Golden Poppies (Freedman/Johnson, #3)

by Laila Ibrahim

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States Ratified in 1870

Maybe every generation needs to believe they will end the trampling, as if it had not been thought of before. Without that certain and foolish hope, I don’t believe we could go on.

The early struggles in her brother’s marriage had taught Sadie that compromise and strife were part of being husband and wife.

“Start by counting your blessings, Jordan,” Mama whispered. “Never forget to count the treasures God gave you.”

“You cannot change that man, but you can learn the truth about the world and decide what kind of person you want to be.”

“This pain is the cost for real love . . . and it is well worth the price,”

Offers of generosity were a comfort to those who did not have to follow through with any sacrifice.

‘Women roar their first babies into the world. It’s God’s way of announcing that you’ve become a mama.’”

Though it is in God’s hands—we will act as His hands on this earth. Time will tell.”

As tears do, they eventually ran out.

Jordan filled with gratitude at God’s grace. Only weeks ago she had felt alone in the world, facing two painful setbacks—one personal and one political. It seemed her life was devastated, but she had not succumbed to despair.

Emily said, “I’d like to tell you that the fear goes away, but it doesn’t.” “Over time, you get better at living with it, not letting it disrupt your life entirely.”

Jordan explained, “You set your fear right next to your hope until you know which one is the truth.”