Influencers wanted.

If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen this posted. Maybe you’ve wondered what that meant or maybe you’ve even thought about applying. I have several friends who get paid to do just that. Influence. And they’re beautiful, Christian women so that makes my heart happy. But not me. I’ve never thought about applying. Never really seen myself as an influencer. I’ve never been organized or “together” enough for all that.

But that really doesn’t matter when you’re a mom. When you’re a parent, you’re an influencer. Like it or not, admit it or deny, you are. I am. No matter their age, your children are watching and you are influencing them. That’s easy to understand but not always easy to remember. I don’t ever want to forget (in the daily grind) that I’m helping shape not only their childhood but their adulthood. I’m molding them into someone else’s friend, spouse, parent, and influencer! And I’m responsible for all those butterfly effects after… That’s a lot of pressure! Where’s my blueprint for this? Let’s say it together, the Bible! In 2 Timothy 3:16 we read “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” What a great book on child rearing!

We influence our significant others too. I’m painfully aware that my mood, good or bad, hormonal or sane, determines the mood of my husband. It’s so much better when I’m staying in the WORD and not the world. That old saying,”the man is the head of the house but the woman is the neck and she can turn the head any way she wants,” sounded awesome to me when I was younger. Now? I DON’T WANNA BE THE NECK! But I am. So I have to be sure what I’m whispering in his ear is positive, what I’m describing to his eyes is pleasant. I need to show him all the good around us both and not point out the things I’m upset about unless they are scriptural. Because if they aren’t, they’re worldly and ain’t nobody got time for that. The Bible is the authority on being a good wife. Ever heard of Proverbs 31, ladies? Of course you have!

We also influence friends. Again, when I was deep in my Julia days (see previous blog) I was really foul mouthed. When I was expecting my first born, my friends actually thought his first word would have to be censored. Back then I never let a good chance at a bad comment slip me by. And sarcasm flew around me like fireworks on the Fourth of July! Basically, I was an equal opportunity jerk. I would have been punched in the face if I were a guy! No doubt. So now that God is changing me, I want to influence others without sounding phony, schizophrenic or judgmental. Turns out, the Bible is also THE best self-help book on the market! And I think, that’s because the best influence on our lives is our Heavenly Father. Maybe we should make sure we are all following Him, giving Him hearts, and most importantly, sharing Him with everyone we know!

Proverbs 31:30