Early on she wanted to be a missionary or a nun. Most women at that time would be a teacher, an office assistant, or work at the Post Office. Despite the odds, and after praying the Lord would direct her path, Mrs. Francois decided she wanted to be a doctor — this would be her “pursuit of happiness.” While persisting with her medical education, she worked part-time for $3 per shift and car fare (7 cents for a street car and bus to get to her job). Wanting to attend a good medical university up North, she was told she had many strikes against her as a woman — poor, colored, Catholic, entering a field dominated by males, and being hearing-impaired. Many predicted she would fail, yet Doris Francois stayed the course to become a medical doctor, a pediatrician. Her subsequent distinguished medical career allowed her to be the hands and feet of the Great Physician in varied children’s hospitals, internal medicine and family practices, community-based clinics, and State of Tennessee care facilities for disabled clients.

Interestingly, Doris Francois married in 1963 as racial tensions were heightening and the government was preparing to launch Great Society social programs in America which would initially help but eventually condemn millions to social and economic dependency. She was not lured into complacency, an entitlement mentality, or racial antagonism, however. With her cardiologist husband, she would make house calls for those who couldn’t come during the week or didn’t have the money. They also made opportunities available for other young people by providing funding for education, books or lunch money, or helping them improve in their studies.

“Do not exploit people. There are no failures, just challenges in life. Be kind and good to people and you will have impacted them in a positive way. Do what you are passionate about. Be self-sufficient and independent. Learn from your experiences every day. Always wake up being grateful.” This is sage advice from one who could have easily succumbed to the lure of dependency and entitlement.

Her reflections on the current status of America are equally profound. In her own words: “We don’t seem to share and care for people and their welfare, racing on the fast track of selfish pursuits. Taking prayer out of schools has impacted our national morality. Loss of discipline and respect in the family, as well as preoccupation with cell phones and 24/7 media, has robbed us of the ability to play and worship together. So many are learning to take the road of least resistance, seeking whatever is pleasurable for the here and now. So many brilliant and talented young people whose minds should be prepared to lead us in the subsequent decades are being poisoned by privileged living for the moment, with the acquisition of material things defining their successes so that caring for their neighbor and others has been discarded. Drugs and pornography have become the real weapons of mass destruction in our children’s minds.” She has certainly put her finger on the Spiritual Infrastructure challenges of America.

Doris Francois’ ultimate advice to America in 2014 turns to the power of personal faith: “Pray and ask God to lead you. It is not about religion, but about what is in your heart. Love and respect the individual, not knowing when you may be touching God Himself.”

Yes, Doris Francois is an inspiring Profile in Resilience. May her example fortify us to pursue our calling from the Lord and experience true happiness which lasts into eternity.

So what about YOU?

What does Pursuing True Happiness look like to YOU?

What will be your True Joy during this Christmas season?

What inspiring Profile in Resilience have you been motivated by?