From my grandma that let me wear her high heels to the grandma that helped me to see that I was different and set apart for God; to the grandma that showed me through her own life what it looks like to follow and serve Jesus. These ladies were of great influence to me as I grew up and as an adult. Their influence; even from childhood, followed me and has walked with me throughout adulthood.

God created each of these ladies with very different personalities and gifts; even the way that they loved me varied greatly. Grandma was very strong and independent; she was confident that she didn’t need anyone because she could surely do everything herself. She was determined to be young and act young until she breathed her last breath; which she truly wanted to be on her terms. Cooking was absolutely not a gift that she was granted; however, her skills at always having bacon available to munch on was well refined.

Grandma was a hard worker and made some pretty amazing molasses cookies. I remember well many servings of canned peaches and pears. I remember her willingness to share her assessment of people’s value and worth. I remember grandma’s mighty strength; even though she was short in height, she had some power behind her. Her words to me have shown me over and over that God has set me apart for His purposes; no matter what the world may say.

Grandma had so many gifts. She was a great cook, she was very creative, she was very organized, and most importantly, she loved God and it showed in all that she said and did. She prayed for a lost young lady and God brought her back to Him. She prayed for a young family and they ended up very involved in the Body of Christ. She prayed and and and… Grandma had great love for God and she shared it with all she came in contact with because she served others, always. Grandma saw value in others and treated others with the value that God gave them. Grandma wasn’t perfect but she used her influence to make a difference in the lives of so many! I am one of those lives; forever changed because of the love and example of my grandma!

We all have influence with everyone around us. It is our choice what we do with that influence. Will it be to show others the path to Jesus? Will it be to lead others to ‘self?’

What will you do with your influence?

“Train up a child in the way he should go,
    and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 RSV)

“He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?  The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” (Luke 6:39-41 NIV)

 “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:13-14 NIV)

#influence#purpose#love