Women Who Overcome Adversity

The dictionary defines Overcome as 'to get better of in a struggle or conflict; conquer; defeat'. And it defines adversity as 'an adverse or unfortunate event or circumstance: a friend will show his or her true colors in times of adversity'. Overcoming adversity helps to build ones character and that in return helps to build hope. What is important is that we do not allow our worries and troubles take over and drown us. Always remember that no matter how bad the weather is for you, by the strength and grace of God, you can rise above it all.

Many stories of victory over adversity exist in all walks and fields of life, from famous to regular people, wealthy or poor etc. A lot of women around the world have overcome adversity to lead successful lives, I know a few and I would also put myself in this category and say I'm still working my way up, not giving up and pushing on hard by the special grace of God. In the world we live in today, a lot of people look up to famous/prominent people as a template of how they themselves can rise above similar situations. I read online that in recent times, the biggest movement as regards overcoming adversity has been the role of women who leave their duties of solely being a wife & mother into the role of being an independent individual who is able to pave their own path.

My dad, my hero, is one person I know that has overcome adversities, I have witnessed this first hand but since this is a blog about women, let's stick to women, lol. I'll give you a brief story of my cousin Princess Sola Adedoyin Adeoti, this woman is no stranger to pains but she's stronger than ever today and living life beautifully well. Her story is well known by a lot of people, google her name and you'll get a full break down. Aunty Sola lost her mum (my big aunt) when she was six years old, grew up without a mother, went through so much when she was the GMD of the defunct City Express bank and to top it all, she survived breast cancer. She fought for her life and with the help and grace of God she survived to tell her story. She established the MariaSam foundation which caters for cancer victims.

There is no gadget that can help measure adversity so we can't say for sure which of our problems in life are more painful, but we all know what it feels like in times of adversity. Everyone of us has experienced trying times filled with sorrow and pain, the question is what do you do in times of adversity, do you give up on life? No! Life is too precious, do not allow anxiety, insecurity and worry run rampant in your life. Learn to accept that adversity is a part of life and it is inevitable, build your inner and outer resources, know and believe that what does not kill you only makes you stronger, take notes and learn from those who have successfully dealt with and have overcome adversity. I have below 3 Bible Verses and 3 quotes on Overcoming Adversity.

Revelation 3:21
"To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne."

Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"

1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so you can stand up under it."

"There is no education like adversity - Benjamin Disareli

"When it gets dark enough you can see the stars" - Lee Salk

"I would never have amounted to anything were it not for adversity. I was forced to come up the hard way." - J. C. Penny

My inspiration to write this post was a simple BBM status, my friend updated her status to 'Women who overcome adversity #Nofear' and that was all that pushed me to write this. Thanks for the inspiration Ajala, love you. And to end this post is a few words from my sweet cousin I talked about above, in her words she says; 

'Learn to reinvent yourself when you get boxed into a corner or get knocked down in the act of running the race of life. Learn to do this by developing new skills, holding onto God and create a new route to life. If one door closes another will open. Delay is not denial, it means be strong for better things to come'.

Love Lowla