Leanne Mallet
We have what others need in this world
Being inspirational isn’t just about smashing world records or grand gestures. It can happen in daily life, urges Leanne Mallett.
I recently came across a notepad that had the words ‘inspiration is everywhere’ scrolled across the front cover. It’s true!
When we turn on the TV, pick up a magazine, scroll down our social media pages, pictures and stories can often stir us to do something, they ignite us again and spur us to carry on or to achieve.
I took a lady from our church food shopping the other day. She had an injury which meant she couldn’t carry anything. So we shared a trolley and scooted around the supermarket together. I soon realised that her side of the trolley was boasting of fresh, green, healthy foods – foods that were filled with nutrients.
I soon became very aware of how different my side of the trolley was looking. Foods that maybe seemed very appealing to the eye and tastebuds but were actually not the healthiest option by far!
I decided this was getting very embarrassing, so after adding some veg and fruit to my side to make it look a little better, I decided not to put any more in. My plan was to come back the next day on my own – when I could shop guilt-free!
However... as her shopping filled my trolley, her healthy choice of food suddenly looked more appealing to me – her excitement as she talked about what meals she was going to make quickly made me want to make them too! She reminded me of how good it made you feel eating such food and how it benefited your body and health.
I quickly realised what I was filling my body with… without her knowing it, she had inspired me! Yes, inspiration can be watching the ‘Bake Off’ and wanting to bake again but inspiration can happen in our everyday lives, in our conversations and actions. We can often be an inspiration without even knowing it.
Some of us have no idea that we can be an inspiration to others just being who we are, where we are. Often, we feel we have to achieve a gold medal in the Olympics or break a world record to be an inspiration to others. But in reality, being who you are in your workplace, in the school yard with your kids, with your family or neighbours can inspire others in ways that you can’t even imagine. Our reactions, responses and kind gestures can inspire others in ways that you may never know.
Watching a single mum bringing up her children, seeing a woman overcoming illness, anxiety or depression, seeing a mother juggling a family and a career or seeing that student graduate inspires us! It makes us think: if she can do it, so can I!
The Bible is filled with stories of men and women who were an inspiration. God used the most ordinary people to achieve the extraordinary. He chose the unqualified, the weak, the young, the old, men and women, to achieve the most amazing exploits for him.
Matthew 5:14 tells us we are the ‘light of the world’ – we can show the love of Jesus to others right where God has placed us at whatever season of life we are in. Verse 16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
In 2017, Aspire’s theme is ‘Inspired’ and over the year we will not only be holding conferences with this theme but hearing stories from real women making a real difference where they are.
We have in us what others need in this world – and that’s Jesus! So let’s shine our light boldly and live a life that inspires others to want to know him.
