Be persistent and resilient in the face of challenges, for they are the building blocks of success.

Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.

For every obstacle there is a solution. Persistence is the key. The greatest mistake is giving up!

It just took the right time. I was fully confident that I was going to see Sam Phillips and to record for him that when I called him, I thought, I'm going to get on Sun Records. So I called him and he turned me down flat. Then two weeks later, I got turned down again. He told me over the phone that he couldn't sell gospel music so - as it was independent, not a lot of money.

Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going, because a straight line even in an ECG means we are not alive.

The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.