Those Who Inspire

Posted on by

I know a guy who followed a girl to Africa.

That girl is his wife.

She inspires him, it’s obvious—you can see it in the way he talks about her, the way he looks at her, and in the way he pursues so much more with his life because of her. If you talk to him for very long you can tell she makes him want to be a better man, she makes him want to do more with his life. I knew him in college. He was funny and well-liked but a bit of a drifter— now he’s dead focused on a mission and he’s pouring his life into helping other people.

I watch this couple and I wonder if I inspire others the way she inspires him. Do I inspire my own husband to be his best self? Or do I frustrate and discourage him in a world already filled with obstacles?

It’s so easy to be a downer, to always see the obstacles and the impossibility of a situation. Honestly, I think a lot of times I’m quick to tell my husband to quit. I tell him it’s too hard or not worth the time and money. I tell him not to try, not to take the risk.

What if my friend’s wife had told her husband the same things? What if she told him Africa was too far, too dangerous, or not worth the time and money? He would be a different person on a different road in life—and the people he touches in Africa would be on a different road too.

It’s funny because watching her inspire him inspires me too. She makes me want to be a better wife and person. She makes me want to look beyond the challenges and see the possibilities.

I hope going forward I can help my husband and those around me face the world with hope and courage. I hope I can speak to the beauty and wonder all around us each day. I hope I can learn to overcome my own negativity and grow into a woman of faith and courage.

Inspiration can be beautifully contagious—spread some.

14 thoughts on “Those Who Inspire”

  3. Wonderful post, Kari! Thank you for sharing. It reminds me of this verse: “A wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” Prov. 14:1. Our words, our love and support are powerful. We have a choice. Will be build up or tear down? Will we condemn or encourage? Thank you, again. Great, tought-provoking post. May the Lord make us wise woman, helping him in building others up and pouring out His love on them!
    Yours in Christ,
    Natalie

    Like

    Reply

  6. Well you’ve inspired me with this post, Kari. My fiancé has always pushed me to be a better person. I try to inspire him as well but you’re right, sometimes it’s easier to be just a downer. I try to surround myself with people who inspire me that way and avoid those who lower my spirits. Being an inspiring, encouraging person is definitely something worth thriving to 🙂

    Like

    Reply

Join the conversation...