The Influencers

My buddy, Becky Reeves, tagged me to list my mentors and older-than-me friends (minus parents) that have influenced me positively over the years. I don’t always do these tag things, but in this case, I think it’s worthwhile to think about the ways special people have aided me on my walk through life. I’ve put an asterisk by the ones that I have never met, yet influenced me through their words- either through speeches or books. The others have been a part of my life in person at some point. Some of them only for a brief season. Some of them I still converse with often. Some of them might not even know the impact they have had on me. In no particular order…

  1. Jesus
  2. C.S. Lewis
  3. Ruth Dickey
  4. Tom Moore
  5. Suzanne Sager
  6. Darla Sanderson
  7. Gretchen Mahoney
  8. Carol Kell
  9. Nita Cochran
  10. Ross Cochran
  11. Beth Cox
  12. Monte Cox
  13. Mark Berryman
  14. Sandy Berryman
  15. Karen Alexander
  16. Suzi Jeffreys
  17. Jeanene Reese
  18. Becky East
  19. Mrs. Knox
  20. Mrs. Weise
  21. Coach Renee
  22. Martha Johnson
  23. Kay Richardson
  24. Edith Friesen
  25. Gordon Stone
  26. Bono*
  27. Sally Clarkson*
  28. John Piper *
  29. Larry Crabb*
  30. Amy Carmichael*
  31. Martin Luther King, Jr.*

Thank you, I am blessed!

I’d like to hear from some of you! Cheryl, Kelly, Katrina…you’re it!

6 Responses to “The Influencers”


  1. 1 Becky Reeves December 15, 2007 at 7:41 pm

    Thanks, Tracey, for indulging me! I’ll be asking you about some of the names I don’t know:) I’m thankful for all of those who have influenced and shaped you into the wonderful woman you are today. Love you friend!

  2. 2 Rose December 18, 2007 at 5:51 pm

    I don’t know if I could even remember all those that have had an influence in my life, but it’s a great exercise. Thanks for sharing!

  3. 3 Gretchen December 27, 2007 at 2:51 pm

    Wow, Tracey; I had no idea! At least one of those on your list has also influenced me: Kay Richardson. And my dear friend Mariann is Monte Cox’s sister.

    I do this exercise occasionally myself. It is good to go back and even contact those who’ve had a good influence on my life. I find that I think in terms of spiritual formation or a strong spiritual growth spurt, parenting, taking care of aging parents or spouses (that can never pay them back), marriage, ministry. I would say that I’ve found the fewest mentors in the ministry area (minister’s wives); I hope to be supportive in that way when I grow up!

    love,
    Gretchen

  4. 4 Kelly Vaughn January 5, 2008 at 4:18 am

    Hey Tracey,
    I just read the post and I will enjoy thinking about this list and responding!!! We share at least 3 of the same special mentors, maybe more….Suzy J and Monte and Beth Cox!
    Thanks for sharing and thanks for tagging…
    Blessings!
    Kelly

  1. 1 Who deserves your thanks? « The Hope of “What If?” Trackback on December 17, 2007 at 4:19 am
  2. 2 … and whose thanks will you deserve? « The Hope of “What If?” Trackback on December 18, 2007 at 5:40 am

Leave a Reply