Whenever you feel beaten down, consider this man;
Born into poverty, faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown.
He could have quit many times – but he didn’t
His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them
His mother died.
Failed in business.
Ran for state legislature – lost.
Also lost his job – wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.
Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.
Ran for state legislature again – won.
Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken.
Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.
Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – defeated.
Sought to become elector – defeated.
Ran for Congress – lost.
Ran for Congress again – this time he won – went to Washington and did a good job.
Ran for re-election to Congress – lost.
Sought the job of land officer in his home state – rejected.
Ran for Senate of the United States – lost.
Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – got less than 100 votes.
Ran for U.S. Senate again – again he lost.
Elected president of the United States.
With this record of failure, think of how many people the world over have been inspired by this man who signed his name simply; A. Lincoln.
