Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Inspired by Lemonade Makers and You


Who inspires me?

Reminds me of another question that stumps me. You know the one about if I could have dinner with anyone past, present, or future who would it be? Because I don't really know who I would choose and I feel all of this pressure to pick someone really special and wise and important.

And even though it's a hypothetical question with no right or wrong answer, I just can't force myself to choose. The array of famous, important names waltz through my mind and I'm not sure I'd want to have dinner with a single one of them.

The five olympic rings still fresh in my mind I think about moments listening to the backstories of the athletes with tears streaming down my cheeks, touched and inspired by what it took for them to get to the top of that ski slope or to lace up that pair of skates.

And suddenly, I know who inspires me.

It's people living in the trenches. Who keep trying and don't give up.

The lemonade-out-of-lemons makers. Who find courage to heal from the past and have hope for the future.

It's moms and dads serving and sacrificing and raising the next generation. Who talk to their kids about hard things and fiercely love and protect.

It's the military wives (like my friends, Beth and Sarah) sustaining life at home with a husband away serving our country. Who fight the lonely and find joy as they count down the days to their return.

It's the honest "this is hard but I'm doing it anyway" people. Who find strength to face fears and hardships and losses.

They are risk-takers and broken-healers.

Caretakers and cancer-sufferers.

Not pretending it's easy or putting on a brave face. Sharing their messy and unanswered.

Inspiration comes when we are vulnerable and honest about who we are and where we have been. It invites others to walk with you on the difficult journey so they know they aren't alone. Or so they can help carry the weight or be your biggest cheerleader.

Who inspires me?

You do.

Living and walking in His promises. Practicing your faith. Learning how to trust.





Holley Gerth (today's Coffee for Your Heart)

7 comments:

Simply Beth said...

Christy, THANK YOU so much. I was so touched by this. There are days I feel like I'm barely surviving but the truth is God really does use this time to grow us in new ways and to teach us how desperatly we need Him! You share such a beautiful list of those who inspire. Love, love Holley Gerth's weekly prompts. I always enjoy the posts shared from them. Thank you again, sweet friend. Much love. xoxoxo

Unknown said...

I love how God inspires us daily through our sisters in Christ!

~Karrilee~ from Abiding Love, Abounding Grace said...

I love this oh so much! This is beautiful - and so true!

Bless you, friend!
You inspire too! In your description, I clearly saw you... I hope you saw yourself in there too!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

There are heroes all around us. I'm inspired by so many people. It's wonderful to know that one day they will be acknowledged and recognized by the only One who matters.

Unknown said...

Thanks for all the love, friends! And Karrilee, appreciate your sweet encouragement! We all need cheerleaders in our lives and I count you as one of them!

Christy

Anonymous said...

I really like this! Such a great perspective! So often we try to be lofty and choose the brilliant poet or the relatable author or dead celebrity who did good with their fame, but you're right... SO SO right!

Amy Sullivan said...

What a GREAT idea for a post. Awesome.

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