What Is My Purpose As An Influencer?
This is a question I’ve asked myself time and time again. I’ve prayed about it at least 100 times over the last 5 years. It’s funny because as much as I question my purpose as an influencer, I’ve always known what it is. Originally, I thought it was to drive sales, make money and support my children. I’ve been told several times I can sell more for a brand than other influencers with a million + followers. That’s great and it’s something I’m proud of. But, it’s only part of the reason why I’m here.
I don’t write too much about my divorce on Salty Lashes out of respect for my kids, Jeff and even for their dad. Also, it’s been 8 years and I’ve worked really hard to protect my kids and move on.
However, I’ve had a nagging feeling to start sharing more about my personal journey while respecting those involved. There are so many single moms that read this site. I hear from several of you each week. It’s a lonely, scary feeling. The unknown and what-if’s that rack your brain daily trying to process the life you didn’t expect(or maybe you did) while caring for your children. I often describe it as treading water.
“This was a defining moment in my journey.”
Let me take you back to 2009, to parking lot of Target in Mesa, Arizona. I was 8 month’s pregnant with Goldie. While going through a divorce. I was sitting in my car, alone. I have this thing with praying in my car. To me, it’s the most peaceful place for me to be still. Nothing in my life was still in that moment. I was pleading to Heavenly Father that if he helped me make it through my situation, I would use my voice for good. I made that promise over and over again. It was different than previous pleas and deals I had made with the Lord like the ever popular “Heavenly Father, if you help me pass my math test, I’ll study everyday” from high school. This promise was one I actually meant. It was a defining moment in my journey.
Many of you are here to buy what I’m wearing or learn a new SKINCARE tip, how to get BEACH WAVE CURLS, see what I recommend for BABY, make my most viewed recipe, The Brussels Sprouts Salad or see what I buy at Trader Joe’s.. I love that! All of it. I love each of you for being here. For taking time out of your day to read these posts. It means a lot to me. I hope I can provide all of the above and also open up along the way. My goal has always been to use this platform I’ve created for good.
Like I said, I’ve had this nagging feeling for a couple of months, and then today I received a direct message from a reader I’ve talked back n’ forth with several times.
Today she sent me this:
“I have written you a few times and you’ve always graciously written me back. I wanted to tell you that I think you are the best mom to your girls. It’s so obvious they love you. I was raised by a single mom, she raised my sisters and I. She did what she had to do to get us through prom dresses and cheerleading! She mowed lawns. Painted houses. Babysat. She put all 3 of us through college and raised us right. The respect I have for her runs deep. She passed away one month ago today. I sent this message to say, I think mom’s rule the world and I appreciate following you and your precious daughters because it reminds me of my mom. So thank you!!”
I responded thanking her for the nice words.
It’s funny whenever I get a nice message about what a “great mom” I am, it’s usually right after I’ve yelled at one.. or all of my kids…#human.
She let me know I could google her mom, Cindi Broaddus. What a legacy that woman left! Wow. Truly a remarkable mother and human. You can read more HERE.
This is another reminder why it’s important that we share our stories! This simple message I received by a stranger, lead me to several news articles and completely changed my mood. It’s moments like this that put life into perspective.
We all have a story to tell. What’s yours?
If you are reading today for outfit details, I’ve got you covered:)
BASICS
- I recently picked up these L’AGENCE JEANS. Holy soft denim! They run true to size, but if you are in-between order the smaller size. They have lots of stretch.
- I’ve had this WHITE TEE for several years now. It’s also soft. Wearing a XS. For a less expensive option, this TEE is the best for under $20
- I just bought these BROWN SLIDES! They are so much fun for spring/summer! True to size.
- I had this HAT for about 4 years. It’s been worn, on airplanes, to Mexico, and survived a move. Still one of my favorite fits. I wear a small in this hat. Less expensive option HERE
- You can’t go wrong with these RAY-BANS. They are classic and you’ve seen me wear them time and time again.
- My favorite GREY TEE of all time
- You know we love 501’s at our house!
- These are some of my favorite BASIC BLACK JEANS. Size down.
- I’m a FLIP-FLOP girl. These are have been my go-to for a decade
- OLD SKOOL’S are always a basic to me
- I love these JEAN SHORTS
Thank you for being here, I greatly appreciate each of you.
ARE YOU FOLLOWING US on YOUTUBE, PINTEREST & FACEBOOK?
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Omgggg what an amazing post! I have tears in my eyes and Cindi’s story… wow. Thank you so much for sharing !!
