A Firm Resolution to Work

How My Grandfather’s Wisdom Shaped a Lifetime of Purpose, Perseverance, and Passion

My grandfather gave me a profound quote to live by:

“Success in life comes from a firm resolution to work.”

In our house, that wasn’t just a saying; it was the law. Everyone worked. If you didn’t, well, in patois they’d say, “Yuh wutless an’ have no ambition.” Laziness was the worst kind of reputation to have. Even when you retired, you were expected to volunteer. You worked until God Himself called you home to glory. And if you were disabled, you’d better be mentoring someone.

In my family, work wasn’t just a habit; it was a heritage.

I grew up going to work with my mother and grandmother from the time I was in first grade. I can still see myself, this little girl, handing out mail to students, faculty, and staff, then sitting at a typewriter to help prepare letters. Before long, I was assembling books and pushing a mail cart through the building’s halls, delivering envelopes to different departments. I grew up working. That’s all I knew.

At home, “pocket money” was something you earned. If I wanted any spending cash, I had to go above and beyond with chores. And if I wanted the big money, I had to bring home A’s with a little extra for an A+. My grandfather even gave bonus money for A’s in Religion, English, and Spelling. Education and effort were the currencies that mattered most.

People used to joke that our family was like the “Hey Mon” crew from In Living Color, always working, always hustling. But we wore that title with pride. There was never any shame in hard work. When we met new people, we didn’t care about their skin color or background. What mattered was their drive, their ambition to go to school, build something, be something.

My grandfather embodied that spirit better than anyone. He held a full-time job, pastored full-time, built things around our home, and did carpentry work for widows, the sick, and the shut-in. He was our own Superman, saving souls, fixing things, and providing for his family all at once.

As a child, I used to wonder where he found the strength. After a long day of school and chores, I’d sigh, “I’m tired,” and he’d look at me and say, “No, you’re lazy.” And that was that. In his eyes, work was the cure for everything: sadness, sickness, suspension, you name it. If you were home, you were working.

That mindset shaped me into who I am today. When people ask, “What are you up to?” I usually laugh and say, “Oh, nothing.” However, the truth is that my version of “nothing” looks a little different. I’m working full-time, pursuing my PhD, running a nonprofit, volunteering, and still finding time for the people I care about.

The Bible says, “If a man does not work, he shall not eat.” I must’ve heard that verse a thousand times growing up. It’s engraved in my heart. Whatever I do, I try to do it with excellence, not for praise, but because my work reflects my faith, my family, and the God who gave me both.

One of my earliest lessons about work came when I was just four years old. My mom and grandfather took me to Eckerd’s Drugs (yes, I’m showing my age), and a man sitting outside asked them for money. My mom says she saw me toddle over to him like I was going to hug him, but instead, I looked him straight in the eye and said, “GET A JOB!”

My mom and grandfather were mortified, but honestly, that’s how they raised me: to value independence, diligence, and self-sufficiency.

Of course, life has since taught me compassion. Today, I dedicate myself to helping people find those very jobs, empowering others with the tools to stand tall, work hard, and thrive.

Funny how life comes full circle.

Because in the end, I still believe what my grandfather taught me all those years ago:

Success in life truly does come from a firm resolution to work.