Who SHAPED You?

I received this e-mail the other day from a good pastor friend of mine. It made me really think about who had shaped me through the years. My list was really really really long. I didn’t have time to write about everyone so I simply responded with the first few that have had the “biggest” impact on me. Below is my Pete’s e-mail and my response. Let me know what you think. I would love to know who has SHAPED you as well.

Hey friends,

I’m doing a little research for our upcoming series called SHAPED and I have a quick question:
Of the people that God has used to help shape you, what is a quality or characteristic(s) of their life that is memorable to you?

No bad answer. Just whatever comes to your mind. Could be one thing, could be many.

Thanks for your help, have a great day!

Pete Hixson
www.viningslake.org

Good question… The people that have shaped me the most are as follows with the characteristic(s) that stood out the most to me.

1. Jesus Christ – had to put this one first or else I wouldn’t be a good Christian… hahaha. But seriously… His presence in my life has SHAPED me more than any other influence. I think the characteristic(s) I love the most about Him is His forgiveness, His ability to look past all the wrong in me, His authenticity, He never lies to me, His gentleness, His abrasiveness, His peaceful presences, His refreshing presence, His love for others, His love for me… and so much more. We both know we could go on all day about the ways He has shaped us and continually does.

Beyond his presence in my life his example in recorded history has SHAPED me. He was seen loving others in so many ways. An example I want to follow.

2. John C. Maxwell – I have had the pleasure of knowing John and watching/ learning from him at a distance. His authenticity SHAPED me. It seemed like if he was in a pulpit or in the bathroom he was the real deal. His authenticity seriously shaped me. His leadership skill, discipline, and knowledge were other characteristics about John that have shaped me.

3. Alicia Benton – My wife… Wow! She has SHAPED me in so many ways. Authenticity and love are the two major characteristics about her that have SHAPED me. If you have ever met her, she is always 100% honest. Sometimes to the point of being brutally honest. That authenticity is refreshing! So many people hide behind what they really think. That characteristic has SHAPED me in so many ways. Additonally, her unconditional love has SHAPED me. She has a love for me and other people that I never even knew was possible in a human. Her long suffering and ability to look past the flaws in others is Shaping!

4. Martin Luther King JR. – Although I have never met MLK i have studied much about his life. I have walked in his footsteps across Atlanta and interviewed others who knew him personally. His legacy has SHAPED me. I think one of the characteristics I like the most about MLK was his servants heart. He did what he did for others. He literally died for others. That passion for others is something that has SHAPED me.