I recently met a woman in my water aerobics class who is 94-years-old. An inspiration, this woman is sharp in her mind and active in her body. As a matter of fact, she took swimming lessons for the first time at age 84, with the goal of diving off the diving board!
After much hard work, she accomplished her goal.
So many women throughout history are inspiring:
Ruth in the Bible, widowed as a young woman, followed her mother-in-law to her homeland and bravely supported both of them.
Esther of the Bible risked her life to save her people.
The midwives in Egypt in Moses’ time risked their lives to deliver babies against the Pharoah’s wishes.
Or the more recent inspiring women of history:
Eleanor Roosevelt overcame a difficult childhood to become a first lady and champion for human rights. She fought for what she believed in and never gave up.
Corrie ten Boom, a woman I greatly admire, helped to hide Jews during WWII until caught. She survived the horror of the holocaust in concentration camps during WWII. Her amazing faith allowed her to forgive one of the Nazi guards where she was held. She is a true example of putting into action the message Jesus spoke of forgiveness.
Joni Eareckson Tada is nothing short of inspirational. A diving accident left her a quadriplegic when she was just a teenager. While she cannot use her hands, Joni can paint using her mouth. Her faith in the Lord, despite what she has been through, strengthens my own faith.
Or the inspirational people in my own family:
My grandma, who while in her 80s, lets nothing stop her.
My mom, who while chronically disabled, sets an example of faith for her children, grandchildren, and those at the places where she volunteers.
Everyday is a day we have a chance to inspire others without even knowing it.
Who, past or present, has inspired you?
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Penny Zeller 
Breautiful post, Penny. I seldom post but really appreciate your site. Great stuff!
I want to save this. Love those quotes. Joni is forever an inspiration. Once in discussion with a young married co-worker who was pregnant with her first child, she was worried that some medicine she took might cause harm. I told her about Joni and her afflictions and what God can do. This young lady was not a Christian, but I think she felt an ease in her anxiety and a spark of trust in God may have been ignited.