that life throws at you seem
less daunting because you’ve already confronted some of the hardest chapters.
Though the path to sharing is never easy, it is incredibly worth it. The
release, the understanding, and the acceptance that follows can set you free.
You empower yourself and those around you to stand in truth and authenticity.
Be gentle with yourself. Allow your story to unfold at your
pace, and know that by sharing, you’re forging a path of healing not just for
yourself, but for many who are seeking the courage to begin their own journeys.
Thanks for the time,
Moses, and continued success to you. How can our readers stay connected with
you?
Thank you so much for your kind words and support. I'm
excited to stay connected with everyone as we continue this journey together.
You can find and follow me across various social media platforms, where I share
insights, updates, and inspiring content:
TikTok: Join me on TikTok for quick snippets of daily
inspiration, storytelling, and positive vibes.
Facebook: Connect with me on Facebook for longer
conversations, live sessions, and community interactions. https://www.facebook.com/mosesmattox.486
Instagram: Follow me on Instagram for a glimpse into my
life, behind-the-scenes content, and motivational posts. https://www.instagram.com/mosesmattox_/
YouTube: Subscribe to my YouTube channel, where I’m
beginning to upload new videos with the help of my talented videographer.
Expect in-depth discussions, interviews, and visually engaging content. https://www.youtube.com/@mosesmattox
I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you, Cyrus, for your incredible dedication and all that you bring to people around the world.
Meeting you was a profound reminder that everything happens for a reason. God
has a purpose and a plan for each of us, and my meeting you reaffirmed that
we are always in the right place, at the right time, for the right reason. It's
all part of God's divine plan. We must trust that God doesn't make mistakes.
Through faith and understanding, we can see that our journeys are guided by His
purpose.
Together, let's embrace every moment, trusting the process, and
knowing that we are exactly where we need to be. Thank you again for your
encouragement and for being a part of this incredible journey with me. Let’s
continue to inspire and uplift each other!
