To inspire means to encourage, stimulate, carry, cause, enliven, exhilarate, influence, reassure, urge, motivate. By definition, it means to beneficially affect, guide or arouse by divine influence. Motivation comes from human effort, but inspiration comes from divine intervention!
One month ago, my father-in-law was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The prognosis is less than promising & at his age chemo/radiation is not recommended. As a successful businessman, father, husband, as well as an iconic figure in the local community, coping with this reality and the uncertainty it brings has been a test of their faith in God's purpose.
My mother-in-law has always been the rock of my husband's family. She has been the "success" behind the family business! She is the glue that holds the family together! Since I have known her, her determination, focus, strong-will, hard work, generosity, love, intelligence, and priorities have a source of inspiration for me. She fights for what she believes in and isn't afraid to stand up for herself or others.
This diagnosis has turned her world and her future upside down.
Today she broke down and admitted she wished this was just a bad dream and that it would all disappear. Her hopes and dreams for the future are on hold as she is struggles with the possible outcomes. She is tired... tired of being strong, tired of maintaining a positive attitude, tired of seeing expectations fall short, and tired of not having any control of the situation. She needs encouragement to stay the course, fight the good fight, and be the positive influence her husband's life. She needs to be inspired!
I hope this small key will provide a subtle reminder of who she is, who God is, and the true source of her inspiration! It's when we come to the end of our resources that God comes in with His resources!
-Cheryl
