Your Circle of Influence: Five Ways to Leave a Lasting Impact

Over the past several weeks, I've been reading post after post from friends on Facebook praying and asking prayer for a long-time police officer/Assistant Chief from a town near where Rick and I grew up.

People I wouldn't have even thought who would have known this man were sending encouraging notes and well wishes until several days ago when he quietly slipped into eternity.  Then, a new wave of posts with pictures and past memories crowded my screen.

Who was this man and what did he do to leave such a lasting impact on so many?  How can I have the same affect?

1.  Make God the center of your world.  Asst. Police Chief Roger Fields, from all accounts, was an average guy.  He wasn't famous by worldly standards, nor was his name recorded in history books attached to a noteworthy proclamation or stance.  What set him apart, was his love for God and from what I can tell, his understanding of God's plan for his life.

The impact we can have on others is insurmountable when we place God on the throne of our lives and allow everything else to flow from that.  Roger simply knew who he was and whose he was.  How about you?

2.  Learn to laugh and enjoy life.  Everything I read about Roger points to his huge sense of humor.  Though I didn't know him personally, from pictures I can tell that this man loved to laugh and have a good time.  Life is too short to not enjoy it for what it is.  Learn to loosen up.  Find the humor in even the toughest of situations.

Proverbs 17:22 says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  

We only have one shot at this lifetime.  Worrying and fretting, or constant anger and negativity will do nothing but leave you tired.  So, enjoy the gift of today.  That's why it's called the present.

3.  Take time to find the good in others.  It's not easy.  We often see and judge the outside of a person without ever taking the time to get to know their inward being.  I believe Roger took that time.  From stories I've read and through the witness of all the posts, this man made many friends.  He put effort into learning about and loving the inward person warts and all.

I don't know about you, but I need to lay aside my busyness more often, and take the time to really get to know those around me.  I want to see the good in others.

4.  Practice what you preach.  In this life, we have a lot of "preachers," but not enough "movers and shakers".  What do I mean by that?  Too often, we complain about this or gripe about that, but choose not to step up and be a positive game changer.  Oh, it's easy to point fingers, but a lot harder to live out a solution.  I believe Roger tried to live exactly what he preached.

Whether it was integrity within his law enforcement career, or daily personal choices, I believe he rose to the occasion and found ways to portray a living example of everything he stood for.  Quite the challenge for all of us, isn't it?

Philippians 4:9 says, "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you."

5.  Be loyal to those you love.  Proverbs 18:24 says, "There are 'friends' who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.Loyalty is a gem of a quality in a friend, a spouse, and a Savior.  Thankfully, I believe Roger was a loyal friend and husband, but more importantly was loyal in his relationship with God.  And...God was and is loyal to Roger.  

You see, though his life is finished here on earth, because of his personal relationship with Jesus, a new life has now begun.  Christ's sacrifice on the cross and Roger's belief and acceptance of that free, undeserved gift has provided him a life of eternal reward from a loyal Savior.  

When we as Christians have a secured hope in Jesus, loyalty to our friends, family and our Heavenly Father become second nature.  This is truly an exceptional quality.


And so I wrap up this blog with these parting thoughts...

How are you leaving a lasting impact on those within your circle of influence? and What will people be saying about you when you leave this world?

Blessings to you, my friend,
Kristi

In Memory of Asst. Police Chief Roger Fields
Cape Girardeau, MO







   

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