Dear editor:

All my life, I’ve been in a battle raging within myself. I knew I was created for something, but a void laid within. I traveled a rough road for 43 years: 12 years imprisonment, four years in county jail, 27 years of drug addiction. A liar, thief, whoremonger, addict, adulterer, etc.; you name it, I did it.

But through it all, God had a purpose.

I would like to encourage everybody that you don’t have to be perfect for God to use you.

I struggle daily, but I rely on Jesus to keep me. The message I’m sending is, if you obey God’s voice and get self out of the way, you can make a difference in someone’s life.

The “Stop the Violence Peace Rally” program is intended to redirect people and give someone hope that there is a better life, and if you apply yourself, God will open doors no one can shut.

We need everyone to make a difference. The question to be asked is, “If you meet Jesus today, what would you say to him if he asked you do you love your neighbor?” No greater love is there than to lay down your life for your brother.

Everyone come on our and participate on March 28. The parade starts at 9 a.m.

For more information, call Hopewell Baptist Church Senior Pastor Overseer Larry Sailes at (205) 612-5292 or myself at (205) 217-3523.

Stacey Taylor