In each experience of my life, I have had to step out of one little space of the known light, into a large area of darkness. I had to stand awhile in the darkness, and then gradually God has given me light. But not to linger in. For as soon as that light has felt familiar, then the call has always come to step out ahead again into new darkness.

For I am my mother's daughter, and the drums of Africa still beat in my heart.

[To the patronizing train conductor who had twice said, 'Auntie, give me your ticket':] Which of my sister's sons are you?

Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.

Enter to learn; depart to serve.

I have had more than half a century of such happiness. A great deal of worry and sorrow, too, but never a worry or a sorrow that was not offset by a purple iris, a lark, a bluebird, or a dewy morning glory.

Education is the great American adventure, the world's most colossal democratic experiment.