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John Herrick | Ordinary Overcomers … and the Lives They Inspire
Author Guest / September 2, 2010

Overcomers intrigue me. When we find ourselves in a pit, our primary desire is to find our way out. Life’s valleys aren’t enjoyable. And when life throws a major challenge our way—a scary medical diagnosis, a loved one’s death, a job loss—it hits us like an emotional blow to the gut. At that point, we begin a journey. We didn’t ask for the challenge and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. We feel unprepared. Insufficient. Alone. But step by step, we fight through it anyway. And eventually we see a glimmer of light. Which brings me back to overcomers. We read books and watch news stories of those who faced a serious challenge and prevailed. These people (or characters) inspire us. But isn’t it funny how most of these people didn’t enjoy their hardships any more than we relish our own? If you think about it, the individuals who inspire us are ordinary people who got up each morning and took another step forward. They had a bad season like we do, but they refused to surrender. They serve as living proof that we, too, never need to give up. They made it through the valley alive—and so can we. Perhaps…