I have a special message to the Gang Member who came to kill the man who was best friends of the man who was just murdered.     

You displayed real power to God!

As powerful as it may feel to kill somebody, that is not real power. Power is when you have the ability to take a person's life, even if you feel you have the right too, and you grant mercy. Is this not the same power you pray is given to each one of your loved ones when they're confronted with this same kind of violence? You have earned my respect as a man who has real power before God!

You, whoever you are, received a special blessing from God this day for you and your family, because to God you not only spared this good man's life, you spared mine; even though all the glory goes to God for protecting us. You glorified God today by showing mercy and granting life.

I praise your Mother and Father for making a positive difference in your life. They are a blessing to God because this day you displayed real power to God, as well as to me. May you go through life using this blessed power that you have that can only be given to you from God Himself: the power of compassion, mercy, and grace. And on judgment day may God show you the same mercy, compassion, and grace that you have shown others.        ."Do not murder." (Exodus 20:13) 

"May all Gang Members and You glorify God by honoring your Mother and Father"

"God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy"  (Matthew 5:7)  

God believes in you 

Reverend Michael Cartwright

God Protected Me in First Drive-By