Thanks are in order.

I don't like sharing my pain, I never have. I just don't like to burden people with my stupid problems; everybody has enough on their plate anyway. Even on my worst days when friends asked me "How r u? I just smiled and said "OK".

The recent past has been the greatest personal struggle of my life. The closest thing I can compare it to is a war or battle. Literally every aspect of my life has been under attack. It has gotten so bad that I had to just restart my life-new job, new town, same old Jamey. In this war I was wounded, vulnerable, and fighting on my own. I was losing too, because I simple was not strong enough.

Yet God doesn't like to see his children lose...In the midst of weakness he gives grace, in the darkest hour he brings light, in the midst of confusion he gives wisdom. Out of my crisis God has revealed to me a wonderous truth-I don't have to fight alone.

My hardships have been a crucible for my true friends to reveal themselves. The true ones in my life have done just that. They have encompassed me like a shield wall-offering me their strength, love, and support. They have borne me up and set me back on my feet. They saw through my flimsy smiles to the pain beneath and they responded in concern.

My friends are a legion-so why was I fighting alone? That is simple; pride. Foolish stubborn pride. "I got this!" but in the words of my favorite songwriter Rich Mullins "We are not as strong as we think we are."

 Thank you Lord for knocking me down so that You and others could pick me up.

Here is a partial list of those who have helped pick me up in no particular order. Thank you so much! I love each of you.
1. My Heavenly Father-thank you for your extravagant love.
2. Dr. Baker and Amanda-thank you for collecting me (Brenda would be so proud of both of you.) Thanks for giving me a ray of hope that has dispelled my darkness!
3. Cody, Tom, and Aisha-you have ministered more to me in the last few months than I ever have to you. Thank you for your "surprise" visits. You guys are amazing.
4. Charlie-thanks for making me laugh. Luv ya bro.
5. Bro. Lonnie King-thanks for your open mind and giving me the benefit of the doubt.
6. John-thanks for reminding me that we must be Biblical in everything me do.