Twenties Answer: Question #2

Welcome to Twenties Answer! 
This is a new series that was inspired by Paul Angone and his 11 Questions That Every Twenty Something Needs to Answer! For the next 11 weeks, every Tuesday, I'm going to be answering these questions. Send me an email or comment below your answers if you're a twenty something. Or, if you are past your twenties, how would you answer the question or what would you have done differently back in your 20s. Us twenty somethings, we love advice! Will you join me? 
Click "read more" below!

Find Question #1 and my answer here. 

Strong. Hard worker. Determined. Disciplined. Dependable. Spiritually sound. Creative. Adventurous. Loving. 

When I thought about the people that inspire me the most, musicians, athletes, and icons, were not the first to come to mind. With the exception of Amelia Earhart, who I think is just amazing and has a very captivating story. Instead, I thought of my parents, my sisters, my best friend, and Christ. There are MANY people who inspire me, but these folks are the ones who instantly pop into my mind. They are the ones closest to me that have a tremendous impact on my life. Let me tell you, they are all very different, but they each possess qualities that I love and admire. 

Story time. I have two older step-sisters (ignore the "step" part, it doesn't really count. We've been together since I was two. We are blood.) and we are all two years apart, I being the youngest. When we were younger, there was that time period where I was just the baby and they wanted nothing to do with me. But, I on the other hand, thought they were just the bomb. I thought they were the coolest thing since sliced bread. I was probably just crumbs to them, a "nerd-bomber" like DJ would say on Full House. I could just tell you stories...that I STILL bring up to this day. But, I'll refrain. One day we were at Wal-Mart and I was roaming around with them, but they were clearly trying to get away from me. They were weaving in and out of aisles, while power-walking, just hoping that I would get lost and start screaming for mom or dad. I kept chasing after them. Eventually, I gave up and in the middle of Wal-Mart shouted out: "I just want to be like you guys!" What was I met with? Laughter as my sisters turned a corner and disappeared out of sight, pretending not to know me. And it was true. I just wanted to be like them. Even if they were being mean in the moment and ignoring their precious baby sister. Fortunately, we all grew out of those stages and are now in a much better place. Both of my sisters are two of the strongest people I have met. They are tough and have shown me perseverance like no other. Life isn't easy, but they know how to come out of the fire. (Without telling all the family drama, one of my sisters is currently not speaking to me or anyone else. It's tough. If you pray, will you keep this on your heart?) My oldest sister is one of my best friends, even if she doesn't realize it. She is beautiful, strong, creative, and loving. And she doesn't give up. She is a wonderful friend and has a contagious laugh. She knows how to throw a good party and doesn't take a bad picture. (Except for that one, that has now become her "crazy" face. You know the one, Jenn.) She is faithful and encouraging in her walk with Christ. 


My best friend. I talked last time about how my "besties" could be counted on one hand. Well, this girl definitely makes it onto that list. I met my bestest, best friend, in college. We lived in the same dorm and I at the time had a room to myself. She wasn't having the greatest experience with her roommate, which I totally related to since my living arrangement my freshman year was horrendous. At the time, we didn't really know each other that well, but I told her that if she wanted to move in with me, I had a free bed. Despite some people saying it would be a bad idea, (which I still don't understand to this day) she took me up on the offer. And as they say, the rest is history. When I think of a college memory, this girl is usually in it. We had the same majors, same interests, same rain jackets, same love for FRIENDS and chocolate milk at ungodly hours. We share a love for coffee and learned Swahili together. She got me hooked on LOST, more interested in photography, and even got me painted up for a football game once. She is the Thing 2, to my Thing 1. (Yes, we were Thing 1 & 2 for Halloween once. We won first prize. Wuddd uppp!) We took mini road trips together, we have hammock dates, and when not meaning to we end up dressing alike. Jean shorts, tie-dye t-shirts, and Chacos for the win! Or that time we met up for dinner one night in college and we both had on jeans and the same college ministry t-shirt. (In our defense, we left the dorm at different times!) Sadly, we are now 1,419.97 miles away from each other and most of our dates come in the form of FaceTime chats. I've never been more thankful for technology! Distance, however, doesn't change all the things that make me admire this girl. She is funny, talented, creative, beautiful, strong, independent, and caring. She came and got me after I was in a car accident and pretty much never left my side. She nursed me back to health when I sprained (broke) my ankle and it turned black. Literally, we have the pictures to prove it. She helped me study for tests, encourages me in my walk with Christ, and asks me how my heart is. It hasn't always been the easiest, but I think our friendship is the definition of real. She cares and she loves. 

My list of who inspires me can't be written without my parents. They are strong, determined, dependable, hard-working, creative, and loving. The thing that sticks out to me the most about my parents is the fact that they both have loved greatly. When my parents married, two families were combined. Yet, they never loved one child more. Mom grew into her role as a step-mother and loved my sisters, even when their relationships were a struggle. Dad literally took me in as one of his own. He stepped up when my real dad didn't. I can't possibly write words to convey how much my dad means to me. And how thankful I am for him. He is literally one of my most favorite people and one of my best friends. My parents would do anything for me and my sisters. They support and encourage us in our dreams and they speak truth to us, even when we are being stupid. They love. 

I could talk all day about the people that inspire me, but I will end my list with the One who has allowed all of these people to be in my life. God has ordained it all. Christ made it all possible. And the Holy Spirit teaches me how to understand it. God created it all. Christ made it possible for me to enjoy it. And the Holy Spirit guides me through it. Want to know the most creative person I know? It's God. Want to know the strongest person I know? It's Christ. Want to know the smartest person I know? It's the Holy Spirit. Without God, nothing would be possible. He makes it all possible. The beautiful thing is that He makes it attainable. I might not understand His ways all the time, but He gives me the opportunity to experience Love that can only come from Him. He looks past the dirt that covers my life, He cleans me, He surrounds me with love. He restores and redeems. He is the source of all inspiration. 

Who inspires you? What about them inspires you? 
How do  you want to inspire someone else? 


Comment below!