Introduction: "Divine Inspiration"

They say inspiration comes in all forms. It's just depends on how you choose to perceive it. So what does inspiration mean to you? Inspiration to me is that driving force that pushes you to a higher purpose; it's that object or that person that allows you to be elevated.

When I was 10 yrs. of age, I read a story that changed the perception of my tender age...'Cry Freedom'. I then watched the film where Denzel Washington beautifully portrayed the dynamic character of Steve Biko...It was here I came to realise how much a story can impact your perception. The words I read moved me...somehow it challenged something in me that I never knew existed...I had already been used to consuming the wildly imaginative tales of Roald Dahl that had purposely sparked my imagination...But this story. It took me to another level....The powerful, inspiring and dynamic message of Steve Biko evoked my passion once more again and I was ready to put pen to paper....

 So you see words have always been my source of inspiration...and somehow I found a way to dig deep inside me, stirring up something inside me and allowed my words to flow...As I reflected upon this, I realised that  whether it may be a positive or negative experience. It is often that very thing that challenges you...to reach you to your best potential...and that was the driving force I needed...

So as I reflected upon the “power of inspiration” ….I thought of all the icons that have brought inspiration to me. I look back within the pages of history and I think of the great icons that have come before; Mandela, Princess Diana, Shakespeare (yes, I know that one does not seem obvious but what can I say? He is a brilliant wordsmith!). I think about my mother, my girlfriends. But there has been one, over these last couple of years that has captured my attention. I reminisce. Sitting comfortably on my sofa, I clung to the arms, eagerly and hungrily anticipating the announcement of the new president. I allowed myself to drift off in a dream state imaging what a black president would mean to me? I smiled and crossed my fingers…back to my reality. I heard those words “Obama President”. The phrase “Yes we can” ran through my head. I jumped off my sofa – doing my celebration dance – “Yes” I pounded my fist in the air remembering Mandela. Obama had made it a reality, this was a significant step. As America celebrated their new president, I also rejoiced in this joyous occasion, in this moment. Obama represented a new sense of Hope. This was iconic. To me, this was not just what about the new president would be able to do but this was about what Obama represented. He allowed black boys and girls to believe that they could stretch themselves and aim high. But this wasn’t just about race and the sense of victory achieved. This was higher, this was about a man who had overcome obstacles, broken down barriers and stepped forward to become one of the most powerful men in the world. Even though this was a while back and we still face our many daily obstacles, this is a moment we can always look back to and be inspired. Now if that isn’t inspiration, what else is there? You tell me….Who inspires you?