At age 10, Madysen was electrocuted by accidentally grabbing a hot power line. The burn injuries that resulted led to the amputation of both of her arms.
Madysen was 14 when she first attended my Beautifully Flawed retreat, and has enjoyed going every year since. Though she grew up attending church and believing in the Lord, it was during her third retreat that she felt a new calling; to supporting others in their challenging experiences. Most days Madysen provides inspiration on auto pilot, while simply going about her days as a college sophomore.
“I know I stand out on campus, but I also know people are not looking at me because I’m weird, but because I’m inspiring them.” The encouragement that flows through her comes from the Lord, citing Jeremiah 29:11, “…there is hope. Even though you might not realize that there’s a plan for what’s happening to you right now, He knows what’s gonna happen and it takes away our worry.”
“He knows what’s gonna happen and it takes away our worry.” – Madysen Acey
Despite losing both of her arms at an early age, Madysen has not shied away from life. Why? Because she believes,“without joy you don’t have anything.” During high school, she was on the cheerleading team, the track team, and entered and won several beauty contests. Now a thriving student at the University of Mississippi, Madysen continues sharing her story and spreading God’s encouragement across campus, from the girls in her sorority to the fellow athletes working out in the gym.
In everything she does, Madysen teaches the world that true beauty is not what can be seen on the outside, but comes from within. Madysen isn’t defined by her limitations. Instead she chooses to live her life with the confidence that comes from the Lord.
The Psalmist proclaims in Psalm 30:11, “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness…” Just as God is faithful to turn Madysen’s accident into a source of encouragement to those around her, He is faithful to work through the trails in our lives to reflect His glory. Only God can turn our heartbreak into gladness because He is the author of our life. He knows how our story plays out. While we can only see today, He knows what’s written on all of our tomorrows; and those pages are full of hope, love, and endless amounts of His joy.
Being Unstoppable means, like Madysen, you find joy and purpose in your story.
To learn more about living unstoppable, check out my Unstoppable Year online course. Learn more.
