Coach Alphonzo Short

Interview by LaSheera Lee

Knowing your self-worth is a powerful tool. Coach Alphonso Short is on a mission to help people to value their own being. His story is one of encouragement. His message is one of empowerment. He has experienced and witness pitfalls and obstacles that often make people live in constant despair and trauma. Coach Short wants to issue a band of hope through powerful words and testimonies.

Coach Short has dedicated his life to service, specifically to areas that serve to build up men and children. Whether serving as tutor and mentor through the Adopt a School program, coaching boys’ basketball through his city’s Parks and Recreation programs, volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, or serving in various leadership positions in ministry, he has been committed to making a difference.

Coach Short has received accolades for his work as a volunteer from various citywide organizations (1999 to 2000). He has served as Board Chair of two non-profit organizations that serve children, Fascinate-U Children’s Museum & Greater Life of Fayetteville, and he has even facilitated a Junior Golf Camp for boys that not only taught the game, he emphasized the importance of core values.

Coach Short obtained a BBA from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte in 1986. He also has received advanced degrees. In 2021, we was certified as Christian Life Coach. For more information concerning Coach Short and his work as a life coach, visit his page: www.mindscape-coaching.com.

La Sheera Lee: Why did you feel the need to write this book?

CAS: God led me to write positive inspirational messages from my heart to influence, impact, and help others find strength to continue their goals. Understanding that nobody is exempt from facing crises during a lifetime, my intent in writing the book is to encourage, inspire, motivate and be a source of hope. A few bad days in life does not necessarily equate to being the end of the world or your life..

LL: How did your own life experiences fuel affect your ability to write this book?

CAS: Definitely. Some of the inspiration to write the book came during personal experiences. I have faced and overcome the typical challenges in life. In fact, many of the excerpts were written during challenging times, for myself and those around me, such as health scares, workplace issues, economic strain, family turmoil, etc.

LL: What life skills and or insights do you hope others learn from this book?

CAS: I hope that others learn from this book that in Christ, they possess the abilities to do all things. They are equipped with the physical, mental, and emotional intelligence to learn, to be creative, to problem solve, to critically think, to adapt to new situations, to exhibit leadership, to collaborate, to be team players, etc. I hope that each reader realizes that when you have breath and the gift of a new day, God has purpose for you as a valuable entity for the advancement for the Kingdom of God.

LL: Did writing this book transform your life in any fashion?

CAS: Yes, my transformation allowed me to be focus on accomplishing my personal goals and objectives and encouraging others to do the same. It is a process that takes discipline and commitment but one day at a time.

LL: What reaction or impact have you received from readers?

CAS: I have received positive feedback from several readers. Many have shared that the content is inspiring and has influenced their personal lives. Some have shared that it has broaden their perspective and given them direction on how to deal with day-to-day issues more courageously. Others have shared that their faith has increased.

LL: Do you plan on this being your last writing experience? If not, what other projects do you hope to write in the future?

CAS: No, this will not be the last. If all goes as planned, “Be Transformed” will be a quarterly devotional. In addition to this, I have made the first step toward coordinating my first anthology project that will include of a select group of men sharing their perspectives on leadership, family, and legacy. I am excited about the new journey God has allowed me to experience. Writing books are impression by His will.