Recently, I attended the 90th birthday party of Dr. Betty R. Price, the matriarch of Crenshaw Christian Center (a nondenominational Christian church in Los Angeles, California). It was filled with video montages of her life, children, marriage, and ministry, as well as remarks from some of the largest and most successful Christian churches in the United States. As I sat there, reflecting with her on her life’s work, I was filled with gratitude for having had the honor of witnessing her life and work up close for the majority of my life. In the days since the dinner, I’ve reflected on how having her as a spiritual role model has benefitted me during the difficult moments in my life.

A spiritual role model serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path toward greater understanding, ministry, and fulfillment. Whether it's a revered religious figure, a wise elder, or a personal mentor, having someone to look up to, particularly in matters of spirituality, can profoundly impact your journey toward self-discovery and closeness with God. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the importance of having a spiritual role model and how they can positively influence your life.

No. 1: Guidance in Moral and Ethical Dilemmas:

Spiritual role models embody the values and principles that guide ethical conduct and moral decision-making. Through their teachings and actions, they provide a blueprint for navigating life's challenges with integrity, compassion, and wisdom. By observing and emulating their behavior, we can cultivate a strong moral compass and practice virtues such as honesty, grace, and empathy in our interactions with others.

My spiritual role model, Dr. Betty, often speaks of using honesty, grace, and empathy in her interactions with women who wanted to interrupt her marriage, individuals who took advantage of her generosity, and entities who wished ill on her husband. I used the lessons and virtues she imparted in my interactions with my ex-husband during my divorce.

No. 2: Inspiration for Personal Growth:

Spiritual role models inspire us to embark on a journey of continuous self-improvement. Their stories of perseverance, resilience, and spiritual commitment serve as powerful reminders of our capacity for growth and connection to God. By witnessing their spiritual evolution, we are encouraged to embark on our own quest for self-improvement, seeking deeper meaning in our lives and alignment with God.

Every single time I’ve heard Dr. Betty speak, she’s mentioned the importance of studying God’s word so that when life starts life-ing, it’s already in our spirits. There’ll be no panic, no need to search the scriptures. Your spirit will already know what God said about the situation you’re facing and it will rise out of you. While I have some work to do in reciting the scriptures, I’m familiar enough with the scriptures needed during times of spiritual battle. When facing difficult bosses or financial struggles, I know to start with 1 Corinthians 10:13 (“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”) and to get more specific to the circumstances from there.

No. 3: Cultivating Community and Fellowship:

Spiritual role models often play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community and fellowship. Through gatherings and shared spiritual practices, they create spaces for like-minded individuals to come together, support one another, and collectively pursue spiritual growth and enlightenment. In doing so, they create a sense of belonging and unity, strengthening the bonds of friendship and kinship among their disciples.

Dr. Betty hosts an annual women’s lunch called “Wisdom From Above”, wherein women from all over the country dress up, get together, share a meal, and are inspired by her life’s lessons. And the church that she is a matriarch of regularly hosts “Women’s Fellowship”, wherein women from all over the county get together and receive practical tips and information about circumstances unique to women. I attend these events for fellowship with friends, interaction with Dr. Betty, and knowledge received.

The presence of a spiritual role model can provide much-needed guidance, inspiration, and support on the journey towards self-discovery and enlightenment. Whether through their teachings, example, or spiritual presence, these guiding lights illuminate the path towards greater understanding, connection with God, and fulfillment, enriching our lives and empowering us to become the best versions of ourselves.

If you don’t have a spiritual role model, try checking out Dr. Betty Price, Dr. Dee Freeman, or Jackie Hill Perry. They won’t disappoint you!