Holley asked us this week to consider who inspires us. When I thought of it, no single person came to mind – but scrolling through mymind’s Rolodex (does anyone remember what that is?) and my Facebook ‘friends’ list, there is no end of inspiration.
Who inspires me?
Those who believe that pressing through, choosing courage, holding on to truth, and doing the hard work is worth the risk.
Those who are wrestling through what life has for them, doing what they’re called to daily – the mundane things and the extraordinary things.
Those who are choosing courage despite fear, those who receive very little praise for their unseen efforts, and those who humbly accept encouragement and affirmation for their public efforts.
Those who laugh and dance and share their brokenness and healing transparentlyand confidently because they know freedom, and those who are struggling against highly stacked odds to be free.Those who are bravely themselves, believing that they were placed in this world for a purpose.
Those who are living and embodying compassion and care – an area in which I feel so weak, and where I long to grow.
A friend bravely battling PTSD.
A mama rejoicing in her cancer remission.
A mentor to young moms thanking her birth mom & adoptive mom on her birthday.
A single woman choosing to chase her dreams.
My great-aunt glowing, dancing and beautiful as she celebrates 90 years.
The list is long – I could go on and on.
Those who inspire me are not perfect people, they’re those who wrestle and are growing and becoming who they were created to be. They’re beautiful in their imperfection, and growing in grace daily – some days more, some days less, but they’re heading in the right direction.
Chances are that if you’re reading this, you are in that list, friend. I’m inspired by you – your courage, your joy, your compassion and your real self. Thank you for just being you.
So – who inspires you?
Ellen
Just so you know your on my list too.
I love you.
XO & white tulips. 🙂
LOVE this Ellen! This is kind of where my heart went too, thank you for sharing!
btw- have been praying for your sweet girl, hope she’s doing better!
Thank you, Lanette – I am grateful for your encouragement! Thank you also for remembering & praying for our sweet girl – she is doing much better – we see an improvement day over day, and it’s remarkable to think of how much she’s improved this last week. Such a relief – and i’m so glad to have good news to share!
You said it so well. I am inspired by people like my mom who loved God, her family, her church, and though she had little materially gave generously in support of missions. I am inspired in my marriage by a couple who made if over 66 years together and were totally devoted to each other to the end. I am inspired by bloggers, women I don’t even know, but who impact my life with their words, like you Ellen. Thank you to Holly and you for asking and sharing.
Thank you, Mary – your mom sounds like a gem! And 66 years? Extraordinary, and inspiring. So glad to count you as a new friend!
Thanks for the encouragement Ellen. We’re all in this together, aren’t we? Give your little sweet one a hug from me. God bless you. Elmeda
Thank you, Elmeda! We are and I will! We will have to come visit you soon!
What a beautiful post. I’m inspired by so many people. The first, and earliest example, that comes to mind, is my Nana. She was an amazing woman. Then I think of so many in our church who inspire me daily with their faith. Others inspire me in their ability to cope with adversity. You are definitely one of the people who inspire me, too.
What a lovely reminder this post is to let people know what they mean to you.
Thank you, Tania! It’s definitely been a good thing for me to consider who inspires me! So glad that the snow melted and you’re able to get out and about again!