After almost 30 years, I realize that I probably have more years behind me than

in front of me, but whatever years I have left, I’m going to give the best of myself

during those remaining years—because I’m proud of my church.

And if you will get proud with me, together we can change Louisville.

The murder rate will drop. Families will be restored. Youth will begin to dream

higher. The pipeline from West Louisville to state penitentiaries will be shut

down.

Persons will be healed from addictions and others will be prevented from going

into it in the first place. Lost people will be saved. Saved people will be strengthened.

Gamblers and alcoholics will put down their dice and their liquor bottles and pick

up Bibles. Prostitutes will stop walking the streets for johns and start walking the

streets for Jesus.

Seniors will feel safe. Children will feel loved. Hope will be more than just a word

in the dictionary. Black self-hatred will be eradicated. Racial healing and reconciliation

will become a reality. The homeless will be housed. The jobless will be

employed. The marginalized will be brought into full participation. Voters will be

empowered. Politicians will be held accountable. Barak will become president.

And God will be glorified.

So let me close with a little James Brown: Say it loud, ”I’m St. Stephen and

proud!“