I’ve talked about Me Ra Koh many times in my posts … I admire her as a photographer and business woman, but more importantly as a person.

I’ve had the privilege of taking a couple of Me Ra’s workshops, and through those opportunities, have been able to know her better.  And believe me, she’s every bit amazing as you think she might be.  She has inspired {and continues to inspire} women all over the country to be better photographers, better mothers, better people.

And it’s people like her that inspire me to want to inspire others.

So when she started a regular feature on her blog that would highlight a photographer … I knew I had to send her a note requesting to be featured.

I try with all my might to inspire others on this blog … through the shopping things I find, through my experiences and through my photography.

With my recent diagnosis, and also the recent unveiling of my giving plan … I felt I had something important to share with other photographers and avid stalkers readers of Me Ra’s blog.  And well … let’s be honest, it’s pretty fun to see yourself featured on one of the most amazing photography blogs out there!  :)

I was beyond excited that Me Ra chose to feature me!  And beyond humbled by the sweetness and grace in her words.

What I didn’t expect?  In my effort to inspire others, that I’d be inspired myself.  Completely inspired and in awe of the comments left on the post … the emails I received … and comments I received on my blog.

Someone sent me an email and I’d like to share it with you {I’ve edited it a bit to keep it anonymous}.  And I’d also like to make it absolutely clear, that the purpose isn’t to glorify myself … I give all the glory to God … He’s the one who directs me in sharing my story, He helps me write the words … He gives me situations to share and hopefully inspire … He gives me strength to encourage.

Tracie,
I feel the need to tell you that I read your blog, and I want to tell you how much your story of your health has moved me.  Your words are as delicate as your photographs.  I have read such personal things of someone who photographed my family, and you have moved me..sometimes to tears.  I have known of other people that had this mysterious “MS”, and I have given them the nod of “that has to suck for you”, without ever understanding what they must be going through, and living with.

The few people that I know, that know you, say that you have moved them…you have a blueprint on their lives that they will never forget.  For my good friend, who attends your church,  your faith and love for your family has moved her.  For a common friend of ours, everything about you has moved her.

This may sound odd, considering I really don’t know you at all, nor you me, but you have made an inprint on my heart, and on my soul.  Not just with the beautiful way that you photographed my family..my children.  There is no opportunity greater on this earth than being given the role of being a Mother.  You have reminded me of what a special place I have with your photos, with your words, and with your honesty of Motherhood, life, and health.

Thank you Tracie.  I hate that you are going through the crap of MS.  I hate that physically you have setbacks, when life goes full speed ahead.  All I can do is offer my help, if you ever need it.  More importantly, I want to offer my words to you, as you have (unknowingly) to me.  I try to live my life every day as if it were my last.  I don’t want anyone to doubt their presence in my life.  I wanted you to know that you have made a difference in my life..and your candid written words have made more of an impact on me than you realize.

Keep living life exactly how you are..you are touching more people than you will ever know.  More importantly, you have your priorities in the order that they should be.. and I can’t say that for but a few that I have encountered in my life.

I pray that you have the strength to be as amazing as you are today..every day!

Reading this again brings tears to my eyes.  It encourages me to keep sharing.  It gives me strength to keep enduring.

What I’d like to tell you … people are watching you, watching all of us.  I think unknowingly, we look to each other for strength.  Unknowingly, we need each other.  Let’s be strong women, let’s lift each other up, let’s set good examples … to others, to our children, to strangers.

Let’s be a source of strength … because whether we know it or not … we are influencing each other … everyday, in situations and circumstances we can’t imagine.

Today, in all you do, I challenge you to be an encouragement and inspiration to others.  And in all honesty, you just may end up inspiring yourself!