Inspiration...

I'll put it this way: These are 4 of the most inspiring women in my life.

1. My mother. I will forever be amazed by her patience, humor, compassion, love, and humility. I will forever be in awe of the Woman she is: wife, mother, Queenie, teacher, friend, mentor, leader, servant. I am in awe of the love she has for her family and the patient endurance through which she daily serves and gives of herself to provide for us. I am inspired by her love for her Savior. I will forever cherish her heart and her love.

2. My sister. I hold her opinion in high regard. She's witty, silly, smart, mature, genuine and loving. She is a Woman of integrity. She shows wisdom beyond her years. I am inspired by her passionate love for Christ and her pursuit of the knowledge of Him. I will forever cherish her friendship.

3. My Aunt. I will always be amazed at the way she relates to people. I'm inspired by the way she can make a stranger feel welcome and cared for; the way she encounters people and -perhaps without even knowing it- shows them Christ-like love. (The evidence that He is working in and through her). I see in her a thirst for knowledge and truth. She shows great love for her family. She is hospitable and patient. She is a servant. She is witty, and has a wonderful way of making people laugh. I will forever cherish her wisdom and cherish that she has so humbly and lovingly reached out to me.

4. My co-worker. I will forever love her heart. I have seen such a great and patient love in her. The way she cares for people and reaches out to them inspires me. She has a selfless, servant heart. She loves her Savior, her family and pretty much everyone else. She is compassionate and understanding. She has a marvelous way of looking at things from another's point of view, which is just another example of her selflessness. She gives and gives and gives. The way she loves is evidence of Christ's love and grace at work in her heart.  I cherish her listening ear, her kindness, her love and encouragement.
                                                                                                ~

This list could be far more extensive. The length of each paragraph is not long enough to truly describe the height of their character nor my regard for them. I could go on and on about the ways these women have touched and impacted my life, but I have laid out the essentials.

There are plenty of other women who could make this list longer, and if I had time, I might make it the list of 20 inspiring women... sisters- in- law, cousins, grandmothers and friends. I can honestly say that the Lord has blessed me with a great number of examples and godly friends. I value each and every one. I respect and cherish them. I admire and adore them. But I must give credit where credit is due and all credit is due to the One who formed and made them. The One who created their every whim, and wrinkle. The one who intricately wove them together in the womb. The one who chose them to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. The One who began His work in them and is carrying it on to completion. The very One whose love makes them beautiful and whose grace makes them worthy. The One who has placed them in my life and continues to bless me by their kindness, love and encouragement, and grow me through their example.