Be Strong and Courageous

By Suzi Francis

Julius and Amber have known each other for years, attending the same high school, even though they were not friends. They hung out in different crowds. Amber was part of the "popular" crowd, while Julius was considered a "geek" by Amber's friends. It isn't until commencement when they discover that they will attend the same college.

Amber is struck by panic since she has been living a secret life since she was a little girl. All her life, she hid from her friends what went on at her house and at the hands of her high school boyfriend. Amber wanted to run away from the pain and the rumors. Going away to college was Amber's chance to escape and start over--until Julius.

Julius loves Jesus and his family. Every day, Julius tries to show Christ through his actions. He knew what people called him, and Julius didn't care. People's opinions of him did not determine what he thought of himself. When Julius sees Amber on campus, he shows Amber kindness and grace. As their friendship grows and romance blossoms, Julius works to show Amber who Jesus is and what a gentleman looks like.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9798889433583

Book preview

cover.jpg

Be Strong and Courageous

Suzi Francis

ISBN 979-8-88943-357-6 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88943-358-3 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by Suzi Francis

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Epilogue

Songs Mentioned in Order of Appearance

About the Author

One in four women and one in seven men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.

On average, nearly twenty-four people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. For one year, this equates to more than twelve million women and men.

On a typical day, there are more than twenty thousand phone calls placed to the domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

Please visit ncadv.org as the source for the above statistics. If you need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-3224.

Prologue

Amber looked at herself in the mirror that hung on the back of the door to her best friend Becky's bedroom. The low-rise jeans and crop top accentuated all her curves. Styling her makeup, as if she was on a magazine cover, made Amber believe she could be beautiful, hidden.

C'mon, Amber. Becky smiled. You look amazing.

You think? Amber twisted in the mirror.

Yes, Chad is going to regret dumping you!

I don't care what Chad thinks! He's a jerk!

If you say so! Becky smirked. You still look fabulous. I'm sure all the single guys will come after you tonight.

Amber turned around to Becky. The relationship she and Chad had was a tumultuous one. One minute, Chad was kind to her; the next minute, hateful. Part of Amber was glad they broke up, yet another part of her needed him.

Becky and Amber walked arm in arm into Slade's huge, exquisite house. It was a house that belonged in a movie with all the dark wood, glass, and marble. Discreetly, Amber looked for Chad while saying hello to the multitudes of people. They made their way to the back of the house where the kitchen was, stopping at the wide, long marble island. That was when Amber saw Chad across the room with his arm draped across the shoulder of a junior varsity cheerleader.

Amber squinted her eyes while shaking her head. True, Chad had cheated on her in the past, but he had never been so blatant before. In frustration, Amber quickly threw back a tequila shot from someone on the other side of the island who was pouring then. Before Becky could even pick hers up, Amber took another and shot it back.

Amber! What gives?

Chad!

Becky looked where Amber pointed. Amber took her third tequila shot and then stormed away from the marble island. She made sure to grab a can of beer from the circular plastic cooler on the floor. Becky grabbed one, too, as she quickly followed her friend.

Don't let him get to you by downing tequila!

I'm just going to have fun! Amber smiled while raising her beer.

Bryce noticed Amber the entire time she was at the island. He was aware that Amber and Chad broke up. This was his moment to take advantage of the situation. Seeing Amber and Becky dancing, Bryce decided to swoop in.

Hey, Amber, Bryce said as he approached her. He gently placed a hand on the bare skin of Amber's lower back and noticed how soft it was.

Heeeyyyy, Bryce! Amber smiled.

May I dance with you two?

The merrier, the more! Amber laughed.

I think you mean the more, the merrier! Becky laughed at her friend.

Amber laughed. Oh! Right!

Bryce danced with them, slowly pushing Becky out of the way. He pulled Amber close. Even in her tipsy state, Amber could tell Bryce was a terrible dancer. She didn't care. She was having fun!

Yo! Bryce! Chad barged over, pulling them apart. What do you think you're doing?

Hey, man, Bryce began, holding his hands up.

