Who has influenced you the most in your life – personally or professionally – and why?
There really are a great deal of people who have influenced me at one point or another both personally and professionally. There have been women in my life that have spoken truths to me regarding beauty, faith, and love. Teachers and professors who have imparted such wisdom, both academic and practical. But all of these individuals were, in some way, obligated to at the very least attempt to have some sort of influence in my life. To me, true influence that makes a lasting difference come from inspiring someone. And most often, those people who inspire the most have no idea they are even doing it, much less attempting to. I must be honest, and confess to you that while Jesus is my ultimate example, and that while goal and purpose is to emulate His unfailing love for others and glorify His name in this life, my frail understanding needs an additional representation of just how to live that life out practically. While may heart and mind may be at one comprehending a subject, I yearn to see these words in practice. To view a model, rehearse these actions, be given feedback, and continually improve upon this process. To apply my intellectual growth to my daily walk and truly live out what I so firmly believe in. For me, that example of what it looks like to speak with truthful meekness and humility while serving others is shown through daily living and that has inspired me the most. And while several people can encourage us to do this a better way, or change that to be different – the people who truly influence are those who simply live their lives inspiring those around them to do the same…
Quiet grace, intentional love, selfless service, and humble confidence embody the woman who has forever left a mark on my life. Almost five years ago now, I had the brief pleasure of crossing paths with this incredible lady for barely two months. Though our communication has faded, and our paths will likely never cross again in “real” life, for a season of time she made an incredible influence on my life. Maybe it was because Courtney was 33 at the time that she was so in tune with the Messiah. Perhaps it was the fact that she and her husband Dan were missionaries to a specific group of people in a small foreign land. Maybe it was because she was an American and someone who spoke anything but Latvian or Russian. Maybe. But more than any of these things, I believe that it was simply the core of who she is that made this all so prominent and allowed Christ to shine so clearly through her.
She accepted without hesitation. She extended aide without question. She prayed without ceasing. I was 22 at the time and fresh out of college. I was practically alone in a land I didn’t know surrounded by a language I didn’t understand. I was in need of a confidant, a mentor, and simply a female presence. In need of guidance and what it truly looked like to live life while serving Christ. And that’s exactly what she did, opening her arms every step of the way to welcome me in. Inviting me to join her in the daily tasks, and the long term projects. Taking genuine interest in me while doing laundry. Sharing with me opportunity to minister to ladies that were in need at a halfway type home for those who were pregnant or new mothers. Dining and shopping with local young adults in the church. Each conversation on the train, walking to the town, or over a cup of coffee were intentionally worded to encourage and challenge. And without her knowledge, she was inspiring me to live likewise. More than she will ever know, she was an incredible influence on the way I view servanthood, marriage, and hospitality. And I am forever thankful for that.
Who has had an impact on you & influenced your life?
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Welcome to Coffee & Conversation!
We know you’ve always wanted a chance to find out what your favorite bloggers really have going on in life. What’s on their hearts. To have a coffee blate where you can pour out what’s on your mind.
Well this is a weekly link up that gives you just that opportunity. Grab a cup, and join the conversation.
These aren’t your typical, “What’s your favorite craft?” or “Tell me something silly about you” questions. They hit real life and are about creating a conversation with your bloggy buds.
SO COME LINK UP WITH YOUR HOSTS!
RULES
1// Follow your hosts via GFC
Lauren Kalyn
2// Link up your blog post answering that week’s question instead of the main url for your blog. {Make sure to link back via text or the button below}
3// Have fun!! Visit other links and join the conversation with everyone. This is a conversation starter, so if you have a lot to say on the topic – run with it! 🙂
GRAB A BUTTON!
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:
Who has influenced you the most in your life – personally or professionally – and why?
And so you can start thinking & writing about the next conversation piece, here’s the question for next week for you to ponder –
And so you can start thinking & writing about the next conversation piece, here’s the question for next week for you to ponder –
NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:
What would you regret not fully doing, being, or having in your life?
It's funny how some of the people who have the greatest impact on your life are only in it for short periods of time. That is why you should never take any interaction for granted. Thank you for reminding me of that.
Sophia
twentyfiveseasons.com
Love this. 🙂