Adversity is not simply a tool. It is God's most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into periods of intense spiritual growth. Once we begin to understand this, and accept it as a spiritual fact of life, adversity becomes easier to bear.

We cannot change our past. We can not change the fact that people act in a certain way. We can not change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.

In war as in life, it is often necessary when some cherished scheme has failed, to take up the best alternative open, and if so, it is folly not to work for it with all your might.

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on

Trials, obstacles, difficulties and sometimes defeats, are the very food of faith.

Do not desire crosses, unless you have borne those already laid upon you well — it is an abuse to long after martyrdom while unable to bear an insult patiently.

To be able to bear provocation is an argument of great reason, and to forgive it, of a great mind.

Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.

I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees.

My friends have made the story of my life. In a thousand ways they have turned my limitations into beautiful privileges and enabled me to walk serene and happy in the shadow cast by my deprivation.

Freedom suppressed and again regained bites with deeper fangs than freedom never endangered

Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever.