I Made a
PROMISE
I Didn't Know How to Fulfill
By Carlenia Springer
For a few weeks, that was all I could do.
The day before the brigade, I didn’t
have enough turkeys.
It was close to Thanksgiving and I had promised
“Thrive DC” to provide 100 of their families with
Thanksgiving baskets. I didn't know I would be on
sick leave, have no money or team support.
I recall waking up one morning with the distinct
impression I was going to fail and many people
would be disappointed.
In that moment, a quote flooded my mind, “Until
one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to
draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all
acts of initiative and creation the ignorance of one
elementary truth kills countless ideas and splendid
plans that the moment one definitely commits
oneself then Providence moves too and all manner
of unforeseen circumstances issues forth from the
decision raising in one’s favor resources and
material assistance which no man could have
dreamed would be possible. Boldness has genius,
power and magic in it, whatever you dream you
can do begin it. Begin it now!”
I looked up on my bedroom door. There was a
quote my daughter had written there by Napoleon
Bonaparte, “I see only the objective all obstacles
must give way.”
Right then I decided I would commit to doing at
least one positive thing daily.
That morning I received a voicemail
from a gentleman who lived out of
town, and he said he was bringing his
wife, son, basketball team, and the
coach with him; they were bringing
turkeys and potatoes.
There was barely space in the car for
my daughter and 6 year old son. We
arrived about 2 hours early.
I had grossly underestimated the
amount of work and began getting
nervous. Just then things started
changing. I noticed my son riding in the
elevator by himself. I got scared and
told him he couldn’t do it. “I’ve already
done it twice.” He replied.
I saw something in his eyes I had never
seen before. He was taking charge and
helping with a fervor and an
excitement. As people began arriving,
my daughter took charge. When the
youth poured in I was speechless. The
place was packed. There was almost no
space to move. My son didn’t eat until 5
p.m. and never once complained.
FAITH HEART MAGAZINE I 9