Chad pushed his friend and football teammate for the last four years. Bryce thought on his feet quickly, opting to manipulate both Chad and Amber. He pulled Chad close, placing one hand on Chad's shoulder as he leaned in.

Look, Chad, Bryce began in a whisper, I saw you with Leah and just figured if I distracted Amber, you could go have your fun with Leah. Amber won't know a thing. I mean, we all know you two broke up, but she still doesn't need to know. Amber's already had three shots and a couple of beers. I'll get her home safe. It's all good, man.

Chad looked at Amber, then to Leah, and then back to Bryce. This was the best solution. He still cared about Amber and knew that eventually they would get back together, but right now, he just needed a little break. Chad held out his hand to Bryce for a handshake, then went back to Leah. Bryce went over to Amber, now dancing with Becky.

What did you say to him? Amber asked.

Just that you two had your time. He's here with Leah, so you just need to move on.

Seriously? Amber asked, puzzled.

Yeah. I like you, Amber, and you deserve someone kind. Chad's my boy and all, but he's a jerk. You don't deserve that. I told him to let someone else have a chance since he was here with Leah. I'd like to be that person for you. I'll make sure you get home safely. Bryce smiled.

So that was the reason for the handshake? Becky asked.

Yeah. Bryce nodded.

Amber smiled at how sweet Bryce was acting. She only knew him from parties and football games. Maybe he was worth getting to know. They danced a little more before word got around that a beer pong game was going on outside. Bryce convinced Amber to be his partner. Once outside, one of Bryce's other teammates, Linc, pulled him aside.

Dude! What are you doing with Amber? Aren't you afraid of what Chad will do? Linc asked.

He already saw us. It's all good. Bryce smirked. Just shoot the ball into all the full cups when it's her turn.

You got it! Linc smiled.

Bryce walked over to Amber and explained the game to her. Amber was so nervous. This was not something she would be good at doing, and she wasn't. The ball never seemed to go in a cup when she threw it. However, she always seemed to drink the cups with the most beer. Bryce hardly ever had to drink!

When their game was over, Bryce wanted to keep playing, but Amber wanted to stop. She'd already had too much to drink. Pretending to be a gentleman, Bryce offered to take Amber home.

* * * * *

Bryce turned off the engine of his pickup truck when they arrived at Amber's home. Amber turned in her seat, smiling at him. He leaned over to gently unbuckle her seat belt.

Thank you for the ride home.

You're welcome. I had fun tonight.

I did too!

I like you, Amber, Bryce said, leaning closer.

You do? But you don't know me very well.

I know all I need to know. Bryce shrugged.

Like what?

You're beautiful, he began and leaned over more. You're sexy, funny, cute.

Bryce closed in for a kiss, which Amber returned. He took hold of the back of Amber's neck and lowered her down. Amber opened her eyes while trying to push Bryce away.

What?

I'm a little drunk, Bryce.

He huffed. So?

Bryce resumed kissing Amber and moved his hands to different parts of Amber's body. Her eyes bulged wide as she pushed against Bryce. She pushed harder against him. He pulled her harder.

No, Bryce!

C'mon, Amber. We had fun tonight.

"Bryce, no!"

Bryce tried again to kiss Amber as she reached behind to find the door handle. Amber found it and tumbled backward out of the truck. Bryce peered down at her as he slammed the truck door closed. Amber scooted away from the curb as she watched Bryce speed away. Standing up, Amber pulled her bra back in place and fixed her hair.

As Amber's hand trembled, she quietly unlocked her front door. Her father, thankfully, was passed out in his recliner. Amber tiptoed upstairs to her room. She desperately wanted to shower but was terrified that the sound would wake up her drunken father. Instead, Amber changed into her pajamas, crying herself to sleep. She pretended to be sick all weekend, spending it in her bedroom.

* * * * *

On Monday, Becky picked up Amber for school per her usual and had some interesting news. At least Becky thought it was interesting.

So! Becky began.

Soooo—

I have to hear it through the grapevine? Becky asked with raised eyebrows.

Hear what?

Of your new guy!

Amber's stomach sank. What did Bryce say and to whom in such a short amount of time?

What are you talking about? I don't have a new guy!

