Hope, faith can inspire great change


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“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

This month we celebrate black history.

Life lessons have taught me how this country’s great men and women have blazed a trail for us today.

Many of us have heart desires. Opportunities are presented to us often on the other side of adversity. Are we willing to conquer these challenges to get to what’s in our hearts?

Let the story of famed boxer Jack Johnson serve as an example. The first black heavyweight champion of the world was not about to back away from anyone or anything. During an era when racial tensions were fierce, he fought animosity, paid his dues and climbed his way to the top.

For example, Johnson’s victory in a July 4, 1910 fight in Reno, Nev., triggered riots and jubilant celebrations in more than 25 states. Through it all, Johnson demonstrated courage and endurance. He treated everyone as if there were only one color, one race.

Everyone can find this kind of hope and faith through God.

Know that God’s everlasting love to heal is the key to living in the moment. If we will allow God’s love to truly take root, we will discover his love inspires unstoppable courage. Many great African-Americans who helped us find freedom maintained the attitude that life was unacceptable.

Through faith, we have the opportunity to do the same. Being a little color blind may help us to think a little more like our God, too. God is love and love is color blind. It’s what helped Jack Johnson make it to the top.

Let’s remember we do not have to be a certain color, gender or in a particular position to inspire change. By discovering God’s love, protection and a spirit to never give up, we can step into his powerful plan of living our lives in the now.

Tonya Lee Carrie Fancher is a motivational speaker and an advocate for disconnected youths. She can be reached at tonyaleecarriefancher@ gmail.com

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