I’ve followed you since before you even started your previous blog. I still say meeting you in an elevator in AZ (I still have the picture saved) a few years ago was one of the highlights of my life! #girlcrush. I’ve admired you for so many reasons, and while I can’t relate to being a single mom, I can relate in a way, to treading water after I too recently got divorced. I’ve cleaned out who I follow on IG, but I have always looked forward to what you post and just think you are stunningly beautiful in so many ways. keep posting!
Hi Heather,
that was a highlight for me too. I’m sorry to hear about your marriage. It’s tough. You are young, fun and beautiful. You will be more than fine. thanks for taking time to share with me.
I love this post, Lisa! You truly do so much good. I look forward to your stories and Instagram and blog posts every day! Thanks for sharing more of your story and legacy and inspiring me to do the same!
I appreciate that so very much. thank you!
Great post! You continue to be such an inspiration for me! I love how you always wear many different rings and I was curious if you could do a jewelry post or maybe link a couple of your favorites in upcoming posts?
SUCH an amazing post! Keep being as genuine as you have been, sometimes we don’t realize how much of an impact our testimony has on others. Good for you for using your platform to help and inspire others!
Hi Lisa ! This made me cry .. I remember my days going through my ugly divorce.. my ex took away my 2 toddlers and left to another state without me knowing .. I couldn’t see my kids for 2 weeks .. i was scared .. hurt .. I couldn’t see clear .. and you know what just like you I started praying.. Ive prayed and prayed and prayed some more for all the things that I have now .. God is truly amazing !!!
I’ve been following you for a while now and you inspire a lot of women out there and I am one of them . When you got married I was super happy for you guys , happy for your girls and Jeff . I cried with happy tears…. God , I was so happy for you Lisa !! You and your girls deserve all the happiness and love in the world !!! Pregnancy announcement video made me cry too .. just watching Poppy’s reaction was priceless.. You are doing a wonderful job inspiring us . Keep rocking Lisa ! Love you and respect you !! Uma
That praying stuff can get you into trouble! 😉 I quit my teaching job to move back into my parents house with not a reason other than I felt strongly I should. I did. My mom passed unexpectedly 10 months later. I am the oldest and the glue. Almost two years later I am rebuilding my life and who I am as a person. Telling my story has been a big healing piece for me when I am ready and feel safe in telling it.
Lisa I’ve been following you for years and am one of those who have told you how much I admire you as a mother and business woman. I enjoyed reading this post, it made me cry. I’ve wondered over the years just how you did it being a single mom of 3 (then). You’re a strong woman and all 4 of your girls now have such a role model in you. So do your followers who adore you, Jeff and your family. Thank you for opening up and sharing this.
You are such a beautiful person. Honest, transparent, magnetic. Love reading your articles and laughing with you (and especially Goldie). May God continue to bless your gorgeous family. I just started the Circle Maker 40 Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Batterson, you might want to look into it his series, it has changed my life and I’m not one to read ?
P.S. My car is also my sacred Prayer spot. I have had many humbling, but wonderful talks with God there.
Loved reading this. I recently “discovered” your blog and Instagram through a friend’s recommendation, but I had no idea faith played such a strong role in your life. This was a beautiful post to read.
Beautiful post. Just found you on IG and appreciate your honesty and your story. I’m a shower prayer myself 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to read. The shower is also a great spot:)
What a powerful blog post. It changed my mind entirely about you . My best friend (Arielle) speaks very highly of you. She’s mentioned how honest you are as a blogger and that’s why I started following you. This post shows that you have more layers than that. You’re a true role model. God has used you for so much more than you know. Keep changing lives and doing good. God Bless!
Hi Gabriela,
thank you, that’s really nice to say. Arielle is the best thing to happen to our family since moving to SD. She’s as good as it gets. Thanks for taking the time to read and leave a comment. Have a great night!
What a great post. I separated from my ex husband in 2009 as well. Your current relationship gives me hope maybe I will meet someone again someday. Although I am older than you, so I don’t hold out much hope anymore. I’ve been so caught up taking care of my boys and working, my oldest started college last year; it hasn’t left me much time to meet anyone. Anyhow. Nice to hear relatable stories. Also, love love your fashion and decorating style!
Hi Amy! There is always hope. Always. I think timing is everything. Thanks for taking the time to comment. ❤️
I have tears in my eyes reading your words! It is so true single moms ROCK! I was raised by a single mother that in my opinion hung the moon. She 100% raised me right and as I get older I can look back and see all the times she protected me. I wasn’t allowed to have sleepover either and I HATED IT however I am SO GRATEFUL now being 27 and looking back!