I had thrashed about, trying to sleep. Just moments before I turned out the lights and headed to bed, a huge boulder had been thrown on my emotional path; “triggers” as counselors call them. For eleven years I have struggled so greatly with understanding the “why” of my life. Here it was again.

It was early Sunday morning when I fell asleep, so I awakened later than my normal routine.  It was raining and extremely tempting to remain home. However, I might “wallow” in the queries of my life. I grabbed my coffee and began preparing to attend the later church service, realizing what I needed more than being home alone was joining other believers in praise and worship.

The church service included a day to dedicate babies and children to the Lord, the pastor’s sermon was on the influence we have in the lives of all children, our own and those we come in contact with.  Pastor T. was like a history book naming countless Godly individuals that had touched his life and the lives of his own children.

 Because the pastor loves humor in his sermons, there were moments of laughter among the congregation, but also the reality of the sermon text, 2 Timothy 1: 5. Two women were a tremendous influence to Timothy, his grandmother and mother. As a result of Godly women that were Timothy’s mentors, he spent his adult life serving the Lord.

The pastor noted often there is only one parent that is following God, striving to lead their children and home in the work of the Lord. What a blessing it is when there are Godly family and friends that reiterate these principles. In many homes, the parent choosing not to walk with God attempts to destroy all efforts of the parent instilling Godly values. Those are the times you hope  other people are influences in your children’s lives.

My family of origin moved frequently. Thus, I earnestly desired “deep roots” and stability. However, having been married to someone that chose “money and prestige” as his primary life goal, we moved often. Frequent moves prevent the opportunity to develop deep and long-lasting relationships. Nonetheless, there were persons in our lives which imprinted me or my children; few of them were Christians, but the memories loving.

One of those persons, a Sunday School teacher when I was a young teen. She realized the abuse I endured in my home and sought ways to give me a short reprieve. She would telephone asking if I would like to go to the local drive in for a “coke.” She never spoke of my homelife, but years later I realized she knew I needed a friend.

The other person that brought a lasting memory was a neighbor when I was an older teen. She saw the “aftermath” of my father’s severe abuse and attempted to intervene. Because it was the 1960’s, there were no resources to assist battered children. Yet these two ladies, one a Christian, the other not, left a permanent impression on my heart and in my life.

What a difference we could make if we left a positive imprint on the lives of those we meet; family, neighbors or friends. Matthew 5:16 NIV,  In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. “