Who influences us? Who is it that we decide to listen to? Who have we invited into our hearts a little and let them take root. We listen to their ideas…we examine their thoughts…we embark on their journey and experiences. The things they say to us influence our life and our thoughts. I’ve seen people grow in a healthy way because of positive influencers while I’ve seen others cling on to untruthful words and ideas only to end in a place they never imagined they would be. My views have been influenced by someone or something. As a child…my view points aligned very closely to my parents. In junior high – my group of friends views seemed to resemble one another. I think it was in High School when I realized the importance of new view points. Of hearing other people’s thoughts – even if I didn’t agree with them It’s always challenging when I meet someone new and they challenge something I’ve believed my entire life. Or when I hear something I’ve never heard before my mind gets jumbled…my thoughts run wild…I break a little out of my box. While I’m thankful for the people that have been close enough to help shape who I am, I know this experience with the World Race will shake me up. I hope some of my ‘in the box’ thinking will get challenged and I’ll begin to see the world and others in a different way.
I’ve heard this said about influence …
“Your influence like your shadow extends to where you may never be”
Who is it that influences you?
A close friend? A spouse? A writer? I hope that while you follow me around through this blog, you will discover some of the new lessons I will discover. I hope that as you read my words – your world view will be challenged. That your thoughts on missions and the great commission will be renewed and revamped. As my knowledge of this great tasks grows, it’s my prayers that you grow as well.
