Trust and Inspire

Trust is a difficult emotion that many people find hard to embrace.  The days when we felt inspired by leaders and other individuals seem to be a thing of the past. Nowadays, we feel that many leaders say whatever they think people want to hear, and people follow blindly without doing their due diligence. Being a person, people trust means that you evoke confidence and reliability. It is important to be consistent and a person of integrity.  When people trust you, they need to feel they can depend on you, especially when they feel vulnerable. This type of individual is far and few between. I feel blessed to know a few and one of them is a gentleman by the name of Carl Ballton.

While I was working on my article, I received a call that Carl had passed away. The news caused me to shift gears regarding my direction because I wanted to express my thoughts and gratitude for the life he lived. Although I did not know what happened or the cause of his death, it did not matter to me because what I did know is that we lost an amazing individual who helped so many of us in the community, and he encouraged those he embraced. Carl was a quiet man with great strength, and when he walked into a room, you felt his presence. He set an amazing example of what it meant to be a follower of Christ, a dedicated husband, devoted father, grandfather, and friend. As I talked to those who knew him, everyone had the same sentiment that he was a generous man and would always take time to listen and give a helping hand. Carl was a man who inspired others and was trustworthy.

When I look back over my life, I hope to also leave a legacy where I can inspire others to believe in themselves and inspire them to be their best. To believe they can accomplish their goals and dreams no matter what season of life they may be in.  The question we must ask ourselves is whether we are authentic.  Do we live our lives in such a way that we can lead people?  Do we truly care?  Are we empathetic?  Do we listen to others? Most importantly, do we give people hope? My father was a man who wore various hats during his lifetime.  When he was young and into his adult years, he lived a life that would be considered wayward. After he had a heart attack, he changed his life and eventually became a pastor of a church. During that time, he also started a nonprofit called Hope and Help that helped people and gave them hope for their future. My father completely changed his life, and because of his example, he inspired people that no matter what their past may have looked like, they could turn their lives around and do better. 

One of the traits that inspires people and builds trust is empathy.  Empathy allows someone to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. Empathy helps build relationships and increases compassion towards another person’s situation. These are the very characteristics I believe both Carl Ballton and my father were able to exhibit to the people that they encountered. The question we must ask ourselves is, are we putting in place today what is necessary to make sure we are leaving the legacy we desire? Being a person that inspires people and invokes trust does not happen overnight.  It is something that is earned and developed over time.

Napoleon Bonaparte said a leader is a dealer in hope. Are you helping others pursue excellence? That is where hope is conceived. I am grateful to all the people who sacrifice for the better good of humanity and give of themselves every day to make our world just a little bit better. It is truly when we give of ourselves to others that we live and have our being. Thank you, Carl, for being a light in what sometimes can be considered a dark world. The truth of the matter is we can all be lights if we so desire. The choice is up to you. #ThankyouCarlBallton #Trust #Inspire

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Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.