10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:10-13
In 1914, a woman by the name of Mary Anne Bevan developed a disease called Acromegaly. The condition caused progressive facial and bodily disfigurement due to the overproduction of growth hormone because of a benign tumor on the pituitary gland. This kind of disappointment would set most people back. They would become depressed, repressed, and lock themselves inside their home. Mary Anne, however, was cut from a different cloth.
Mary Anne didn’t let the disease overcome her. She didn’t let the physical or emotional pain keep her down. In order to provide for her family, she entered a “Ugliest Woman” competition and won. She proceeded to work for Barnum and Bailey Circus (as well as other companies) and made around $50,000 (about one million dollars today) and was able to provide for her four children.
In this life, there will be many trials and tribulations. We will experience ups and downs. The enemy will try to take everything from you, but you must overcome. You have to find the strength not give in to the attacks of the enemy. You have to find your strength in Christ Jesus because in Him we can do all things, including overcoming this world and its afflictions.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Find That Overcomer Within.