Once again, the morning was filled with reports of damages and crop loss. A big storm swept through Northwest Arkansas Tuesday night, and the sights in the morning were heartbreaking. Snapped steel, torn plastic, traumatized crops were prevalent.
One classmate said it sure is dispiriting to be at the start of a farming journey only to be shown again and again the hardship of the undertaking. That is true, but it is also the reality of what we are facing.
This is where my experience in the U.S. Coast Guard comes to mind, because I have faced weather before. I have seen the destruction that weather can bring down upon the intentions of humans, and the quick demolition work a storm can make of steel and engineering. What I learned out there on the oceans was that there is no time out or turning back. When the destruction of weather thunders down on you in the middle of the ocean, your only choice is to keep going.
In moments when I face the these kinds of set backs, I also bring into my mind President Barack Obama’s inspiring words from September 24, 2011 speech. The following is the ending of that inspiring speech:
“Dr. King once said: “Before we reach the majestic shores of the Promised Land, there is a frustrating and bewildering wilderness ahead. We must still face prodigious hilltops of opposition and gigantic mountains of resistance. But with patient and firm determination we will press on.”
So I don’t know about you but the future rewards those who press on. With patient and firm determination, I am going to press on for jobs. I’m going to press on for equality. I’m going to press on for the sake of our children. I’m going to press on for the sake of all those families who are struggling right now. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I am going to press on.
I expect all of you to march with me and press on. Take off your bedroom slippers, put on your marching shoes. Shake it off. Stop complaining, stop grumbling, stop crying. We are going to press on. We’ve got work to do.”
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