Inspiration

Precious friends,

The topic of inspiration has come up several times in the past few days as I’ve visited with friends. The idea that some have really learned the secret to inspiring – or encouraging – people to walk out their best is something I want to learn to do well.

Who inspires you? Is it someone with celebrity – Joanna Gaines, Serena Williams, or Christine Caine? Perhaps someone you know – a mentor, family member, or friend? Their gift of genuine, authentic inspiration is something I’m asking the Lord to develop in me as well.

We are usually inspired when someone encourages the core of who we are. They see the promise in us that can often be dimmed to our own view. Real inspirers:

~Believe in us. They aren’t swayed by the mess of our humanity.

~Speak up. Being vocal is necessary for encouragement. Otherwise, it is just a nice thought!

~Value us. Someone who inspires us can see the God-given significance we embody. Not for their own benefit, but for others’.

The best inspiration comes from those who know us. It takes time to get to know someone well enough to see their heart. Trust must be developed to speak and receive inspiration at the deepest level. And no one has known us longer or more intimately than our loving Father.

Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, God!

How vast is the sum of them!

Psalm 139:16-17

May I encourage you to watch for the Lord’s inspiration to you in the next few weeks? What is He encouraging you to do, to say, to trust Him about? Then ask Him how you can pour some of that into another with an encouraging word or boost of belief. It is a beautiful circle He has created!

Have a lovely day and remember…

You are adored!