Obviously, we are all individuals with different worldviews based on our life experiences and expectations. Who, or what, one person finds inspirational may not be so to others, but I think there can be some common threads. I attended a Voice of the Martyrs Advance Conference recently and heard from individuals with moving testimonies. I listened to Sarah of "Sarah's Trail of Blood" tell about the pivotal revelation the Lord showed her during her torture which allowed her courage to remain faithful through six years of imprisonment. I heard of mighty ways the Lord is moving, protecting, providing, and paving the way for the Gospel in hostile regions. The work of the Lord is fruitful, and He can use suffering to advance His Kingdom. This shouldn't be a surprise considering the Church was born following the excruciating death of God's Own Son, Jesus.
Closer to home, when I consider who inspires me, a couple of rather 'ordinary' moms come to mind immediately. One is a fellow homeschooling mom who always looks for the opportunity to help, the small way she can pitch in, rather than getting stressed out about the ways she's unable to solve a problem or meet a need (as I would). Over the years, I have seen her step up and step in over and over, meeting needs with a welcoming heart and warm smile. She inspires me to slam the door on a pity party or panic attack about what is out of my hands and look with trust to the Lord and consider what I do have and what I can do. Another is a single mom who has adopted two girls with a rough past. It is no beach vacation and there are no handbooks, few parents in the same scenario, and judgmental opinions abounding. Health problems, financial distress and more emotionally turmoil than a month's worth of soap operas and this woman is still going strong with her eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. He is her strength, her hope, and her guiding light. She's exhausted, and she'll never realize how beautiful her life story is. Well, perhaps the Lord will reveal it to her in Heaven, but she would respond with modesty, I don't doubt.
We need to remember that everyone around us is indeed fighting their own battles. Just as not all scars are worn on the outside, not all successes will look the same, either. Take the time to get to know others by listening, asking questions, looking for opportunities to help or show kindness, and you may find you're surrounded by some very inspirational people. Who you surround yourself with, and what you choose to internalize via entertainment will affect your outlook on life. I don't personally watch TV, but I came across this series "Born This Way" on A&E online and found it to be something very special. Check out the trailer to see for yourself: