But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage can seldom see through his bars of rage his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing. ~ Maya Angelou Making the most of your situation, however limited it may seem at the time, is truly an amazing gift. Understanding that, is a gift that can always bring you Freedom. Regardless of what your external circumstances may be, no one can effect your internal situation. You are the only one that has and always will have control over your inner peace and attitude. No other person can truly oppress you. You are the key to your own Liberty and to the Beauty that comes from you.
Sojourner Truth was a slave who escaped to freedom in 1826. She then fought for the abolition of slavery and Women's Rights during her lifetime.
During the Civil War, She gathered supplies for black volunteer regiments. In 1864 she went to Washington, D.C., where she helped integrate streetcars and met with President Abraham Lincoln. The same year, she was appointed to the National Freedmen's Relief Association to counsel former slaves in the area of resettlement.
In 1851 at the Women's Convention in Ohio, she delivered what would become one of the famous speeches in US History. Here is what she had to say:
∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫
And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?
Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
WELL SAID ∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫∫
It is hard when life throws us Challenges. The highs are so much funner than the lows but it is all part of a cycle. Adversity is a part of life. Learning to embrace it and accepting its momentariness helps us make it through the tough times.
One of my favorite books when I was young was The Little Engine That Could. In the story, a toy train breaks down and a little blue engine comes along and offers to help. Despite the engines small size; she perseveres, takes it slow, and believes in herself. She tells herself - "I think I can - I think I can - I think I can" - and sure enough she makes it up the mountain.
Hold on tight during the tough ride up the steep hills of life because as soon as you get to the top, it's an easy ride back down the other side!
• NEVER GIVE UP •
Adversity is the diamond dust Heaven polishes its jewels with.
was a slave who escaped to freedom in 1826. She then fought for the abolition of slavery and 
