inspire.

I was thinking recently about how pointless a eulogy actually is. (For those who don't know what a eulogy is, or as Zoolander says, 'a eugoogly', it's a little speech at someone's funeral saying what an awesome person they were). Perhaps a eulogy makes others feel better, and I'm sure it does. But wouldn't it be amazing if we could say those things to the actual person before they passed away?
At IMPACT youth we have discussed a few times about how we don't affirm and encourage each other enough. At Melbourne Life Christian Church they encourage each other in front of the entire church, on stage - "Hey everyone, didn't Lauren do a wonderful job this morning?" Affirmation is a powerful thing - it can totally change someone's day around. It's both curative and preventative for a wounded heart. Obviously it needs to be said with genuineness and it's not a failsafe treatment. But imagine a young girl, told everyday that she's beautiful. Doesn't it make sense that she's less likely to develop an eating disorder later in life? Or a husband told by his wife that she thinks he's an amazing man and that she trusts him to provide - isn't he less likely to turn to alcohol or gambling (or other women) because he feels inadequate and insufficient for her?
So I begin here, before it's too late for me to tell you what I really think of you. Pre eulogy. This is what a wonderful person I think you are. Not were. This is real and this is honest, in no particular order. Those I don't mention, don't be sad. I may have just not thought of it at the moment. Or maybe you're just too inspiring for words. Or maybe you just don't inspire me :P

+Rachel, you inspire me to study the Bible more. You tell me about how you read something the other day and you want to understand it better, and it makes me want to read the Bible more often because firstly, I should be doing that anyway, and secondly, so that I can answer your questions. You inspire me to be creative.
+Carlson, you inspire me to reach out to nonChristians. You're so passionate about what you believe in and you always depend on God to give you the words to say when you need to say it.
+Jem, you inspire me to keep worshiping and praising even when things are going horribly wrong and when I don't feel like I can. You inspire me to put people first.
+Peebee, you inspire me to look after other people. And to want to talk more to others, check up on them, and keep them accountable. You inspire me to be honest and open. Thanks for being such a wonderful, genuine friend and leader.
+Sarahpea, you inspire me to look after other people as well. I see how you take care of the younger girls at youth, and you do an awesome job at it.
+Brybry, you inspire me to be more patient and slower to anger. I have never ever seen you angry or impatient with anyone, even if they're being difficult. You're always smiling and gentle.
+Ashley, you inspire me to be a passionate worshiper and to trust God at all times.
+JonT, you inspire me to be more easygoing and to look after others. Thanks for the times you've called to check up on me.
+Ida, you inspire me to cook. Unfortunately this is one inspiration that will only ever come to fruition should I have no money, can't steal any, and the house is empty of all microwaveable food and pizza shapes.
+JackjackYao, you inspire me to care for others more. I know how you feel when people say you're so nice, but I do see something in you, how you are capable of caring for those around you, and it amazes me. Thanks for looking after me the past one and a half years.
+Robbie and Alby, you inspire me to study harder, only so I can answer your questions when you start panicking the night before the exam.
+those who have hurt me, you inspire me to never want to do to anyone what you did to me, because I never want to be the one who made someone cry like you made me cry.
+Jesus, you inspire me to live and love.