I just recently heard two stories that illustrate the concept of standing true to your convictions.  Sylvester Stallone wrote “Rocky” in just three days in 1975. When he attempted to sell the manuscript to studios, he wasn’t successful  because they didn’t want him to star in it. That was his only stipulation.  He was offered $350,000 for the movie rights, but though he was broke, he refused to sell it unless he starred in it.  Eventually he sold it and he played the lead character.  The movie was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, and it won 3, including Best Picture.  This film made him famous, and 5 more “Rocky” movies were made.  Another example was singer Johnny Cash.  He stood his ground when the recording company refused to record his album, “At Folsom Prison Live”.  He said he was doing it anyway.  He had great compassion for prisoners, and the seed he planted paid off.  In 1968, the album soared to be the number one album, even out-selling the Beatles that year.  It pays to stand your ground, to be true to your convictions, and to never give in and compromise.