Deal By Me
A Golden Opportunity Blown
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
I must have been exhausted. When I became aware of things again, it was the sound of the opening of the bar to my cell.
Moments later I was having breakfast that was pushed to me through a little six by twelve inch square in the bar that looked as if it was designed specifically for that purpose. The only eating utensil was a spoon. I had never eaten in this fashion in all my life. "Would this be what eating in prison is like," I wondered.
I had just finished eating when one of the attorneys whom I had seen at the restaurant the day before came in to see me.
"Smith, what happened?" he asked. He looked very astonished. "You looked and acted all right yesterday. Is there anything I can do for you?" I could tell that he wanted to assure me of his friendship.
"No, I'll be all right," I insisted. I didn't know how to carry on a conversation with him.
When he left, I could hear him as he talked to the jailers outside. "I believe he's had a mental breakdown."
About ten minutes passed. Two more lawyers, Floyd McKissick, Sr. and Grover Burthey, came to see me. They asked the same questions. I kept my head down. I was so humiliated and embarrassed that I couldn't look at them. They obviously could tell that I was not interested in talking so they began talking to each other as if I was not aware of their presence.
"I wonder if it really happened like the newspaper says it happened," Grover stated in bewilderment.
"Well, I don't know, but you can look at him now and tell that he is gone - he's flipped out," Floyd exclaimed as if he was very sure of himself. I said absolutely nothing. They left after concluding that I had nothing to say.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
This book shares the life of a gambler who happens to be a lawyer. After ten years of practicing law, he commits a serious crime and is sentenced to prison. While confined, he comes to the realization that he was a compulsive gambler. He shares what the day of sentencing was like as well as prison life. He shares his background of growing up in a small rural area in Eastern North Carolina and the intimate details about his life as a law-abiding citizen and as a convicted felon. He describes how the addiction took control of his life and led to destructive behavior.
It is about unwise choices, flawed judgment, terrible foresight and bad habits of a thirty-six year old lawyer. This book ends by sharing how Christ can transform a life of misplaced values and hopelessness into a caring and useful servant. In this book, you will find every imaginable emotion that one can possess. The conclusion to this life story is a real victory and to God be the glory. .
The book is not intended to be a detailed autobiography but rather a life of gambling; especially, the card game of poker.
About the Author
Dr. James W. Smith is a graduate of North Carolina Central University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce Degree and a Juris Doctorate from the NCCU Law School, Durham, North Carolina. He received his seminary training from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina; Shaw Divinity School, Raleigh, North Carolina and earned a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary, Camilla, Georgia.
Dr. Smith is a former teacher, practicing attorney and administrator. He served as Moderator of Moderators of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc., Vice-President of the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers and President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Durham and Vicinity.
Dr. Smith is a columnist for the Baptist Informer of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc. and the Durham Spectacular. He is a Church Consultant and North Carolina State Bar Approved Sponsor of Continuing Legal Education. Dr. Smith is the pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Bahama, NC. He is married to Barbara Wess Smith and they have two children, Kendra and Joshua