Lately I have been reflecting on the people who have influenced my life the most.
When people talk about a “Mount Rushmore list,” they are referring to the iconic monument in South Dakota, the four presidents carved into the mountain to represent the foundation, expansion, development, and preservation of our nation. Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln became the symbolic standard of greatness.
Over time, the phrase has taken on a life of its own. We use “Mount Rushmore” to describe the top four of anything, whether that is athletes, musicians, leaders, or moments that have shaped us. It is a way to honor the giants whose impact is carved into our lives as permanently as those faces in the granite.
Lately I have been reflecting on the people who have influenced my life the most. Outside of my family, because their impact is already etched deep, I wanted to create my own Mount Rushmore list. These are the four individuals whose fingerprints are all over my journey, my faith, and the man I have become.
1. Mother Coleman:
She introduced me to Jesus, but it did not stop there. Every Sunday she would tell me, “Baby, Mother Coleman loves you, and God loves you, and He has a plan for your life.” If it was not for her introducing me to Christ and then showing me the love of Christ, I would not be the Christian man I am today. She was part of planting the seed, and many others have helped water it, and it has grown into a tree that many of you have seen bear fruit. She did not just tell me about Jesus. She embodied His love.
2. Belinda Carr:
I met Belinda when I was about seven or eight years old. She was the mother of one of my good friends and quickly became a mother figure in my life. Her home and her heart were always open to me. She fed me, believed in me, loved me unconditionally, and reminded me of my worth when I could not see it myself. Her love was genuine, steady, and unwavering. Belinda would talk to me about college and instilled in me that it was the natural step beyond high school. She even helped guide me through the process and helped me apply for scholarships. As a highly educated Black woman herself, she showed me the value of education, and that lesson still sticks with me today.
3. John Keck:
John was my first youth pastor and the first person to truly disciple me. He taught me the systematic process of discipleship and then walked it out with me by being a constant presence in my life and helping hold me accountable. He modeled what it means to follow Jesus consistently and showed me how to lead others in that same walk. John also introduced me to Evangel College as an option for Bible training, the school I eventually transferred to so I could play football. That decision changed my life. His influence shaped both my spiritual foundation and the direction of my future. He is still a friend and mentor to this day.
4. President Robert A. Spence:
I met President Spence when I transferred to Evangel College to play football. He allowed me to travel with him as part of the football ministry team, which gave me the chance to see his life up close and personal. He was a faithful servant, a devoted husband, and a loving father, as well as a mentor and example to thousands of graduates and countless people who encountered him over the years. When he retired, his wife said of him, “I can find no fault in him.” That statement challenged me to strive to be a “no fault” husband. I am not there yet, but his example continues to push me forward.
I am thankful for these people God placed in my life. They, along with many others, have challenged me, inspired me, encouraged me, motivated me, corrected me, and helped me stay on the right path. I am grateful for them. It does my heart well to honor them.
I would encourage you to think about who you would put on your Mount Rushmore of influence.
Alex Bryant is a pastor, author, and speaker who writes about race, faith, and culture in America.
