White Chair Film Shares Joey Kelly’s Story of Working Through Guilt and Anger After Witnessing Murder at a Young Age
PLANO, Texas, Oct. 19, 2021 – I Am Second, a global storytelling organization, released its most recent White Chair Film today that features Austin native Joey Kelly. In the film, Kelly recounts a traumatic childhood experience that led him into years of survivor's guilt, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder and how he was ultimately able to find hope and purpose.
Kelly’s White Chair Film details the life-changing moment at 3 a.m. on December 2, 2000, where he witnessed at the young age of 12 the horrific murder of his aunt and cousin by his own uncle before fighting for his own life. Kelly walks through the events of that night and recalls God’s miraculous protection that saved his life.
“That was the worst moment of my life,” said Kelly. “I watched my best friend – my cousin Mikey – get murdered by his father.”
Experiencing years of survivor’s guilt, depression and PTSD, Kelly notes how he was furious at God for letting evil win in such a big way, often going into his backyard to curse at God out of sheer rage. Years after this early life event, he felt he deserved the right to act out and began using that excuse to engage in drinking, partying and smoking as a release.
“I didn’t feel like I was a special kid and I didn’t do anything to deserve it,” said Kelly. “If anything, Mikey was a way better kid than me. I felt like he had way more potential than me. It just didn’t make sense.”
From the outside, Kelly appeared to be a happy-go-lucky teenager but he attributes it to his ability to compartmentalize, that was, until he finally reached a breaking point during college at Texas A&M University. Kelly recounts the powerful experience of hearing “Amazing Grace” after walking into a church, breaking down and finally processing the grief of his loss and pain after all the years.
“God saved my life that night for a reason. He had a plan and a purpose for me and the men I came into community with helped me realize He wasn’t done with me yet,” said Kelly. “I started living authentically for the Lord and was excited to do it. There is no looking back.”
To hear Kelly’s full story and watch the White Chair Film, visit iamsecond.com/film/joey-kelly/.
About I Am Second
I Am Second is a nonprofit launched in 2008 that ignites hope and inspires people to live for God and for others. Its website, iamsecond.com, features written and film-based stories of more than 100 athletes, actors, models, musicians, cultural influencers and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I Am Second.” For information, visit iamsecond.com.
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