Regarding Influence

There's an old saying that goes: "It takes a village to raise a child."

This is where I grew up.

It means something along the lines of: a person is shaped by much more than his immediate family; the extent of his being influenced goes far beyond that.

That statement holds especially true today, due to the ever-growing methods of communication (Ex: Mobile phones, facebook, social media, this blog). We are able to interact with others on a global level. It can be scary and daunting when you think about it. 

Hi Mom!

In this sense, I suppose we are held more responsible - to try and grasp life on a global scale. We are called to see how our lives fit into this messy, but wonderful world. 

This can create a lot of pressure for us! The older generations (as far as I know) didn't have to keep social dynamics on the internet in mind. There was no aspect of "online presence".

I am so Pinterested in your Facebook right now.

Picking apart at this idea of influence, one can see it's a complex topic. But we don't really think about how we're influenced too much, do we?

And here are some questions I wonder about but haven't really come to a conclusion to: when do we stop being influenced? When do we coagulate and consolidate our beliefs? Do we ever? Should we? Can we?

Did I zip my fly this morning?

We're always under some influence, aren't we? Even when we are not "studying", everything we do, watch, listen to, shapes us in some way. I wonder what truths or lies we hold on to underneath the surface of our hearts.

Take a moment in your day to notice yourself - seeing the things that influence you, that you allow to influence you. Do you agree with its messages? Do you agree with you?

Let me know your thoughts below!

- Jinwoogle