Sep 29 2008
Woman of Influence
After the post, “How Do You Value Yourself”, I decided to take some time and identify those things that I could really appreciate about myself as it lines up with the Word of God.
The first thing I realized is that I am a woman of influence. All of us are. God created us to be this way. Whether you realize it or not, there are people that are being impacted by your life. The things you have accomplished, the way you live your life, the things you say and the wisdom you have acquired, have the potential to profoundly affect the behavior or the choices of others.
Every day we affect the lives of others such as our husbands, children, friends, co-workers and even strangers on the street. That smile you gave the person next to you in line at the grocery store, the encouraging word that you gave a girlfriend, the strength you portray before your children as a single mom, all these things influence others in ways you can’t even imagine.
I remember going back home to Virginia last year on vacation. My husband and I were shopping at a Target store not really looking for anything in particular. I happened to see a woman with her back to me that had a nice dress on and thought to myself, ”that’s a nice dress, and it looks good on her”‘. No sooner than I finished the thought, the woman turned around, saw me and screamed, “Charlene!”
Turns out, she was a friend from high school. I hadn’t seen her in over 20 years! Or so I thought. I introduced her to my husband and she began telling my husband how much I had inspired her. She recalled visiting me when I lived in Maryland (over 17 years ago). At the time, she was questioning whether she could make it on her own. She said that after talking with me and seeing how I lived, that she decided, “I can do this. If Charlene can leave Virginia and make it, I can too!”
I honestly don’t remember her visiting me at all. What was amazing to me was the fact that I had impacted someone else’s life for the better and I hadn’t even tried to. You can never underestimate the value that is in you to bless someone else. While I am wondering whether or not I am a good wife, someone within my sphere of influence wants to know how she can become a wife. While I am concerned about not being the perfect Christian, someone out there just wants to know about Jesus. I have something of value to give others and so do you.
Why not pray the following prayer so the the Lord will reveal to you all the goodness He has placed in you:
Father God,
I believe that I am a woman of influence. Help me to see myself as You see me. Please enable me to influence others in ways that help them to become all You have created them to be. Help me to always build up, encourage, and lift up and keep me from ever tearing anyone down. May all I do, say, and think win others to You so that when all is said and done, You will get all the glory, honor and praise. Amen.
4 responses so far
Thanks again for reminding us that we all should see ourselves and value our sphere of influence. Thank you for the prayer and reminding us that all our words and deed should be for the edification and glorification of the Lord.
Mrs. Charlene, reading your entries are always like a “breath of fresh air.” Today’s entry “Woman of Influence” I am sure covers a subject we can all attest to. Being a single parent many women ask how have you or how can you be single for so long? And the answer is simple; I have goals that must be achieved and other things I set my focus on besides being single. Now can this be an influence for other single women as well? Sure. Just seek after the thing you desire most and work diligently and you will discover what works for you and against you.
Hey boo.
It’s true that we have a long lasting impression on people we meet everyday. Just look at me just over 9 years ago I was in Detroit trying to figure out what was next for my life when I met who was soon to be God’s greatest gift for me in a wife; best friend; encourager and wonderful mother of my children. Little did I know that my life would never be the same again. I have noticed over the years that you have affected so many women from believing for the perfect mate to just an encouraging word about managing finances. You have indeed represented the kind of Christian woman that I want my sons to marry one day. I know that this website will go on to affect countless women all over the world and from all walks of life. I love you forever.
Your KISA.
I am completely proud of you. I’m glad you have decided to give millions of people the opportunity to get some life changing answers to everyday issues.