A Mother’s Influence: Reflections on Influence, Teaching, and Spiritual Formation

May 10, 2026

Mrs. Everette Cannings

As I reflected on whether to write this, especially in a time when there is already so much information competing for our attention, I was reminded that influence is not measured by the number of words we say, the eloquence of our delivery, or the number of likes we receive. What matters most is the influence our lives and words carry.

 

As mothers, caregivers, and spiritual leaders in our homes, we are always teaching—whether intentionally or unintentionally. Our children learn not only from what we say, but from what we value, repeat, model, and prioritize.

 

Deuteronomy 6:5–9 reminds us:

 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”

 

This passage challenges us to consider what is truly written in our hearts. Are our conversations shaped by love for God, or by the pursuit of wealth, status, performance, or recognition? Around the dinner table, in the car, at home, at school events, and in everyday routines, what messages are we consistently passing on?

 

Spiritual formation does not only happen in church. It happens in ordinary moments: in our tone, our habits, our responses, our corrections, our consistency, and even in the casual phrases we repeat.

 

Many familiar parenting phrases carry lessons:

 

“I’m going to count to three” teaches obedience.

“We’ll see” teaches patience and acceptance.

“Because I said so” communicates authority.

“Ask your father” points to household structure.

“Turn off the light—we don’t own the electric company” teaches responsibility.

“Keep talking, I’ll give you something to cry about” reflects awareness of consequences.

“One day, you’re going to thank me” points toward future understanding.

 

Today, even our digital-age phrases teach something: how to use technology wisely, how to behave online, how to show respect, and how to balance attention and responsibility.

The question is not whether we are teaching. We are. The question is: what are we teaching?

 

Our children are watching how we love, how we speak, how we handle fear, how we respond to pressure, how we worship, and how we live. The simplest and most powerful method remains this: love God wholeheartedly and demonstrate that love consistently.

 

There is no age limit on spiritual influence, and there is no expiration date on the lessons we leave behind.