In 1928, James Brown, “The Godfather of Soul,” was born in Augusta, Georgia. Brown was an important influence on popular music in the second half of the 20th century. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

Mr. Brown’s rise from poverty to stardom is well-chronicled. In looking back on his youth, he recalled, “I picked cotton and shined shoes. That’s where I learned that you have to work yourself to the top.”

James Brown understood the value of hard work. We should understand it, too.

Hard Work Pays Off

God gives talent. Work transforms talent into genius.
Anna Pavlova

A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.
Colin Powell

I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.
Estée Lauder

Talent is only a starting point in this business. You’ve got to keep on working that talent.
Irving Berlin

Nothing will work unless you do.
John Wooden

Work for your soul’s sake.
Edgar Lee Masters

Believe in the Lord and he will do half the work—the last half.
Cyrus Curtis

Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!
Proverbs 14:23 NLT