BE STRONG

 

          BE STRONG

          “Be Strong” is an inspirational poem given below. Its author is a famous American clergyman and writer Maltbie Davenport Babcock Who was born in Syracuse, New York, United States on 3 August 1858 and passed away in Naples, Italy on 18 May 1901. He is widely known for the hymn “This is My Father’s World.” He also authored more hymns which became popular. Two of them are : Rest in the Lord, my soul and Shining sun, shining sun.

           To be strong is the duty of all human beings. They are here, says the poet, not to play, to dream, to drift; but to do hard work   and lift loads. Life is a struggle. We must face it, not shun it which we cannot do, if we are not strong. Strength is not merely physical stamina but virtuous boldness which is indispensable to accomplish noble deeds assigned by God. We are here to right the wrong, and  to

                   Stand up, speak out, bravely in God’s name.

Here is the full text of the poem:

BE STRONG !

Be strong !

We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;

We have hard work to do and loads to lift;

Shun not the struggle –face it; ‘tis God’s gift.

 

Be strong !         

Say not, “The days are evil. Who’s to blame?”

And fold the hands and acquiesce --- Oh, shame !

Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s name.

 

Be Strong!

It matters not how deep intrenched the wrong,

How hard the battle goes, the day how long;

Faint not ----fight, on! Tomorrow comes the song.

                                      *******

G.R.Kanwal

22 January 2026