This is what I am learning, at 82 years old: the main thing is to be in love with the search for truth.

My pride had been starched by a family who assumed unlimited authority in its own affairs.

Most people don't grow up. It's too damn difficult. What happens is most people get older.

You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot - it's all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.

Oh, the holiness of always being the injured party. The historically oppressed can find not only sanctity but safety in the stateof victimization. When access to a better life has been denied often enough, and successfully enough, one can use the rejection as an excuse to cease all efforts. After all, one reckons, "they" don't want me, "they" accept their own mediocrity and refuse my best, "they" don't deserve me.

Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances. You are a child of God. Stand up straight.

We are not our brother’s keeper we are our brother and we are our sister. We must look past complexion and see community.