Hello Lovelies!
Okay I am so thankful for you guys ohmygoodness. I thought that MAYBE 40 people would read this blog, but so far, over 400 people have viewed it! So thank you so much. You all are so adorable.
So today I want to talk about being a role model for a younger generation. Not all of you have younger siblings, but there is, no doubt, someone younger that you in your life that looks up to you.
That in and of itself is a HUGE responsibility.
When I was little, I thought my older cousin was the coolest person ever. I wanted to dress like her, talk like her, and act like her. To me, she embodied what a woman should be like. She was kind, funny, pretty, and smart, and of course I thought I was really grown up and special when she would hang out with me.
Now that I am older, I have the opportunity to be a role model to kids I babysit and the girls in a small group I help lead.
I have to admit, it’s not always easy.
It feels like you are being watched by the paparazzi, and that isn’t as flattering as I expected.
The thing is, I sometimes feel like I have to be perfect to be a good role model to these kids. But that’s not what they need. They don’t need me to always be right, or always choose the best outcome. The need to see Jesus in me. They need to see how I used to be, and how I have been transformed by God’s grace. If we act perfect, we show the children who look up to us that God wants us to be perfect, when that is not true. As I continue to mentor younger kids, I see that the best thing I can do is to be honest and real with my faith. We have to be able to admit our mistakes to the ones who look up to us, or they will believe that it is okay to just ignore mistakes and not take responsibilities for our actions.
I know I don’t want the girls in my small group to make the same mistakes I have, so that’s why I tell them about about them.
I don’t want them to fall for the same lies I have, so that’s why I tell them how I have.
These kids in your life that look up to you see you as amazing in their eyes already. You don’t need to impress them for them to like you.
That’s what so awesome about these opportunities.
By being a role model, you are pushed to become a better Christian so that you can better mentor these children. When I am weak in my faith, I am reminded that there are girls in my small group that look up to me to make the right decisions. It gives me an extra push in my relationship with God.
I want to encourage all of you to think about who in your life looks up to you.
Are you being a good ambassador for your faith?
Let me know if there is anything that I can be doing better, as well as anything that I can be praying about for all of you!
In Christ,
Jackie