Bravery isn’t just defined on a battlefield or in a life and death situation. Bravery is stepping up to do the right thing when others do not. It’s standing firm when others crumble. It’s stepping up when others flee. And that’s just what makes Richard Johnson such an amazing father.

He came from a family where everyone was either divorced or a single parent. His dad was not a part of his life. So, when his daughter, Persephone, was born and her mother took off just one month later, he was alone, scared and overwhelmed. But he knew he wanted to be a better father than he’d had. So, he chose to break the cycle of abandonment and do whatever it took to be a good father to little Persephone.

If you’ve never heard of psoriasis , it’s a skin disorder that results in itchy, dry patches of skin that can also be painful. It’s fairly common, and the severity and exact symptoms differ from person to person. However, for most people, it is not usually as severe as it is for Giorgia Lanuzza.

For her, the condition showed up when she was 13. Just in time for her teenage years, when self-esteem is perhaps at its most vulnerable. The angry, red rash covers nearly 97% of her body at times, and can be extremely uncomfortable. But for Giorgia, what stings the most is how she is treated by others simply because of her physical appearance. She says,

“People would stop and stare at me in the street. My psoriasis looks like red, raised spots and people looked at me as if I was disgusting and they might catch something. I felt so self-conscious about the condition that it was ruining my life.”

As I’ve already mentioned, the timing of the disorder was horrible. But not just because puberty is stressful enough on its own. Giorgia had also just unexpectedly lost her father. She says, “The condition is often triggered by trauma, and when I lost my dad I felt like my world had ended. My world went to pieces – we were so close when I was growing up, and I couldn’t bear losing him. Grieving was difficult enough. Then, when these flaky patches started appearing on my skin, I had no idea what was happening.”

Continue reading this true inspirational story to learn what Giorgia did next that showed how courageous and strong she truly is!

Matthew 5:5-9

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Romans -21

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

GodUpdates Inspirational Stories Series – Inspiring Short Stories

This story is part of a series of inspirational stories designed to uplift your day and show you God’s hand at work in the world. Here are some other articles in this series that we hope you’ll enjoy!

The baby was Jillian Sobol. Her biological mother was practically a kid herself when she got pregnant. Terrified, she hid the pregnancy – even from the father, a boy she’d met at a party – and secretly delivered her daughter in her dorm room. She wrapped the newborn in towels and put her into a cardboard box in the campus laundry room.

6. True Inspirational Short Stories – Girl Was Playing In Grandparent’s Basement, Then The House Exploded

Katie dated Daniel Lynch – the man installment loan alternatives Wisconsin who orchestrated the attack that forever changed Katie’s life – for just two weeks. Daniel turned violent after the brief romance ended. In a fit of jealousy, he hired a hitman named Stefan. Stefan approached Katie on the streets of London, dousing her in sulphuric acid.

Continue reading about this inspirational true story of how Pastor Bobby Bedsoe was saved from drugs by his praying mom.