Oh my gosh. I told them you wouldn't do a one night stand, but you did!

Amber was angry. Becky, I don't know what you're talking about or what you heard, but—

That you and Bryce hooked up when he took you home? Becky interrupted.

Amber turned to look out the window, closing her eyes. How could this happen? How could someone tell such lies and people automatically believe them?

That's not true, Becky, Amber whispered.

C'mon, Amber. Becky smiled. This is me you're talking to.

"It's not true!" Amber gritted her teeth.

Amber, you two hung out the entire time and left together.

So that means I had sex with him? Amber glared.

Becky shrugged. That's what he's saying.

And you believe him? Amber glared.

Why would he lie?

Why would I?

So Chad won't get mad.

We broke up, remember?

As Amber walked into school, she felt the eyes of so many people following her. When she passed Bryce, he smirked at her. Amber wanted to scream at him but couldn't. Amber went to her locker and took longer than usual. With her head buried in her locker, she missed Chad storming up to her.

Chad yelled as he grabbed Amber's arm, pinning her against the locker. "What the—"

Ow, Chad, that hurts! Amber whined.

Bryce smiled as he strolled over to them.

Bryce! Really, Bryce? Chad barked.

It's not true, Chad, Amber whimpered, looking at Bryce.

Bryce draped an arm around Amber's shoulder and placed a kiss on her cheek. What's up, baby?

Chad shoved Bryce off of Amber. Bryce laughed. Amber breathed heavily, trying not to cry. She never let anyone see her cry.

Not…true? Chad huffed.

What about Leah, Chad?

We're talking about you and Bryce!

So you sleep around but—

See! You did do it!

"No! I didn't!"

Chad glared at her, about to call her a name but stopped. You're such a little—

Amber watched as Chad stormed off. Becky came up from behind Amber, linking her arm in Amber's. They pensively smiled at each other and went to class.

Sitting on the bench in the boys locker room, Julius heard Bryce brag about his night with Amber. Julius and Amber were by no means friends. He wasn't friends with Bryce or Chad or any of those guys. Julius was in the marching band, on the swim team, and they teased him all the time for being a nerd.

There he sat and listened to Bryce talk about how he had sex with Amber in his truck. Never before had Bryce spoken of a girl. Ever! Now he did? Bryce was boasting too much. Something didn't fit in Julius's mind. It broke his heart to hear how Bryce and the other guys were talking about Amber. She was pretty and hung with the crowd that partied, but that didn't mean she deserved to be called the names they were using. Julius did the only thing he knew to do—pray.

Chapter 1

Amber walked with a mixture of excitement and fear as she made her way up the high school stadium steps in front of all the hundreds of parents and friends. After walking around the track, then finally down the middle of the grassy football field, Amber took her seat. She had been on this football field numerous times as the star cheerleader for her high school. Right now, this was something totally different. Graduation. These feelings she didn't expect.

All through high school, Amber did things out of responsibility because that was what her title and her position expected her to do. Right now, all she wanted was to leave this place to try and be different, feel different, if that was even possible. In her mind, as she applied for colleges, it seemed like a great idea, but as Amber sat in her seat during her high school graduation, she was afraid.

Julius was all smiles! He did it! He was graduating from high school with distinguished honors. As he made the lap around the track, memories filled his mind of football games and band competitions, playing the drums, swim meets, and laughing with his friends. He was going to miss his parents, his brother, and especially his little sister, but this was only the beginning of the amazing life God had in store for him.

As Julius took his seat, he made sure to pay attention to his classmate, Clint, who was the valedictorian. It was a great speech that was filled with encouragement and even some humorous moments. Julius felt really good about going away to school and was confident about his future.

Row by row, Principal Johnson asked the students to rise and come forward for their diplomas. It was time for Amber's row to come to the front. Nervously, she stood in line and listened as each of her classmates' names were called. Her mouth began to water and her hands began to sweat. As the name of the classmate in front of her was called, Amber wiped her hands on her gown.

Amber Gates, Fairhill University, Virginia, Principal Johnson said.

Amber's mom cheered and took a picture as Amber went forward, smiled, and shook the principal's hand while taking her diploma. Julius raised his eyebrows as he just discovered that Amber would be attending the same university he would be attending. This was truly an odd coincidence.

As it was Julius's turn to go up, he slowly came upon Amber's row. He tried not to look at Amber, who was sitting at the aisle's edge, not just because they weren't friends but also because her boyfriend, Chad, was just a couple rows behind her. Chad was not a nice person. Chad was the quarterback who got drunk every weekend, and if rumors were true, which Julius knew he couldn't believe all the time, he cheated on Amber a lot.

So Julius kept looking forward. As he stood in line to get his diploma, he looked in the stands to see his family. Not only were his parents there with his younger brother, CJ, and little sister, Hailey, but also his Uncle Liam, Aunt Dianne, and cousins Marcus and Paul. He and Marcus were the same age, best friends, and were both going to Fairhill University.

Julius Toresdale, Fairhill University, Virginia, Principal Johnson said.

Julius's family hooted and hollered as they all took pictures. Julius smiled wide as he lifted both hands in the air with pumped fists. Amber's eyes opened wide in astonishment as she realized she would not be alone at school. What was she going to do now? Julius knew all the rumors about her, who she was, and that was exactly what she was trying to get away from. She would just have to talk to him before the night was over!

As Julius walked back to his seat, he shared a quick glance with Amber, smiling at her. She wasn't smiling at him at first. Amber looked concerned and unhappy, but she did wind up giving him a quick, small smile.

When commencement was finished, the class was asked to stand. Julius stood with excitement, Amber with confusion. They were asked to turn their tassel to the other side of their caps. After which Julius quickly removed his as a keepsake. Amber didn't. She didn't care to keep one. Remembering high school was not something she was trying to do.

With excitement, Julius threw his cap in the air. Amber tossed hers with little emotion. As instructed, everyone picked up a cap close to them. Their class, row by row, made their way out of the football stadium the same way they entered.

The entire graduating class congregated in the gym, friends finding friends for selfies. Amber looked for Julius. She finally found him taking a picture with Clint and a couple other guys she recognized but didn't know their names. Just as she was about to approach Julius, Chad came up from behind her. Julius heard someone call Amber's name, turning to see Chad pick up Amber and swing her around.

Ammbber!

Hey! she said with a fake smile.

We're finally done! Chad grinned.

Yeah, finally.

And we have all summer to party!

Amber tilted her head away from Chad. Smells like you already started.

Whatever, Chad said, pushing her away. It's graduation!

Julius didn't miss the way Chad turned cold and pushed Amber away. He rolled his eyes and walked away to find some more friends for pictures.

I know. I'm just saying we're on school—

What are they going to do? Expel me?

Good point! Amber nodded, pretending to laugh.

Chad saw one of his football buddies and left her standing alone. Amber took a deep breath with closed eyes. She turned back around to find Julius gone. For how popular Amber was, she noticed how alone she was in a room full of people! Amber again tried her search for Julius, but instead, Becky, her best friend, found her.

"Amber!"

Oh, Becky!

Becky hugged Amber tightly. "We did it! We're so done!"

I know! Amber said with her fake smile.

I see only your mom came—

Yeah, well, that's okay.

Was your dad working again?

I guess. I haven't talked to my mom.

Amber lied. She knew exactly why her dad wasn't there and felt better keeping up the charade that was her life.

So! Slade's party? Becky gushed.

Of course! Amber smiled.

Swimming?

Not tonight.

What? Why?

Amber smoothed her new dress. I want to keep my dress on.

Ha! Like that will happen! Becky laughed.

That's not what I meant, Bec. Amber frowned. I just meant—

Becky put an arm around Amber. I know what you meant, I'm just teasing.

Internally, Amber felt crushed. Amber knew Becky's meanings. She knew what everyone thought of her and hated it. This was why she wanted to run away, to escape.

* * * * *

Julius continued to mingle with his classmates. He found Slade, his lab partner and newest friend. Slade put an arm around Julius's shoulder, and Julius did the same as they talked.

Toresdale, dude!

Hey, Slade!

My lab partner!

We had a great year.

