Without her sacri ces I could have never reached this point inmy life. She has done more for me than anyone can possibly imagine, without any recognition. I have learned a great deal in my time here at The University ofTennessee, but nothing more important than the values and principles she taught me since I wasayoung boy. I hope that someday I can repay her for all that she has done for me. Thanks Mama. I love you, Eric. Iwould also like to mention in this dedication the new addition to our family, Alexander Jace Franklin. A.J. is my little nephew who has brought somuch joyinto my life over the past year and a half or so. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Franklin, have no idea what a great joy they have brought to our entire family by bringing him into this world. The greatest thing is that A.J. will be raised in a loving, Christian home. A.J., I love you more than I can say. Finally, Iwant to mention my grandparents. My paternal grandparents are the late Mr. Henry Douglas Lester and the late Mrs. Florence Gertrude (Neville) Lester. My maternal grandparents are the late Mr. Eddie Lloyd Baird Sr. and Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth (Nave) Baird. I love you all very much. ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First and foremost, I would like to thank God Almighty for life itself. All that I have is due to His grace and I give all glory to him. Even though I have let him down many times in my life, He has always carried me through. I would like to thank my parents,