Inner Strength Quiet Resolve

By Timothy D. Etson

Scores of publications have examined and expounded on the African American experience. In his debut collection of essays, speeches, and poems, Tim Etson reflects on racial injustice, Christian leadership, and the power of love. His compilation of inspirational, social, and political writings celebrates African American leaders of the past while exhorting todays generation to honor its heritage and build on that foundation for the future.

He weaves biblical themes throughout his commentaries, reminding us that with freedom comes responsibility and that the road to success involves sacrifice, courage, and sometimes resistance to the popular view. He calls on the black community to nurture its youth, set positive examples, and teach children never to give up in spite of obstacles. From slavery to Jim Crow to anti-affirmative action laws, Etson points out hypocrisies of an American society in which inequities still exist.

In Inner Strength, Quiet Resolve, Etson expresses hope in the inner strength and resilience that have brought African Americans thus far and will continue to propel people forward in the twenty-first century.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Dec 17, 2010
• ISBN: 9781426947964

Timothy D. Etson

Tim Etson has a masters degree in public administration from Clark Atlanta University and is currently working on a doctorate in political science. Since 1996, Tim has held various positions in public administration. Tim and his wife, Angela, reside in Fayette County, Georgia.

Book preview

© Copyright 2011 Timothy D. Etson.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

Printed in the United States of America.

isbn: 978-1-4269-4795-7 (sc)

isbn: 978-1-4269-4796-4 (e)

Trafford rev. 12/03/2010

missing image file www.trafford.com

North America & international

toll-free: 1 888 232 4444 (USA & Canada)

phone: [phone] fax: [phone]

For my family, especially my mother and father, who supported my dreams and told me to keep my nose clean figurative and literal. Also to my wife Angela, your love has helped me to find the inner strength and quiet resolve.

Contents

Chapter One

Poems

Thinking about You

Special Lady

I Can’t Keep My Eyes (Off of You)

What Must I Do (To Show You)

Chapter Two

Speeches

No Man is Free who is not Master of Himself

Elements of Leadership From a Christian Vantage Point

How Mays, Maynard and Martin Represent Parts of a Lighthouse

Time, Talent, and Treasure –

The Importance of Full Participation

Nehemiah – Self-help and Collaboration

Chapter Three

Essays

What Independence Day Means to Me

The Syndrome

Anti-Affirmative Action Bake Sale

How We Can Enlarge Our Territory with Efficiency

Are We Still Invisible?

Chapter One

Poems

Thinking about You

As the sun rises every day, and the grass is covered with dew

there is no doubt that I am thinking about you.

When I get up out of my bed

pleasant thoughts are in my head

because I am thinking about you.

I am thinking about you even when I’m taking a shower.

Something unique is on my mind every minute of the hour.

In the afternoon when the sun is bright

thinking about you makes a brighter light.

When I listen to my radio

it’s you I’m thinking about in stereo.

Especially when I eat

because my meal wouldn’t be complete

without thinking about you.

When the sun sets in the west

I must confess that I’m thinking about you.

When I go to sleep at night

Everything is all right

because I’m thinking about you – Lord!

Special Lady

You are one of a kind

a treasure to behold

I am glad that you are mine

because you are more precious than gold.

There’s something mystical about you

because you attract attention wherever you go.

When you go outside, gray skies turn blue.

And you lift me up when I am feeling low.

Sophisticated and well-refined,

you are a person of distinction.

A lady like you is hard to find

because like a star you shine.

When people talk with you

you offer words of wisdom.

And for your blessings – you give praise to whom they are due

because you believe in