I grew up in a house with two sisters and I was the oldest. Boy was that interesting! It was a little stressful at times because my mom and dad always made sure to remind me of this one very thing, “Tonya you are the oldest and you should always set a good example for your younger sisters.” I heard it so much that it became a part of who I am today. It’s not saying that I have never did anything wrong, because I have…who hasn’t? But I have always strived to set a good example for my sisters, to be a good role model for them.
I can remember a time when my parents allowed me to babysit for the first time. My two younger sisters were my guinea pigs. Well they decided that they wanted to play softball in the house…now why on earth did they want to do that when we had a lovely backyard? Well, the inevitable happened…my parents’ new china cabinet, glass window was broken! I asked who did it and of course, they both yelled, “Not me!! 🙁 Well, when my mom and dad got home and my mom saw the crack, she was angry! She asked the question that ALL parents would ask, “What happened? Who broke it?” Well, I honestly didn’t know, but because I was left in charge, I took the blame and the punishment. My sister has told me that what I did that day showed her how much I loved them and she wanted to follow in my footsteps. When we got older, she said that it reminded her of what Jesus did for all of us when we sinned. Jesus knew no sin, but yet He died on the cross for us. That is LOVE!
Girls, you can be a positive role model for your younger sisters, as well as your younger relatives and friends. They are watching you, so be careful what you say, what you do, and how you interact around them. You can make a difference in their lives, which brings me to my next story.
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
My sister, who is two years younger than I, used to follow me to a ministry called Young Life, every Tuesday after school. She wasn’t old enough to go, but my leader allowed her to tag along. She followed my every move. I didn’t know it then, but I know it now. She decided one of those days after sitting through numerous Club Talks that she wanted to know Jesus for herself. She had been following my on my heels and watching me, and when I accepted Christ, renewed my walk with Christ, it was then that she followed me up to the stage and put her hand in Jesus’ hand and she has been walking and working for Him ever since. I am so very proud of her!
I would hate to think what her life would be like now, if I had not been a positive influence in her life :-/ What an AWESOME God we serve!
Girls, whatever you do…live your life as if Jesus is watching you ALL the time, which He is!! Be the same person when people are watching and when they are not…that my girls is called Character.
Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father please help the girls to know that You are always watching them and so are their younger sisters (biological and spiritual). Remind them to be the young women that You have designed for them to be. Remind them that little eyes are watching them. In Jesus Christ name I pray. Amen.
Love, Tonya
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About Tonya Elliott
isn't it so true, tonya, that someone is ALWAYS watching what we do and say and looking at our attitudes! if we would just remember WHO is watching from Heaven…we'd be ok! reminds me of the children's song: "oh be careful little eyes what you see. oh be careful little eyes what you see. for your Father up above is looking down in love…so be careful little eyes what you see!" <3
That was the song that was going through my eyes, as well, Coleen! The saying "Children learn what they SEE" is so very true!!!!
Coleen, yes that is so true! God is always watching us from above! If we all remembered that, we probably wouldn't do a lot of the things that we do. I think that He is forgotten sometimes. He is ALWAYS watching! I loved that song when I was little 🙂 Thanks Coleen <3
I grew up hearing that "Your life may be the only Bible some people read" so I always tried to be aware of how I acted. I am the oldest with two brothers and had to 'babysit' the wrestling matches too. Fun Stuff, but good life lessons. Thanks Tonya for sharing your story.
Love you Mama T <3
Ditto, Memphis T