Bryant Harris

BY PASTOR BRYANT HARRIS

With the rise in social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc., there has been an enormous increase of people becoming social influencers. As best as I can tell, influencers seek to attract followers by using their online presence to give " opinions on everything from food, clothing and travel to just about anything you can imagine. Social influencers may have some specific training or experience in their particular area of interest, but that often is not the case. They also may become an expert about a particular topic based on their social or celebrity status, humor or creative use of media to share their opinions.

You may already have picked up on this, but I am not an expert on social media or what it takes to be a social influencer. As I observe interactions on various media platforms, becoming an influencer appears to start with having an opinion, finding a creative way to share that opinion and, then, over time, building an audience of people who follow you and seek your opinion — although, I am sure there is much more to it.

As I reflect on this topic, I am drawn to a more personal kind of influence that each of us can utilize. A speaker I admire, who often contributes to big mission projects throughout the world, reminds us that we don’t have to go across the world to make a difference. Often, the best place to start is to encourage or help a neighbor.

One of the greatest influencers of all time was Jesus. The Apostle Paul states in Philippians 2, that although Jesus was equal with God, he came to us in the form of a servant. He goes on to say that Jesus didn’t come forcing himself on others, but loved others, with a humble attitude. While I have very little influence on the internet, I (and you) have the opportunity to

Jesus had no make each day better for someone else. Perhaps a friend, neighbor or even a Facebook page, stranger who we bump into today could no Instagram use a smile, a hand or an encouraging word. Maybe someone you know needs posts and no someone simply to listen, because they’ve already heard enough advice from someone else. While social influencers are here to stay and, I hope, help people with their opinions, TikTok videos. " perhaps the world would be a better place if we turned off our devices more often, and helped others in person. Jesus had no Facebook page, no Instagram posts and no TikTok videos, and yet he changed the world with his love and his servant’s heart. If you really want to have more influence, become someone who loves, listens and helps those in need. Bryant Harris is senior pastor at Mars Hill Presbyterian Church. He began his ministry at the church in 1995.

Photo by Keith Barnes.

Sheriff’s JeepFest

Sheriff’s JeepFest, Crawl for the Kids, is a three-day event, filled with Jeep rides, obstacles, trails, mud and more, that takes place in Pickens County each fall. This year, Sheriff Donnie Craig and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the event’s 10th anniversary, Sept. 2-5. Volunteers, locals, Jeepers from across the country, vendors and Jeep clubs come together to ride and socialize during this family-friendly fundraiser for kids. Charities supported include Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, the Joy House, Special Olympics for Pickens County, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Jasper Youth Sports Association. For more information, visit www.sheriffsjeepfest.com/cause.

Photo by Justin Mattingly.

Cobb County Jeepers Speak Out

“There’s nothing better than spending a few days surrounded by family, good friends and nature! When I bought my first Jeep in 2010, I had no idea what kind of community it would give me. Jeepers are some of the most giving people I know. I’ve been going to JeepFest for at least seven years, and I am proud to be a part of it.”

— Tyler Brown Acworth

“I hope more events like this continue to pop up across the country. My cousin drove from Texas before Labor Day weekend to spend some quality time with the family, doing what we love most: exploring the outdoors in our Jeeps and getting a little muddy in the process. I feel like a kid again, and I’m ready for next year.”

— Jeffrey Phillips Acworth

“One of the reasons I love JeepFest, and everyone in the Jeep community I have met there, is that we all come together to have fun and support a good cause. If you own a Jeep, you’re part of the club. It’s like a family. I love riding the trails with my friends (and complete strangers — they help you out if you get stuck, too). There are other ways to give back to kids in surrounding areas, but this is one of the most fun!” — Greg Gardner Jr. Kennesaw