You don't get a chance to choose circumstances or the outcome--but you can change your attitude. We all go through bad times, but with God, we can overcome them. Life is hard, and sometimes we make it more difficult. Going through hard times leaves us angry, confused, and feeling defeated, worthless, and a failure. When things happen in your life, and they surely will, they control your mood and emotion and how you cope with life. Tough times don't last forever, but they are never over quickly. We must have patience and endure them. The race is not given to the swift or to the strong but to the one who endures to the end (Eccles. 9:11 KJV). With God's help, I overcame depression, oppression, rape, sexual abuse, and the loss of my mother, daughter, and now my son. My mind and body have been through physical and mental punishment, from a prisoner in a dark place to a bright light at the end of the tunnel--the body takes a licking, but the mind and heart keep on ticking. Serve life as it is a purpose because--guess what--it is. Don't give up or give in if you want to be able to reap your harvest. Victory is yours. Outside looking in, you can't understand it. Inside looking out, you can't explain it. You will win your battle if you hold on. Have faith in your creator. Victory is yours!

--Alma Boykin

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