A Message to Joseph Drayton

Many years ago, when the dinosaurs roamed freely, I was in Junior High School at Crispus Attucks in Houston, Texas. My principal was Mr. Joseph A. Drayton. He was stern, dignified yet with a warm sense of humor. I was bullied a lot because I was being raised a Jehovah’s Witness. So, I was always in the Principal’s office because, well, I am a native Texan so that means I was always fighting and being suspended. I think Mr. Drayton thought I would end up dead or in prison.

I ended up not going to High School in South Houston. My teachers had me to complete a transfer to Bellaire High School. I was ignored there by the students, which I loved. I had peace for once at school. It was short lived as others followed me…long story short…when I graduated from High School and went on to Prairie View and Houston Baptist University Mr. Drayton was on that stage and I think he was surprised to see that I had survived. He stood and shook my hand and looked very astonished. There was no family there for me as my whole family was Jehovah’s Witnesses. There were no friends there because as a Jehovah’s Witness, I was not allowed to be friends with worldly people.

Today as I work from home for a great company with a client whose motto is “Do no evil.” I thought of Mr. Drayton today and what he would think. The Drayton family are strangers to me. I just want them to know that the Drayton family name is very special to me. It’s the name of one witness to my survival out of a cult…out of misery…out of an imminent Armageddon…out of a fate worse than death.

As I am thankful for my journey on this Good Friday my mind turned to the two people who knew me when I was a child and did not despise me on sight (it seemed). Joseph Drayton is one of those names. On this Good Friday I thought of my past and I hope you don’t mind my posting this message. I am wishing you and yours the very best this day.

May Elohim, Emmanuel, Yeshua, YahWeh, Jehovah Jireh, Holy Spirit and Messiah continue to remember us and as we humble ourselves and seek His face. It’s about love afterall, Love for our Creator and Love for one another. One of the greatest humans I knew and respected is Mr. Drayton.

Respectfully

To Principal Drayton, Houston Independent School District, “I remember your kindness and I thank you forevermore. I pray for your soul and for everyone you loved and everyone who knew and loved you. Fare Thee Well Forevermore.”