Lead Without
Compromise
One man’s journey through faith, politics, and business proves that integrity and success can go hand in hand.
One man’s journey through faith, politics, and business proves
that integrity and success can go hand in hand.
The wait is over! Order your copy today.
Hey, I'm Carl!
From the State Capitol to the pulpit, from the boardroom to the community–discover how to lead with both purpose and power.
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Available in paperback & ebook (Audiobook coming soon)
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Lead Without
Compromise
One man’s journey through faith, politics, and business proves that integrity and success can go hand in hand.
One man’s journey through faith, politics, and business proves
that integrity and success can go hand in hand.
Launching September 10, 2025!
Available in hardcover & ebook
(Audiobook coming soon)
Join Carl’s email list for
leadership insights
Hey, I'm Carl!
From the State Capitol to the pulpit, from the boardroom to the community–discover how to lead with both purpose and power.
Download a FREE chapter!
No spam. Your information is 100% secure.
Now Available Paperback and eBook!
The journey starts here—secure your Paperback or Kindle eBook copy of CROSS Over Capitol today.
He Refused to Choose Between His Faith and His Ambition
Picture this: A mayor delivering five sermons on Sunday to two different churches, one predominately black and the other all white and on the same day teaching to three different nursing home residents, then waking up on Monday to run not one but two cities—all while quietly battling a heart condition doctors warned could end his life before age 21. This isn’t fiction or superhero lore. This is the real life of Carl O. Sherman Sr., a man who defied odds and never compromised his soul in the process.
Sherman’s new memoir crosses the usual boundaries of genre and life experience. It’s at once a gripping political memoir, an inspirational faith journey, and an eye-opening business leadership book. From the pulpit to City Hall to the corporate boardroom, Sherman has walked the walk in each arena—and now he’s pulling back the curtain on how he did it without losing sight of who he is.
“Can a person truly succeed in politics and business without losing their soul?”
Sherman’s story shouts a resounding YES! If you’ve ever felt like you must choose between your values and your success, this book will inspire you to think again. Sherman’s life shows that with unshakeable faith, genuine compassion, and fearless determination, you can climb the ladder and lift others up along the way.
The Journey of a Pastor, a Mayor,
and a CEO – All in One
Meet Carl Oscar Sherman Sr.—also known as Pastor Sherman, Mayor Sherman, and “Mr. Hope” to young entrepreneurs he’s mentored. His titles have been many, but his mission has been one and the same: to serve God and serve people in everything he does.
Public Servant
Sherman became the first Black mayor of his hometown (DeSoto, Texas) and later a respected Texas State Representative, drafting laws to protect the vulnerable. (He ran for U.S. Senate, too—because his vision for change only grew.) Unlike so many politicians, he led by principle over politics, even reaching across party lines to do what’s right.
Faith Leader
As an ordained minister and longtime pastor, Sherman shepherded two different congregations simultaneously. His Sundays were a marathon of preaching—and he loved it. He brought that same moral clarity to the state capitol, often pausing in the chaos of government to pray for guidance. Sherman’s faith isn’t just part of his life; it’s the fuel of his life.
Business Innovator
From a scrappy kid with a neighborhood “restaurant” to founding a successful newspaper and a toy company in his twenties, entrepreneurship was in his DNA. He’s negotiated deals in boardrooms and balanced city budgets in council halls. Through every venture, he proved you don’t have to be cutthroat to win—you
can lead with heart and still
come out on top.
From a scrappy kid with a yard-sale “restaurant” to founding a successful newspaper and a toy company in his twenties, Carl has entrepreneurship in his blood. He’s negotiated deals in boardrooms and balanced city budgets in council halls. Through every venture, he proved you don’t have to be cutthroat to win—you can lead with heart and still
come out on top.
What’s truly extraordinary is how these worlds collided in Sherman’s life. He once juggled being a mayor and a city manager for a neighboring city while still pastoring two churches and raising a family! Colleagues teased that he must never sleep. While there was much truth to that! Sherman simply felt he had little time in life to achieve the calling to serve wherever he was needed—and he found a way to make it work. (Hint: a whole lot of early mornings, prayer, fasting, spiked with mountain dew and skittles.)
