My Shadow

 "Every one of us casts a shadow. 

There hangs about us, a sort of a strange, indefinable something, 

which we call personal influence --
that has its effect on every other life on which it falls.

It goes with us wherever we go.

It is not something we can have when we want to have it -- 

and then lay aside when we will, as we lay aside a garment. 

It is something that always pours out from our lives . . .  

as light from a lamp, as heat from flame, as perfume from a flower.

The ministry of personal influence is something very wonderful. 

Without being conscious of it, 

we are always impressing others
by this strange power that exudes from us.

Others watch us --
and their thinking and actions are modified by our influence." 

"Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, 

making the most of every opportunity." 

Ephesians 5:15-16 

~ J. R. Miller, "The Shadows We Cast" ~

~oOo~

The ministry of personal influence is not only something very wonderful, but something full of responsibility.

When I first read this quote by JR Miller, it spoke loudly to my heart and made me more aware of the effect that my shadow has on those around me, whether they know me well, are only acquaintances or simply see me once in awhile at the market.

May the Lord help me to keep my eyes focused on Him so that my shadow reflects Him in a dark and lost world.

Blessings,