Diocesan Photo
By Heidi Comes
The first influencers
Revisiting life with a baby in the home (in my 40s) has been a powerful reminder of the crucial role adults play in the formation of young people. We’ve been blessed to have our daughter and granddaughter at home with us for the first year of her life. The mimicking of adult behaviors and actions allows her to grow and develop into the person God intends her to be. We say a word and then encourage her to do the same. We point to our heads and wait to see if she can make that connection. When we make the sign of the cross before we pray, her eyes light up anticipating the chorus of words that will follow. With repetition and consistency, she begins to learn.
It is humbling to be reminded that it isn’t just good things that are picked up. The sassy shake of her head when she knows she is straying from expectations was also learned somewhere (it couldn’t have been from her grandma though).
Social media influencers
Speaking of influencing others, the profession of social media “influencer” or “content creator” has exploded in the past several years. These influencers replace what the older generation knew as paid actors, models or spokespersons. The purpose is the same: to appeal to buyers and make people want the goods they are promoting.
A key difference between these two occupations is that the role of influencer is centered around building a relationship with the audience by appearing to be authentic and ordinary, not a paid actor. And while it may not be a sinister tactic, it certainly is a relationship formed with the purpose of making more money.
With the time spent on handheld devices, this is no small influence; it is important to acknowledge the appeal and success of this type of marketing. As humans, we long for outside affirmation for our behaviors, likes/dislikes, and are easily influenced creatures.
Untapped power
As children grow older, it is easy to forget the profound power we hold to shape their lives. While social media influencers may reach them daily in ways we cannot, our influence can be lifelong and lasting. Whether we actively or passively do so, we are indeed setting an example to be followed and mimicked. Nothing excites young children more than seeing the adults in their lives smile and praise their actions. Our influence is sought and we loom large as role models for their little hearts.
As they grow into their teen years and beyond, they may not watch us out of a desire to learn what they should do, but they inevitably learn what is permissible. As they grow and become more independent and freedom brings them to new places, the number of influential figures grows.
It is a tremendous responsibility for adults to recognize this role. Often, we fail to realize the young people we come into contact with regularly even notice us, much less are impacted by our words or actions. Teachers, coaches, grandparents, bosses or co-workers, fellow parishioners, youth leaders, and all extended family members have tremendous power that is frequently overlooked and underused. The reverence and joy shown by a fellow parishioner can spark curiosity in a young person’s heart.
This isn’t just an obligation we have as adults. It’s part of the encouragement we are given in Holy Scripture. As St. Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.” This isn’t just a call to guide the youth around us, but also a reminder that we, as adults, are always called to lead by example. Just because our nest may now be empty or our once toddlers now have their own nest does not relieve us of our responsibility to live as examples.
Living witnesses
The question isn’t whether or not young people (all people) will be influenced by those around them. The question is, who do you want to be making impressions?
Our faith is rich with inspirational men and women in the lives and stories of the saints. We can look to and ask for intercession from these powerful resources as we navigate through life’s challenges. It is so important to remember that we are all called to sainthood. Whether or not we are a big “S” saint or a little “s” saint, we are witnesses all the same. Little eyes and ears are watching and listening to the words and actions of older role models.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church makes clear our duty, “Christians are called to be witnesses to the Gospel by transmitting their faith in words and deeds. This witness is an act of justice that establishes the truth or makes it known” (2471-2472). This call to witness is part of every baptized individual’s responsibility regardless of our role or position within the Church. It reminds us of the power of living examples.
Singing a Hail Mary prayer with our granddaughter brings all sorts of warm feelings for Grandpa and me, but it does much more than that for her little heart. Whether young or old, with children or without, in a bustling household or as empty-nesters, we must never underestimate the impact we have on a young person’s life.
