“We never know which 
lives we influence, 
or when, or why.” 
Stephen King

In the past ten years, the term “social media influencer” has gained popularity. The label applies to those whose engaging social media content, such as photos, videos, and updates, has a profound influence on their followers. These individuals have the potential to influence others in either positive or negative ways.

The concept of an “influencer” is not something new. Certainly throughout history, writers, speakers, teachers, preachers, parents, coaches, and any other number of people have exerted influence, one way or another, on the lives of those with whom they interacted. Making a positive difference in the lives of others is a task to which we are all called.

American novelist, Leo Rosten, wrote, “The purpose of life is not to be happy, but to matter — to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.”

Each of us, in our own way, has the opportunity to do this. William Paul Young, author of The Shack, tells us that “every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes.” We may not notice the change right away, and we may never see evidence of the change in our lifetime, but how we interact with the people we encounter in our life journey will most definitely leave an impression.

Sister Mary Rose McGeady, the former director of Covenant House in New York, pointed out, “There is no greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life.”

I think it’s healthy for each of us to pause and consider how we have influenced others in our lifetime. Perhaps our influence was on a large group of people. Quite possibly, it might be just one person who benefitted from coming into contact with us. Each day, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s healthy to be aware of this, and to be conscious of how we are influencing those around us.

American author, Colin Beaven, wrote, “Believe with all your heart that how you live your life makes a difference.”

It does!