Despite wearing so many hats, Sherman remained the same humble, God-grounded man to everyone he met. Whether comforting a grieving church member or sparring on the House floor in Austin, he carried himself with a calm, steady integrity that earned trust across the board. His secret? “Leadership is not about power—it’s about empowering the powerless.” Sherman lived by those words, and it showed.
Why Cross Over Capitol Will Speak to You
This memoir isn’t just Carl Oscar Sherman’s life story—it’s a guidebook for anyone yearning to make a difference without selling out. Through vivid storytelling and hard-won wisdom, Sherman shares how he navigated the toughest of challenges by leaning on faith and values. As you turn the pages, you’ll find yourself nodding, laughing, crying, and ultimately feeling empowered to walk your own path of purpose.
Inside this powerful book, you will discover:
True Leadership Lessons
How Sherman applied biblical “servant leadership” principles to transform a city and influence a state, proving that humility and honesty can exist in politics. (Imagine city council meetings opened with prayer and genuine efforts to uplift the “least of ”these”—Mayor Sherman shows it’s possible!)
Standing Firm in Your Values
From refusing a lucrative job assignment that violated his conscience to upholding ethics in campaigns, Sherman reveals how to stand up for what’s right even when it costs you. His famous line to a boss—“I can’t support that; it goes against what I believe”—ended one job but opened the door to a much greater calling.
Faith Under Fire
Discover the night he fell to his knees in prayer at the State Capitol before a critical vote—and the moment he was pulled from church only to receive a life-changing sign from above. These powerful stories will give you chills and remind you that God is listening in your toughest trials.
Triumph Over Adversity
Carl and his wife, Michelle, have faced life-threatening illness and heartbreak with unshakable faith. From Carl’s hidden heart crisis and life-saving surgery to Michelle’s battle with breast cancer, their victories over adversity will stir your heart and spark hope in your own struggles.
Bridging Divides
In an era of division, Carl’s life is a blueprint for building unity. Learn how he fostered true friendships with people from all walks of life—conservative or liberal, rich or poor, Black, Hispanic, White or Asian American. (In one inspiring chapter, he invites a political rival to breakfast and ends up forging an alliance that benefits the whole community.) Carl’s example will challenge you to reach out and find common ground, no matter the differences.
And that’s just a taste of what awaits you in Cross Over Capitol. Each chapter is packed with eye-opening insights and “aha” moments. One minute you’ll be behind the closed doors of a high-stakes political negotiation; the next, you’ll be in a hospital room where prayer and love spark a miracle. Carl’s talent for storytelling—honed with co-author Jason Roberson—means the lessons go straight to your heart. You’ll come away not only knowing Carl Oscar Sherman, but knowing yourself a little better, too.
Whether you’re a person of faith, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, Cross Over Capitol will speak to the core of your humanity. It’s about finding purpose, serving others, and holding onto hope when the night is darkest. Sherman’s journey shows that character still matters—and that one person’s courage truly can light up countless lives. As you read, you may start to see how your trials and talents can be used for something bigger.
Available in hardcover & ebook (Audiobook coming soon)
Why Cross Over Capitol Will Speak to You
This memoir isn’t just Carl Oscar Sherman’s life story—it’s a guidebook for anyone yearning to make a difference without selling out. Through vivid storytelling and hard-won wisdom, Sherman shares how he navigated the toughest of challenges by leaning on faith and values. As you turn the pages, you’ll find yourself nodding, laughing, crying, and ultimately feeling empowered to walk your own path of purpose.
Inside this powerful book, you will discover:
True Leadership Lessons
How Sherman applied biblical “servant leadership” principles to transform a city and influence a state, proving that humility and honesty can exist in politics. (Imagine city council meetings opened with prayer and genuine efforts to uplift the “least of ”these”—Mayor Sherman shows it’s possible!)
