Probably the greatest example of persistence is Abraham Lincoln. Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. He could have quit many times - but he didn't and because he didn't quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the history of our country. Lincoln was a champion because he never gave up.
Here is a sketch of Lincoln's road to the White House:
· 1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.
· 1818 His mother died.
· 1831 Failed in business.
· 1832 Ran for state legislature - lost.
· 1832 Also lost his job - wanted to go to law school but couldn't get in.
· 1833 Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.
· 1834 Ran for state legislature again - won.
· 1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken.
· 1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.
· 1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature - defeated.
· 1840 Sought to become elector - defeated.
· 1843 Ran for Congress - lost.
· 1846 Ran for Congress again - this time he won - went to Washington and did a good job.
· 1848 Ran for re-election to Congress - lost.
· 1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state - rejected.
· 1854 Ran for Senate of the United States - lost.
· 1856 Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party's national convention - got less than 100 votes.
· 1858 Ran for U.S. Senate again - again he lost.
· 1860 Elected president of the United States.
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
"Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!"