It was indeed a pleasure to be featured as a "Friend of the Week" on your Blog.  As we approach another milestone in our Nation's History (Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (Aug. 29)), there exists even more reasons for us to join together to build more Social ties.  In keeping with the Founding Fathers dream to have One Nation of the God, we must do more to extend a helping hand where necessary.  As a survivor of this epic storm, I discovered many differnet facets and layers of Human Suffering.  What they all share in common is an inherent spirit of Restoration, and subtle grayness.  If we strive to live in a colorless world, the impact of great loss and upheavels are better tolerated and appreciated. 

Please do your part in helping those less fortunate. 

Brad Bechler

Author, "When Will The Sky Fall?"

www.bradbechler.com

I have been following Mr. Bechler quite frequently on Twitter and have managed to attend one of his Book Signings in Preoria.  I was astounded by not only his story, but this young man's vision and passion for simple folk like my self.  I don't want to date myself, but his style of writing resembles the writings of my hero's such as Melvin Tolson, Chester Himes, James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison.  The young kids writing now just don't seem to have the deep below the surface thinking as this young writer does.  I guess he is before his time.  I appreciate how he tells a story and ties it into everyday life.  Having lived in Harlem and the South Side of Chicago, I've seen how our blackness has become even blacker, more closer to darkness.  His book gives us the missing light we need today.  Just the thoughts of one reader.  These days, reading is much of my day.  As a former Educator, I know the power of the written word. 

Lindsay T.

Just dropping a note to say that I have learned more about myself from Mr. Bechler from his fire and passion than I have learned from my spouse and pastor of 22 years.  Not putting them down, but sometimes you must look on the outside of the chaos in your life to find joy.  His book gave me joy, and I thank him.  He is my Friend of the Week and Friend in Christ. 

Barb.

I listened to Brad on last night during his appearance on a Radio show, and I must tell you that I became a new fan of this man, this gifted man of God.  I must admit, when I read he loves Sushi, I fell in love.  Not a groupie, but glad to meet a real man who takes chances.  lol.

Rochelle

Richmond, VA.

Sushi?  Brad?  I never knew that.  Don't dig the stuff.  Still a neck bone kind of guy.  But, much love to his writing and super things he's doing in a super way. 

Big ups to you.  Yezir.

Big Rube.

Just got this tweet in my list of previous tweets on TweetDeck.  Now, I know a little more about the Author.  I am so inspired by his words of "Never Giving Up".  Yea, I know, you've heard it all before, but for some reason, it is sticking when it comes from him.  Just ordered my second copy of the book from Amazon for my daughter and her friend.  I'm sure they will love it.  I'm proud to say I met this decent human being.  Keep on keeping on brother man. 

Ms. Cassie Benjamin

Baltimore, Maryland

We are sending invites to Mr. Bechler wherever possible to be at an event in New Orleans on Aug. 27 for a screening event of a documentary filim on Levees.  He can register for the event at the following site:

http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/1625/t/4583/event/index.jsp?event_KEY=13487

Very informal event with cocktails, bites, and networking.  Mr. Bechler, if you see this, please consider attending.  We understand you will be at Rising Tide.  See ya there, if you can make it. 

Danica Frazier