We all need role models—people to look to as inspiration for
the bettering of ourselves. But as I look at common role models in today’s
culture, I am sadly disappointed. Names such as Reese Witherspoon, Tina Turner,
Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, Kate Winslet, and Justin Beiber are the most
common names appearing on top ten lists. And for what reason? Justin Beiber and
Taylor Swift made these lists simply because they avoided serious scandal. They have never been caught doing anything terribly wrong. But what about admiring
someone for the things they have
done, not for what they haven’t?
I have quite a few role models. They range from Biblical characters
and missionaries, to simple, yet incredible women like my mom or my speech
coach (I love you Mom and Mrs. Cary!) But while I love and admire them all,
today I want to focus on the story of a woman who has made a huge impact on my
life and on the lives of many others. This woman is Sono Harris.
Though Sono Harris is best known through the accomplishments
of her children, she did not always want to be a wife and mother. At the age of
nineteen (when she met Mr. Harris), nothing could have been further from her
mind. She was a talented ballet dancer and had hopes of a professional career.
However, after being forced to step back from ballet because of an ankle
injury, Mrs. Harris slowly began to re-think her life. And on February 17,
1973, she and Gregg Harris were married.
In 1981, when Joshua was five years old, they made the then
radical decision to homeschool. This was the beginning of Sono’s work in the
homeschool movement. As the family grew to include Joel, Alex, Brett, Sarah,
Isaac, and James, her expertise in homeschooling grew as well. She became
passionate about homeschooling, believing it was a “God-given responsibility to
provide [her] children’s education” and began to share her passion with others.
Soon Mr. and Mrs. Harris were pioneers and avid advocates of the homeschool
movement, publishing several works that have come to be regarded as classics by
many home educators.
But her main impact came in the form of her children.
According to her son Isaac, “She didn’t think her children would be amazing,
she made them amazing. She pushed them to do great things.” Her eldest son
Joshua is now the bestselling author of many titles including I Kissed Dating Goodbye and is a strong
advocate of emotional and physical purity. Second eldest son, Joel, is a
talented musician, heading the Northwest Worship Academy. Her twins Alex and
Brett also became bestselling authors at the age of 19 with their book Do Hard Things. And who knows what her
younger children will accomplish in the coming years. Because of Mrs. Harris’
faithfulness in raising her children as God called her to do, she left a huge
impact upon millions of lives… including mine.
I never had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Harris before she
passed away from cancer, yet I love her dearly and treasure the memory and the
lessons she left behind. Her life has touched mine in incredible ways. Through
her example I have been inspired to be a wife and mother just like her, filled
with dedication, drive, and passion for the things of God. From her I have
learned to “hustle while I wait” and that, regardless of how things may seem at
the time, being faithful in what God has placed before you is all that matters.
Not only did she teach me things through her own life and
example, but she indirectly taught me many valuable lessons through the lives
of her children. Through Josh I have learned the importance of emotional purity
and of saving my first kiss for marriage. Through Joel, I have often been
blessed and touched by his music. Through Alex and Brett, my world was turned
upside down with the challenge to do hard things for the glory of God. And
through a friendship with Isaac, I have learned to laugh at myself.
Two years ago today Mrs. Harris went on to be with the Lord.
While many still grieve her loss, she still lives on as an incredible example
of a woman committed to Christ, a true role model for young women coming after
her. She was a Proverbs 31 woman whose:
“… children rise up
and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘many daughters
have done well, but you excel them all.’ Charm is deceitful and beauty is
passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” ~Proverbs
31:28-30
Thank you, Mrs. Harris.
