Resiliency
Thus far, we have been reviewing the characteristics that have contributed to the legacy of our people who have and still endure struggles and hardships. The next focal point is the trait of resiliency.
Resiliency can be defined as the ability to recover readily from depression and/or adversity. It is also the ability to return to the original form after being bent and compressed. It is often mentioned that the difference between a winner and the person who gives up is the ability to try again after being knocked down and defeated. Our history is filled with these moments. How do you respond when the constitution of the land is against you? How do you respond when quality education is not an option? How do you respond when you are denied civil rights and respect? Our people responded by not giving up!! We challenged the law of the land, we marched on Washington, we staged boycotts, and we continue to cut the red tape regarding quality education. Yes, we have and still experience setbacks as a result of our quest for equality, but the resiliency that has been embedded in us will not allow us to lie down; our people have used it as fuel to drive the cause with more force.
We must continue to carry the torch and remain resilient as a culture and as individuals. Generations to come must have examples to model just as we have the generations before us to look to. Our ultimate example is Christ himself. He was persecuted, scorned, and treated unjustly, but His love for us caused Him to become resilient toward the pain he endured because He looked toward the ultimate goal of our reconciliation with God. We must never give up, but carry on the fight so we can pass the torch to the next generation.
Meditate on this scripture that encourages resiliency:
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?....No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:35,37).
~Toni H.
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