For most of my life I've heard that I have an old soul! I started to embrace it in my 20's and even dismissed some of the uniqueness of my generation. In 2015, I was in a car accident and got banged up, pretty good. One day last year, my knees were hurting and I was walking with a limp. Before I knew it, I was hunched over and walking like an 'old man'. Or was I? I know too many 'old' people getting around much better than myself so I knew that wasn't true. Though I was in pain (still feeling the effects of the car accident), I immediately straightened up declared (I had to say it aloud) "I ain't old!" I have been told that I carry myself like an older person and people are shocked when I tell them my actual age. What I hear in church when I tell people my age is: "you're a baby!" Well, maybe but I'll admit, sometimes I act like a baby boomer! LOL 

I actually believe that it's a lie to skip your generation and act older. You'll miss out on the lessons, the innovation and the experience of being young! Remember few people want to be old, most people want to be "forever young!" If this weren't the case, the beauty industry wouldn't be such a rich business. Hair dyes, extensions, hair restoration products, slimmers and the like all help us sort of retain our youthful look! Well, I want to look as young as I am, too! Being young and old has had many downfalls. I have found myself as an outcast in the company of the people who would easily understand me. Because I hadn't "paid my dues" yet or they felt that I was speaking out of turn, they turned a deaf ear to me. My actual generation is growing and there are still some of us lagging behind who haven't caught the momentum that growing up causes! Trust me, even with an "old soul", I made sure that I took part in my season of being young and dumb...with my nose wide open! Well...there's some youthfulness I can always point to, albeit youthful ignorance! 

Wisdom has placed me in circles and situations beyond my years, but I have learned that I don't have to age with the circumstance. I am grateful to God for His wisdom beyond my years, but as a steward of it, I discovered that I have a responsibility to my generation in this present age. Serving this present age involves previous generations, my generation and the generations to come after me. I have a duty in some regard to serve each of them in this present age and I want to do just that! 

Bishop Robert Nichols, Jr. was on a Facebook LIVE and spoke about this phenomenon that causes young preachers to reach outside of their generation, first. He actually encouraged us not to do that and I agree. This year, I will be 37 and I want to reach as many people of all ages that I can, but I don't want to be non-existent and ineffective for my own generation. I am called out and called upon to serve, but not without my generation in mind! If I am my brother's keeper, he's in my generation, right? Yes, yes he is!

Another faith leader in my generation really got me thinking about this as I listened to his initial podcast last week. Pastor Robert Wagner reminded me to really home in on the full scope of the audience of my ministry. To do this, I have begun the journey of authorship. My new book releases today in hopes of me better serving this present age with the gift of writing. I play and sing in church each week and minister as a preacher of the gospel, but writing has given me a voice many people in this present age have never heard!

My new book "The Journey to Genesis" was written in hopes that men everywhere become aware of their life's purpose. Regardless of the circumstance of your conception, God has a plan for your life and YOU have a purpose! The book is available here on the site as an e-Book and will be available in print next month. I want to thank everyone for their support and even their curiosity as i began to share pieces of information online. The journey begins, now and with Genesis in our view, we're headed in the right direction!

I would be remiss if I didn't thank these people for helping me in the writing process, being a part of my life and contributing to the book. As I wrote, I recalled many of my experiences from childhood, school, college and beyond and shared them in the book. I am so glad to have experienced life with them to share with you in this book! Some of them you have heard me talk about and some you have not. This is not all, I want to thank all of y'all!! For now, allow me to present to some and introduce to others, my thank yous:

​My Wife, Rhonda- she was there, even when I was "away" with my head in a book researching, or at the computer writing. I consulted her for many of the ideas and chapters in the book. She read them first and her honest critiques help me polish my writing. Here's a quick, fun fact for you...Rhonda took the cover picture! We had so many to choose from but I had one more idea and I gave Rhonda my camera. She took the picture and voila! Thanks, Love!

My mother- "I'll always love my mama...!" It's more than a song to me and I'm thankful to be able to release this book in her lifetime. She has supported this and the other books to come by proofreading and editing and also just showing genuine support to this revelatory experience. 

Dr. Alvin Pope- As I reached a level of completion of the book, I asked Dr. Pope to write the foreword. Dr. Pope has been in my life for a number of years not only as a Pastor and father but as a music and ministry mentor. What I have seen Dr. Pope walk out emulates much of what I see in myself, to say that I am thrilled to have him as part of this book is an understatement. 

Dr. J. B. Horton- Honestly, the man I am today is due to the young man Dr. Horton helped shape. I will forever be indebted to the selflessness with which Dr. Horton gave of himself. I met him when I was five and he is much more than a Pastor, shepherd and leader to me, he is remains a father figure.

