Today's challenge is a photo of someone who inspires me. That would have to be my grandpa Cecil Murphey
Grandpa has accomplished more than any other person I know. He has lead an incredible life. I don't ever anticipate my life adding up to anywhere near as much as his, but he is a constant inspiration with his love for God, reading, writing, giving, and encouraging others.
He served in the Navy, completed 2 master's degrees from different schools AT THE SAME TIME, was a minister for 14 years, spent several years in Kenya as a missionary (my dad was actually born there!), and his is currently a writer, speaker, and teacher. He has published 120 books to date. Many as a ghost writer (writing the story for someone else), some a co-author (writing the story WITH someone else), and then several that were entirely his own work. Mostly he writes inpiring Christian books, but has also written a few mysteries, romances, and self-help type books. Ever heard of Gifted Hands (the Ben Carson story? Cuba Gooding Jr. plays him in the movie. Yes, they made it into a movie!)? Grandpa wrote it! You may have heard of 90 Minutes in Heaven. Yep, he wrote that one, too! :)
In fact, all the money he makes from that book (which is a lot...it's been on the best seller list since 2006), goes into an account that can only be used for non-profit organizations such as scholarships for schools and charitable donations. He funded a lot of my undergraduate education, including my study abroad trip to London, and he donates to every cause I have been a part of such as St. Jude's and Relay for Life. This year alone he donated $500 to me for Relay for Life. How awesome is that? He is so loving and giving, it's truly inspiring.
I just hope that I can love God with such intensity, make such an impact on the world, and give as freely and cheerfully as my grandpa! I doubt I'll ever be a minister or a best-selling author, but if I can love and give like him, I will be pleased.
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