Speeches / "The Courage to Dream Gives One the Courage to Persevere, Conquer and Influence" [4]

Too many of us think that we are bound by all the realities of life. Instead, why not dream beyond our present realities and see them as obstacles to be overcome? Doing so requires courage; and with courage you can persevere, conquer and influence.

Simply stated, courage is the determination to stick with something no matter how hard it is. Without a doubt, pursuing a dream can be one of the most difficult things in life to do.

Baseball's civil rights legend, Jackie Robinson is a prime example of how a dream can come true as long as there is enough courageous to pursue it.

In his early stages of life, Robinson demonstrates courage growing up as a fatherless child. Growing up without a father figure, living in small residential houses, Robinson nonetheless became a brave young man who was self-determined, despite all of the discrimination and hardships that he had to face. Robinson did many incredible things thought impossible to be done by an African American, something that changed his entire life. He took a dream offer to play for the Dodgers minor league team and became the first black player to ever to play on an all white team!

Keep in mind that this was during an era when white people believed blacks should be separated. Jackie got death threats against him and his family. Players on the other team kicked him with their cleats and pitched a ball at his head hoping to start a fight. However, he stood up to these threats and still played. Even with all the taunting and threats he received, Jackie Robinson never gave up. Robinson understood the necessity to succeed in life despite the lack of a father to guide him. Robinson remained motivated to succeed. The courage to dream gave him the courage to persevere, conquer and influence.

As young people, we can learn much from the legacy of Jackie Robinson. When challenges come our way it is easy to surrender or simply quit. It is imperative that we persevere to the end...no matter what.

We each have a role to play. God made each of us for a specific purpose and our jobs is to discover what that purpose is and go after that purpose with a passion.

We must never be afraid to stand alone-and never fear doing things differently than others. Especially when we know it is what we are called to do.

I realize that the road I must take may not be what others might want for me. However, I know that God will guide me according to my talents, my abilities and my strengths.

Robin Roberts says, "When fear knock on the door let faith answer" In other words, Feel the fear and do it anyway. So what if you fail! Let your failures be a learning lesson. The courage to dream will give you the courage to persevere, conquer and influence.

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