Role models surround us; they are those who possess the qualities that we would like to have and those who have affected us in a way that makes us want to be better people, to advocate for ourselves and our goals and take leadership on the issues that we believe in. We often don't recognize our true role models until we have noticed our own personal growth and progress.
             In the midst of the modern world, we often look to our matriarchs and patriarchs for moral guidance. Just as we look to them as role models to be emulated in our lives and in the resolution of our own moral dilemmas, so do we learn from them when they falter and we may then learn how not to act.
             When thinking about significant influence in my life my mind often wonders to Sarah Imeinu, the mother of the Jewish people. Sarah Imeinu's life was anything but easy. She faced many hardships that could have sent anyone fleeing from the right derech. Yet, throughout her entire life she stuck with the light of Hashem, the flame only growing brighter as time went on. Sarah connected every movement to divine service, even in the midst of the most challenging circumstances.
             Our first real encounter with Sarah is her journey with Avraham down to Egypt during a time of famine. We learn that a person can risk his life to save another from Sarah Imeinu saying that she was Avraham's sister thereby risking herself to save Avraham. Once there, her beauty is noticed by the people and she is taken to Paro's palace. When Paro realized Sarah was indeed Avraham's wife, he returned her and ordered them both to leave Egypt. (Bereishis 12:14-20)
             Sarah's test in Egypt was overwhelming. She found herself at Pharaoh's side, with access to what was considered the world's most advanced, alluring and cultured civilization. Throughout this test, Sarah remained unassimilated in body, mind and spirit. Moreover, given her singular commitment to sanctifying the physical realm, she was distraug...