Life pulls us down.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. (Isa. 43:2)1

Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant.

While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated.

Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.

She comprehended the perversity of life, that in the struggle lies the joy.

If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat. It is an unnecessary insult.

I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.

All I got to do is stay black and die.

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud. Do not complain. Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.

I've had rainbows in my clouds.

The act of rape on an eight-year-old body is a matter of the needle giving because the camel can't. The child gives, because the body can, and the mind of the violator cannot.