Using his own life as an example, Willie Houseal has written of the adversities that confront each of us and, through the development of self-esteem, he has created a message of hope for everyone. Mr. Houseal uses the culture of the rural south and the Civil Rights Movement in the early part of this century as the backdrop for his narrative. He traces the gradual improvement in the black white relations and the elimination of segregation, along with his own rise to Municipal Judge, City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem, which attest to the many changes that have taken place in this country over recent decades. Throughout the book, the author presents us with pieces of simple but powerful wisdom, and meditations upon the nature of the individual. Mr. Houseal demonstrates, through his own life, how self-esteem turns obstacles into opportunities-and how a whole new set of experiences awaits us. A Word About the Author Willie Houseal was born and raised in the small southern town of Valdosta, Georgia. At an early age, Mr. Houseal joined the armed forces and served for ten years, including duty in Vietnam as a member of the 19th Tass Reconnaissance Team. Upon his discharge, Mr. Houseal chose education as his field of interest and attended several institutions, including Pepperdine University and Valdosta State University. He is presently a doctoral candidate at NOVA University. In addition to writing, Mr. Houseal enjoys sports, music, reading and nature, and is a dedicated Cider of the River Street Church of Christ in Valdosta, Georgia. He has three children: Willie Jr., Yorshia and Terry