Abraham Lincoln did not quit. He is probably the greatest example of persistence. If you want to learn about somebody who refused to quit, look no further. Lincoln endured a steady stream of failure and defeat from the time he was born until he was elected President of the United States. He is a mythical, towering figure of American history, and whatever one thinks of his accomplishments, he was indeed a fascinating character.

 

He truly fulfilled the "anyone can make it in America" philosophy; he was the man of little means or education, born in a one-room log cabin, honest and hard-working, who overcame numerous obstacles and failures to become President of the United States when the nation was confronted with its gravest crisis. Lincoln certainly survived his fair share of hardship and setbacks, but he was also remarkably successful in many different endeavors throughout his lifetime.

 He was one of the truly great men of all time. He led the United States during the American Civil War (1861-1865), which was the greatest crisis in U.S. history. Lincoln helped end slavery in the nation and helped keep the American Union from splitting apart during the war. Lincoln thus believed that he proved to the world that democracy can be a lasting form of government. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, second inaugural address, and many of his other speeches and writings are classic statements of democratic beliefs and goals.

In conducting a bitter war, Lincoln never became bitter himself. He showed a nobility of character that has worldwide appeal. Lincoln, a Republican, was the first member of his party to become president. He was assassinated near the end of the Civil War and was succeeded by Vice President Andrew Johnson. Lincoln was the first U.S. president to be assassinated.  

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 and 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.

Lincoln's life shows us that the greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. It is true that only those who go too far will ever know how far they can go; and when we shoot for the moon we're bound to land among the stars!

By Tim Pedrosa



 

It is the surmounting of difficulties that make heroes. ~Louis Kossuth; We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. ~Romans 5:3-4

 

Tim