David Lyles
David Lyles - On his faith
"See, all you got to do is wait for the change. You have the faith that that change is gonna happen. I can’t see it, I can’t feel it, I can’t taste it, but I know it’s there and it’s coming possible for me."
- David Lyles
This interview is a part of the Marian Cheek Jackson Center’s faith series. In this interview, David Lyles recalls his earliest memories of sewing and quilting, which he learned from a young age. He was the youngest of four kids and grew up in Lee County. David shares his experiences growing up during segregation and shared that there was always hope that tomorrow would be different. David was raised in the Methodist Church but switched to a Baptist Church. From a young age, he heard voices from God and he shared many reflections on faith and hope. Throughout the interview, David discusses how faith is the key to every door and the reason for everything. David always knew that he was not 100% like other boys/men growing up. When he was 30 years old he met his partner Peter, with whom he was with for 12 years. David was very involved in church cleaning and decorating but was asked to leave when they found out he was with a man. Eventually, a pastor made him an elder in the church. He also discusses his time living in men’s shelters in Orange County and Durham. The interview concludes with David sharing how we often hold on to people for too long and we need to learn that it’s okay to move on and live for yourself.
