As a single African American mother raising a stubborn young man, Joy Woods-Turlington needed to find a way to summon strength from her faith in God and also from within to weather the parental storms that often battered her life. In an inspirational compilation of personal essays, Joy provides insight into the complex meanings and effects of abandonment in the African American household that is unfortunately becoming a societal norm. While detailing the emotions, challenges, and experiences that surrounded her life as a single mother rearing a son she calls Strength, Joy reveals how she nursed him back to health as a toddler, attempted to instill important values as he grew up, and bravely faced the sorrow when he eventually succumbed to the lure of the streets. Throughout her essays, Joy reminds all of us that when we are tested in our areas of strength to never be afraid to ask God for his help and love. Strength in the Streets is a volume of moving essays that share an African American mother's reflections on raising a challenging son while relying on strength from prayer, unconditional love, and her faith in God.