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Archive for Top 10

My Top 10 People

Jun
1

top10

I’ve been counting down my top ten people over the past few months.  You may disagree with me, but that’s fine.  This is my list of my top ten people.  These are the people who have made an impact on me and I think are pretty cool.  They’ve either done something historically, spiritually, socially or mentally who I see as a great accomplishment. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them as much as I have writing them. Here is a compilation of all ten people. Look forward to my next Top 10 countdown.

Below is the list and links to the original posts.

1. Jesus the Christ

I’m not going to tell you about the history of Jesus.  You can and could find that anywhere. I, instead, will tell you about why Jesus is MY number one person.

2. Mother Teresa

“Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired.”

3.Martin Luther King Jr.

I could talk about the great strides he made in civil rights, and the foundations he set for future movements.  I could talk about how Dr. King was influenced by non-violence and equality.

4. Mahatma Gandhi

We have all heard his name.  Westerners for the most part don’t know about him fully though.  We see him as just a peace-monger and Hindu who helped overthrow the British occupation in India.

5. Leonardo Da Vinci

Many people recognize things that we often will attribute to Leonardo Da Vinci, but not really know much about the man that was Da Vinci.  A visionary some would call him or a genius, and I have to say I do agree.

6. Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt

The nickname of “teddy” somehow made it’s way into popular culture through a political cartoon and is where we get the name of a teddy bear today. This 26th president was well known for hunting, exploring, commanding the rough riders during the Spanish-American War, and his conservationist activities.

7. Joan of Arc

The Maid of the Orleans’ she was called.  We all mostly know the story about Joan of Arc, but few really know the entire story.  This one woman made an immense impact on society, culture, history and politics and didn’t even live to see her 20th birthday.

8. Eric Liddell

Eric Liddell fought hard for what he believed in and was known by many as the most selfless and loving Christian man they had ever known.  His story is told many times over, but couldn’t be told enough times. His story is told in the famous movie Chariots of Fire.

9. Nelson Mandela

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

10. Fred “Mister” Rogers

Rogers was to many the neighbor they never had on the other side of the TV screen. He was abundantly tolerant and loving to all he met and not one person that didn’t know that man personally disliked him.

———————————————————————————————————

People who didn’t quite make it: Martin Luther, Pope John Paul II, Abraham Lincoln, George Lucas, Bob Hope, Harriet Tubman, Eli Wiesel, Bill Gates(PC), Steve Jobs(Mac), Saint Barnabas of Cyprus

People who will never make it: Dane Cook, Drew Carey, Mao Tze Dong, Brad Pitt, Richard Nixon, King Henry VIII, Bear Grylls, Adolf Hitler,L. Ron Hubbard (guy who invented Scientology), Robert Mugabe (all for various reasons, but not all for specific reasons)

Categories : Education, Politics, Religion, Science, Top 10
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My Top 10 People – 1. Jesus the Christ

May
29

jesus-shroud-051. Jesus the Christ

Ἰησοῦς in Greek

יהושע in Hebrew

عيسى in Arabic

(just is case you were wondering)

Jesus was either the Son of God or a insane blasphemous man.  I believe that he is the Son of God, and I think that will explain everything that you are about to read.

We also don’t know what Jesus really looked like so I thought I’d put a picture that was created by people who studied the Shroud of Turin, which is thought to be the actual wrappings of Jesus Christ while he was in the tomb.  I figured that would be better.  Because for some people  this is what they think he looked like.

I’m not going to tell you about the history of Jesus.  You can and could find that anywhere. I, instead, will tell you about why Jesus is MY number one person.

He’s my Wisdom

When I was younger I had a dad that would watch out for me.  I remember a time when my dad was teaching me a lesson about looking both ways before crossing the road.

I remember that there was a caterpillar on the road smashed to oblivion.  My dad points at that mushed bug and says to me, “Son, do see that caterpillar (at that age I called them capatillers) smashed on the ground there?  He didn’t look both ways before he crossed.  Look how he ended up.  Do you want that to happen to you?”

I look up at him and say the most sincere I probably have ever been, “No… No… that would be bad.”

Not unlike the dynamic of my father and I is my dynamic with my LORD. Jesus has been there before.  He lived this life. He knows that you look both ways before crossing the street, He knows what’s best for me.  Time and time again when I try to go it alone, I get run over.  I fail.  He is the one that lights my path in the right direction.

He is my Wisdom.

He’s my Comforter

Boys fall down. It’s just a fact of life.   We fall down and get bruises, scratches and breaks.  I’m one person that is notorious for falling.  I will often claim my awkward stage started when I was age 11 and is currently happening.

Who helps the boy up when he falls?

My mother would often kiss my boo boos when I was younger.  Somehow that made it better.  It wasn’t that  my mom had magical healing powers, but that little gesture of love comforted me.

I’ve broken my arm twice and both times my Mom was there to be there through the hard emotional and painful times that never seemed like they were going to cease. The word comfort does not mean what we commonly think of it. If a bed is cushy we think of it as comfortable.  But the real definition of comfort is this…

Comfort:  to give strength and hope to

Jesus is my comforter because he gives me strength for another day.  Each day I am scratched, bruised and broken.  He gives me hope for the next day, week, year. Some people need another kick in the rear, a word in their ear, or even a hug.  My LORD is the one who gives me what I need in times that I need it. I could do nothing without him.

