INSPIRE OTHERS

The other day I was in a store and saw a garden flag with the message "Live By Inspiring Others To Fly" and it almost sounded like something you would give a school teacher at the end of the year. But really all of us who are in a mentoring role of some sort should be doing just that. By our actions we should  be inspiring others to reach for greatness. I know the 'Boys and Girls Clubs' do this for underprivileged youth and there are some famous success stories of those alumni inspired at their Boys and Girls Club one of which is movie actor Denzel Washington.

 If you are a parent you should each day be trying to instill in your young children the desire to 'reach for the stars' so to speak or to dream big. Do not settle for humdrum and mediocre but go beyond what you think you can. Each of us has a gift to share with the world. We do not have to be famous, rich, well educated or have some fancy title but whatever it is we should want to reach for greatness and do the best we can with the abilities and talents God has gifted us with. God has given us each gifts and we should dream big.

Star Parker is the founder and president of CURE, the Center for Urban Renewal and Education, and she tries to help people get out of the Housing  Projects and off the government dependency on welfare. She knows what she is talking about because she was on what I believe she refers to as  'the government plantation' as a child and knows all people can do better if they try and really want to. You feel better about yourself when you do things yourself and do not think the government has to take care of you. Don't let someone tell you what you can't do but tell them what you can do! Another wonderful story of perseverance and not giving up is the story of  the 30 year old professional bartender who people said was 'too old to play football' but who went to an open tryout and made the Philadelphia Eagles at age 30 in 1976.He was a long shot,  but Vince Papale, proved them wrong. His  story is chronicled in the Hollywood movie 'Invincible'(2006).

Philippians 4:13 is one of my favorite verses and it says "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" and indeed we can in fact do this. Isaiah 40:31 is a motivational verse and it reads "but those who hope   in the Lord
will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,  they will walk and not be faint."

Are you reaching for high goals or do you just settle for where you are in life? Don't start saying "I am too old". I say "bah humbug" to that. You can do what you want to do if you really want to do it. Do not make excuses.Do not listen to the lies of the enemy who will try to get you discouraged and make you feel unimportant. You are important to God and have a gift to share with others. He has a plan for you. Jeremiah 29:11 is a familiar verse I have referenced before in devotions and it says
"For I know the plans   I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper   you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." There really is a hope and a future for those who look to the Lord for their guidance daily.

1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Do you seek to bring glory to the Lord in your daily activities? Do you reach out to others and try to be the salt and light spoken of in the Bible?

Seek to not only to inspire but to motivate and lift up Jesus name in all you do and to reach out to others not so fortunate and make an impact on their lives. This is a sure cure for those feeling unworthy. When you stop pitying yourself you can see there are many hurting people who would like someone to just talk to or someone to help them. Now go out and be inspired and inspire those around you .

PRAYER: Father your love lifts me up and I  know you have a great plan for my life. Help me to seek dreams and never give up. In Jesus name. Amen.