A note from the writer:

Felicia Schmitz

Dear Influencer, That name never seemed to apply to me. I would hear it and immediately dismiss myself from anything that pertained to it. It was as though I had reserved it for the people at the front lines of my life who were making a noticeable difference. What I had failed to understand was that I was already placed in a position of leadership in my home.

In January of 2018, I attended a Refresh retreat. Just 5 days prior, my pastor had given a message titled, “Engaging Influencers.” He spoke out of Matthew 5 about how we are called to be the salt & light of this world. At the end of the service, my heart was racing and I knew God was stirring something new in my spirit. There was an immediate and immense desire to be an engaging influencer in the lives of my three daughters.

When I arrived at the retreat, I was given an envelope; inside was a card with the word INFLUENCER, followed by this verse:

Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

God was speaking and He had my attention.

On the final day of the retreat, I attended a Dream Session. Within a few minutes, God revealed this vision to gather my daughters and their friends in our home. My heart was for them to know and understand important, foundational truths about God and His love for them. It would continue into a themed craft, and snacks. Every detail of the night would point back to the message with the hope that it would sink down deep into the hearts and minds of the girls who came.

Oftentimes, we view leadership as something that is seen publicly by many. But often He has placed us in the unseen with just a few followers. No matter your current role, capacity, or capability, you are called to be an engaging influencer to those around you. 

Love, Felicia