Mary Kuti might be one of the most swaggy, Jesus-loving women we’ve ever met. She’s that person who draws you in by her genuine care for people and you leave every conversation feeling loved.  She married her high school sweetheart, Chris and they have 2 beautiful boys, ages 2 and 3 (she’s one busy mama!). During the week, she has the privilege of staying home with their boys and on the weekends, she and Chris lead worship at Life.Church in Oklahoma City. Her passion is music and her pursuit is Jesus. She truly believes we all have great purpose, and no matter who you are, you are a woman of influence.

-The Women of the Well

Do you wonder if you have influence? Are you really making a difference?  For me, there are some days this question rings loud in my ears. The truth is we all hold the key of influence. We influence our home life, our spouse, our children, our workplace, our friends, our families, our neighborhood, our gym, our kids sports team, you get the gist. Your presence alone has the power of influence. Powerful huh!? Webster’s defines influence as:

“The capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, of others.”

According to this definition, influence has none of the prerequisites that leave us feeling disqualified to live out the high calling of being women of influence.  What if this entire time we’ve been a “compelling force” on others without even knowing it?

There are few greater teachers in life than parenthood.  Over the last three years of watching my boys grow, one important lesson I’ve learned is that they’re acting out what they see, whether what they see is on purpose or an accident.  For example, my husband says I do this quirky snort laugh when I say or hear something funny.  I didn’t think it was an actual “thing” until I heard my oldest son Liam doing it.  I mean, he’s either mocking me to a “t” at the ripe old age of 3, or my habits are “producing effects” on him.  I never taught him when or how to make that noise, I didn’t even know I made that noise, but he picked it up.  That sounds a lot like our definition of influence, doesn’t it?

My hope for you is that you daily recognize the influence you actually have in the world around you.  It is only when you embrace being a woman of influence that you’ll be a “compelling force” that moves others on purpose, with a purpose.

Here are four simple truths to remember as you become a woman who influences on purpose, with a purpose:

Walk In Power

A title or position does not create the force that “produces effects” in others.  We will not be women who influence well without understanding where our strength comes from.  Our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.  On our own we do not have what it takes to be a compelling force for the glory of God.  We must daily tap into the source of our power.

Let’s become fully aware that we have everything we need for Godliness in Christ Jesus. The only way to walk in power is to be plugged into the source. Praying, listening, being still, reading and memorizing His Word are a few keys to activating the power to create lasting effects.

Set A Course

If influence is a compelling force, we must identify how we affect the world around us.

We must influence with a final outcome in mind.  Maybe you want to influence others to be generous or to be bold leaders in their world, what is it going to take to get them there?  What do they need to see in you that they can model? Have a set of goals that will clearly create the right actions and behaviors.

Pace Yourself

The lifestyle of intentional influence is a marathon not a sprint.  It takes time. You may not see immediate results. Remain faithful. It’s a process, stick with it, you have what it takes.

Choose Life

We are influenced everyday by external sources.  Do not underestimate the long term effects of even the most subtle influences you let into your life. Much like our words, they have the power to bring life or death. Choose the influencers that are pushing you in the direction of life.

You have what it takes to be an influence far beyond your years on this earth. You have purpose. You are a woman of influence.