Who Inspires You Most?

Who most inspires you?⠀ .⠀ I’ve gotten this question many times, and I often felt obliged to point at those whom I’ve studied under or emulated in art and business. Then one day it really struck me: I am most inspired not by the hustlers, achievers, or great artists of the world.⠀ .⠀ I am most inspired by the quieter, more patient, faithful men and women in my life who contentedly pursue peace over prosperity. I think of a humbly brilliant pastor at a small country church, who walks alongside his members in hard times over the many years; of my grandfather “Papaw,” who taught himself law but never became a lawyer, working hard on the farm and then as a Postmaster to provide for his family; of my mom who put off her own dreams to give me and my siblings the best upbringing and education possible; of my dad who worked multiple jobs for years to scrape by, finally built a successful business of his own, then left it to help care for my mother and grandmother during a period of poor health.⠀ .⠀ In all these people, I see the model of Jesus who—wherever he went and despite his world-changing mission—never hurried and always made time to care for people first.⠀ .⠀ As a strong “achiever” personality, I’ve truly needed their brand of inspiration over the past 12 years in our business and marriage: as difficult as it has been for me, they’ve given me the gift of perspective that’s allowed me to slow down, find peace despite circumstance, and value people whose souls will outlast my mere achievements. Do you have someone like that in mind, who inspires you? 📷by @eileen_blume / with @alidaherbstbridal fashion shoot in #London⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