Standing Firm in Your Values
From refusing a lucrative job assignment that violated his conscience to upholding ethics in campaigns, Sherman reveals how to stand up for what’s right even when it costs you. His famous line to a boss—“I can’t support that; it goes against what I believe”—ended one job but opened the door to a much greater calling.
Faith Under Fire
Discover the night he fell to his knees in prayer at the State Capitol before a critical vote—and the moment he was pulled from church only to receive a life-changing sign from above. These powerful stories will give you chills and remind you that God is listening in your toughest trials.
Triumph Over Adversity
Carl and his wife, Michelle, have faced life-threatening illness and heartbreak with unshakable faith. From Carl’s hidden heart crisis and life-saving surgery to Michelle’s battle with breast cancer, their victories over adversity will stir your heart and spark hope in your own struggles.
Bridging Divides
In an era of division, Carl’s life is a blueprint for building unity. Learn how he fostered true friendships with people from all walks of life—conservative or liberal, rich or poor, black, Hispanic, white or Asian American. (In one inspiring chapter, he invites a political rival to breakfast and ends up forging an alliance that benefits the whole community.) Carl’s example will challenge you to reach out and find common ground, no matter the differences.
And that’s just a taste of what awaits you in Cross Over Capitol. Each chapter is packed with eye-opening insights and “aha” moments. One minute you’ll be behind the closed doors of a high-stakes political negotiation; the next, you’ll be in a hospital room where prayer and love spark a miracle. Carl’s talent for storytelling—honed with co-author Jason Roberson—means the lessons go straight to your heart. You’ll come away not only knowing Carl Oscar Sherman, but knowing yourself a little better, too.
Whether you’re a person of faith, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, Cross Over Capitol will speak to the core of your humanity. It’s about finding purpose, serving others, and holding onto hope when the night is darkest. Sherman’s journey shows that character still matters—and that one person’s courage truly can light up countless lives. As you read, you may start to see how your trials and talents can be used for something bigger.
“This book is more than a memoir—it’s a roadmap for leading with integrity and love in a world that desperately needs both.”
– Jason Roberson, co-author and Mayor of Forney, TX (from the foreword)
Available in hardcover & ebook (Audiobook coming soon)
Who Should Read Cross Over Capitol?
Short answer: Everyone who believes values matter. But to be specific, this book will deeply resonate with:
Aspiring Leaders in Politics
If you’re working in public service or dream of running for office, Sherman’s candid account is a masterclass in ethical leadership. He shows how to win trust and enact change without the usual cynicism or backroom deals. (After reading, you’ll feel equipped to enter the arena with your integrity intact.)
Entrepreneurs & Business Professionals
Carl has worn your shoes—meeting payroll, pitching clients, and innovating under pressure. His experiences offer fresh perspectives on leadership, teamwork, and staying true to your mission. Learn how a CEO guided by faith makes decisions differently—and why it works. This is motivation to build a legacy you can be proud of.
People of Faith (and Curious Skeptics)
For believers, Carl’s story is a stirring testimony of God’s grace and guidance through every season. You’ll find scriptures come alive as he lives them out on the grand stage of life. For those less religious, don’t worry—the lessons on kindness, perseverance, and principle are universal. Carl’s faith context adds depth but never preaches at you. If anything, it might make you ponder your own “why” in life.
Community Builders & Changemakers
Teachers, nonprofit workers, volunteers, parents—anyone trying to make this world a better place will find fuel in these pages. Carl’s life reminds us that one person can start a ripple of positive change. Maybe you’re not a mayor, but you are the leader of your classroom, your office, or your home. The same truths apply. Get ready to be encouraged and empowered to lead right where you are.
Lovers of a Great Story
Even if you usually skip “leadership” books, you’ll be hooked by the storytelling here. From laugh-out-loud childhood antics to nail-biting campaign moments, it reads like a novel—except every word is true. If you enjoy memoirs by figures like Colin Powell, Tony Dungy, or Barack Obama, you’ll love Carl Sherman’s down-to-earth yet profound style. It’s an adventure you won’t want to put down.
