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This Inspires Me. What Inspires You?
Brian Kreeger • December 22, 2021
As we approach Christmas Day, I am going to do something a little different this week. My blog articles are typically related to a topic that is very important to me: helping nonprofit leaders survive. Not this week.
Lately I have been thinking about those things that inspire me, those things that many times cause tears to form in my eyes if they hit me at the right time. Those things that prompt the motivation to do better, to be better.
I find myself inspired by the stories of what inspires others. It’s possibly a wrong assumption, but I think others are inspired by the same. So a couple of days ago I started writing my list down to share.
After the first three, the rest are purposefully in random order. As part of human nature, many people will be tempted to drop judgments or measure motives in what I write. These are personal and genuine, so I would ask that you fight that temptation and think the best. I know there are many I missed. Bottom line....please cut me some slack.
You will find in the list below many songs and movies, individuals and groups. You may even find yourself listed. Everyone will find something they can relate to because there are many common inspirations that touch us all.
I am going to ask each of you that read this on social media to place 1-3 things/people that inspire you in the comments. If you are reading this as a subscriber to my newsletter, please simply reply to the email. I will compile them and include them in next week’s article. For those of you reading this on my website, this week the article format is more oriented toward social media.
I know that just reading this will take a lot more time than you are accustomed to, and that is why I am doing it during a time when people generally have time off.
Please take the time. I know it will be profitable as we inspire each other, and bring back reminders of those things that have inspired us in the past. Some of us need those reminders.
So, let’s get to it. Here is the “BK Inspiration List 2021”:
The life of Jesus Christ, and God’s word.
My wife, who started out in the snack bar in a hospital when we got married 35 years ago and is now a Clinician 2 RN. The path she took is truly inspiring and should be shouted out to discouraged employees who only see a dead end.
The strength of my wife.
The Movie
Cinderella Man
Youth workers who are strong enough to be the only person who believes in a particular kid
People who are clearly not in good physical shape who are working hard at the gym to achieve a level of fitness they determine is good for them
The song
Voice of Truth
by Casting Crowns
Addicts who conquer their addictions
People who sacrifice money for principle
The song
I Refuse
by Josh Wilson
People who grant forgiveness when it is not deserved
My kids who are doing very well, even though I could have done better as a parent
The movie
Rocky.
Just plain Rocky with no numbers or subtitles behind it
Sister Christine, who put up with a lot of crap from me in high school, but remained my friend many years after I graduated
People who share God’s love without truly expecting reciprocation or even a thank you
The song
My Jesus
by Jeremy Camp
Parents who sacrifice greatly for their children when they are too young to understand or appreciate sacrifice
People who learn from failure and excel out of it
The song
Be Held
by Casting Crowns
Parents who recognize their shortcomings and refuse to pass them on to their children
People who make long-term joy a higher priority than short-term satisfaction
The song
Make You Feel My Love
by Adele
The military. The inspiration behind those two words could take up pages
My mom, who, at the age of 16 and living in a bad family situation, was pregnant and being pressured to abort. She chose life.
The movie
War Room
Women who conquer the world out of domestic violence
People who mess up their lives, but grow and use it for the betterment of others. They don’t waste the unfortunate pain, but use their junk.
The song
Who Am I by Casting Crowns
People who are always positive and display genuine, deeply held joy
The book
Crazy Love
by Francis Chan
Politicians with principles, no matter what side they are on
The song
The Motions
by Matthew West
So many biblical heroes
People who work with the disabled
The movie
Courageous
My dad, who was not my biological father but adopted me when I was 3 and married my mom
Nonprofit founders who see a need and work to ease that need
The Movie
The Family Man with Nicolas Cage
Those teachers who sacrifice pay to make what they feel is a bigger difference in a private school
Military spouses who faithfully hold down the fort at home
The movie
Schindler’s List
and almost any movie associated with the journey of the Jews
Hey, there’s my current list. As I reflect on all of that inspiration around me, I have to wonder why I don’t live my life constantly inspired.
How about you? Do you live inspired? Do you inspire?
What can be found on your list? How about listing a few things from your list that just might inspire others.
Have a great Christmas!
Be Courageous!
Be Proactive!
Be sure to sign up to receive these articles via email every Tuesday at
briankreeger.com. In addition to receiving these articles two days before they hit social media, you will receive the article "5 Early Indicators of a Christian Nonprofit Leadership Fall" along with the Contents, Introduction and the Appendix (My Story) of my book,
The Courageous Ask: A Proactive Approach to Prevent the Fall of Christian Nonprofit Leaders.
Executives -pastors or nonprofit executives in our context- are put on a pedestal. It’s not that the typical person necessarily believes they belong there or desires to put them there. But it is human nature that this happens. The general public often places much higher expectations on leaders than they do on themselves. Sometimes it is appropriate, and the leader has put themselves in that position. In some cases, it is simply scriptural. For instance, James 3 points out that those who teach will be judged more strictly, thereby heightening the expectations of those who lead and teach. But what about when we accept, and enact, those elevated expectations and forget the humanity of our leaders? Often a community heaps on a leader the expectation that they are to perform with the perfection of Jesus and not simply be a Jesus follower and disciple just like them, but with a unique calling and heightened responsibility. Too many times when a leader shows human imperfection, the respect we have for them is damaged. Leaders fall under strict judgment, and we forget they are no less fallible than us. The imperfection they have colors any positive experience we would have had with them otherwise. While most of us acknowledge this strict, hypocritical judgment and recognize it as not being how we want to treat our leaders, it is a difficult battle to fight in our own attitudes and minds. No matter who the leader is, they are not Jesus. But please allow me to reverently make some comparisons. (This blog focuses on starting a conversation centered on preventing the fall of nonprofit leaders. I write it from a Christian perspective, but all leaders will benefit. Be sure to sign up to receive these articles via email every Tuesday at briankreeger.com as well as taking a look at previous blog articles. In addition to receiving these articles two days before they hit social media, you will receive the article "5 Early Indicators of a Christian Nonprofit Leadership Fall" along with the Contents, Introduction and the Appendix (My story) of my book, The Courageous Ask: A Proactive Approach to Prevent the Fall of Christian Nonprofit Leaders. )
You are the community, no matter what formal role you play in a particular organization, or if you play any role at all. My blog articles typically focus on the roles the leader and the board have in preventing the fall of Christian nonprofit leaders. But I contend that the community that exists around organizational leaders and boards has a role as well. In fact, a community’s role can many times be much bigger. My next few blog articles will focus on the role of the community in preventing the fall of Christian nonprofit leaders. (This blog focuses on starting a conversation centered on preventing the fall of nonprofit leaders. I write it from a Christian perspective, but all leaders will benefit. Be sure to sign up to receive these articles via email every Tuesday at briankreeger.com as well as taking a look at previous blog articles. In addition to receiving these articles two days before they hit social media, you will receive the article "5 Early Indicators of a Christian Nonprofit Leadership Fall" along with the Contents, Introduction and the Appendix (My story) of my book, The Courageous Ask: A Proactive Approach to Prevent the Fall of Christian Nonprofit Leaders. )
