The discovery that it is in our power to change our lives by the thoughts we think is the first step toward spiritual mastery.

All the higher forms of life have evolved from some one's ideal of justice, liberty or beauty; and the belief that nothing is too good to be true.

It ain't no use putting up your umbrella till it rains.

Solitude, if rightly used, becomes not only a privilege but a necessity. Only a superficial soul fears to fraternize with itself.

It is not what we have but what we do with what we have that constitutes the value of life.

What can people not accomplish if they will but master the secret of steadfast perseverance.

there ain't no use in dyin' 'fore yer time. Lots of folks is walkin' 'round jes' as dead as they'll ever be.

The fascinating thing about ideals is that no sooner have we gained a desired peak than we find farther and higher peaks beyond. The thrilling adventure never ends.

Half of our sorrows come from setting exalted standards for people and then breaking our hearts when they fail to live up to them.

Joy is at its keenest when contrasted with sorrow, courage at its height when it follows fear, faith at its noblest when it grows from doubt.

When one has a famishing thirst for happiness, one is apt to gulp down diversions wherever they are offered.

a woman will tell youevery home she has ever inhabitedhas been broken intostarting with her body

We like to control the map of our life and know everything well in advance. But faith is content just knowing that God's promise cannot fail. This, in fact, is the excitement of walking with God.

I am a dead woman. Dead and insane.

There's nothing worth photographing more than 100 yards from the car

It's easier to write about those you hate — just as it's easier to criticize a bad play or a bad book.

I am determined to get every Negro in the state of Mississippi registered.

Blues, rock and hip hop are more about a lifestyle and culture than notes on a page.

All the marvels of nature are glimpses of His divine power and expressions of His love.

What is more agreeable than one's home?

How slow This old moon wanes! she lingers my desires, Like to a stepdame, or a dowager, Long withering out a young man's revenue.