In the book, The Power to Prevail, by David Foster, he wrote “Climbers prevail because they never lose heart. They push back, not with their hands, but with their hearts. They refuse to relent, retreat, or resign themselves to the way things are. They don’t rely on their emotions. Developing their heart muscle gives them the ability to respond to changing conditions of the climb. Sooner than later, they acknowledge things are what they are. If they a face steep mountain in threating conditions, they simply acknowledge the reality and climb on.” I thought about my family and our life in poverty. We lived in abject poverty in the segregated South, but we had climbing companions and received many boosts up. We faced many steep mountains and found the strength to persevere.
There is an Ashanti Proverb, “A man that climbs a good tree deserves a boost up.” This is true. We were not meant to journey through life alone. Encouragement is one of our basic human needs. We all need to be encouraged. As we journey along, we need to help others with their real and immediate needs. These people are our climbing companions.
My parents were Christians. They raised their family of five children in a Christian environment. They lived how God wanted them to live, with love, character and integrity. We lived in poverty as victors, not victims. My parents taught their five children how to turn adversity into advantage. Dad believed that a person’s present circumstances never matters to a saved believer. Christianity is about surviving the tough times. Dad loved to write and wrote, “Being of a deeply religious conviction, naturally I believe in the sacred book. I also believe to truly love God, one must love his fellowman.” We faced many obstacles in life but we were encouraged to accept reality, love our fellowman, and never stop climbing.
Life was difficult but we had friends and mentors along the journey. Some of the families in our community were also poor but supportive. The school administrators were stern but nurturing and encouraging. They had to be. Their role was to help us climb. Our pastor delivered a sermon, “Taking Up with Eagles.” He said eagles fly high. When you fly high, the enemy can’t detect you. The enemy cannot stand height. He can only work with you when you’re parallel to him. I never forgot this sermon. The lesson was we had to pick up our wings and learn to soar like eagles. They didn’t know it, but the eagle was our climbing companion.
My two older brothers were gifted artists, musicians, and outstanding students. They both began playing their respective instruments in middle school. My eldest brother, Tippy, played the trumpet and piano. The next oldest, Lil Bro played the saxophone and piano. They both sang in the school chorus. Lil Bro played for fun, but Tippy wanted to go to college and major in music. When he was a teenager, Tippy’s life was threatened by the owner of the farm we lived on. He was also the constable. He wanted Tippy to go to the farm to work during the school term. Tippy knew the state school laws, reminded the constable of the laws, and refused. In the segregated South, this was unheard of. The farm owner’s maid heard him plotting to kill Tippy and told a teacher. The teacher intervened on Tippy’s behalf. The maid and teacher were his climbing companions.
Dad sent Tippy to live with our Cousin Fessor. He was a teacher at one of the city schools and was able to help Tippy get music lessons. His music teachers were acquainted with a local well known musician who also played the trumpet in the orchestra. He also owned a busy music store. Arrangements were made for Tippy to study with him. He was the only Black student in the class. It was during segregation so Tippy had to enter the building through the servant’s entrance and walk up the stairs to the studio. Tippy wanted to study music, so the goal was to prepare him to pass college auditions. He auditioned on the piano and trumpet and was accepted into the School of Music at DePaul University in Chicago. The music teacher risked teaching a Black student, but he saw his abilities. Many there were many people who helped Tippy accomplish his dream. He had climbing companions.
In spite of segregation and poverty, our parents had faith that their children would succeed in life. It wasn’t easy, but we continued to climb and prevailed over poverty. We all have climbing companions.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trail, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12).
Francie Mae. July 28, 2022
Reference
Foster, David. August 2003. The Power to Prevail. New York, N.Y. Warner Books. Page 5.
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