Celebration of this New Year is bittersweet.

As I contemplate with excitement where God may lead me this year, I am saddened that some important people will not be going with me.

This year begins without my best friend, Bishop Lorenzo Kelly.  I am a different and better man because he was in my life.

I am also reminded of others who left years ago.  My brother in law Ed Denief.  I will always miss his loving heart and humor.  My Mother and Father, who instilled in me the values of honesty and generosity.  There are many others whose voice, smile and touch will not go with me into this new year.

Some of those who will not be along in the new year are people thought to be friends, who have shown themselves not to be.  They won’t be a part of my new year.  I have been surprised, saddened and yet thankful.  Especially thankful that the deck has been cleared for new friends.  True friends.

Someone once said we should surround ourselves with people who “celebrate” us.  That is good advice.  In this new year, there will be plenty of people who love us, promote us, encourage us and “celebrate” us.  For my part, I intend to spend more time with those people.  I also purpose to BE one of those people for others.

I hope you’ll be joining me on my journey through the new year!

***Gordon Howie is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***

“It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”

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