Phi Delta Lambda

What inspires you? To answer this question we must first wrestle with what it means to be inspired. Literally, it means to breathe life into something. God created Adam, then inspired him. Inspiration gives meaning, purpose, and passion to your life. It causes your heart, mind and soul to long for something more. Something deep. Something genuine. Usually something for or with others. Who or what has breathed life into your existence? A parent? A teacher? A coach? A child in the Sunday School class you teach? A coworker struggling to save a marriage or a family? A mother who refuses to give up on her child though everyone else already has?

As I watch episodes of Extreme Makeover Home Edition, I find that the stories move me and bring me to tears. I would say that they inspire me, but that begs the question “inspires me to what?” What do I personally do differently? Perhaps I am more grateful or giving in my time to service. Perhaps I think differently about those less fortunate. Perhaps I dig a little deeper in my giving to charity. Is that really inspired? As I think about what inspires me I realize that it is most often the personal actions of friends and family who say “go for it, you can do it.” They ask about what God is calling me to, then act as though I should do it. They put their money where their mouth is and sponsor someone for the mission service trip. They call you out of comfortable living and challenge you to be the person God created you to be. I believe that if we will turn our face toward God, he will still breathe life into us.

One of the primary purposes of Phi Delta Lambda is to inspire. It is to remind you of the gifts and talents you have been given and to challenge you to use those gifts in service to God and to others. During your college years you were at the "top of the class." Are you continuing to dedicate yourself to excellence? Whether in work, relationships, parenting or the church may your life be a testimony of God's grace and his inspiration. There is a saying "A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are for." May the winds of inspiration carry you beyond the safety of the harbor.

One of the tangible ways PDL seeks to inspire is through our scholarship. Each year we award one scholarship to a student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in both academics and service. The monies for this scholarship come from our wallets and checkbooks. It is only as we give that the scholarship grows. I would ask you to consider playing a part in inspiring the life of a student at MNU. Read the story this year’s recipient and send in your donation or give on line.

Inspire someone in your life today.

Rick Hanson
President, Phi Delta Lambda Iota Chapter