I cried today. Not because of anything drastically upsetting but because I was overwhelmed with deflation and overcome by defeat at the fact that one of the projects we were working so hard to incubate seemed to be a lost cause. This is the first time I have been vulnerable in a long while to anyone else other than my spouse. I did not know how committed and dedicated I was to this endeavor, that the mere thought of us being written out dealt such a huge blow to my soul.

Today I was reminded of the importance of perseverance, as I have been reminded one time too many when pressed against a hard wall. I want to applaud all those entrepreneurs and activists who wake up everyday and toil at their trade. It’s not easy. You may have the skills but not the resources to employ it, you may have the product but not the customers to buy it, you may have the money but not the ideas to invest in. You may have this, but lack the other.

Perseverance is about looking at what you have and making it work, believing and trusting in God, or the Universe or Fate to fill the gaps and yes, simply walking in blindly. I have done this many many times in my life, and I will say it is very very risky, but also extremely rewarding once you get over to the other side.

It took me six hours to get a grip and finally make myself do something about our predicament. Giving up was the easy part, and honestly I considered it a couple of times during those tears. I guess it came down to how much this really means to me, the impact it will have and the time and resources already invested into seeing it come to fruition. So I have decided to persevere anyway, knowing that this is just one of many roadblocks and obstacles, and trusting in my heart that everything will work out if I just believe and put in the hard work.

In conclusion, I wiped my tears, had a cup of coffee and got to work. I’m grateful to my support system, small as it may be, and I am moving forward with this project with cautious optimism and with a clear vision for its future.

And yes, Perseverance really is a fruit of the Spirit, because it takes courage, patience, faith in the unknown and long suffering.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Here’s to Perseverance.

Lady Maria Horne