Tag: inspiration

What Inspires You?

what inspires you

This could be a loaded question or one of those posts that takes forever to answer.  When I look back over my life, I can say that there were and are many people and things that inspire me.  It would be extremely difficult to think of one thing or one person who inspires me but I will try my best.

First and foremost I would look to those closest to me and would have to say my grandmothers were my first inspirations.  One raised three children by cleaning the houses of others and one worked her good government job until she was able to retire while dealing with domestic violence and other issues that would have probably killed others with less strength.  These are two amazing and strong women, one who is no longer with us and one who is, that taught me many valuable lessons as well as how to cook.  I would say that they are my first inspirations.  There are also other people in my family that inspire me.  Some who raised children as single parents, others who overcame addictions and those who choose to better themselves in spite of their circumstances.

My second inspiration is a direct result of teachings from my grandmothers and that is God and my faith.  I learned early the importance of prayer and asking God for what I needed and for help.  It was my grandmothers that taught me first before I learned to know God for myself.  The teachings that they gave me provided me the curiosity that led me into ministry and continues to inspire me to be better and greater.  God inspires me because I know and understand that apart from God I am nothing.  There is no one or anything else that can do what God does or has the ability to work the way God can.

I have also been inspired by some of the best educators and scholars in the world.  From my Pastor Emeritus and current Pastor to those who grew and developed me during my educational journey,  my life has held many inspirational people that influenced me to do and be my best and who encouraged and supported me along the way.

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I also must include my friends who have also inspired and encouraged me along the way.  I have the BEST friends in the world.  They come from all walks of life and range from medical professionals to engineers to educators and counselors and ministers.  They have inspired me by living their lives as a testimony to great strength and character.

love

I can also say that I have been inspired by love.  I have been blessed to experience unconditional love that I never thought I would find.  As a matter of fact I had given up on love and love found me.  This love has inspired me to be my best and do my best and to succeed.  This love stays up late to keep me company when I have assignments and deadlines to meet.  This love inspires me to go beyond my comfort zone and achieve my greatest desires.  This love also inspires me to love and to love unconditionally.

I can say hat I have many inspirations.  More than what was shared here.  I hope that everyone can be as blessed as I have been to find inspiration as I have.

When All Else Fails

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This weeks blog is really for me.  When there is so much going on in our lives and around us, it can be difficult to remain grounded and remain true to what we believe in.  My belief is that God will never leave me nor forsake me no matter how much life’s circumstances may make me think differently.  It is precisely during these times and during these trials that I must learn to rely more on God and less on myself and my own capabilities.  Life has taught me that when you do not feel as close to God as you once did you must remember who moved.  In every case God has remained constant, it is us who forget that God is Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient.

I can speak for myself that lately it has been one uphill battle after another.  It has rained and it has poured.  However, I have still enjoyed the small blessings that we so often take for granted such as life, health and strength.  Breath in my body and activity of my limbs, food on the table and clothes on my back, a job to go to and a car to get me there.  Often it can be difficult to see the masterpiece God is painting in your life and it can be hard to remember the little things.

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What I want to encourage each and every person to do this week is to think on the small things.  Think about the things that we often take for granted or neglect to be thankful for.  We sometimes need reminded that it is God, not life that has the ultimate and final work.  We have often been reminded that there is no sorrow here on earth that heaven cannot heal. Though your present pain may be real, God’s promise is what can heal and ultimately take away the pain.  Remain steadfast on your journey and remember when all else fails that God is in control!.