Eddie Hopkins had many proverbs that he enjoyed sharing. The following proverb was the most important one he ever kept. When I was a teenager, he instructed me to "never, ever make a promise to someone that you can't or will not keep."

Dad only made two promises to me during his entire life, and I thank you, Lord, he kept both. The first promise he made stopped him from committing suicide. The second promise he made not only stopped him from trying to take his life again but also opened the door that led him to Jesus Christ where he found deliverance, saving grace, and eternal life.