In a couple hours we will announce the winner of the Running on Empty Contest, but first I want to honor ALL the women (and one dad :)) who were nominated. What struck me the most is that even though these women are running on empty, their surrounding world sees them as beautiful, inspiring, and strong. I know each of these women have shared their own dose of pain and loneliness, and in some miraculous, mysterious way the little they have to give is being multiplied and changing the lives around them.

After reading their stories, I’m struck by their beauty. I’m inspired by their heroic commitment to their families. And I’m so blessed to have them as a part of this blog community. Here are a handful of quotes I had to highlight.

Some of these quotes brought me to tears, some made me smile deep inside, but all of them strengthened me.

I realized words weren’t enough because she was the glue that kept everything running in our lives.

She has helped me through so many hard times when i have lost hope, she gave me hope through her own personal stories. She is always open to us, students, whenever we need her, as well as her wonderful family. I don’t know how she does it.

She is a person of strength beyond what I could ever hope to be as a woman of God and as a mother.

Every week she meets, shares, cries, holds, encourages & challenges young women to know who they are and pursue a life worth living.

She is that girl that is so free and fun, who meets new people and within seconds has a new lifetime friend.

So, I have taken on watching other people’s kids to try to bring in the extra money we are short every month. I’m also trying to launch my photography business and have bought both or your DVDs and your business kit.

After welfare and WIC and child-support, she still could not support her fatherless family. She went back to work and had to find a college-aged kid to nanny her children. In return, the girl received her room and board as this is all she could afford.

As I stood in a dark place behind the lens I was able to capture the beauty in life all around me and in others. Photography became a refuge in which I could envision and dream for brighter days ahead.

She has been a source of strength, courage and hope for not only me but for everyone around her.

She is making a real difference in the lives of our children.

I now have a new lease on life and am trying to appreciate all the little things more because you never know when they will be taken away from you.

After we go to bed she is up all night surfing the web learning tutorials on photo shop and finding more inspirations for the next photograph she wishes she could take.

It feels refreshing to share hopes and dreams and some of my sorrows here with other Moms who also know how draining it can feel to let go of our dreams for the people we love.

We only have this one shot at this thing we call life, and we need to make the most of each moment.

I am so thankful for the many people who have prayed for us, and I know that has pulled me through some very dark days these past couple weeks.

It feels refreshing to share hopes and dreams and some of my sorrows here with other Moms who also know how draining it can feel to let go of our dreams for the people we love.

I am learning a lot about photography from your blog but I am also learning a little more about being a mom and being myself.

Honey, if you don’t win this trip, please know that the kids and I are blessed to have you, and thank you for your caring, loving, “everybody else before you” attitude. We wouldn’t have made it this long if you didn’t keep us glued together, and strong through all the hard times. Thank you and I love you.