Heroes
Jamie has been looking at who his heroes are in a recent blog and it has made me think about it. Besides Jesus and my family, do I have heroes in my life and if so, who are they? I guess when I think of a hero I think of someone almost not human but in reality the people who have inspired me are just normal people who have done extroadinary things. There are three people who I thought of straight away that have influenced who I am and what I do.
In 1995 the story of Janine Shepherd was published, "Never Tell Me Never". Janine is an amazingly strong and determined woman. While training for the winter Olympics she was hit by a truck while riding a bike. She was told she would never walk again, however, not only did she walk she had a family, went to university, she took up flying and gained her private pilot's licence, commercial licence and her instructor's permit. I was fifteen when I read her story and watched the movie made about her life, I was young and at the stage of my life where I was struggling with an illness that the doctors couldn't diagnose. She inspired me to be strong, determined and most importantly to truly live! I can't thank her enough. Without her story I wouldn't be the woman I am today.
I grew up in the Anglican church and while I wouldn't necessarily call myself Anglican, it was here that I was first introduced to Desmond Tutu. Tutu headed the very successful Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the body set up to probe gross human rights violations during apartheid. While I know that it was not perfect he taught me what true Godly justice and forgiveness meant. He continues to speak out against racism, injustice and peace issues that are very poignant to the community I work with.
The third person who has been a major influence in my life is Jay Bakker. The son of the well-known televangelist Jim Bakker, he had a trubulant youth. Jay started a ministry for people who were being ignored or rejected by the church due to their appearance and lifestyle. "Revolution" shows unconditional love and grace without reservation to the lost and hurting. I love hearing stories who are meeting the needs of the urban world.
I'd love to hear who your heroes are.
I grew up in the Anglican church and while I wouldn't necessarily call myself Anglican, it was here that I was first introduced to Desmond Tutu. Tutu headed the very successful Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the body set up to probe gross human rights violations during apartheid. While I know that it was not perfect he taught me what true Godly justice and forgiveness meant. He continues to speak out against racism, injustice and peace issues that are very poignant to the community I work with.
I'd love to hear who your heroes are.
You are one of my heroes! Actually, I meant to have Tutu & Mandela in my original post. I did, in fact, have them, then I lost the whole post. I rewrote it a few days later and forgot. Yikes!
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Hope all is well for the two of you!
Jez (Comment this)