Women Celebrating Women
The word inspire is defined as the act of filling someone with the urge or ability to do something, and here in Chattanooga, we have no shortage of incredible women who motivate those around them day in and day out. Whether they intentionally set out to be a role model or random acts of kindness are simply in their DNA, these women are making the world a better place. Read on to learn more about the individuals who encourage others to be the best version of themselves, told by those they inspired most.
Photography by Emily Pérez Long
inspired: Becky Cope English
inspiration: Kelly Carter
I am inspired daily by many women who have either been a constant, like my mother and my sisters, or women that God has brought into my life for a season. Kelly Carter is one of those women whom I’ve been blessed to meet through my career, and from the first time I spoke with her, her warmth and kindness were evident. Many people know Kelly and her inspiring husband, Craig, because together, they exhibit so many characteristics that lift others. Craig was diagnosed with ALS a few years ago, and instead of letting it defeat them, they chose the path of courage and thankfulness. They turned their battle into outreach to help those who didn’t have the network of support that they have.
What I admire most about Kelly is that she doesn’t hide her struggles or her weaknesses, which many people do, and, quite frankly, we need people who show us how to face fear, struggles, and sadness with honesty, courage, and perseverance. No matter what is going on inside this beautiful, petite Christian soldier, she radiates kindness and strength. She genuinely cares about others. She so reminds me of my mother-in-law, who had so many of these same characteristics.
“No matter what is going on inside this beautiful, petite Christian soldier, she radiates kindness and strength.”