Your influence

Have you ever stopped to think about the influence you have on others, be it good or bad? Think about it. We all Impact someone. Our decisions, choices, words, actions, attitudes, perspective etc have the ability to impact others around us. Whether we like it or not, we do influence not only family, friends, coworkers, neighbors but even the people you pass in the store.

You might be thinking; I’m too young , too old, too small, disabled, sick, etc. There are so many excuses we can come up with to explain why we can’t make a difference. I totally understand this. I recently came across an African proverb that really made me think. If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito. That’s kind of funny but thought provoking and true. Something so small and insignificant can leave a real mark.

Let me give you an example. Years ago when I was doing some volunteer work in college, a little girl battling leukemia gave me the biggest lesson on empathy. We were drawing pictures and her person had no hair. I drew hair on my person. The little girl pointed out that she didn’t have hair anymore because of her chemotherapy. That one small experience has impacted me for life. I seriously try to think about how things influence those around me. I want the best for everyone. Sensitivity is not a flaw. It shows you’ve been wounded by life and desire to help others avoid it.

The word influencer has become a popular thing on social media. Our son is friends with several social media influencers that have millions of followers. I’ve seen lots of what they post: Some good, some not so much. I really don’t get it. I wonder often if they realize the impact they have on the younger generation. You would think with tons of followers seeing what they post, they would think twice before sharing. I guess that’s maturity speaking. I can hear them now saying, “It’s all in good fun.” I was young once and thank God there was no social media back then. Ecclesiastes‬ ‭10‬:‭12 gives fair warning, “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;” (NKJV)

When I was growing up we used to sing a song called “Pass it on” at camp. I remember the nights we would have a big bonfire and circle around singing: It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it. You want to spread to everyone, you want to pass it on….

What are we passing on? What are you influencing? Let’s make it good. Let’s keep it positive. I’ve been told by a younger person that I’m all sunshine & rainbows and a bit over the top. Gotta love it. At least it’s positive. Seriously! I don’t care.et’s be purposeful and mindful of our influence. People are watching whether we realize it or not. Let’s make a difference.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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