The two songs
“Presence over Power” was the theme song of the talk “AI Has Answers, Leaders Have Judgment,” given with Trina Choi at the NAAAP-DFW LEADS Summit on September 26, 2026; it is printed in the book’s Acknowledgments. “Before I Sign My Name” is the song at the end of the book; it speaks to God directly, addressing Him as “You.” Both are the author’s words, not Scripture.
1. Presence over Power
The theme song of the NAAAP-DFW talk; in the book’s Acknowledgments
VerseI used to think a leader had to judge and always know, To dictate every answer and command the way to go. But I learned that serving others means the choice to sit and stay, To bring a pleasant voice of hope and clear the doubts away.ChorusBe a channel, not a fountain, let the vision pass through, Slow to speak and quick to listen, that's the work to do. We are walking through the challenges, steady, warm, and true, Not to rule the heavy heart, but just to lead with you.BridgePleasant presence, simple grace, a hope that doesn't judge, A steady hand beside you that never has to budge. Quick to listen, slow to speak, where shared goals meet.
2. Before I Sign My Name
The song at the end of the book
Verse 1The screen has filled the chart for me, The words are neat, the numbers clean; But You have placed this life with me, Not with the voice of a machine.ChorusLord, let me read before I sign, And weigh what no machine can see; The answer may be quick to come, The judgment You have left to me. It is my name upon the page, My word to the one I serve; Give me the patience and the grace To give the care that they deserve.Verse 2It counts the thousands gone before, It names the days a man should stay; But he is not the average, Lord, He is the one in front of me today.ChorusLord, let me read before I sign, And weigh what no machine can see; The answer may be quick to come, The judgment You have left to me. It is my name upon the page, My word to the one I serve; Give me the patience and the grace To give the care that they deserve.Verse 3Let me ask before I keep their voice, Let me never write that they agreed; Let me open every source and check, And trust no line I did not read.ChorusLord, let me read before I sign, And weigh what no machine can see; The answer may be quick to come, The judgment You have left to me. It is my name upon the page, My word to the one I serve; Give me the patience and the grace To give the care that they deserve.OutroThe machine has answers, Lord; The judgment You have given me.