Twenty-five years ago I was faced with sharing the truth or ending my life. That sounds like a profound comment, but it’s the truth. For all the good choices that I had made in my life, the truth was I had also created an illusion – the truth of which – when 
revealed would change my life.
In my first book – Second Chances – I share openly about my past, my unethical choices and the consequences that followed. What I didn’t share was the truth behind all of those people who saw more in me than I saw in myself at the time.
Revealing that I was nothing more than a liar and thief, my words stunned my wife, my family, my church, my partners and the community. I had lost sight of who I was – the truth of my being – and was in dire need to guidance. When I revealed the truth and elected to be transparent about my choices and actions, it was then and only then that door slowly began to open to help me see the truth.
Friends and family reached out creating accountability for me and with love and compassion nudged me back to an awareness of who I was and where my life was to go. Mind you, it’s easy to talk about now – still emotional – but clear. Then the way was unclear and each day brought new challenges – most of which seemed they would never go away. But over time I was shown through love who were to be instruments of God’s grace and redemption – helping me find a new life.
Although I think many who reached out to help knew of my thankfulness, perhaps it’s time to say a public thanks for your kindness when it was needed the most. Sometimes we forget to say Thanks!
A Prayer of Thanks
Thank you God for those who saw the truth of my light when all I could see was darkness.
Thank you for Mary Annie Abee (my grandmother-in-law) who always had a kind word to share and glowed when we were together. I don’t think I ever recall her speaking unkindly toward anyone. She shared with me her life’s savings in order that I might make restitution. Over time I was blessed to pay her back, but she sacrificed believing in me when I found it hard to believe in myself.
Thank you for Doris Abee (my mother-in-law) who, although mighty angry at me when the truth came out, was there to help me financially accumulate the funds needed to make restitution. The Abee women weren’t rich by any stretch, but they had faith that all would eventually be made right. They were right and I am honored to have been part of their family!
Thank you for Jerry Stephens – who along with his wife Jean – saw something in me that was nothing short of a miracle. Through the Stephens family I was able to sell two homes for fair market value along with a car that was unneeded when the truth was revealed. Likewise, Jerry was willing to give me my first job and through that opportunity open a door to me that has created a career path that has lasted for 25 years and counting.
Thank you for Lynn Nichols who was a support and mentor when it came to speaking back in the ’80’s – especially to CPA associations. And when they were willing to turn their back on my talents, it was Lynn who stuck up for me even in the face of costing him business. Lynn never judged. His gentle guidance and compassion has never been forgotten. Lynn epitomized what forgiveness looks like. I am honored to call him friend.
Thank you for Don Smith – a friend and Christian brother. Don, like all mentioned above was willing to be a financial support in order to move past the immediate crisis I was facing in 1990-91. From my days with Pleasant Hill Baptist Church as music director, Don along with his lovely wife Betty was always kind, loving and a person I am blessed to have in my life.
Thank you for my mother – Brightsie Stroud. She’s my biological mother and someone who, not long after we met, found out that all was not paradise in my life. I grew up without her and she without me, so finding out that her son had a shadow side was, potentially, more than many could bear. But she stood with me and supported my rehabilitation.
All of the above are in their own way – Angels. Each person offered something of themselves and dear God I am so very thankful!
Amen!
