Recently I’ve been really in the mood to write, but I didn’t know what to write about. So I pulled up an old post I remembered reading, on this blog I follow

Savannah had asked her readers to respond with ideas of what they would like her to write about. One of the suggestions was ”Who have been some of the most inspirational people in your life and why were you impacted by them?”

I loved this question and it really got me thinking. Three people came to mind instantly. I want to share with you the things that make them stand out to me.

First of all, obviously, my immediate family is most influential in my life. That goes without saying. I’m grateful for the examples set for me from my parents and grandparents. My siblings are my very best friends. I love them all.

But the people I’m thinking of today are people who I met later in my life. In many ways they are all very different, yet they all have definite similarities. They all are special to me… people who I greatly admire, and aspire to be like someday.

I’m sure none of them would want me to use their names, so to differentiate between them, I will give them each a name. (I’ve only named babies, never middle-aged ladies, so bear with me.) I think I will call them ”Maria, ” ”Sharlene, ” and ”Lucinda.” ”

Sharlene” and I are both members of the same local congregation, and the others are sisters in Christ also.

Strong and tan, ”Maria” is the picture of health and vigor. She could out-work many men I know. She is simple and honest, one never has to wonder what she is thinking. Her friendly, approachable manner and servant heart make her a woman that is well known in the community, and if you know her and don’t love her, there is something wrong with you. When I think of her in relation to the Proverbs 31 Woman, I think of several verses.

“She gets up while it is still night, she provides food for her family…”

“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”

“She opens her arms to the poor, and extends her hands to the needy.”

I marvel at the way “Maria” finds time for those who need her. Unselfish and non-judgemental, she loves Jesus, loves people, and is such a huge blessing.

”Sharlene” is the epitome of southern hospitality. To be in her home is to be treated like someone special, to be well fed, and to be encouraged.

Her house is beautiful, and beautifully decorated. She has a green thumb, which means there are plants thriving everywhere; and she has a generous heart, which means you just might be gifted one of the little beauties to take home.

She is gifted in working with her hands. She and her sisters are talented seamstresses.

“She selects wool and flax, and works with eager hands.”

” She makes coverings for her bed…”

Sometimes she teaches our Sunday School class, and she’s so encouraging to us as younger women. I look forward to her teaching.

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”

”Sharlene” is a thoughtful, cheerful, motherly woman who makes everyone feel at home when she’s around. I hope I can someday be like that.

Another great inspiration to me is ”Lucinda.” She inspires me over and over with her sweet acceptance of her lot in life as a victim of a debilitating disease. For years she has had to depend on others to do things for her that she once could do herself.

She inspires me so much with her faithfulness to God, even though He hasn’t answered all her prayers. From a human standpoint, she would have good reasons to resent her lot, to complain a bit, and pity herself. But every time I see her, she is cheerful, with a quick but quiet wit. Her pleasant attitude reminds me that contentment is not merely circumstantial, but it is in Jesus. Even though her life hasn’t turned out as she would have planned, she is not going to let it steal her joy.

Of course she is human, so it’s safe to assume she has struggles. I imagine she feels inadequate sometimes. Like she is just in the way.

(“Lucinda” if you’re reading this, look at your family. A family the size of yours doesn’t just “turn out” to be such serious, Godly, exceptional people, without some positive influence. Your children are the gift you give to the world, and what a gift they are!

And I imagine you think I’m going overboard here, but you are a huge blessing in the life of my little family. We all love and admire you. Keep looking to Jesus!

Here are some verses from Proverbs 31 that make me think of you:

“Her husband has full confidence in her, and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”

“Her children arise, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” )

So there you have the first three who came to mind when I thought of people who inspire me. Three very different ladies, yet they have many good things in common. Most importantly, faith in Christ.

As I think of how I want to be as I grow older, I see these women, and many other women in my life. Role models for me to imitate in my Christian walk, in my marriage, and in raising my little ones. I pray that God will help me put to good use the Godly examples I have to follow.

As I wrote this, I thought of quite a few other people I greatly admire, so I may have to write a sequel…

Who are some people you admire, and why? Feel free to comment. 🙂

‘Til next time, be blessed!