An Inspiration...

An Inspiration, what is an inspiration. F. Scott Fitzgerald said “Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over”. A few nights ago I was really feeling the attack of satan on my life, feeding lies me lies about who I am. As I was lying on the floor crying and praying that God’s voice would come through my graduation shoe (Chuck Taylor signed by people on my journey at Emmanuel) fell from a suitcase I was pushing under my bed, on it one person had written “you are inspiration”. I remembered times when some of the women at the prison had said this to me and others in my life. I started to cry even more at this point, wondering how I could be an inspiration, I felt like a mess. I kept saying to God why would they say this about me? If they only knew the pain I feel so often.

The night I was feeling this way was Good Friday. The day that we celebrate the death of Jesus; who was willing to take my sin, my fear, my burdens on the cross alone so I would never have to face life alone. He took it all, and rose again three days later, overcoming the grave so my burden could be lifted. I believe inspiration can come in many different ways. As I continue to follow Jesus and walk in His ways, I am inspired by those who do the same. Those who risk their lives to bring the Gospel to people, by those who bring Christ to those in their workplace, by those who choose to love when it would be easier to hate, by those who get up in the morning and face each day no matter the situation they are in; those who are truly living each day for Christ no matter the circumstance. Some days are challenging and getting out of bed even takes courage, and some days we feel like we can take on the world. Those who I am inspired by are those who challenge me, to do better, to love harder and care more. Inspiration is truly many different things too many different people, we all have the chance to be an inspiration to someone.

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying. ‘I will try again tomorrow’” – Mary Anne Radmacher. 

This is a picture from the Graduation Banquet... An inspiration if I ever did see one! 

- T.