It is with great pleasure and excitement that I write this forewod on behalf of my dear friend Rev. Dr. Mary D. Bruce. I have known Rev. Dr. Bruce for over 25 years, and what I can say is that she is a woman of determination and completion. Mary and I have shared many life experiences together. We have shared politics, college, graduations, marriage and children. However, what we have also shared in each of these areas is our faith. Mary and I are prayer partners, and we have increased our faith and understanding of Christ through prayer, reading the Word, and by being each other’s biggest supporters. Even our children have become each other’s biggest supporters.
Mary and I started the book journey together over several years ago. We met every Thursday to pray, read segments of what we were preparing for our books, and allowed God to expand our minds.
What resonates most with me is her determination to bring this book to completion. Through Mary’s life experiences, she has learned the importance of Follow-Through and the commitment it takes to do so. Mary has also embraced that it may take others to assist you with Follow-Through. I have watched Mary stretch herself in this area and learn invaluable lessons.
The scripture states, in Isaiah 61:3 …to bestow on them a crown of beauty, instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor New International Version (NIV).” Rev. Dr. Mary D. Bruce has been planted in the area of Follow-Through, and she has strengthened her branches and now she wants to help others to do the same through the release of her book.
Heaven comes to Earth when we Follow-Through with the plans God has in store for us. Mary is completing what God has called her to do on Earth, and I truly believe her readers will be equally Blessed.
Foreword by Rev. Regina C. Hall, LPC, MA
“What an important piece Rev. Dr. Mary Bruce has chosen to share with those of us who have a desire to accomplish living our lives at the level of excellence. This important work will help us on this journey.”
Bishop John R. Bryant, African Methodist Episcopal Church
“I have had the unique pleasure of working with Rev. Dr. Bruce for many years. During this time, I have witnessed her working with various groups, organizations, and individuals within my church, helping them come to the self-realization concerning the importance of Follow-Through. This book offers a how- to method—including a Spiritual Model—that if followed, enables its readers to have life-changing experiences. It is a must read for those wanting to move from being a talker to a doer.”
Rev. Dr. Norris E. Jackson Jr., Pastor, St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Glencoe, Illinois
“Each of has a journey before us, if it is to climb the dunes of Namibia or to embrace the internal challenge of becoming what and who God has created us to be. This read is certainly one that the sojourner can place in their knapsack as a means of encouragement and guidance. We all need a voice of support that will encourage us to keep moving toward our goals. I offer these two simple rules for those who dare to take on the journey of life with no excuses: Rule 1) Take one more step, and Rule 2) When you feel like you cannot make another step, refer to Rule 1. That’s the Follow-Through.”
Rev. Desmon R. Daniel, PhD, COO of Leadership That Delivers
My name is Anta Njie, and I am a rising sophomore at the illustrious Spelman College. I am a double political science and economics major from Chicago, Illinois, and I will be graduating in May 2019. I was given the opportunity to read Rev. Dr. Mary D. Bruce’s book entitled, The Art, Skill and Spirit of Follow-Through, during a time that I felt I needed to hear it the most. I felt privileged in being able to do so and honored that she valued my opinion in that way. I thoroughly enjoyed her words and am convinced that God brought her book to me for a reason. There are many things that I need to “Follow-Through” on, and her words have reaffirmed my purpose in doing so, as I’m sure they will do the same for you.
Anta Njie, Sophomore, Spelman College, Class of 2019