"It is our opportunity and responsibility to send the elevator back down," said actor Kevin Spacey the other day. At the top of his profession, Spacey is now turning to producing and directing movies and seems intent on helping unknown actors to have the same opportunities he received.

Who among us has not benefited from an older, wiser, stronger person who saw something promising in us and lent a hand. When I was in my late 20's and struggling to lead a little church in the Mississippi Delta, a neighboring pastor recommended me to the largest church in the state for an opening on their staff. Before we moved, he came over to our home and brought with him seven of the nicest suits you've ever seen. He had bought some new ones, he said, and wondered if I could use these.

In the new church, someone remarked that I was the best-dressed minister on staff.

Three years later, I left to pastor one of the finest churches in that state. While there, that same friend gave my name to a committee looking ...