Rev. Joe A. Foster- Where it all began...! My coffee buddy and FIRST of many father figures in my life. I was Rev. Foster's little sidekick and as a grown man, I can honestly say that he laid the groundwork for what Dr. Horton and Dr. Pope have been in my life. 

Pastor Ronald O. Daugherty- You can't choose your family and God knows we're not smart enough to even try. Pastor Daugherty is not only my father in law, but he is a wise man who has made it his mission to see to it that men and young men become their best selves in this live God has given us. As a Pastor, he regularly shares his passion for Christian living with the New Beginnings Full Gospel Church in Chicago, Illinois and in just a few years has already made an indelible impact on the surrounding community the church serves. In 2015, Pastor Daugherty wrote an inspirational poetry book to share from the wealth of his knowledge of the word. His poem entitled "Shine Your Light" is featured in the epilogue of the book. Thanks for everything, Papa D!

Dale Long- I met Mr. Long in 2017 when I played an MLK scholarship banquet. He was the keynote speaker and he told us about his youth and survival of the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. I wouldn't call myself a history buff, but I did pay good enough attention in History class that I knew that someone special was at the lectern. He told us about the event and his life as a Big Brother and I knew I had to learn more about him. I was finally able to get in touch with Mr. Long and learned even more about him. I told him that I was writing a book and wanted to include his story and he graciously agreed to allow me the privilege to tell a piece of his amazing story. For that, I am eternally grateful! 

Sherilyn Bennett- Friends, how many of us have them? In 2015 I met Prophetess Bennett at Megafest and there was instant magnetism that drew me to her booth. I really tried to keep walking but I had to stop. I'm so glad I did because she has been such a vital part of this journey. In fact, I was on my way to her LEAP! conference last year when the Lord placed this book on my heart. I am so grateful that I was able to become her client in this process. She is much more than a graphic designer. Once I let go of the reins, she prayed about the designs and presented me with three incredible designs. I wanted them all! I appreciate her prayers and patience with me as a first timer. She is so vital to me and even helped facilitate communique between myself and Mr. Carr for his chapter in the book. Thank you Sherilyn, you're the best!

Ernestine Rose- The editor God knew I needed! Ms. Rose is a retired educator in the Fort Worth, ISD and now works as an author and editor (Rose Freelance). Ms. Rose didn't let me slide, she knew that this book needed depth and a real voice. She called it out and I had to respond, re-writing and even adding a section to the book to accomplish what she knew the book could be. I am so glad that she took time to work with me, even during a major relocation and life events. Thank you, immensely! 

Antwon James- There are people that come into your life and you just don't know why. I have a million reasons why I think I met "Doc" but none of them seem adequate, enough! We are mirrors of each other and as much as I admire him and what he does, I hear the same from him. "Doc" is a young renaissance man and does so much-much more than I could ever think of doing! As a graphic designer, he lent himself to my many questions and queries about graphics in the book. His generosity knows no bounds and I plan to repay, him in kind! Antwon took my vision of the "Mighty Pen Publishing" logo and did what great designers do...make clients say: "WOW"! Thank you, Doc! 

Nichole "Nicki" Foster- when I got that emerald green blazer, I knew I needed it to be in pictures! I know so many photographers that I couldn't make a decision. I chose Nicki for this book cover shoot and she rocked it! She is building a platform for business owners and I'm so glad to have been a prototype for that. She is Rev. Foster's daughter and one of our older sisters. The Willis' and the Fosters will forever by TIGHT! Nicki's eye brought out the sophistication and joy you see in the pictures from the shoot! You stretched me beyond my own creativity, thank you for that, Nicki! 

Patrick "Jube" Joubert- I have known Jube for a number of years and when we're not talking smoking meat, we're feasting on the meat of the word. As a Pastor, I served Pastor Joubert at the Fellowship Church and gained quite a great understanding of the word! Jube has always been gracious and is a dear friend in ministry and life. As I wrote this book, Jube found himself in my notes on more than one occasion! As you may or may not know about Jube, he's a preacher's preacher and since I couldn't do it any better than he, I decided to simply share what he said. I pray that readers are blessed by it. Thank you, Jube! 

Olatia and Thomas Robinson- In 2017 when I thought I would be releasing another book, I called upon OB's Photography to shoot images for that release. The book is still on the way and I will return to OB's for my shoot for that book. I met Thomas and his family as a teenager. He was the drummer at Greater Friendship-the church I was born in, Rev. Foster was pastor then. Thomas was the drummer when Pastor Brown was there and as young drummers we became friends and remain friends to this day! His mother Olatia is an amazing photographer in her own right and knows just how to get a great big smile out of me! Thomas and Olatia are sometimes the first responders to my blog posts on social media. I'm grateful for the twenty plus years of friendship! 

