Inspiration

There are many things that come to mind when someone says the word "inspiration." The dictionary provides these options:

in·spi·ra·tion   (nsp-rshn)

n.

1.

a. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.

b. The condition of being so stimulated.

2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.

3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.

4. The quality of inspiring or exalting: a painting full of inspiration.

5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.

6. The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.

While all of these definitions have a valid place in the English lexicon, I prefer to define the word with two of my own: Sara Todd. My mom has battled stage 4 bone cancer successfully for over four years.

Life can change in the blink of an eye. I've written about change in previous posts, but none has had more of an impact than the day my mom slipped going up the stairs, broke her hip, and soon thereafter was diagnosed. The initial shock led to thoughts of despair, questioning, and doubts. Quickly though, these thoughts changed to determination, fight, and faith. While we have watched and walked with Mom through ups and downs over the last four years, my enduring memory will continue to be the faithfulness that she has fought this fight with. 

From the countless people at the coal mine where she has worked for over thirty years, to the church family in a small Kentucky town, to the people who now know her as the face of Team Blondie, to the two sons that she remained strong for, and finally for the four grandchildren that she longs to see grow up, and for her husband, Larry, Sara Todd exudes inspiration daily for all of those people and more. 

The fight is long from over, but I am convinced that she will WIN. The cancer markers are showing improvement which is unexplainable medically, but not spiritually. For those who know Sara Beth, you know she will keep fighting until God tells her to stop! 

I pray that someday I will inherit the ability to inspire that my mother exudes. If I am half the father that she has been as a mom, or half the grandfather someday that she has been as my kids' MeMe, then I too will become the only definition of inspiration I will ever need: Sara Todd.