The Ultimate Influencer

Over the past few years, I have noticed the major impact social media has made on my kids, my students, and even my own life, positively and negatively. There are people who are famous for literally playing a video game and recording themselves. Others are famous for opening packages, trying out makeup, etc.... which got me thinking about things or people that influence us in our lives. I asked several people what their definition of an influencer was. The general consensus was someone who has an effect on people and what they add to their lives. 

I agree with these definitions, so I started to think about the influencers in my life. Personally, I have quite a few people who have influenced me to pursue my relationship with God. Some are family, all are friends, and some are my priests, who still love me even when I fail and don't get out of my own way. Some of my influencers are Lenore, Sharie, Alison, Mary, Betty, Jill, Rita, Mary Helen, Julie, Anne, Carol, Christy, Michele, Marie, Amelia, Ashley, Heidi, Amber, Denise, Kelly, Amanda, Jamie, Mick, Heidi, Karen, Jon, Danielle, Megan, Carol, Ellen, Taryn, Sandy, Adam, Katy, Danielle, Mark, Adam, Kel, Patti, Dave, Deb, George. 

These influencers had an impact through their daily love of God. They show through their actions every day what devotion and grace look like. They pick themselves up after something bad or unjust happens. They guided and still guide me by being living examples of people pushing themselves to be better than they were the day before. All of these influencers have one thing in common. They all believe in the greatest influencer of all, Jesus Christ. He influences them. They are pushing themselves every day but no doubt for these 40 days of Lent to try to be more like God. I decided while contemplating about Lent and what my sacrifices should be to refocus on what influences me. Be on the lookout for your influencers. They are all around us.