A silent personal influence

(J. R. Miller, "In Green Pastures")

There is a silent personal influence, like a shadow, which goes out from everyone — and this influence is always leaving results and impressions wherever it touches. You cannot live a day — and not touch some other life. Wherever you go — your shadow falls on others, and they are either better or worse for your presence.

Our influence depends upon what we are — more than upon what we do. It is by living a beautiful life — that we bless the world. I do not under-estimate holy activities. Good deeds must characterize every true life. Our hands must do holy works. But if the life itself is noble, beautiful, holy, Christ-like, one that is itself a blessing and an inspiration — the worth of the influence is many times multiplied.