Tyler Perry's "Note to Self"

Teresa Neumann-Commentary : Oct 1, 2013
CBS – This Morning Show

The famous actor/director gives his powerful testimony in a short video aired on CBS—guaranteed to move viewers and impact those struggling with abuse and poverty.

(Atlanta, GA)—It's safe to say that there are probably few people who—if they haven't seen a Madea movie—are at least familiar with the character's creator, Tyler Perry.

Perry is not only an actor, he is also an author, screenwriter, playwright, producer, director and songwriter and has been in the film industry for over 20 years.

According to his website, his "inspirational journey from the hard streets of New Orleans to the heights of Hollywood's A-list is the stuff of legend. Born into poverty and raised in a household scarred by abuse, Tyler fought from a young age to find the strength, courage, and perseverance that would later form the foundations of his much acclaimed plays, films, books and shows.

"In 1992, he gathered his life's savings and set off for Atlanta in hopes of staging (a musical) for sold out crowds. He spent all the money, but the people never came, and he once again came face-to-face with the poverty that had plagued his youth. He spent months sleeping in seedy motels and his car, but his faith in God …only got stronger. He forged a powerful relationship with the Church and kept writing."

Perry has given his heart-wrenching testimony in a short video aired on CBS's This Morning Show last week. Called "Note to Self," Perry addresses a photo of his younger self, reading from a letter he penned from the healed Tyler Perry of today to the abused Tyler Perry of his youth.

Critics of Perry's movies may find fault with certain characters, plot lines and dialogues in his films. They may even find fault with Perry himself.

I get it. In my life, I've been plenty guilty of trying to remove the specks from other people's eyes of others. Grace, compassion and mercy don't always come easy, even to seasoned Christians.

But Tyler Perry—like him or not, agree with him or not—is transparent and true to his identity and calling. His "Note to Self" is as powerful and emotionally charged as any testimony delivered in front of a live congregation.

Personally, I love Tyler Perry as a brother in the Lord. And, beyond a shadow of a doubt, God loves him as his son.

If you're not familiar with Perry, or have never given his method of reaching out to the lost and hurting much thought, watch his "Note to Self." I guarantee you'll be moved. If not to tears, then to love and compassion.