To be honest, I tripped over the first few words of this quote by Emerson before I embraced the rest of the truth.
While I agree with him that we all want to be inspired to be who we can be, I’m not so certain that’s our “chief want.”
I want a lot of things.
I need a lot of things, too.
And sometimes I get the two mixed up.
But there’s no denying how finding those certain “someones” who motivate me to pursue my dreams, to be true to myself and what I value, has changed me and helped me become who I want to be.
Surprisingly, these life influencers are often different from me when it comes to our personalities or even our life choices.
Sometimes it’s how they live their lives with intention and a quiet determination that encourages me to be more true to myself.
Maybe they speak the truth I need to hear, the words that allow me to be brave just when fear seemed stronger than me.
Or they remind me that it’s not just about my dream, but about what God’s saying … where He’s leading … and trusting Him with my dream.
In Your Words: Who has inspired you — encouraged, motivated, influenced — to be what you knew you could be? What you wanted to become?
In Others' Words: Someone to Inspire You http://bit.ly/2slgE1k #relationships #influence Click To Tweet 'Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.' quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson http://bit.ly/2slgE1k #inspiration #quotes Click To Tweet
Comments 9
Nope.
It’s all on you. Looking to others for inspiration is like pushing a rope.
But Steve Winwood sang it better than I can say it:
Clarification – others can be and are inspiring,no question. As Angela says below, you’re certainly one of these, Beth, in a huge way.
But I think Emerson is wrong; we have to draw what we can become from that which lies within, and to develop lasting confidence in the potential that’s there. It can be illuminated by example, but not, I think, inspired.
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Andrew: Thank you — and I’m still standing my ground here because I know how you have inspired (motivated, encouraged, influenced) others. And yes, that inspiration then becomes a part of us and we draw from it.
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Andrew: How can you even say this when you inspire me and so many others? (And you can’t argue with me on this one, my friend.) 🙂
Yeah, I know…ah, well, I figure God gave me a big mouth because I often need room to put both feet in.
Barb says I’m the dumbest smart person she knows. There may be a point there!
I’ve pressed on, dreamed big, and reached farther than I thought I ever could because of your reminders to lean into God’s love and to trust Him through good times and bad. You’re the truth-speaker that gives me courage, Beth.
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Angie: Your words make me smile today.Thank you. And our friendship is a mutual source of encouragement. 🙂
I think inspiration from others comes as an unexpected moment, a surprise, a gift. If we’re looking to someone to inspire us, we’ll be disappointed, and we’re looking in the wrong place much like Colossians 3:1-3 says. But, when we’re focused on walking with God as He directs, He then uses other people as inspiration and encouragement.
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Susan: I appreciate your perspective. I understand how we can put many expectations on others and be disappointed. It happens. I’m sure I’ve disappointed others, even as I’ve disappointed myself. I especially value those people in my life whose faith strengthen mine.