In the very face of peril, there are those incredible individuals who conquer all the odds despite their tremendous adversities. Those mortal souls who rise above that which seemed to be impossible and then become an inspiration to the millions of people who admire and respect their courage. Elizabeth Smart is one of these remarkable individuals who, when all seemed lost, showed us how to conquer the unimaginable with ultimate dignity!
Elizabeth was abducted from her bedroom on June 5, 2002, at age 14. She endured a living hell with her abductors and was recovered nine months later on March 12, 2003, in Sandy, Utah, 18 miles from her home. Her story and recovery was widely publicized around the world, but what has happened to her life since this tragedy is even more remarkable.
Elizabeth finished high school with honors and went on to graduate from Brigham Young University. On November 11, 2009, she left her home to serve a church mission in Paris. In March of 2011, she was one of four women awarded the Diller-von Furstenberg Award, including a $50,000 prize, which she announced she will use to start The Elizabeth Smart Foundation (aimed in helping young people avoid or recover from violent events). In February 18, 2012, she married Matthew Gilmour and is now working as a commentator for ABC News.
I have always admired those who face their trials with courage, refusing to surrender to the buffetings of life, for they are the masters of their own destiny. By Linda Sumer Urza, One fine day
