An Open Letter to My Friends
For me that includes many of different faiths, lifestyles, ages, professions and countries. I am blessed to be part of your lives, thank you. I so enjoy seeing the photos of your families, graduations and fun. I served with you in law enforcement, global security, church security, and my childhood friends from the United Nautical Cadets, Inc., and NY Lancers Drum & Bugle Corps, where I grew up under the mentorship of Puerto Rican and Jewish men who saw possibilities in a poor Black kid with little self-esteem; they didn’t look like me, but they loved me and invested in me. I attended as many Bar Mitzvahs and Holy Communions as I did Baptisms. I learned that our lives are judged by donation, not duration.

I joined law enforcement after growing up in the South Bronx, NY, serving as a Trooper for Virginia and police chief for Virginia State University. I wanted to make a difference by my actions. The past months have become so tumultuous in America that I could no longer remain silent; I Love you too much to do that. I was engaged in a church security project (my passion) with my good friend, George Wheeler, but I could not concentrate; I stepped away to communicate with my daughter, step-sons, granddaughters and nephews and then prepare this message.

When I was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, my self-assuredness, and my faith was shaken. The prognosis was that I might recover -no promises. My bride, Brenda Winston-Hall, my family, my pastor, Sam Gourdine; my church family, Abiding Word Family Ministries; all embraced intercessory prayer. My recovery exceeded expectations; I am a cancer over-comer! The hospital asked me to be a spokesperson, and used my picture on billboards throughout Charleston, SC. One day I was down like a bad transmission, the next I was the poster child for what God can do. You can shout now if you want to, I did! :-)

My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Cancer Lesson: Every encounter could be your last. If you knew The Lord was calling you home tomorrow, how would you greet each person you met today? If that was your last posting, was it worthy of your legacy?
In law enforcement, I lowered my voice during certain situations, so people had to lower theirs to hear me. In my whisper, not my shout, I ask you to attempt to lower the tension in America’s air. 
A mind changed against its will is of the same opinion still.
I challenge each of you to join me- not just in prayer for our country, but works added to prayer. 
….faith without works is dead. James 2:17My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

I challenge you to:
• Be the relief the world is seeking; in your Walk, conversations, protest, patrol, actions.
• Reflect His Light in a way that your Loving actions Influence and impact others, one person at a time; few want to sit through a sermon, all want to watch one!
• Improve your relationship currency with those of differing opinions.
• A 14 day fast of any social posting that could be deemed as negative.

Please take 4 minutes to view this video, my friend Larry Duke helped to convey my heart. Thank you for the Love and respect you have shown me over the years. I strive every day to be a credit to God and someone you deemed worthy of continued friendship.

Blessings,