Hand-crafted from start to finish, this stamped coin features the phrase “I’ve come so far I think I can run on just a little bit longer.”

This is a phrase said frequently by Dr. Dean Thompson of Presbyterian College, most often when he is encouraging his students to persevere through a writing assignment, an academic semester, or even through life itself. The quote is originally attributed to Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith, a Black gospel singer from Rolling Forks, Mississippi who rose to American musical fame late in her singing career. The quote can be found embedded in the liner notes of her 1984 LP, “I Am Bound for Canaan Land,” and reads as follows: “As she likes to sing, ‘I’ve come so far, I believe I can run on some more.’”

Whatever race you may be running, we hope that this phrase reminds you to look back on all the progress you’ve made so far and encourages you to continue on towards your goal, however small or large, short-term or ongoing. Spark positive action and use new words to create new habits!