Then they leave frustrated, feeling they have failed. They come wanting to help but leave somewhat frustrated because their needs to succeed have not been met. They seem to have the answers but never ask the questions. It is sad because if they did, they would discover something important about us as Lakota people and even more about themselves. One of the four Lakota virtues is perseverance.
Perseverance is the ability to endure, to suffer as a people without ever giving up hope.
We Lakota think of it as a Christian virtue and see it in our brother Jesus. He suffered, endured, and persevered, even on the cross. He did not desert his people or his God. Our people have suffered and persevered. We will not desert our family or our God.