Good Example Is the Best Sermon

"Good example is the best sermon."

-Benjamin Franklin

Too often we hear of people telling us the right thing to do, yet they do not abide by the sermons that they tell us. However, there are those few special people in our life that we look up to. We look up to them because they not only teach us the right way to live our lives, but they also provide us with a good example. Supplying a fine example teaches people more than someone just telling them what is right from wrong.

For example, my grandmother, who I call Mema, is someone who sets a great example. Very often I see people at church putting on an act. Some people act like a completely different person as soon as they step foot in a church door. On the other hand, my Mema lives by her values no matter where she is. Regardless of what the circumstance or occasion, I have never seen my Mema do anything wrong. I know that nobody is perfect, but in my eyes she is faultless.

About a week ago, my cousin Rebecca was killed in a drunk-driving accident at the age of twenty. Our family, who is extremely close, was devastated. To my Mema, her grandchildren mean the world to her. Despite all the pain and sorrow she was experiencing, she still stood strong in her faith. If it were not for my mema praying and encouraging the family, I do not know how we would have made it through. That particular incident showed me that even through the bad times you must keep your head up and move on.

Also, my Mema came from a family of mill workers. She just as easily could have worked in the mill along with the rest of her family. However, she has a special drive in her. Instead of working in the mill, she decided to go to college and work full-time as a banker. She worked for several years at Columbus Bank and Trust. Of course, she is retired now; nevertheless, her fellow co-workers wish for her to come back since she was so personable and friendly. By Mema's example, she has taught me to bloom where you are planted.

One will learn more from a person who sets a good example than from someone who does not walk their talk. When a person actually sees another person doing the right thing, it becomes contagious, and you want to be more like that person who sets the good example. Therefore, the best way for someone to be taught to