My Inspiration

I felt moved to blog today about the women that have inspired my life throughout the years. Some of them I have warred with but have realized that they have been my greatest influences. Others are gentle souls that may not even know that they have touched my life. Today I give them all the platform because they deserve it and maybe they will help inspire you.

The first woman and most important of them all is my mother. Although we spent alot of time apart her influences run deep in my life. She is a survivor and a miracle from God. My mother went through a very difficult childhood, had a couple of failed marriages, an abusive relationship, some other really personal issues and a battle with cancer but never gave up on life. I may not agree or even understand why she made some of the decision she made along the way but I can say that she made it out. She endured like a soldier and never complained. The most inspiring memories are when she was battling cancer. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor and never once said "why me?". She would only shed silent tears due to the pain she endured. I am so proud and overjoyed to say that her battle was short and she came out victorious. It has now been 5 years without a cell of cancer in sight. Glory be to God. I have always been a very sensitive person. I used to take things to heart. I would let others opinions of me break me down until there was almost nothing left. My mom used to say " you need to get thick skin, you can't let people get to you. Imagine if I let everything that happened to me affect me." Although she may not realize it those words did something to me. They gave me strength. Instead of letting me cry she would make me stand strong. That is one thing about my mom, she is one of the strongest women I know. No matter what comes her way and tries to knock her down...she rises again from out of the dust. I used to get so angry because my mom would rarely express her love for me. I really have no vivid memories of her showing me affection. I know understand that because I didn't have a father figure in my life she filled that place. I needed someone to tell me to toughen up. I needed someone to say get over it and keep moving. Now that I am older and wiser she is the embracing mother that I now need. I now have the relationship I always wanted with her. I am so inspired and motivated by my mothers preserverance and I know God has blessed me with her so I can be the same for my daughter. She helped mold me into the women I am today. It is her warrior spirit that has sustained me through my journey. Thank you Mom. I love you.

My grandma is another woman who has given me so much strength. She is a strong independent woman that once owned her own business. Although she was always in a relationship she was the type of woman that knew how to take care of herself. She had a keychain that said "The best man for the job is a woman". She exemplified that quote to the T. Nana Lulu is what I called her. Nana always had it covered. What ever you needed fixed she had it taken care of. If she didn't know how she would find out how. She didn't need to play the helpless woman role, she got it done. I was Nana's little angel. My Nana always had me decked out in the best threads. I was her pride and joy and she treated me like I was her daughter. My mom was a teen mom so my Nana helped take care of me while my mom finished growing up. I remember my Nana always being there for me and my mom no matter what mistakes my mom made. We could always count on her to be there in our time of need. Another thing that influenced me was her tenacity for life. It didn't matter what she went through she got back up and tried it again. Hence her 4 marriages. :) Nana always took care of herself and had it going on. She carried herself with dignity and pride. I honor my Nana and thank God for her spirit of tenacity and strength.

Although my little princess in not yet a woman she carries herself like one. She has such a strong faith. I thank God for her because when times are rough she has a word to pull me through. She may only be 10 but her wisdom is beyond comprehension. It has to be the spirit of God that ministers through her because she always knows what to say and do to encourage me. When I found out I was going to have my little girl I picked Faith for her middle name. I never knew that she would be the faith I needed when I didn't know how I would pull through. Thank you baby for being my little rock. You are my little rocker girl. I know God has such amazing things for you. Your compassion and heart are so unique. Always remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Mommy loves you so much. I thank and praise God for your faith.

My mother in law is someone that I look up too and respect. She has been through so many things in her life including a divorce and a battle with breast cancer. She never gave in or gave up. She grabbed her boots by the straps and keep moving forward come rain or shine. She may have her days of doubt and sadness but her joyful days out number them. She has such a BIG heart and gives so much of herself unselfishly. If I am having a bad day or need help she lightens my load. She reminds me that I have to keep moving....keep going....you can't stay down. She may not say it with her mouth but her actions speak volumes. I know that no matter what if she has it she will give it. She will always be here for me and I thank and honor God for her heart of GIVING and JOY.

Last but not least, the next woman I look up to may come as a surprise to her but I have to give her her props. My dearest BFF, Words can not express the love I have for you. I always desired to have a sister in my life and God listened because He blessed me with you. I can always be myself around you. I don't have to hide my pain or weakness because you accept me as I am. Your love is my strength. I don't know sometimes how you endure the things you do. I know you don't know either but I know it has to do with your heart. You have such a love for God and His people and you inspire me to be so much more. I know you say that you look to me as your mentor but you don't even know how much you give to me. Just the fact that you allow me to minister to you in the midst of my craziness gives me hope...LOL! God can use me no matter what, right? I thank you for always wanting to spend time with me. I thank you for loving me and my baby unconditionally. I thank you for your hugs that almost take my breath away....literally. :) Thanks for always being willing to go to the "ends of the earth" for me. Oh and thanks for all the snacks you have provided me when I am hungry. My dear BFF I know our friendship is divinely ordered by God and He has such BIG things planned for us. I praise and thank God for your spirit of LOVE.

Each of these women have been through some very difficult and trying times. For their privacy I have chosen not to share them in detail. I have chosen to focus on the gifts that they have contributed to my life. One thing I know for sure is that they have all sowed seed in my land and the harvest is plentiful. Thank you God for these wonderful, beautiful, powerful and courageous women. There are many more that have left footprints on my heart but these are the ones that have been here from the start and continue to leave impressions on a daily basis. I love you all.