Through a sequence of events one year ago, I was nominated to be the President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Due to several events, many of which were senseless and unfair, I came under incredible attack in every way possible five weeks prior to the actual election. It began within 24 hours of the announcement of my nomination. As most of you know, due to the tenor of these attacks, a disastrous situation followed. So many times I have wondered and prayed about what I should have done. I even thought about getting out the night before the election, which is what I really felt I should do and begged God to let me do. Even in the early morning of the election while walking, I begged God again, telling Him I felt it was not going to be good at all, but it proved impossible to retreat because of various matters. Well, that is another story and one I wish I would rewrite, including having never even being persuaded by leading pastors and others to do it.

The past is past and I am so glad it is; yet, the day is only beginning and will be a very unique day as I live through it. I can assure you of this one thing thus far; God has given me unusual grace since my arrival in San Antonio. I have not dreaded the week, nor have I walked with a downcast spirit. God has done what only God can do, for He alone has lifted me above the stuff and towards Him . . . I will not retreat from where God has me at this moment in my life. And I want all to know – I love this denomination in spite of matters a year ago which were 180 degrees different from any experience I have ever had with it as a whole. Sure, there have been moments and there always will be moments, but I am a Southern Baptist by conviction and choice, unashamedly I might add.

What have I learned this past year? There are so many things:

• God is sovereign over all affairs in our world, including the details of our lives.
• Many things we will not understand until later or until heaven, and some of those things just will not matter.
• God’s grace is strong and His Word is dependable in times of extreme injustice, untrue accusations, embarrassing experiences, and real-life disappointment.
• God has a different plan for me and that plan obviously does not involve me serving my beloved denomination as its President . . . I have served in every major leadership role there is in this denomination from leading pastors, to restructuring it, to leading its most influential committee . . . I have been more than blessed with leadership privileges . . . this one has just not proven to be in the will of God.
• This personal pain has pushed me to Him, helped me identify with certain elements of pain in the lives of others, and helped me become better for God . . . that is what life should always do for us.

From the moment it occurred, my commitment has been to operate at the highest level with all persons and I have been able to do so to the glory of God. Only by the Spirit of God’s leadership have I been able to do so, but I bless the name of Jesus for His Spirit.

Therefore, during this year, building up to this day, and including this day, I have been faithful to pray for our President, Dr. Frank Page, and I thank God for his leadership today. I hope you will pray for him as this convention convenes for the next two full days, now that the Conference for Pastors is over. Above all, we need revival in our churches, and that was my heart before I went through this, while in it, and today more than ever before.

Finally, pray for me at noon today as I participate on a distinctive panel of leaders on the subject of revival. I am the least of these on the panel and I will pray for them, joining them in speaking as requested of me.

Be blessed today . . . NEVER let anyone outside your circle of love.