Sound like you or someone you know? Then Cross Over Capitol belongs on your reading list. This is more than a book; it’s an experience and a conversation. By the final page, you’ll feel like you’ve gained a mentor and a friend in Carl—and you’ll be fired up to start writing the next chapter of your own story with more courage and conviction.
Transformation Awaits You
At its heart, Cross Over Capitol is about transformation—transforming pain into purpose, transforming communities through servant leadership, and transforming our own hearts in the process. Sherman doesn’t just tell you what he learned; he invites you into the defining moments that shaped him so you can learn alongside him.
You’ll walk with a young Carl as he faces down a cruel elementary teacher and discovers the power of standing up for himself. You’ll hold your breath as adult Carl addresses a crowd of thousands, knowing one wrong word could ignite controversy—and then cheer when he speaks truth with boldness and grace. You’ll wipe a tear as Carl sits at his wife’s bedside, learning what true faith and partnership look like in sickness and in health.
By experiencing these moments, you’ll find yourself changed. Perhaps you’ll realize, like Carl did, that every setback is a setup for something greater. Or that real success is measured not in dollars or votes, but in lives touched. Don’t be surprised if you finish the book feeling a new spark in your spirit—a call to step up and lead in your sphere of influence, just as Carl stepped up in his.
Carl likes to say that he wrote this memoir “to deposit hope in others.” And indeed, hope radiates from every chapter. It’s the kind of hope that challenges you to dream bigger and do better—to trust that with God’s guidance, nothing is impossible. If you’re craving that kind of uplift in your life right now, then this story will be a godsend. It will remind you that you’re not alone in wanting to see integrity back in our leaders and purpose back in our work. And it will assure you that change starts with us—with ordinary people daring to live by extraordinary values.
"I genuinely believe this book is going to touch every life that picks it up and reads it! Carl Oscar Sherman has beautifully defined the spiritual core that holds it all together, even amidst the overwhelming busyness that life throws our way."
Dr. Jerry Taylor
Associate Professor and Founding Director Emeritus of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action at Abilene Christian University.
“CROSS Over Capitol tells the story of a man who mastered the spiritual crossover—moving from the sanctuary to the streets and the corporate suites and from crafting sermons in the pulpit that fed the soul, warmed the heart, and empowered the oppressed to crafting public policy for the public good."
Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III
Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church
Get Your Copy and Join a Movement
Are you ready to embark on this journey with Carl Oscar Sherman Sr.? Millions of Americans are fed up with the idea that success has to come at the cost of conscience. CROSS Over Capitol shows a better way. It’s more than a book launch—it’s the launch of a movement of principled, faithful leadership in every arena of life. By getting your copy, you’re not just reading an inspiring story—you’re adding your voice to that movement.
Spread the Word
Love what you read? Tell someone! This book makes a meaningful gift for any aspiring leader or faithful friend in your life. Share your favorite chapter with your book club, or quote a nugget of wisdom on social media (#LeadWithoutCompromise). Sherman’s vision was never just about selling books—it’s about sparking a change in hearts and communities. Every share helps!
Get your copy today and start building a legacy that lasts!
Discover the real-life lessons of leadership, faith, and perseverance from the Texas House of Representatives.
Get your copy today and start building a legacy that lasts!
Discover the real-life lessons of leadership, faith, and perseverance from the Texas House of Representatives.
Bonus: A Community Where Faith
& Leadership Connect
One of the most exciting parts of Sherman’s initiative is what comes after you’ve read the book. We invite you to be a founding member of Sherman’s online community—the “Crossover Community”. This will be a dedicated space for people who care about faith, politics, and business to come together, learn, and encourage one another. Imagine discussing hot-button current events in a respectful, values-driven forum. Picture getting to ask Carl your burning questions on live video chats. Envision a network of peers and mentors cheering you on in your career and spiritual walk. That’s what the Crossover Community is all about.
