I’ve been thinking a lot lately about people who do things that are inspirational. People who are courageous in large ways and small ways.
They take risks. They put themselves on the line. They overcome obstacles. They move through fear. They don’t let anything stop them from pursuing their dreams. They put others before themselves.
And their actions–their courage and determination–makes us cry, makes us smile, makes us laugh, and gives us hope. They inspire us and make us realize that if they can do it, so can we.
My son inspires me. He left home his senior year to attend the School of American Ballet in New York City. He left behind his friends and gave up whatever normal life a teen might have to pursue his dream of becoming a professional dancer. This might not seem like a big deal, but it took courage, and I find it inspiring.
Watch the video below of Emmanuel Kelly, a victim of chemical warfare and a survivor from Iraq. Orphaned and found in a shoe box, he doesn’t know how old he is, but he does know that he wants to sing. And he has managed to become a great singer. Here’s a young man who, despite his past and his physical deformities got up in front of the whole world to pursue his dream of becoming a professional singer. That takes courage. That’s a risk. But let’s not forget about his mother who had the courage to adopt him and his brother. That takes courage, too.
If this video does not inspire you to have the courage to pursue your dreams not matter what obstacles lie in your way, think about the people who inspire you. Martin Luther King? The non Jews who helped saved Jews during the Holocaust? Moses, with his speech impediment, who freed the Israelites from Egypt? The first responders who went into the Twin Towers on 9-11? I’m sure you can think of someone.
