Lilian, the majestic young woman I spoke about two posts ago, came to me yesterday during dinner. She showed me a journal filled with writings she composed during the recent three-week school break. She enthusiastically agreed to let me share this with others. I am very thankful for that because her ability to maintain hope and simultaneously gain wisdom during hard times is something we can all learn from. Here are few excerpts:
“I once was in the midst of darkness when life tried to challenge my heart and mind. Goals seemed to be unachievable and though I was a failure, I embraced everything and empowered myself with trust, then went ahead and put on a spare tire of strong determination, added oil of perseverance, and changed my heart with positive network. Through the struggle I was able to learn that everything was and is achievable if we have passion and energy towards it.”
“True ladies never give up but accept the reality. The best part of experience is the ride itself. They accept disappointments, rejections and even failures and continue with the journey without turning back, because they know the only barrier that can hinder them or make them losers are they themselves.”
“My name is Lilian and we are only two in the family. My younger brother and I. Am a lady who was born with great ambition and a gift of love and trust. Part of my life is of giving what I know to others. Ability I have to make my future bright and full of happiness. Choices I have towards tomorrow. Am what I am today to make tomorrow great. I stand with what I know to do what I don’t know. Am a woman of integrity, strength and hope. I accept the realities and never give up. Also setting goals and dreams because everything worthwhile in life starts with a dream. I love helping and giving love to the rejected, giving them bundle of hugs and should to cry on. We are all equal and need great love. The purpose of this life is to be useful. Action springs not from thoughts but from readiness for responsibility.”
Can you imagine exuding this kind of insight at15 years old?! Despite being plagued with so many hardships in her past, the rest of her journal was similarly filled with love, hope, and wisdom.
I love this, and hope I can take these lessons with me forward in life. I especially love the part about the spare tire of determination. Also, that anything worthwhile starts with a dream. These are very inspiring words, that I hope can extend much further than Kenya. I also love her idea that action does not come from thoughts, but a readiness to accept responsibility. I'm going to ponder that one for a while.
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