Why Your Role Model’s Mistakes Might Make Them Stronger
Everyone makes mistakes. Some are small stumbles, others leave a lasting mark. But does a flawed past mean someone can’t be a role model? That’s the question LCtoday tossed out to our readers this week — and the responses were overflowing with wisdom, heart, and a few laughs.
“If they can’t, there won’t be any role models.”
Cathy Montgomery hit the nail on the head with that one. Nobody’s perfect, and if perfection were the standard, well… we’d be fresh out of role models.
Wisdom Through Experience
Many echoed the thought that mistakes are actually what shape the strongest mentors. Proncey Robertson put it simply: “Most of our wisdom comes from the mistakes we have made.” Ginger Layman Davis agreed, sharing her own favorite reminder: “Wisdom comes from experience. Experience comes from lack of wisdom!”
Lessons From Faith
Several readers turned to the Bible for examples. Victoria Hayes reminded us that even the most influential figures — Moses, David, Paul, Peter — all had deep flaws, yet still played world-changing roles. As Vanessa Terry put it, “Jesus picked imperfect people for his disciples.”
Owning the Past, Inspiring the Future
Others pointed out that a role model isn’t someone who hides their mistakes, but someone who learns from them. Terri R. Alexander summed it up: “If a role model tells you they haven’t made mistakes, then they shouldn’t be a role model, because they’re lying.”
For some, the very best role models are the ones who’ve fallen hard, but got back up. Kristi Robertson wrote, “A lot of times, the mistakes can help make you a better role model.” Sandra Waddell added, “If we learn from them, we can be incredible role models for others who may be going through similar things.”
A Story We All Share
The overwhelming response was “Yes!” — not just because everyone makes mistakes, but because overcoming them is where inspiration lives. As Jacque Bass Flory put it: “They are the best kind, because they have learned life!”
Whether it’s a parent, teacher, coach, or public figure, the truth is this: a role model doesn’t have to be flawless. They just have to be willing to grow, admit their shortcomings, and show others that second chances are real.
👉 What do you think? Is it the mistakes that make someone relatable — or do some flaws go too far?
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