Check back here for questions and comments applying part 1 of “Deepen Your Influence – the Online Seminar.”
Who has been the most influential person in your life, and why? [comment below]
What has been the most influential experience in your life, and why? [comment below]
Jesus Christ has been the Most Influential person in my life. His gift of grace, truth and mercy to me has changed my life forever. His influence on me has impacted my life for over 37 years. For His Life Changing Influence I will be forever grateful.
Not just knowing Christ but even greater is having a relationship with Him has been my greatest one influence in my life. Along side that is the relationship I have with my wife because like the relationship I have with Christ this relationship has the foundation of love, hope , and faith. Nothing can last without these three foundational ieals. With these three truths working in you the act of forgiveness has no end to its power. Through forgiveness eternal life has its beginning. Thank-you Jesus for forgiving me.
In a matter of months in 2005, I was divorced with four young children in the balance and then fired quite unexpectedly from my job. Turned out to be the combination of experiences that brought me humbly and desperately to me knees. So much to repent for, so much out of my control, and so much unknown – and yet, there was clearly so much opportunity to receive God’s loving grace and to be thankful for along the way. Although seven years later my circumstances are still difficult, God has clearly molded my character through the trials to be more of the son he created me to be. Praise God.
Yes, for sure the crisises of our lives have a huge impact on how our character developes and is eventually put on display. As for Christ his character led him to the Cross. which subsequentlly redeemed our very souls.
My whole life was put on display when the system decided to destroy my life. Yet, through it all because of my faith instead of destruction I have entered into even a stronger life centered on my belief in Christ. What man tried to destroy God made it even stonger and filled me up with a greater revelation of who He is. I now live a life centered on living a life devoted on Ministering to God and His needs not in living a life wating for God to minister to me and my needs. Finding the power of the inner court can only come through persecution and your endurace to stay foccused on Christ. Thank-you Christ for helping me stay nailed, bleeding, and dieing with you on a cross not of my choosing. Your will be done not mine. Amen
Bernard Stepner, a music supervisor for Milwaukee Public Schools stands out as the most influential person in my life. In high school, I attended South Division….it was in the poor district of in the south side of Milwaukee from a family where my father was an alcoholic, and my parents plan for me was to work in a factory and marry. Now I played the clarinet, very well, taking class lessons since I was 10. Once I entered the public school system in grade 9, my musical growth blossomed. However, it wasn’t until 11th grade when Bernard Stepner, who had been observing me for the two previous years, pulled me aside and asked me to play a certain piece for him. Little did I know, this was an audition which opened so many doors for me and turned the needle of my compass 180 degrees. He was a quiet man, yet carried a great deal of respect and dignity for all those around him. Not only did he open the door of opportunity to perform in an esteemed orchestra, he believed in me, saw potential, and vision………..all of which I lacked and did not get at home. My senior year, he set me up for private music lessons, all paid for on a scholarship. What he wanted in return was for me to follow my passion of music, and play with confidence and conviction. In one orchestra rehearsal, I came in at the wrong time,…………yet he applauded me, b/c it was a solid entrance……..not mousy or wimpy. Even his corrections were covered with love. It turned out that I majored in music therapy at Alverno on a 4 year music scholarship. Even as I type this, he brings tears to my eyes.
Sharayah,
Educators can positively impact the students under their care. Bernard Stepner did that for you.
I attended a high school in Illinois and two teachers there gave me direction. I was in classes they taught and in after-school programs they sponsored. MRS Brown and MR Dillon made me realize what I wanted to do with my life and the path I would need to take to make it happen.
Their impact on me was directly tied to their actions, what they actually did within their profession. Actions always speak louder than words, especially to young people.
If you don’t model what you say or profess, you do not come across as authentic.
Thanks for sharing your story. Educators can have a huge impact on their students. We were lucky to have had positive experiences.
Unfortunately some students are impacted in a different way by educators, who should never have entered the field.
I was fortunate to have two loving parents, who influenced me greatly in terms of my faith, my work ethic, my view of life, and the way I relate to others. I was fortunate to have them, and their influence still impacts me even though they have passed. (Eternal be their memories.)
Along the way, I have also been fortunate to have others, who influenced me at a specific time or times when the direction or insight or input they provided helped light my way and even in a few cases transformed my life. (My pastor leads that list).
The focus of Chapters 1-4 was about spiritual influence and made the case that good leaders build people up; they do not tear them down. All the people, who I feel influenced my life, lifted me up and yes their input definitely had a spiritual impact. (I believe God placed them in my life for that purpose, and they did not fail Him or me.)
The most influential experience in my life is my relationship with God. It has given me worth and value; saved and enriched me; comforted me and given me peace.
Let it be known, however, that I am still a work in progress. I seek so that I can find, and I think that’s what God expects me to do.
In regards to this seminar, I think it’s important to remember that we all encounter designated leaders, but that within social systems there are leaders who surface naturally that may not have a title.
During the course of our individual lives, people may come to us for help or direction. Sometimes, even informal conversation can foster a form of leadership and help shape someone’s life.
I think we are called to give voice to Christian principles and to work for good.