April Message from Carol Jackson, Executive Director
Posted April 22, 2024
Dear Family,
Perseverance is to continue trying to do or achieve something, even when it is difficult or takes a long time. You’ll eventually succeed if you persevere long enough and work hard enough. Scripture affirms this statement in Galatians 6:9, which states, “ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” When efforts become complicated, it is easy to give up. However, when your mind is set on something, and there is a knowing in your heart where you have gone from believing to knowing, the thing you are working towards becomes possible because of the internal and external work that has been completed. In short, you cannot be kept from your God-given destiny if you persevere.
I was deeply moved and inspired to learn about a remarkable man, Cliff Young. In 1983, against all odds, the 61-year-old Australian potato farmer entered and won the first ultra-marathon between Sydney and Melbourne. Few believed in the farmer’s chances of winning the race. Not only did Cliff Young have a unique, slow-running stride resembling a shuffle, but he is said to have shown up to the race wearing work boots and overalls. He wore his regular work clothes, the same ones he wore while chasing cows, and the heaviest work boots he could find. He did not run for the money. He felt guilty about taking the prize dollars and split the cash between the five runners who finished close to him. Cliff Young ran 543.7 miles in just five days and 14 hours, breaking the record by two full days. He is a testament to unwavering determination and perseverance.
How does this relate to Families Matter and our healthy relationship, healthy fatherhood, and healthy family efforts in Memphis and Shelby County? Our work is not just making a difference; it is transforming lives. We have worked with boys, young and seasoned men, doing our best to change the path of Memphis CHILDREN. Our desire to assist boys, young and seasoned men, and fathers in understanding their GODLY role within the family structure is not just a dream; it’s a reality. Our efforts in schools, churches, and partnering organizations are not just increasing, our efforts are creating a ripple effect of positive change. We are helping children understand they can succeed and thrive in life. The same perseverance that helps an individual succeed can also help a group succeed if they are united toward a common goal. Simply, the thing we are working on, transforming lives and strengthening families, has become possible because of the work we are doing. I’d like to thank each one of YOU for your partnership as we perservere in this pursuit.
Stay tuned for additional information on our healthy family relationship initiatives. Please visit the Families Matter website at www.familiesmattermemphis.org or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/
Thank you,
Carol Jackson
Executive Director