A TRIBUTE TO A SPECIAL MAN IN MY LIFEI have found this year to be very challenging for our company and so many other companies. I predict that this uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic will have an uncertain effect on us all, especially small businesses and those who are self-employed.

I personally thank God for bringing people into my life from my boyhood days until this present time. Especially my stepfather -- my mentor, my hero, and one of God's good white guys, the late Mr. Albert Lawmore. When God made this guy he took the mold back to heaven. Mr. Lawmore is in heaven, perhaps showing someone, black or white, how to do something correctly, how to treat people, how to be a father and a professional businessman. He taught me to let your words be your bond, with a hand shake and not a signed contract. He was a very good professional man. He trained me in all of the basics that I needed, in combination with my education, to be successful in this industry. By the way, he was also my late mother's childhood "boyfriend" and the father of my baby brother, William.

I recall living in East Conyers, Georgia in the early 60's during the time of Martin Luther King, Jr. marching and protesting. We were living very well and were protected by our hero (my stepfather) and my mother. I cannot remember that we wanted for anything. I support the present protesting 100 percent. Unfortunately, it's needed because there's more racism in the world now than ever before.

During this difficult time, we must trust God and read his word, especially 2 Chronicles 7:14:

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land".

Thank you,
Cornelia Spence
President of Operations, C&S Construction & Consulting, Inc.