Local Woman Shares Inspiring Story of Faith During Hardship

Mary Simmons reflects on how her belief in Jesus has helped her through difficult times.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:06pm

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a person's hands clasped in prayer, with the scene bathed in a warm, hazy glow of light, conceptually representing the comfort and guidance found in religious faith during difficult times.A woman's hands in prayer, surrounded by a comforting glow, symbolize the solace and strength found in faith during life's challenges.Victoria Today

Mary Simmons, a columnist for The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch, shares a personal story about how her faith in Jesus has guided her through challenging life events, including her mother's illness, her daughter's premature birth, and the recent hospitalizations of her granddaughter and sister. Simmons emphasizes that while life is not always easy, she believes Jesus will not give us more than we can handle and that He blesses each of us in the way we need.

Why it matters

Simmons' story provides an inspiring example of how religious faith can offer comfort and strength during times of hardship. Her perspective resonates with many readers who may be facing their own struggles and seeking solace in their beliefs.

The details

In her column, Simmons recounts several instances where her prayers to Jesus were answered, such as when her mother recovered from illness and her premature daughter was able to come home from the hospital. She also shares how her faith has helped her through more recent challenges, including the hospitalizations of her granddaughter and sister. Throughout, Simmons emphasizes her belief that Jesus will not give us more than we can handle and that He blesses each of us in the way we need.

  • Simmons has believed in Jesus since she was a little child.
  • In the 1950s, Simmons' oldest daughter was born weighing only 3 1/2 pounds and was hospitalized for about a month and a half before coming home.
  • Simmons recently experienced the hospitalizations of her granddaughter and sister.

The players

Mary Simmons

A columnist for The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch who shares her personal story of faith and how it has helped her through difficult life events.

Jesus

The central figure in Simmons' faith, whom she believes will not give her more than she can handle and blesses her in the way she needs.

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What they’re saying

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

— Mary Simmons, Columnist

“He will not give us more than we can handle.”

— Mary Simmons, Columnist

The takeaway

Simmons' story serves as a powerful testament to the comfort and strength that religious faith can provide during difficult times. Her unwavering belief in Jesus' guidance and support offers an inspiring example for readers who may be facing their own challenges and seeking solace in their beliefs.