My good blade carves the casques of men,
My tough lance thrusteth sure,
My strength is as the strength of ten,
Because my heart is pure.
—Lord Alfred Tennyson

My mother shared the last two lines with me when I was a teenager. I was going through some tough times as I was trying to straighten out my life. As I did so, I was struggling with the backlash I got from what turned out to be false friends. That quote really struck a chord and gave me strength when I greatly needed it. I've never forgotten that quote and have oft remembered it when I needed courage.

I haven't figured out the purity of heart thing, but I do know that my intentions are good and I try do what I can to make the world a tad bit better where I can. And I'll never forget a well-read mother who used her knowledge and her compassion to comfort and guide her son. That part I have figured out and I do the same for her grandchildren.

How about YOU? What quotes and/or encouragement from others gives you strength when you need it?