Black History Month (continued)

The struggle against segregation was long and hard.  Most of you were too young to know about that struggle, but for those of us who were there, we have learned the importance of seizing the opportunities.  Though life often deals a bad hand, you still must do all you can to move the pendulum in the right direction.  It won't be easy.  Someone said if you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.  We must work harder than others to achieve our goals, but it can be done.  If no one else believes in you, always believe in you. Struggle has been a significant part of our history, and in spite of our progress, it is a significant part of our reality today.  I believe it is that struggle that has made us as persistent and strong as we are.  We can take a licking and keep on ticking.  So, never stop pursuing your dreams.  Pursue them with your whole heart and whatever you do, do it with all your might.

            

 They Endured

Through the degradation of slavery,

They endured.

Their lives were not their own,

But they endured.

They were beaten and mistreated,

But they endured.

When their families were ripped apart,

They endured.

Nothing broke their spirit.

Nothing broke their determination.

Through it all,

They endured.

We must embody their spirit.

Remembering their strength and determination

Lies within us.

Every time we are paralyzed by fear.

Whenever we become weak,

Remember.

When we feel the desire to quit,

Remember.

Every time we become discouraged,

Remember.

Whenever we are knocked to our knees,

Remember.

Every time we feel the desire to give up

Remember.

Never surrender to defeat.

Stand on your feet.

Keep striving.

Keep believing

Stand your ground.

You will abound.

Amidst strong winds

Like those to whom we are kin.

It is your duty and mine

To leave something behind.

Because, through it all,

They endured.

For you and I,

They endured.

Thank God!

They endured.

copyright 2015 Patricia Newman-Harris

Living the Dream