Sign up now to receive updates on the community launch. Early members will get special access, and you can help shape the conversations from day one. The topics will range from “Maintaining Your Moral Compass in Corporate Life” to “How to Run for Office without Selling Your Soul” to “Balancing Family, Faith & Work”—all the areas Sherman has experience in, and you might be navigating too. This is real-world support for living out the principles in CROSS Over Capitol. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this empowering group!
And there’s more—Carl is also launching a podcast, “Crossover Capitol,” where he’ll interview leaders from various fields about merging faith with ambition. Podcast subscribers will get to hear inspiring stories and practical advice (and email list members will be the first to know when new episodes drop). Consider it another tool in your toolbox for growth.
It’s clear: when you pick up CROSS Over Capitol, you’re not just buying a book—you’re joining a family of purpose-driven individuals who won’t settle for the status quo.
Ready to Cross Over?
Carl often says, “Your challenges and opportunities have been custom made in heaven for you with all seasons in mind.” Perhaps you’re feeling a stirring in your own heart as you read this. A nudge to step into a larger role or to recommit to the values you hold dear. Consider this landing page your invitation—your call to adventure. Sherman answered his call, and the ripple effects have been extraordinary. Now it’s your turn.
Take the first step by diving into CROSS Over Capitol. Let the story galvanize you. Let the lessons equip you. And let the shared faith and hope remind you that we’re in this together—working toward a brighter future guided by principle and love.
Life will always test us—in boardrooms, in election campaigns, in our private struggles. But as Carl’s life shows, those tests can become our testimony. With God’s grace, a resilient spirit, and some mentorship from those who’ve walked before, you and I can overcome anything. We can cross over any divide or obstacle that lies in our path.
So, are you with us? Grab your copy now, join the community, and consider this the beginning of something powerful. As you read CROSS Over Capitol, don’t be surprised if you feel a spark—that’s the same spark that ignited a young man from Texas to change his world. And with that spark, you can change yours too.
Let’s cross over into new territory—together.
(P.S. – The best journeys are shared. After you read the book, drop Carl a line or post online about what touched you most. He truly wants to hear from you. Your story matters, and who knows – it might even get featured in his podcast or community spotlights! So don’t be a stranger – we’re all crossing over hand in hand.)
Ready to Cross Over?
Carl often says, “Your challenges and opportunities have been custom made in heaven for you with all seasons in mind.” Perhaps you’re feeling a stirring in your own heart as you read this. A nudge to step into a larger role or to recommit to the values you hold dear. Consider this landing page your invitation—your call to adventure. Sherman answered his call, and the ripple effects have been extraordinary. Now it’s your turn.
Take the first step by diving into Cross Over Capitol. Let the story galvanize you. Let the lessons equip you. And let the shared faith and hope remind you that we’re in this together—working toward a brighter future guided by principle and love.
Life will always test us—in boardrooms, in election campaigns, in our private struggles. But as Carl’s life shows, those tests can become our testimony. With God’s grace, a resilient spirit, and some mentorship from those who’ve walked before, you and I can overcome anything. We can cross over any divide or obstacle that lies in our path.
So, are you with us? Grab your copy now, join the community, and consider this the beginning of something powerful. As you read Cross Over Capitol, don’t be surprised if you feel a spark—that’s the same spark that ignited a young man from Texas to change his world. And with that spark, you can change yours too.
Let’s cross over into new territory—together.
(P.S. – The best journeys are shared. After you read the book, drop Carl a line or post online about what touched you most. He truly wants to hear from you. Your story matters, and who knows – it might even get featured in his podcast or community spotlights! So don’t be a stranger – we’re all crossing over hand in hand.)
Join the Crossover Community
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The inspiring memoir that reveals how to cross over from seeking purpose to stepping boldly into your calling. Written by Carl Oscar Sherman Sr.
©2025 Threefold Publishing. All rights reserved. Published by Carl Oscar Sherman Sr.
