Motivation & Inspiration

I was blessed as a child. Yes, my family was poor, but I belong to what they called the "sanctified" church--Emmanuel Temple COGIC. There was a woman there who was a role model for me--Gladys Steptoe. She was over the youth choir, sunshine band, children's church and vacation bible school. If there was anything to do with the youth, she was over it. She also had a radio show--For Children Only, that my sister and I was apart of. She was a great inspiration to me and because of her, I wanted to work with young people. She made such a great impact on me that I am walking in her footsteps--working with youth, working with vacation bible school, etc.

She passed on Wednesday. I wanted to go to her funeral, but I wasn't able to because my car was not working properly, but she will greatly be missed.

I was just leaving a note on her obituary guestbook and I read some of the other notes. I almost cried when I read what my brother wrote, "I am the black child."

*tears in my eyes*

This was a poem she had him recite during some type of youth program. I loved hearing him read that poem.

I can remember reciting Langston Hughes "Mother to Son" during one of the programs she was putting on. She will never be forgotten!!! And I thank God that she was in my life to inspire me and motivate me!!


Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.