Reverse-engineering my life
I want to be an entirely original person—uniquely created by God. I believe that each of us is handcrafted with intention, born with gifts, passions, and a calling that no one else in the world can fulfill. Yet, if I’m honest, my journey to becoming my authentic self has been shaped by the lives of remarkable men and women whose impact on me is undeniable.
For me personally, there were a handful of people God placed in my life who had a profound influence on me. I consciously chose to model my life after these men and women because of how deeply they touched my heart. Men like Dr. Bill Buck, who, even in his 90s, never lost his passion for his faith and for others; Colonel Ralph Puckett, who generously gave of himself to help me become a better leader; my wife and our good friend Nancy Weaver, who showed me that “they also serve, who only stand and wait”; and, most importantly, King Jesus, who exemplifies everything I aspire for my life to become in the future.
Some might say that modeling your life after others takes away from your originality. I see it differently. The men and women I’ve observed were authentic, vulnerable, and deeply committed to living out their purpose. Their stories, struggles, and victories have served as a compass, guiding me through my own challenges. By witnessing their faith in action, I’ve learned how to put mine into motion.
With this article, I want to encourage you to deliberately model your life after a select few people in order to become completely original. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but stay with me.
For me personally, there were a handful of people God placed in my life who had a profound influence on me. I consciously chose to model my life after these men and women because of how deeply they touched my heart. Men like Dr. Bill Buck, who, even in his 90s, never lost his passion for his faith and for others; Colonel Ralph Puckett, who generously gave of himself to help me become a better leader; my wife and our good friend Nancy Weaver, who showed me that “they also serve, who only stand and wait”; and, most importantly, King Jesus, who exemplifies everything I aspire for my life to become in the future.
Some might say that modeling your life after others takes away from your originality. I see it differently. The men and women I’ve observed were authentic, vulnerable, and deeply committed to living out their purpose. Their stories, struggles, and victories have served as a compass, guiding me through my own challenges. By witnessing their faith in action, I’ve learned how to put mine into motion.
With this article, I want to encourage you to deliberately model your life after a select few people in order to become completely original. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but stay with me.
Imitation Isn’t the Enemy of Originality
When you imitate those who embody the values you cherish, integrity, compassion, resilience, you’re not becoming a copy. Instead, you’re gathering pieces of wisdom, discipline, and character, making them your own. The artistry of your uniqueness comes not from being untouched by others, but from weaving their examples into the fabric of your life, shaped by your individual experiences and beliefs.
Anchored by Values
Originality becomes authentic when it is anchored in your core values. The world is quick to tell you who you should be or what you should pursue, but those who leave the deepest imprint on your soul are the ones who never compromise their values, even under pressure. By staying true to what you believe, you build character and invite others to see that faith is lived out in everyday moments.
Faith Forward—In Everything You Do
Putting faith forward is more than just visible acts of devotion; it requires weaving faith into every aspect of life. When your actions, choices, and words are guided by a deep foundation of faith, you realize that your uniqueness isn’t merely about standing alone, it’s about standing on the shoulders of those who came before you and fully embracing the divine purpose God has entrusted to you.
Uniquely You
So, shamelessly imitate those who have influenced you. Let their example motivate you, but always filter it through the lens of who God created you to be. It’s not solely imitation or originality, it’s both beautifully combined. You are, after all, a unique masterpiece, a tapestry specially woven by God, using the threads of those who came before you.
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