Now, here's what you have to know about my church to picture this event. We love meetings. We call each other Brother and Sister.
Evidently there was another meeting in progress on the other side of the building when we started. When that meeting finished, a dear sister came and found me in the kitchen.
The first thing she said was, "I'm so excited to read your book!" She gave me a huge hug and then continued, "You're such an inspiration. When I saw your post about your book, it gave me the courage to write the children's books I've always wanted to write."
I got goosebumps and almost cried. It still makes me tear up. Why? I didn't set out to be an inspiration, but I'm realizing there are a lot of women at church who have put their dreams on hold just like I did. By reaching out to grab my own dreams and sharing them through online media, I've given others permission to chase their dreams.
I think that's kind of cool.
Who inspired you to chase after your dreams?
Very cool! What an awesome moment, and it's a good reminder that even when we don't realize it, our actions, whether good or bad, can affect others. :P
ReplyDeleteI know! A similar thing happened at lunch on Wednesday. I have a friend moving to Wyoming so we were having a big "Girl's Lunch Out" kind of thing. One of the ladies I really look up to mentioned how inspiring it was to see me doing things that were important to me. Both of our youngest will start school this year and she's not sure what she's going to do. I however know exactly what my plan is. It's a good place to be.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! I hope I'm an inspiration. Even if it means someone reads my book and thinks if he can do it, I KNOW I can!
ReplyDeleteAlex, I KNOW you are! Not only do you have two books out there, but you are one of the pillars of my online world. You are always giving back to the community and helping other writers by being so supportive and positive about everything.
DeleteThank you!
We never know what lies ahead and the simple things we do can help others in ways we can't imagine. It's one of the best reasons for following your heart and soul and do something you've always wanted to do.
ReplyDeleteSo true!
DeleteThat's a wonderful story! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story.
ReplyDeleteAwwww, that was a lovely story to read. It is amazing and wonderful to think that you can inspire someone else to write! I can't think of anything better! :)
ReplyDeleteOur words change lives
Andrea
You definitely inspire others. In many ways, you're kind of fearless (or at least you give off that aura). I think that's a really good leadership trait, and it shows through on your blog and the things that you do. Publishing is a negative business. People always telling you that you suck, etc. I know exactly how that girl felt when she said you inspire her. She sees you facing down the business and letting the rejections roll off of you like Teflon and realizes that if you can walk across broken glass, she might stand a chance too.
ReplyDelete*blush* Thanks Michael. You're like the little angel on my shoulder that keeps me going. You're one of those people that give me confidence because I can feel you believe in me for some strange reason.
DeleteI hope I don't let you down!
What a wonderful 'goose bump' moment. It's an amazing feeling when you realise you've inspired someone and possibly made a major difference in their lives. :-)
ReplyDelete