This I Believe
Locker, W.C.
And now, This I Believe. Here is Edward R. Murrow.
This I Believe. W. C. Locker was born on a farm in northern Virginia, 78 years ago. At the age of 29, he was projected into the field of education when he taught business subjects in a city high school. He organized a program of adult education and introduced courses in handwriting into the Richmond public schools. He also has a successful publishing business in that city. Here now is W. C. Locker.
It so happened, I acquired as a boy some fixed beliefs, which have been my inspiration and guide through life. Looking back, I realize that I came by my beliefs naturally: first, from a long
line inheritance through my parents; second, from that inspiring example of faith, courage, and industry in combating the Gone With The Wind conditions imposed by the war between the states; and third, from my study and complete acceptance of the truths, as revealed in the inspired word of the Bible--truths that became alive and meaningful to me under the wise and gentle guidance of my mother.
My beliefs are simple but positive and challenging. Briefly stated, I believe in God, in myself, and in work. It is as simple as that.
First, God. I believe mightily in God as ever present spirit, exemplifying in His being boundless love, inflexible law, infinite wisdom, and all power. So, I believe God can do anything.
Second, myself. I believe I was created by God to reflect his attributes and demonstrate man's dominion. So, I believe I can do anything that God wills for me to do. It follows then, my responsibility is to seek, to know, and to conform to His plan for me. In this belief, I am strengthened and sustained by the hardening words of Isaiah: "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land."
Third, work. I believe in work, all kinds of work--spiritual, mental, manual--separate and in combination, especially in combination. I believe work habits should be coordinated through self-discipline and all this term implies including, first, prayer. "More things are wrought by prayer than
this world dreams of." Second, perseverance. "A winner never quits and a quitter never wins." Third, patience. "Wait on the Lord. Let patience have her perfect work."
These quotations pinpoint the words "prayer," "perseverance," "patience." I see man as a link that connects work with God, and God with work. I believe work provides for me opportunities to show outwardly the evidence of inner being, to make visible the qualities of love, and to demonstrate in three-dimension action--spirit, mind, hand--that which I believe.
These are my beliefs, which to me are simple but positive and challenging. And since they are positive and challenging, they have kept me so constantly and constructively engaged, I have had no time or
inclination for the negative implications of fear, frustration, and failure. God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power, of love, and of a sound mind. So, I press on in the belief, the best is yet to be.
That was W. C. Locker, of Richmond, Virginia, who, at 78, still conducts his own publishing business and is active in various civic affairs.