Charles McCampbell- Charles is that dude! Hands down...I think I talk about Charles in a few chapters throughout the book. In only a span of a few years, the Charles and Fred show was in full effect! It's crazy how well we clicked but Charles was the source of many life lessons that I share in the book. I really want you to pay special attention to the stories about Charles, I think you'll understand why he is one of my greatest friends and influences! By the way, his birthday is the day before mine and I share a birthday with his daughter and grandmother. If we were any closer, we'd actually be related! 

Pastor Anthony Callins- You wouldn't believe me but I'm going to tell you, anyway...a few of the chapters in the book were written over 10 years ago. Sermons that I preached while serving at the Saints Chapel Church. I served under Pastor Callins and developed both my music and word ministry there. His wife, Renee Callins is mentioned in the book and her charisma is the same, today! She wouldn't take no for an answer from me and I'm glad about it. What the Lord released at Saints Chapel marked my ministry and prepared me for what I'm doing, today!

Pastor Velva Waites- I served at the Burning Bush Christian Church and learned so much there. I would always hear Pastor Waites say something about ministry that it serves to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. I agreed then and I agree now. I am so grateful for the time spent at Burning Bush and as you read the book, you'll see that I borrowed a portion of that statement for a chapter title. 

Leo Vaughns- How does an English teacher get an auditorium named after him? Not for debates and great speeches, but for making an impact with the students in the choir! I don't know how he's done it, but Leo has impacted young people at Kirkpatrick for almost 30 years. I met him in college and he gave me firsthand knowledge of how to be a church musician. I also learned how to play those songs that would dump the house, because he would be somewhere shouting! Had Leo not passed my name and number to the Callins', I can't really say where I'd be, today. I'm grateful for him and all that God continues to do in his life! 

Lastly, allow me to thank the Pastors I have served under during the process of writing: Dr. Alvin Pope, Pastor Don Rogers, Pastor Patrick Joubert and Pastor Ben Nobles.

In the late 90's and through the early 2000's, the WWE boasted what is called the "Attitude" era. The stars of this era were unforgettably brash, full of charisma. So much so, that the WWF survived a ruling that barred the company from ever using the acronym again. This ruling was retro-active and even vintage footage has been re-branded as WWE. The "Attitude" era was so strong that there were numerous superstars and they all got good tv time. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin broke out from his blonde bombshell days, Rocky Maivia joined the ranks of the "Nation of Domination", the wrestling world's version of the black empowerment and Hunter Hurst Hemsley morphed into "Triple H". Shawn Michaels broke into stardom, away from feuds...he was a stand alone star but partnered with "Triple-H" to form Degeneration-X. 

Ok, ok...you get the storylines and names. If not, feel free to visit the WWE and get all caught up! It's hard to tell who the biggest star of the "Attitude" era was. Without a doubt, the greatest heel (bad guy) was Triple H, but "Stone Cold" and "The Rock" were the faces of the federation. "The Rock" was a master of the mic and could adlib and improvise better than most of the roster. While there were a number of one liners and zingers from the second generation superstar, one that comes to my mind today is: "Know Your Role".

While The Rock used the saying to silence the crowd, announcers and challengers, I want to use it to encourage you! Yep...this morning when I got up, I felt the burden of agents of change. I felt the heaviness that comes with feeling unwanted, unappreciated and being taken for granted. I heard the conversation that said "they're better off without me, I should just leave." But, don't! It's never comfortable as an agent of change and you'll never be understood so long as your role is to upset the current norm. There are some of us God uses to do just that, our only reason for being some of the places we are is to initiate change. 

The only way to accomplish your job as an agent of change is to be duty-minded! Otherwise, the discouragement of the very people you are sent to affect will drive you away! What violence is this that the Kingdom "suffereth"? This "violence" is not physical but an insatiable determination to put it in their grasp. It goes beyond willpower. There is an old story of an old farmer who couldn't move his ox. After trying his ox gourd and other wisdom of the field, someone yelled out: "why don't you use your willpower?" To which the farmer replied, "ain't nothing stronger than ain't power!" This "ain't power" is what ought to drive us not to quit, but to as the Apostle Paul said to "be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord..."

So to you change agent, hang on in there! John the Baptist had one assignment and worked to carry it out and so must you. So must we! I feel your pain and I hear your frustration, but never quit, hang on in there and don't be a jabroni, KNOW YOUR ROLE!!!