Are you gonna come to my party finally?

I think you know the answer to that.

Bummer. Total bummer. I respect it, though.

We should hang out another time.

Cool, man, I'd like that.

When do you leave for Cali?

Not soon enough! The waves are calling, bro, Slade smiled.

Principal Johnson announced that the students needed to leave the gym and to return their caps and gowns if they had not already done so. Slowly, the students filed out of the gym toward the auditorium. When it was her turn, speaking to the woman collecting the cap and gowns, Amber discovered that Julius hadn't returned his yet. Stepping aside, she waited for him.

Chad wanted to hurry up to get to Slade's house. Amber told Chad to wait for her as there was someone she wanted to say goodbye to that she had missed. Annoyed but compliant, Chad left to wait for her outside the auditorium doors.

Julius finally made his way into the auditorium to return his cap and gown. As he was giving his name, out of the corner of his eye, Julius noticed someone approaching him. When he turned to look, it was Amber smiling at him. Julius happened to notice that she looked really pretty tonight. He couldn't help looking her up and down, something Amber noticed but she noticed every time a guy did it. However, when Julius did it, there was no ulterior motive.

Amber's blond hair was twisted halfway in the back with the other half hanging over her shoulders and little strands hanging down at her temples. She wore eyeliner and eyeshadow, just like what models do to set off her chocolate-brown eyes. Julius thought the eyeshadow was heavy, but she still looked pretty. Her dress was knee-length with spaghetti straps.

Julius wore dress khaki pants with a white, button-down dress shirt and a grass-green tie. Amber noticed he had a slight beard. It wasn't really a beard; it was more like a scruffy five o'clock shadow-type beard. He also wore glasses. Julius was certainly taller than her.

Hi, Amber said softly.

Hey, Amber. Julius smiled.

Amber took a couple steps backward, forcing him to follow. Soooo—

So—

It seems as though we're going to the same school.

Yeah, that's pretty cool.

Just as Amber wanted to get to the real point of her conversation, Chad came back into the auditorium, hollering her name.

"Amber!" Chad yelled.

Amber and Julius both looked over at Chad. She rolled her eyes. Julius raised his eyebrows at Chad as he made his way down the center aisle, then up the stage over to them. He put his arm around Amber as he tried to insult Julius.

Band geek! Why are you talking to my girl?

Why do you always think that insulting me does anything? Julius asked.

'Cause you're a nerd. Chad laughed.

And you're pathetic, Julius countered.

As Julius turned to walk away, Chad tried to grab Julius by the shirt. It didn't work, however. Chad reached as Julius swatted his hand away. Amber stood there, biting her lip, trying not to laugh, watching Julius walk away. Chad began to leave. Reluctantly, Amber followed.

* * * * *

Amber and Chad went to Slade's party—again. And just as every other time in recent weeks, shortly after arriving, Chad went his own way. Amber was getting used to this happening but still didn't like it.

Months and months ago, when Chad did this, Amber didn't care because she had her own fun with Becky. Chad didn't want Amber having fun, so they broke up. Then all the rumors started. They got back together, and now he was back to his old games.

Amber looked for Becky, finding her leaning against the railing of the steps, talking with a group of girls.

Hey, Bec!

Amber! Becky slurred.

Have you seen Chad?

Becky giggled as she motioned with her eyes up the stairs. No!

Figures! Amber huffed.

As Amber walked away, she heard Becky tell the other girls she was with that Amber was so wasted that she wouldn't remember any of this in the morning. Funny thing was, as soon as Amber got to the party, she went into the bathroom and poured out half her beer. She had been carrying the same beer the last two hours and hadn't drunk any of it.

Annoyed, Amber walked down the hallway, through the kitchen, then out the sliding doors to the deck. She made her way down the deck steps, passed the drunken people in the pool, and stopped halfway in the grassy backyard. Amber happened to look up, noticing a treehouse in a large tree. A smile came to her face as she went to the back of the tree and climbed up the ladder to the tree house.

The inside surprised Amber. There was a furry rug, beanbag chair, sleeping bag, pillow, a makeshift desk that was made from a wooden crate, and a battery-powered lantern. Amber didn't turn on the lantern because she didn't want anyone to know she was there.

