Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to graduate from medical school in the United States. Born in Bristol, England in 1821 to Hannah Lane and Samuel Blackwell, Elizabeth was almost a teenager when her father brought the family to New York. Then they moved to Cincinnati. But a few weeks after the move, Elizabeth’s father died, leaving the family virtually penniless.
To support them, Elizabeth’s mother started a school, and Elizabeth and her sisters became teachers to help with the family finances. Time passed and it was said that one of Elizabeth’s closest friends fell very ill. The friend told Elizabeth she believed her suffering would have been less if she could have been treated by a female doctor. So the friend urged Elizabeth to study medicine. She believed that Elizabeth had the personality, the selfless love and the intelligence to be a great doctor.
Elizabeth could have played it safe and stayed where she was in her comfort zone. Yet, with compassion for her friend’s suffering, Elizabeth decided to unleash her God-given gifts, maximize her potential, and pursue that goal. Having no idea how to become a doctor, she talked to several doctors about her dream. They all said to Elizabeth, “That’s a good idea…but impossible. It’s too expensive” and “Such an education is not accessible to women”.
The probability seemed hopeless. All the odds seemed to be stacked against her. And many greatly discouraged Elizabeth from studying medicine. Despite this, rather than becoming bitter or listening to negative forecasts, thinking “I’m not qualified” or “I don’t have the right background to succeed”, and letting discouragement seep into your heart. until she quit, Elizabeth was bold. She was determined to try, believing in the abilities God had instilled in her. “There must be a way to do it,” she mused.
With an unwavering and dynamic mindset, Elizabeth applied to medical school. Then came the first rejection. She continued to apply to schools. And, soon, she received more rejections and unconstructive responses.
Elizabeth was persistent. She refused to resign and applied again. The answer was “no”. Time and time again, his candidacy was refused.
During this time of challenge, it would have been easy for Elizabeth to lose patience, get distracted and think, “If my dream were to materialize, it would have happened by now. Then she might have become so discouraged that she would have stopped her pursuit. However, there were no thoughts of “giving up” in Elizabeth’s mind.
Is there something you almost gave up on? Or a goal you can’t seem to achieve? Are you discouraged because so much time has passed and it seems like nothing has worked?
Despite what you are going through now or what has happened in the past, if there was ever a time not to give up, this is it. Remember that the time when you are ready to quit smoking is usually just before a miracle happens.
Elizabeth was rejected by twenty-nine medical schools. Finally, despite the reluctance of the faculty, she was accepted into the all-male student body of the Collège de Genève.
At school, Elizabeth overcame many unfair situations, teasing and struggles. But, she didn’t walk away and give up on her dream. Elizabeth continued with dignity. She rose to the challenge and, step by step, she got closer to success. Eventually, with her selfless and hard work ethic, she earned the respect of the institution, faculty, and students.
In 1849, facing overwhelming odds, Elizabeth Blackwell graduated at the top of her class. Through her perseverance and faith, she was a trailblazer, setting a new standard and enabling others to follow in her footsteps. Elizabeth Blackwell left a legacy that could help pave the way for female doctors for generations to come.
“Each of us has a good job to do in life. That good job not only accomplishes something needed in the world, but completes something within us. — Elizabeth O’Connor.
No matter what you’ve encountered, never give up on what you really want to do. Don’t let losses, disappointments, criticisms or setbacks keep you from believing you can make a difference. God has something special for you to do. He wants to do great things for you, with you, by you, and through you. You are a shining light and you still have so much to give to the world. For someone needs what you have to offer. So release the gifts God has placed within you and “make the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16). Use what has been given to you, for “you are made in a fearful and wonderful way” (Psalm 139:4), and “capable of overcoming”. (Numbers 13:30)
God has remarkable things in store. And He can lead you in different ways. Last week my daughters and I were driving out of town for a business meeting. I was driving and the navigation told us to go on one road, while the paper instructions told us to follow a different route. I wasn’t sure which direction to take. Then, from the back seat, my youngest daughter stepped in and said, “There’s more than one way to do this.”
Likewise, God has more than one way to get you to your destination. God brought Joseph out of prison and put him in the palace (Genesis 41:37-45). God used Nehemiah to rebuild the city of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1-3) And Elijah’s prayers and perseverance prevailed. (1 Kings 18:43-44)
God sends you a great reminder today: Your life has a tremendous purpose. So don’t give up now. There is untapped potential within you. Pray and persist with unwavering faith and keep going towards your goals. There is much more in your life that remains to be revealed.
Therefore, rejoice in God and keep “using all the gifts you have received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10). For God is going to give you the desires of your heart. And He will take you further than you ever imagined possible.
Email Catherine Galasso-Vigorito at cgv@anewyouworldwide.com. To order a copy of her new book, “The Open Window, 8 Weeks to Create Extraordinary Life,” visit www.anewyouworldwide.com or at bookstores nationwide. Like me on Facebook! Follow Catherine on Instagram @Catherinegalassovigorito.
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