People Who Influence Our Lives

 If you had to list seven people (or groups) who influenced your life, who would they be?

My list would look something like this.

My mother

1     1.     Jesus – Oh, but some might say, He’s not a real person. I beg to differ! There’s plenty of historical evidence that Jesus lived in this world and died on a cross. The Bible also speaks of over 500 witnesses of His resurrection.  So I choose Jesus as the first on my list because He has made the greatest difference. I have peace about the future because of Jesus. I have the certainty that my sins are forgiven through faith in Him. I have wonderful friends that I would not have had if I didn’t know Jesus. So, yes, the number one person is my Savior.

       2.     My Parents—They loved me unconditionally and were always in my court. My mother radiated a sweet spirit for my family. My dad made me memorize whole chapters in the Bible. I am so thankful for them.

My brothers

      3.     My 3 brothers—Oh, yes, they sometimes tease me mercilessly, but they never leave me any doubt that they love me, their only sister. Even if I sometimes try their patience, I know I can always count on these brothers. Their texts, phone calls and visits lift my spirits.

       4.     My Adopted Kids, Tommy, Danny & Sarah—Although I loved them at first sight and chose them, they have turned that love right around on me and now show me daily how much they really care. And for the record, this includes their spouses as well.  It’s a good day when I get to spend time with any of them! And cheering for the Dallas Cowboys with Sarah's hubby, Treviel, makes it extra fun.

My 3 precious kids

       5.     My hubby –Yes, I have to say he’s stayed by my side and put up with me for over 40 years. (And since I can often be a “pickle”  that’s saying a lot.)  We’ve shared adventures in Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. We encountered snakes, Gila Monsters, poisonous asps, microscopic weird things I’d never heard of and a military coup.

Pam, my angel

         6.  Then there's Pam!  It’s a long story, but after an aneurism, she basically gave me my brains back and became my "angel". 

6       7.     My friend, Becky—Since I didn’t have a sister in the flesh, God gave me a close friend so I’d know what a sister is like. There are no words that can describe the friendship, the fun, the fellowship and more that we’ve enjoyed over the years. We were toddlers when we met, so I cannot remember not knowing her. She even shares her granddaughters with me by bringing them here for tea parties.

That’s not everyone, by any means. I have wonderful cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. What about you? Which folks have influenced your life?  Share, please!