From: Lincoln Stephens [mailto:lincoln.stephens@carolhwilliams.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 2:33 PM
Subject: One Year Ago ….

… I moved away from Dallas in the GREAT STATE of Texas to the city of Chicago.  Time has gone by incredibly fast, but I guess it does so when you are “having fun!”   This has been an incredible growth experience.

God has blessed me tremendously in this past year.  I was able to learn so much about myself.  There is something to be said about having some alone time, living in a spot by yourself.  I have never lived alone before I moved here and I took full opportunity in that time to listen to God, pray and reflect on my life and make plans for the future.  

As I looked back on the year, I realized how much God allowed me to accomplish (or at least start).  A couple of things that I am most excited about is writing my first book, entitled “One Night My Bookshelf Spoke to Me” and starting my own non-profit, entitled Letters To Brian, mentoring African American men between the ages of 17-24 and started my own LLC – The L Group (Thanks Gov!!!).  

I have truly found happiness here in Chicago.  I found myself.  And I grew much closer to God.  I wanted to take some time out and thank a few of you semi-publicly because you have truly helped make this transition much easier and have added so much to my life (or in some cases, given me life).   

Mom & Dad - Thanks for being a constant support.  I feel your prayers effecting me everyday.  I also realize and see the efforts of my upbringing in my professional, personal and spiritual life.  Thanks for laying down the foundation.  Now it is up to me to build upon it!  And dad, you were right, Chicago is the center of my growth, and boy I have grown.  Oh and your check is in the mail.  LOL!  

Derrick - Thanks for being the example of not being afraid to leave home, travel abroad and expand the network.  Though I was in high school when you left home for NY, Toronto and Amsterdam, I was watching you the whole time and I took notes.  I am learning so much just by watching you – that is why I am single.  Ha ha ha! Thanks big bro!!!  

Savannah & Chandler – Thanks for checking up on me and encouraging me.  Derrick and I move forward in what we do to be an example for you, but you both have also been examples to us at times.  Who says you cannot learn from those younger than you.  You two are the best sisters anyone could ask for!
 
Larry- When you said, I am up and leaving Dallas to London, I said to myself, “I guess I need to get my act together and pursue my dreams as well!”  I am not sure if I would have truly thought about moving as seriously, as soon as I did if I did not follow by your example.  Memorial Day 2007 – Dallas TX – start of the Global Tour welcoming you back!!!  

Leah – Who knew that I would meet (again) such an amazingly talented woman a month before I was leaving.  Thank you for encouraging me to leave and telling me that it would work out here!  It has definitely worked out here!  Only thing that would be better is if you were here to share it!     
 
Marvis – My twin brother from another mother!   Since day one in college you have definitely been there man and I appreciate it more than you know.  Thanks for always asking me about the book, I am working on it!  You will definitely be getting a shout out!  Keith and I will be out there soon to visit MN.
 
Governor & DeMarco – My “other” older brothers – Gov- I was telling Morgan the other day that I truly value having some older accomplished brothers to look up to.  Between my real brother Derrick, my dad and you two gents, I have some of the best examples to follow.  Let’s keep each other encouraged.  This is just the beginning.

Kobie, Jeff, Rob and Sacramento - Thanks for opening up your home to me when I first got here. Though we were not roommates for very long, I appreciate you introducing me to CHICAGO.

To my crew in Dallas (Wylie, Torrey, Chris, Jamar, Erica, Dee and Macus)– I miss y’all man.  I can’t wait for you to come visit me out here in the Chi!  The streets will never be the same.  

Kimmy, Kyla and Lashell – Thanks for being the only friends so far from Dallas to visit me.  When you see the guys above in the streets, let them know who kept it ganster in the Chi!

To my boys here in Chicago (Roger, Jeff Tate, AJ, Akil) - Thanks for picking up where my boys in Dallas left off.  I enjoy hanging out with you folks not just because we all can hold our liquor – LOL – but because I think that y’all are some of the best people I can surround myself with – honest – trustworthy – and genuine.  What’s up on Brazil!

Jen, Kali, Tanisha, Sharisse and Chrissy- Well, I guess we had to pick up where college left off.  Though we have taken it a little further.  Not everyone remains as genuine of friends as you ladies have since 1999/2000.  

My co-workers – Will, Arlene, Dawnyell and Chrissy (again..why do you get two shout outs) – Though I said co-workers you folks are truly my friends and family.  We fight like family and get back together like friends.  Y’all are the best!  Without you guys everyday, work would just be work.  With you guys, it is an experience.

David – Thanks for inspiring me to move forward and write my book.  Let’s continue to encourage another!

Collies – Thanks for leading me to my church home – that was the last crucial piece of me making Chicago home.   God will bless you abundantly for bringing yet another to Christ.   

Lastly, to Frances & Velisa - Thanks for giving me soul!  When I came to Chicago I had a clear vision of what I wanted to find.  Though I have not found the same type of soul in music that you give the folks in Dallas, I can still get my head right everyday, with THE NEO SOUL Café.  I can’t wait to see you this weekend!

Okay, well I think that is enough!  I love you all and wish nothing but good things, blessings and miracles to come to all of your lives.    

The story is not over. The past is.  The best has yet to come!!!  


Lincoln


Lincoln C. Stephens
Account Executive – General Motors


875 N. Michigan Ave :: Suite 2750 :: Chicago, IL 60611  
Direct :: 312.836.7935 :: Cell 972.897.9985
Email :: lincoln.stephens@carolhwilliams.com