What Inspires You? Friday Reflection

Inspire: fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

Synonyms: stimulate, motivate, encourage, influence, rouse, move, stir, energize, galvanize, incite, animate, fire, excite, spark

What inspires you? Moves you? Makes you feel alive? When was the last time you felt inspired? Who was the last person who inspired you?

I have been approaching people this week to ask if they would be willing to read my book in late August and, if they like it, potentially offer an endorsement. Apparently, this is an important and necessary part of the book writing business, but it is humbling to say the least. Despite the discomfort, the element that energizes me is the opportunity to tell the people I am contacting the reasons why I am reaching out to them specifically. I get to tell them how they have inspired me. I have reached out to writers, coaches, artists, social justice advocates, instigators and rabble rousers of all sorts. Once I got over feeling awkward, it has been all kinds of fun.

I am inspired by people who are taking their passion and offering it as a gift to heal the world. Click To Tweet

I believe God puts a creative spark within each of us, a drive to do something because it makes us feel alive in a way nothing else does. It is that thing we do that engages us to such a degree that when we are doing it, we lose track of time. We stop looking at our phone, we quit thinking about the grocery list, we forget about the worry that kept us awake last night.

We come alive. Even when it is hard. Even when there are obstacles. Even when other people don’t get it.

For some people the “thing” looks like creating beautiful art. For some, it is leading and connecting people. Or telling powerful stories. Or solving difficult problems. Or building sturdy structures. Or teaching little people. Or feeding the hungry. Or writing healing words.

But here is the catch: we have to give it away. We must offer it unselfishly and unashamedly in service to others. There is nothing inspirational about a gift hoarded, a light hidden, or a song unsung. When we offer our passion, arms uplifted and hands open, to our creative God and whisper “Here it is. It’s all yours. Use me” then the magic begins. In my opinion, there is nothing more beautiful, more inspirational, than a life surrendered and poured out in service to the healing of our broken world.

The glory of God is man fully alive.- St. Iraneus Click To Tweet

Chasing your passion, doing and sharing the thing you love most, takes courage. Offering it back to God to use in His plan to heal the world is inspirational. You make me braver and more willing to take a risk when you share your gift with the world.

Who inspires you by sharing their gifts with the world? Comment below and then thank them for being your inspiration!

Linking up again today with my friends at Five Minute Friday. This week’s word is INSPIRE.