Miracle Moments
Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, mollymaid.com
I grew up in a family of 10 children – my twin brother, Dominic, and I were the second oldest. I never knew my biological father, but when I was eight years old, my stepfather, Tracy, came into our lives. I will always be thankful for God placing him in my life. He worked very hard to support our family, but he was unable to give us the attention we needed. My parents were not physically abusive, but they have been on and off drugs most of my life. My mother even sold drugs out of our house. We moved around quite a bit, and life was hectic at times. 
The first year at the Ranch was very rough for me. I had a major authority issue because I had never had any real structure in my life. My houseparents made me go to school, do homework and chores, go to church, and follow rules – all of which was new to me. I spent a lot of time on D level (restriction). I was a nightmare for the staff. I cussed, cried and fought against them at every turn. I tried so hard to throw away the chance and opportunity God had given me, but they never gave up. They fought for me every step of the way. When I was 14, I found Jesus, and with the Ranch’s relentlessness efforts, my life changed. I decided to stop fighting and give the Ranch a real chance. Big Oak showed me what it was to be a real man, to set the foundation for my future and to live my best life.
I met Ashley, the beautiful woman who is now my wife, while I was living at the Ranch and we were both working at a small-town grocery store. We now have a wonderful family with 3 beautiful children. It is important to us that our kids understand what blessings are in life, no matter how they appear. I will raise my family with the same values and morals instilled in me during my time at the Ranch. My family and I will always be thankful to Big Oak Ranch and all the men and women who impacted my life while I was there. Thank you to the Croyle family for dedicating their lives to giving kids a chance. Thank you to the houseparents who put up with me, and for all those there now who answered the calling. Thank you to men of the Ranch for showing me what a Godly, hard-working, and loving man looks like.
-Anthony McMath
