The ubiquitous ring pops. Colored hard candy that can be worn like a ring and sucked on like a lollipop. Its claim to fame is transferring color from the candy to the tongue. Every one of our grands has a passion for this adult-despised candy.
Frankly, anything sugary that transfers color is problematic. The much-loved M&M’s, which are supposed to “melt in your mouth, not in your hands,” aren’t completely truthful about the stability of color in their candy. I have grandkids that have made a mockery out of that slogan, gripping handfuls of the little colored pellets in their sweaty palms only to have their palms look like painted unicorns.
Kolly was licking a ring pop, delighting in the green color her tongue became when she noticed her tongue now matched her dress. She walked around with her tongue out, showing her discovery to anyone who would pause long enough to look.
It’s more than merely candy that can transfer an impression. If we hang around certain people enough, we’ll act and sound more like them. It’s the philosophy behind influencers–people want to identify with them as they tout their lifestyle and products, so companies use influencer marketing or affiliate marketing which ties into those on social media who have a large following. It’s like celebrity marketing when a favorite actor or sports hero promotes a product.
Sonny Vaccaro came up with the idea of sports being used to influence sales. He signed Michael Jordan to work with Nike, and the Jordan shoe brand became a household word.
Influencer marketing began long before Michael Jordan set foot on a basketball court. In the 1760s, Josiah Wedgewood had King George III of England give his stamp of approval to his pottery, which caused others in Britain to want to buy his dishes.
We’re each influenced daily by who we spend time with, what we watch, and what we choose to listen to. Relationships, however, are our biggest sources of influence.
David was a young shepherd who’d been anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel, but he had to live under the current king, Saul, who didn’t like him much. Saul’s son, Jonathan, became a close friend to David, influencing his friend with his righteous character and dignity. Their friendship grew even though they were from very different social backgrounds. Jonathan saw in David what his father missed–a young man full of potential and a heart to do mighty things for God.
“By the time David had finished reporting to Saul, Jonathan was deeply impressed with David–an immediate bond was forged between them. he became totally committed to David. From that point on, he would be David’s number-one advocate and friend. 1 Samuel 19:1.
Jonathan influenced David in his character growth and in developing as a future leader–even though he was the king’s son and could have anticipated being the next king.
Solomon understood the impact of influence. “Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fool and watch your life fall to pieces.” Proverbs 13:20
The transference of color by eating candy has a minor impact–except maybe on teeth.
The influence of those we allow in our lives has a far greater effect on us.
Who and what do you allow to color your life?
Tip of My Iceberg 
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