Blog
Inspiring Today’s Youth. Empowering Them for Tomorrow.
About Joshua Underwood
Joshua Underwood is a published author, poet and motivational speaker
Despite being labeled “gifted” as a child, Joshua spent his early childhood years facing extreme poverty, an absentee father, a mother battling addiction and, an environment inundated with crime and hopelessness.
After a juvenile crime spree at the age of 17, Joshua found himself in solitary confinement, being charged as an adult and, facing a natural life sentence plus over 100 years in prison.
It was in that solitary confinement cell, wrestling against depression and thoughts of suicide that Joshua hit “rock bottom”. It was that “rock bottom” that caused him to cry out to God, surrender his life and, become a follower of Jesus Christ.
(2 Cor. 5:17) After his encounter with God in solitary confinement, everything began to change. Evidence dissipated, eye-witnesses recanted and, as opposed to spending the rest of his life in prison, at the age of 18, he was sentenced to 15 years in Florida Department of Corrections.
He began picking up the pieces. Praying. Reading. Studying. Learning. Unlearning. Healing. Rebuilding. After 13 years and 10 months, at the age of 31, Joshua was released. However, the 31 year old man who emerged was an entirely different Individual than the 17 year old boy who entered.
Almost immediately, he began speaking at churches, youth groups and detention centers; mentoring, hosting poetry workshops and spoken word banquets and, sharing his story and the faith that enabled him to make his transformation.
NOW HUSBAND, FATHER, MENTOR, SPEAKER, AUTHOR OF CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION BOOK 13:3″ AND FOUNDER OF THIRTEEN MINISTRIES INC. AND THE “YOUNG POETS PROJECT”, JOSHUA UNDERWOOD HAS A POWERFUL TESTIMONY AND AN EXCEPTIONAL ABILITY TO TELL IT, AS HE USES A UNIQUE BLEND OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND COMPELLING ARTISTRY TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER HIS AUDIENCE.
Bookings
Book Joshua Underwood
Signature Speeches
The Art of Reinvention
Know Your Identity
The World Needs Results, Not Excuses
Let's Play Catch
You Are Not An Addict!
13:3 by Joshua Underwood
This is more than a compilation of poems. It represents the collective voice of thousands – millions – of incarcerated brothers and sisters, from all walks of life, experiencing every form of adversity and hardship imaginable, yet choosing to persevere in spite of… This is an encouragement to those inside the walls to keep the faith, and a charge to those outside of the walls to remember those in chains.
13:3 Available Now
Let's Play Catch by Joshua Underwood
This book is a playbook for improving communication skills and building healthier relationships. In a unique analogy that explores the differences and similarities between dodgeball and catch, Joshua Underwood gives a one-of-a-kind illustration that helps us to understand the dynamics of communication.
Available Now
Featured Videos
Previous Events
Previous Appearances
June 21st & 29th 2024
Ft. Myers Stars Complex
Fort Myers, Fl
May 17th 2024
Justin's Place Recovery Program
Labelle, FL
April 5th 2024
Northern Palms High School
North Ft Myers, Fl
March 26th 2024
City Of Palms High School
Fort Myers, Fl
March 24th 2024
Chokoloskee Church of God Palm Sunday
Chokoloskee, FL
November 5th 2023
Young Poets Graduation
September 14th, 2023
Palm Acres Charter High School
Lehigh Acres, Fl
September 13th, 2023
Chokoloskee Church of God
Chokoloskee, FL
August 24th, 2023
SWFJDC
Fort Myers, Fl
June 2023
Truecore Behavioral Solutions
Tampa, FL
March 18th 2022
Justin's Place Recovery Program
Labelle, FL
March 9th, 2022
ARC, Citygate Ministries
Ft. Myers, FL
June 19th, 2021
Faith & Family Worship Center
Sebring, FL
October 22nd, 2018
Next Level Leadership Conference
Testimonials
Here's what people are saying about Joshua
Tremendous! Very impactful!
When Josh speaks, he has a way of captivating the audience and, when you leave the room, you definitely feel as though you can take on the world with Christ, the way Josh speaks Him into your life. We will definitely be asking him to come back and speak again to our residents.
I’ve mentored with Josh and, had a chance to hear him speak. The times I heard him speak moved a lot of people, from the youth to older and elderly. The Creator gave him a gift and, with his gift, he can speak and touch individuals in ways no one can. I call it the roar of a Lion.
Joshua Underwood has a powerful story to tell! He has been consecrated and set apart to preach the good news. He has the ability to capture any audience and connect with them through stories of the adversities he has faced in life. He always leaves the room inspired and hopeful in Christ. He has a heart to reach everyone, from the nameless to the famous. You won’t regret bringing him to any event.
Compelling & engaging” – these are two words amongst many I can use to describe Josh. When he’s speaking, there is just something about him that captivates the room! When he is speaking, prepare to be hit with truth, love and encouragement… And it’s almost a guarantee you will leave feeling inspired and ready to make a difference! It’s exciting knowing that there are going to be more people across the globe that will get to hear and experience what he has to offer &, they won’t be disappointed!
Josh is one of the most gifted and powerful speakers I have ever worked with. Whether at retreats with previously incarcerated individuals, talking with at-risk youth or, engaging an audience from a stage, he always connects, educates and inspires.