No matter how hopeless or difficult a situation may appear, NEVER GIVE UP!
In 1957 my sickly mother, one sister, two brothers and I joined the ranks of the poverty-stricken female-headed households when my father deserted us. In 1961, my then two younger sisters, two brothers and I became motherless children when our beloved mother died at age 30 of double pneumonia.
After completing the first year of college with honors as a first generation college student at Alabama A&M University in 1969, my future looked bleak when I was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy called Myasthenia Gravis (grave muscular weakness). The neurologist whom I only met the day of my diagnosis, informed my maternal grandmother and me that I would not be strong enough to return to college; I would have to "give up" my goal of moving beyond the threshold of poverty on the bridge of a quality college education. It was at this point that the real essence of Philippians 4:13 became clear to me the force to persevere in spite of my illnesses, undergirded by fervent prayer, unwavering faith in God, and encouragement from family and friends, I affirmed the fact that "I could do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," and even earn a college degree with muscular dystrophy.
Since 1969, I've experienced two divorces (from the same husband), battled six major depressions, one which required me to take a year's medical leave of absence without pay. Consequently, I lost my house, automobile and good credit record. Despite these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, "Still I Rise" to say that when you've got nothing left but God, you've got enough to start all over again.
In retrospect, I can say with exceedingly great joy, that from 1961 to 1998, God was breaking, melting, molding and preparing me to face one of the greatest challenges of my life: breast cancer.
In August 1999, I had a mastectomy and in February 2001, I experienced the reoccurrence of breast cancer. When faced with these calamities that had the potential to destroy all of my hopes and dreams, I did not cry or engage in a pity party. Instead, I said "Precious Lord, if you have selected me to have breast cancer, then here am I, send me to testify that no matter what type of illness one may have, Dr. Jesus' blood is the medicine I need to sustain me.
The fact that I am walking amongst you today is a testimony that God has left me here to proclaim the Good News! Though I'm still medically challenged, I will look up to God from which cometh my strength. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." So no, I won't "give up", for I am a winner through Christ Jesus, and winners never quit. I stand ready to help all who need me to help them be the best they can be.
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