There were also plastic bins. Amber gently opened the bins to find yarn and friendship bracelets in one of the bins, beads in another, colorful rubber bands, and a long plastic item in a different bin, colored pencils and a coloring book in another, and junk food in the last one. Amber was thrilled!

She promised herself to eat only a bag of chips and one small bag of cookies. Additionally, she took the instructions and sat, making a friendship bracelet. With her flashlight on her cell phone, Amber made a bracelet while having some snacks. After an hour, she put the bracelet on before lying down, falling asleep.

Chapter 2

Amber sat quietly in the car with her mom on the way to Virginia. It was easy to stare out the window as each farm gave way to the next on the congested highway filled with tractor trailers. She thought of the past she was gladly leaving behind as each exit passed and each state line was crossed. Both women thought of the things her father said as she gathered her suitcases and boxes.

You don't really need to take her all the way down to that school, he slurred.

But how else will she get there? Amber's mother asked softly.

A bus? A train?

There's just too much stuff.

It's not like she's going to make anything of herself!

I'm going to be something, just you wait and see! Amber spoke up.

Are you sassing me?

No, I'm just—

Good, I hope not! You know what happens when— her father threatened.

I'll come right back. I'll drop her off and turn right back around, Amber's mother stated.

Her father looked at both women in disgust before waving a hand and turning around. Quickly, they finished loading her things in the old Honda Civic and got on the road.

Mother and daughter spent most of their trip in silence. They only stopped to use the restroom, get gas, and buy takeout. Amber knew her mother had to make this trip fast.

When they arrived at the sorority house that Amber was joining, her mother was true to her word. She parked in front of the beautiful, large, white plantation-style house to unpack the car. She gave Amber a quick hug before getting back in the car and drove off. Amber stood there with her belongings while she watched her mother leave.

Part of Amber understood why her mother always behaved the way she did. The other part of her wished that once, just once, she would stand up for her, defend her, love her. But that never happened. They were both too scared of her father and his temper, especially when he was drunk, which was basically all the time.

As Amber turned to look at her Alpha Chi Omega sorority house, a few of her new sisters walked out. She took a deep breath while putting on a fake smile. There hadn't been much communication about her father, so there was no way for them to understand why her mother would just ditch her like this.

Amber! It's so wonderful to see you again! Terri greeted her with a hug.

Terri was the sorority president and had kept in contact with Amber. They seemed to hit it off and made an arrangement for Amber to move right in, even though that was not how things were typically done.

It's really great to be here! Amber smiled and meant it.

You remember Kathy and Loni? Terri asked.

Yes, of course, Amber said, hugging both girls.

How did you get here with all this stuff? Loni asked.

My mom dropped me off, Amber said.

Just your mom? Kathy asked.

Yeah, my dad couldn't make it, so my mom had to turn right around and go back home.

Aren't you from Pennsylvania? Terri asked.

Yes. Amber nodded.

That had to be a long drive, Loni said.

A little over six hours, Amber shared.

Terri touched her chest in sympathy. Your poor mom.

Well, Kathy began, let's go get some of the other sisters to help you bring these things in and get you unpacked!

* * * * *

Julius loved his car. It was sporty and had tinted windows and black rims. He was thankful he was able to bring it to school. Since he received a full scholarship, his parents bought Julius this car. It gave him and CJ some extra time together as they followed his parents' minivan down to school. Almost all of his things were in the minivan with his parents and Hailey.

When they arrived outside his dorm building, the boys unloaded both cars. In several trips, they took everything up to Julius's room on the seventh floor. He was so glad to get one of the rooms with a private bathroom. His mother, Debra, stayed in Julius's room with Hailey and CJ to begin unpacking his boxes.

Once the vehicles were unpacked, Julius and his father, Scott, moved their cars to the parking lot and walked back to the dorm. There was a silence that came over them. Julius wasn't sure what to say to his father, his role model. There was so much he had learned from his father: how to be a man of God, how to be honorable, how to be kind and generous. Right now, as they were walking, Julius wasn't sure how to