I believe I was either 16 or 17 the first time I heard that song...yes some odd 20 years ago. We were at a musical to sing and the choir marched in singing this song. The choir wasn't as large as it was known to be but the choir still marched in from the back door which took about five minutes extra since most of the singers were senior citizens. I found it odd that they would choose to march in on that song because well, many of them would soon be crossing over, as the song said. I never forgot this song and occasionally sing it because well, it's a catchy song! This year has been an eye-opening year. Both because of the losses we've endured and because I'm doing something that will forever impact my legacy. I pray all the time for at least 40-50 more years here on earth and I know that God has already numbered my days, but we'll see about that, in the end. 
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One line in the song that feels the most morbid is: "Don't let Him catch you with your work undone." What happens if He does? Do we get in trouble in Heaven? Do we lose our reward? What about the fact that all our works go up in flames in the end, anyway? Then I thought about it, we know what God has given us to do...but we don't do it. We think that we have as long as we want until sickness creeps up on us then we'll have time to do it slowly as our bodies fade away. That's not true. There are countless difference makers whose lives were cut short before they reached the fullness of their potential. What about the people who knew all along and started late and ran out of time before the Lord called them home? What about them? What about you? What about me?!? 

This past week has been really tough for me and so many people that I know and love. We are mourning loss like never before. It's been said in jest but in reality, people are dying who have never died before. Your favorite singer, musician, Pastor, co-worker, neighbor...people you've always had close to you, the ones you could always count on to be there whether their health was optimal or abysmal...they're crossing over! Fixtures within our community that we could always count on to be present in the moment...are now memories, in the sands of time! Have they completed their work, or was their time simply up? As a person who has attended more funerals than I can remember, I can tell you that time cut many people and their work short and that few accomplished the fullness of their life's purpose. It's cute and comforting to say that some completed their work in shorter time and left us sooner than we'd like, but for many that is simply untrue! If you're over the age of 21 and reading this, congratulations!

Congratulations on living through your youth and, welcome to adulthood when we all have to make life-altering decisions on our own, each moment of the day. At whatever age you are, you've got to know that there is somebody somewhere who didn't live to see the age you are now. In middle school, we lost Toby. He was a fifth grader and he forgot his house key and went back inside through a window to get it. The window came down on him and he couldn't get from under it before he suffocated. In high school, seems like there was a death each year, Earnest, Bart, Elizabeth and another student whose name I don't remember all died before we graduated in 2000. After graduation, we lost Manuela and James, classmates from elementary school and middle school, respectively. 

Last year, we lost April...one of my oldest friends. In fact, I'd known April for the better part of 30 years and we kept in touch on Facebook, quite often. And yet, here I am. The question looms, what am I doing with this gift of time that God has given me? Am I working the work that God has placed in my hands? Am I? Are you? Do you ever stop to wonder what God thinks of your life? Sometimes I wish I could a progress report or something! An update even...something, anything to let me know I'm on pace to hear "well done" when it's all said and done! Wherever you are and whatever you've been commissioned to do, let's get to work! If you've begun...work to finish strong! If you have yet to start...get started, what are you waiting on?

​If you just don't know, let's pray and agree together that God will make it known to you! As the song said, "we're fast approaching the setting sun". We don't have forever and even as the bible promised 70 years in Moses' day, we know very well that many of us won't make it to that milestone. With that in mind, let's commit to doing better and working the work that has been placed in our hands because we don't want the Lord to call us before our work is done and we certainly don't want to hear anything besides: "well done thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of the Lord."

Let me take you on a quick journey...last night, I was reading "Take the Lid Off" by Pastor Smokie Norful and couldn’t make it past this unforgettable quote: “God, give me the grace to handle Your dream for me.” Then I thought wow, does God dream?!? Does He have a dream for me? What are His aspirations for my life?!? For that answer, I went to Romans 12:2...it starts with a renewed mind. This way I can prove what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God for my life.

Obviously we know what the word says in Jeremiah 29:11, but that still didn’t immediately cure doubt for me in this instance. Then, I was reminded of a summer over 25 years ago when I discovered Andrae Crouch as a young teen. I knew "MyTribute", but I was sold when I heard "I Didn't Think It Could Be"

That takes me to my final thought, the song says: “I didn’t think it could be until it happened to me!” In Isaiah 55:11, God says that His word will accomplish what He sets it out to accomplish and will prosper in the place/thing (in my life) where He sent it! For many of us on the journey of purpose and destiny, it’s hard to grasp the goodness of God...but receive it, it’s yours!!!! 
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There, that settles it and with that my prayer is (now, with confidence): “God, give me the grace to handle your dream for me!” Thanks, Pastor Smokie Norful for such a great read and revelation!!!