This past weekend, I went to the movies to see Heaven is for Real. The movie is based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book of the same name, Heaven is for Real. It is a true story of a small- town father who must find the courage and conviction to share's his son's extraordinary, life-changing experience with the world. His son claims to have visited Heaven during a near death experience. Colton didn't actually die; he was just under some really good anesthesia during an appendectomy. Colton recounts the details of his amazing journey with childlike innocence and speaks matter-of-factly about things that happened before his birth ... things he couldn't possibly know and things that his family has not told him. When pressed by Todd, Colton insists that Jesus informed him on these matters. Todd and his family are then challenged to examine the meaning from this remarkable event. I personally loved the movie. I had read the book beforehand, so the movie fit perfectly with the plotline of the book. The movie opened my eyes and I was very touched. It brings Heaven to life and you realize that in one second your life could be taken away. You need to go through life acting like today is the last day: make the best out of everything.
Everyone has role models that they look up to for different reasons. They’re role models because they help you to get through life and they teach you a lot of things. They have their views and philosophies on life and in general, and you listen… because they’re older and they’ve been there, done it. They inspire you in different ways and you can learn a great deal from them about life. True role models are those who possess the qualities that we would like to have and those who have affected us in a way that makes us want to be better people. We often don't recognize our true role models until we have noticed our own personal growth and progress.
There are many people who have influenced my life but the person who has influenced my life more significantly than the others is my Aunt Lindsey. She has made me the strong person that I am today. Whether it was encouraging me to stand out in the crowd or recommending good foods, she has always been there for me when I needed her. Attending her competitions when she was a cheerleader, was what caused me to become a cheerleader myself. We seriously have some of the most funnest and embarrassing moments ever, but I wouldn’t change a thing. She is one of the only people I can tell absolutely anything to and not be ashamed. She is more like a sister or friend to me than an aunt. Lindsey and I have always been close even with the seven year age difference. I have several aunts, but I look up to her the most by far. She has several qualities that I wish to have myself. She is kind to everyone. No exceptions: Race, age, economic status– everyone is treated the same and with respect. She is open to hearing what others have to say. She is financially responsible, and knows how to spend money wisely. She is helpful when she can be and knows when it is better to stay quiet. She is beyond polite to people, and everyone who knows her loves her. She also taught me to be patient and that not everything goes as planned. She has had to go through many hardships, but she never let her problems show on her face. She covered everything with a smile and taught me to do the same. One thing I greatly admire about her is that even though she had her own problems, she never hesitated to help others. My uncle does not get along great with the family and causes several problems, but Lindsey keep us all together. She is like the glue that holds a family together. You know what usually happens when teenage girls go off to college, but she was very mature and finished college with excellent grades. A role model to me is someone who not only treats me as an equal but is honest, trusting, and most of all open-minded especially in today’s society. We live in a society that really doesn't allow one to be different, but my aunt taught me to not set limits on what I could do. Lindsey is a very important part of my life and who I am. She has played a big in role in shaping my personality. I deeply admire her and her qualities. |