Role Models

I recently heard that Rihanna received some criticism for being a poor role model to which her response was...

"See, people ... they want me to be a role model just because of the life I lead. But no, I just want to make music. That's it."

I thought this response was rather disappointing.  We are all role models.  We are all examples of how life can be lived.  Now whether we are good examples or not can be argued.  But like it or not you are a role model simply by your very existence.  I often consider what kind of role model I am for my kids but don't often think about how I may effect others.  I was blessed to receive the following note from a friend and former colleague a while ago after a brief visit.

"Sooo glad I got to see you! Your hair is so long! I love it! I just wanted to tell you real quick that you are such a great person! Your so loving, caring, and friendly and I really look up to you! You are just the perfect role model to me of what kind of wife, mother, and friend I want to be!! You are beautiful inside and out! I cant believe how much I miss talking to you everyday and sharing our life stories and problems LOL! Well just wanted to tell you how I felt since I don't see you everyday anymore!"

I was totally humbled and floored at the same time when I received this.  Yes, there were some tears involved...I'm a crier what can I say?  I have NEVER received something so nice and will forever treasure this note and my sweet friend Kelly who wrote it ;) 

It was so cool that I received this note on the same day that I received a lovely one from someone I consider to be one of my role models....Miss Kelley from Kelley's Kids & etc.  Since meeting Kelley in blog world, she has quickly become a friend and someone I admire greatly.  She approaches life with humor, grace, and a whole lot of faith.  I love reading her posts.  She has also shared with me through emails and reached out to me in support of my desire to grow my faith. 

She gifted me with this lovely Bible and I can't tell you how much that show of support and all her prayers for me have impacted my life.  To reach out like that to someone you don't even "know"....that is the kind of giving heart I want to have.  She is such an encouragement to me as a mother, friend, and daughter of Christ.  She is a truly remarkable woman whom I hope to know for a long time to come :)

What role models do you admire in your life?