In 2001, I had the opportunity to go overseas for the first time since my accident. I thought, "What if my plane goes down over the water and I die. . . How will people remember me?" I hoped they would remember that I never gave up, and I wanted to inspire people to do the same, so I wrote this poem. Friend, no matter how tough your fight, keep pressing on!
I'm Pressing On
By Stacy James
April 30, 2001
It happened when I was but young --
I didn't even see it come
My life was changed, the outlook dim
The only thing I had was Him
To fill my life, to make me whole;
To give me purpose, meaning, goals.
"I'm frightened, Lord, what will I do?"
I'll take my fear and look to You
I'll take my life, my big dreams gone
And though I'm scared, I'm pressing on.
"This isn't fun! This isn't right!"
I cried myself to sleep at night
Each morning saw a new disgrace
Something more for me to face.
One more thing with God to trust
One more way to find him Just.
Old dreams gone, new ones begun
And though I'm scared, I'm pressing on.
Now time has passed, I've seen Him bless
Adding to my happiness.
And courage doesn't mean “no fear,”
Courage means I'm holding dear
God's promise -- to provide and be
My comfort and security.
I'll wait, I'll trust; I'm weak, You're strong,
I'll face my fears, I'm pressing on.
Lord come what may, I'll look to You;
I'm not alone; You'll see me through
We'll overcome what life may bring
I'll not complain, I'll dream big dreams.
I'll look ahead, my chin held tall
I'll not be scared, we’ll brave it all.
With You, my help, to see me Strong,
I'll face the storms. I'M PRESSING ON.
© 2001 by Stacy James
“But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
- Philippians 3:14-15
“Never give up. Never, never give up. Never, never, never give up.”
- Winston Churchill