Joyful Witness / Kimberly Pohovey

Inspiration from God ensures our success, keeps us on virtuous path

Since I began penning this column three years ago, I can honestly say I have never fallen short of topics and ideas. Before commencing my monthly writing, I sit in silent prayer for a few minutes and ask God to speak through me to whomever needs to hear his message. And the words always flow easily.

In fact, usually ideas are percolating in my brain throughout the month, and after praying, it usually becomes clear to me which idea God has chosen for me. Here it is the beginning of a new year—a time of fresh ideas, positivity and goal-setting, but when I sat down to write this column, I was stumped. Every time I thought about this month’s topic, I came up empty. This time I prayed, asking God to inspire me.

And in that moment, I began to think, “What inspires me?”

I came up with a leader who leads with wisdom, mercy and empathy. Religious who dedicate their entire lives in service to God and others. A spectacular sunset at the edge of the ocean or the quiet stillness of a freshly fallen snow. Folks with a hard work ethic—like my husband. Uplifting music that enhances my liturgical experience. People who can live in the moment and are fully present to those around them.

I am inspired by parents who, despite being thoroughly exhausted, still make time to play with their kids. I am moved by people who face insurmountable medical diagnoses and treatments, but who retain a fighting spirit. I am motivated by folks who cross the finish line in an endurance race. My children inspire me with their ability to strike out on their own and experience locations and situations I may not have had the courage to try.

In my line of work as a fundraiser for the archdiocese, I am inspired on a daily basis by faithful supporters who contribute their God-given blessings to the Church and other charitable causes because they want to improve the lives of others and impact the mission of the Church.

As someone who has lost loved ones, I am inspired by others’ faith in eternal life and their ability to live through their grief.

As a child of God, I am inspired by all those with whom I cross paths who help me to be the person God created.

All of my examples have a common denominator—they are all-God inspired. I realize that inspiration itself is inspired by the Lord. I think this is important because it helps us to focus on where we turn for inspiration. We can be led on all kinds of false paths—for instance, money, power, pride, anger, gluttony. But if we turn to God for our inspiration, we can be assured that the inspiration we receive will lead us on a path to virtue, kindness and serving our Lord.

So, as 2023 commences, I think it fitting that, as we focus our energies on this year’s goals, resolutions and accomplishments, we first turn to the Lord to ask him to inspire us to achieve all that we undertake. I can’t help but believe we will be far more successful if we rely on God’s inspiration.

Ironically, I came to the end of this column and thought, “Hmmm, God was inspiring me all along to write about inspiration.”
 

(Kimberly Pohovey is a member of St. Jude Parish in Indianapolis. She is the director of major and planned gifts for the archdiocese.) †