That Was Then - This Is Now

THAT WAS THEN - THIS IS NOW - No matter what your past has been, your story is not over. Your past is a part of your story, but it is not the whole. Your story is still emerging and unfolding, even now. In the same way that you cannot read the next chapter of a book without some reference to the previous chapter: your past will always be with you. The purpose of this book is to encourage you to acknowledge and then transform your past. Your past can be a source of power, rather than just pain; a platform for healing, rather than just continued hurt.

THAT WAS THEN - THIS IS NOW - No matter what your past has been, your story is not over. Your story may have chapters filled with heartaches and happiness, rain and sunshine, villains and heroes, thrilling triumphs and agonizing defeats, but it is not over. Your past is a part of your story, but it is not the whole. Your story is still emerging and unfolding, even now. In the same way that you cannot read the next chapter of a book without some reference to the previous chapter: your past will always be with you. No matter how discomforting that thought may be, it bears the melodic ring of truth. Your past has shaped you, but also been shaped by you. It is yours with all of its grief and glory. You can attempt to ignore your past, but it remains present. You can try to discard your past, but it continues to post itself on your daily agenda. You can try to mute the voice of the past, but even strained, it continues to shout. Your past is always with you because it is part of your story. Sometimes the past is a vibrant source of power while at other times; it is a source of throbbing pain. Sometimes the past is a dynamic catalyst while at other times; it is an inhospitable harness. The past is not dead or inactive; it is contemporary and close, as close as one chapter in a story is to the next. The purpose of this book is to encourage you to acknowledge and then transform your past. Your past can be a source of power, rather than just pain; a platform for healing, rather than just continued hurt. You can turn the page. I am convinced that whatever you have experienced in the chapters of your past, there is something miraculous, amazing and incredible awaiting you in the chapters of your future. That Was Then - This is Now!

Dr. Lance D. Watson is a three time Summa Cum Laude graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan from which he holds the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and the Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling. He is a Magna Cum Laude Graduate of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University from which he holds a Master of Divinity and a Summa Cum Laude Graduate of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He completed his doctoral studies at United Theological Seminary earning the doctorate of ministry degree. His achievements and recognitions are noteworthy. He has been honored as an Outstanding Contributor to Education, an Outstanding Communicator and Minister of the Year, as well as an African American Role Model by several organizations. He is listed in Who's Who in Religion and a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He serves as Senior Pastor of the Saint Paul's Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia and chief visionary for its corporate affiliates, Destiny Child Development Center, Destiny Christian Academy, Destiny Center for the Performing Arts, Charisma Books and Gifts, Saint Paul's Community Foundation, NIA, Inc. of Greater Richmond and Positive Power Media Group. He is host of the telecast "Positive Power." Saint Paul's has been noted by the Virginia General Baptist Association as one of the fastest growing churches in Virginia and as one of the fastest growing churches in the nation by Outreach Magazine. This young, progressive and forward-looking congregation for "People On the Grow" serves as the spiritual home for more than 10,000 persons and supports mission and ministry causes around the globe. Saint Paul's has acquired almost 400 acres of land with plans to construct "The City of Possibility," a master planned community that will feature multiple residential neighborhoods, commercial, retail and office spaces, a park, an elementary school and a community life facility. Saint Paul's has already completed Phase 1 of this development with the construction of six buildings totaling 125,000+ square feet to house its expanded ministry, mission and media operations. Saint Paul's is a multi-site ministry with three locations and plans underway to open an additional location in the near future. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he is married to Rosemary Wilder, a noted and world traveled singer and together they parent three children. A gifted communicator, life coach, teacher and author; he is featured in "Courageous Church Leadership: Conversations with Effective Practitioners" and "African American Sermons." His own works have been featured in the African American Pulpit, the Baptist Herald and several other publications. He is author of Being Healthy From Now On, Maximize Your Edge: Navigating Life's Challenges, Meet Me in the Morning and That Was Then, This is NOW available through all major bookstores. Follow Pastor Watson on Twitter @lancewatson or Like Him on Facebook.