A Statement of Perseverance

I simply must persevere, moreover, I will. God has given me power in my right hand, and joy, as strength, in my heart. I am equipped to weather many storms, but on my own I shall not try. My focus, gaze, and mindset are fixed upon He who conducts the winds, raises and sets the sun, and even hangs the clouds and stars in the sky. The very one within whom my every hope and dream does lie. The one who leads, directs, and orchestrates me. God Almighty is my strong tower, and mighty fortress. He shall fight my battle. Outfitted with the Ephesians 6 armor, I will fight. Through submission to Him, I shall stand. With everything, and in every way, that is the attitude that must remain. God designed me. He preordained and ordered my steps. I have purpose, destiny, hope, and vision for my future. It is my duty to walk them out joyfully, courageously, and with diligence and faith. I will always serve Him. I will embrace a heart of servant hood. The task and obstacles I must endure will hurt at times; but with strength, courage, hope, faith, integrity and dignity, I will stand. I will take them on. I will succeed. With a strong hand I will work the plow. The world has yet to see the things I will do, or the likes of someone such as I. I shall seek knowledge, wisdom, discernment and understanding in all truth. With humility I will learn, experience, teach, and grow. For myself, my family, my community, for my world. I have been and will remain a strong tree, never to be broken. Adversity and tribulation will only make me stronger. Strength in my character will increase. A young woman of virtue, excellence, and integrity is who I am, who I will always be. I am...a loving sister, cherished daughter, consoling friend, respected worker, and in time...devoted wife, nurturing mother, and wise grandmother. I am someone's best friend. Because I speak the truth from the depth of my heart, I am a strong person and a leader. I must dance, sing, pray, praise, and laugh my way through, and I will. I will not fold, I will not give up, I will not give in, I will succeed, I will stand.
I WILL PERSEVERE!

--Carlotta Duke 2/25/99