"UNDER THE INFLUENCE" - written by: Gloria T. Los Angeles, California What comes to your mind when you hear the word, "influence?" CLAY AIKEN, one of the three remaining semi- finalists for the popular, "American Idol", was quoted saying, "American celebrities have an amazing influence on the way America thinks, feels, and acts. I think that such influence should be used in the most positive way possible." I just hope that this church-goer, choir singing boy from North Carolina will use his already celebrity status to be a positive influence to America, especially to our youth, not only with his songs, but with his spiritual values and integrity he learned early on. Whether we realize it or not, we don't need celebrity status, high position, or popularity to influence the world at large. We are all part of interdependent web of relationships. We all have tremenduos influence to affect the lives of our family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances. My biggest influence when I was a young girl growing up, was my mother's love of the Bible. She would underlined her old, only Bible, wrote on the pages, and meditated on it day and night. Prayers gave her the strength she needed to raise us, a handful of twelve kids. My father wasn't very religious then, but before he died, he got closer to God, and I believe it was my mother's faith, prayer and grace of God that saved him. I went to a Christian College, and I knew that it's the daily morning worships, Bible reading and prayers that led me to search for deeper truths. It didn't mean though that I lived like a "monk". Christian schools are not immune to the world's negative influences. Although I never ever got involved with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or anything of that sort, I found the appeal of rebellion eversince I learned to use the word, "no", at the age of two. But when you you have God in your heart, even just laughing at bad jokes, gossiping, or careless talks, and backbiting can cause a heavy heart, and guilt feelings. When my "human nature" overpowers my spiritual nature, I felt weak, restless and doubtful. Like CLAY, I also have a talent in singing and very active in my church, but I learned that people will take notice not only what you are good at, but also at your character, values and integrity. While the world looks at the outside, God looks inside our hearts. We all have some areas of weaknesses that we need to address. It maybe idolatry or hero worshipping. It maybe going with the "flow" of the world instead of heavenly things. The company we keep can either build us up or tear us down. The way we think and our attitudes to life affect the people we meet. Who is your biggest influence? JESUS CHRIST is the best influential character who ever lived. We talked about Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, JFK, long after they're gone, but their earthly influence can not be compared to the "GREATEST MAN WHO EVER LIVED." JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday, today and forever. To CLAY and whoever is reading this, my question is,: "Are you under GOD's influence 24 hours a day? God bless you, CLAY. I'm praying that you will win not only this competition on American Idol, but a winner for JESUS!! Use your talent and influence for HIS glory!
