Quotes about Role models

Lord, help my children to make godly friends. I know that You brought us here and You will not leave my children forsaken. I'm concerned that in their need for acceptance they'll end up with friends whose moral standards are not as high as Yours. Bring godly role models into their lives.

My parents were definitely the biggest influence in my life.

Both my parents had a great influence on me. I never heard my father use a profane or even a slang word. I always respected him because of his complete integrity. In his business dealings his handshake was like a contract. He was as good as his word. Of all the people I have ever known, my mother had the greatest influence on me.

I'm massively inspired by Janet Jackson, and I adore Whitney Houston and Madonna.

I grew up in the '80s in L.A., so Ice Cube and Magic Johnson are my heroes.

My role models came in my imagination, from what I'd heard on the radio or on record... Vera Lynn I loved, but I'd only ever heard her on the radio. Gospel singers, Bessie Smith, Mahalia Jackson. So it was in my head that I visualised the emotion but no way to see how people do it.

So when it came to role models, I looked at presidents' wives. Of course, you're talking about a farm girl who stood in the fields, dreaming, years ago, wishing she was that kind of person. But if I had been that kind of person, do you think I could sing with the emotions I do? You sing with those emotions because you've had pain in your heart.

Nothing is as encouraging as when virtues are visibly embodied in the people around us, when we're practically showered with them.

Young people need models, not critics...

You can talk about right and wrong and good and bad all day long, but ultimately people need to see it. Seeing and studying the actual lives of people is simply the best way to communicate ideas about how to behave and how not to behave. We need heroes and role models.

The example of great and pure individuals is the only thing that can lead us to noble thoughts and deeds.

When I was younger if I was in someone else's shoes, if you saw a professional athlete you'd want to go up and introduce yourself and ask a couple questions, so I definitely know where they're coming from.