He’s my Comforter.

He’s Alive

I’m lucky to have never had a grandparent or any close family members die in my life.  However a friend of mine, named Justin died in a motorcycle accident in India this past summer.

I was in shock. I had no idea how to deal with it. It didn’t seem real to me.  I couldn’t even cry.  (I did finally at the funeral) His death was the closest thing that I had ever dealt with.

I began thinking. This is just one man, what about Jesus. He died for me, and I can’t even conjure up emotion for Him either.  I then cried. I couldn’t understand how or why I hadn’t cried before about it.  The one I claimed as my LORD and Savior had died for me.  How many people would do that?  I couldn’t think of any off the top of my head.

But then I realized something. Why am I crying?  I’m sure I should be grateful for his sacrifice, but would he want me moping around crying for his sake?  No!?!

He has risen.  He rose from the death, and now is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He lives.  He lives with me. I couldn’t have any other relationship with anyone else the same.  He is always been there for me, and he always will be guiding my path (as long as I listen). There will be no more tears.

He’s Alive!


Categories : Religion, Top 10
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My Top 10 People – 2. Mother Teresa

May
22

motherteresa2Throughout the list I chose people that have impacted me in some way or mark highly on what I consider a great person. If you haven’t noticed a theme then you might need to look again. Each person has one specific thing which places them highly on the list, it’s not the only thing, but it is the thing that ranks them so highly.

2. Mother Teresa

“Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired.”

Mother Teresa of Calcutta is well known among most people. It also seems quite easy for me to choose her as my #2 but I whole heartedly believe that she deserves that high of ranking.

She is known for her humanitarian efforts for the poor and helpless. She was born in 1910 during in the former Ottoman Empire and was culturally Albanian.

At the age of 12 she decided that she would dedicate her life to religious service. She left her home at the age of 18 to join the Sisters of Loreto to be a missionary.

Her name is actually Agnes, but was changed early on in her life when she took her vows as a nun. She chose the name after the patron saint of missionaries,Thérèse de Lisieux. She took her final vows while teaching at a mission in Calcutta.

Teresa became increasingly worried by the amount of poverty and bad conditions of Calcutta. Teresa decided to make it her life’s mission to help the downtrodden and helpless. An international charity was started and many other great things came out of her work.

There is one thing that makes Mother Teresa so high on the list for me.

It’s not because of the charity. That is great, and should not be discounted in any way, but after her death in 1997 the process of beatification started. Which is the process of becoming a saint within the Roman Catholic Church.

The beatification is not the part that interests me, but they found her writings and journals and found something about Teresa that was never known before. She doubted her own belief.

These letters and journals are compiled in a publication called Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light. Some look as this a “crisis of faith” of something even worse, but I look at it this way.

Mother Teresa had a time in her life where she almost completely doubt her own faith, but did she quit loving, giving, or sharing herself. No. No she did not. Mother Teresa, despite her doubt, found herself acting on the principle of Love. Her faith might had been shattered for the moment, but she didn’t quit. She continued on.

To doubt and still believe is the mark of someone truly amazing.

Teresa would eventually regain ground with her faith, but the fact that she was able to lose it and continue is really why I see her as someone who is great. She believed in something greater.

After her writings, she asked they be destroyed for one reason and one reason alone. She was afraid people will think more of her—less of Jesus.

Blessed Mother Teresa, feel encouraged. I do think highly of you, but don’t worry; We were able to see Jesus through you, and I bet you know who’s coming up next on the countdown.

Categories : Politics, Religion, Top 10
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My Top 10 People – 3. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

May
16

martin-luther-king-jr 3. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?” But… the good Samaritan reversed the question: “If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”

I could talk about the great strides he made in civil rights, and the foundations he set for future movements. I could talk about how Dr. King was influenced by non-violence and equality.

I could talk about a lot of things that people attribute to his greatness, but I’ll talk about one thing.

A cup of coffee.

Early on in Dr. King’s time as an activist in Civil Right he struggled a great deal. There is one specific message he preached to his congregation that he called ‘A Cup of Coffee with God”.

In 1956 after the Montgomery bus boycott, the threats against Dr. King and his family increased to a very high level. He was up one night worrying over a cup of coffee when a phone call came in and told him if wasn’t out of town in 3 days then his entire family would be dead.

Dr. King thought about his young daughter, and how fragile life was, and how fragile he was as well. He knew he was only a drop in the bucket. He then knelt down to pray.

He prayed to God, “Lord, I’m down here trying to do what’s right. I think I’m right. I think the cause that we represent is right. But Lord, I must confess that I’m weak now. I’m faltering. I’m losing my courage. And I can’t let the people see me like this because if they see me weak and losing my courage, they will begin to get weak. …”

Dr. King recalls that it seemed at that moment that he could hear an inner voice saying to him, “Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness. Stand up for justice. Stand up for truth. And lo I will be with you, even until the end of the world. …”

Almost at once his fears began to go. His uncertainty disappeared.

I look so highly on Dr. King for many reasons, but the main reason is his sold out reliance on God. He knew he could do nothing without Him. It’s shows great faith and courage and humbleness to know that we are nothing, and God is everything.

He had so much more than just a dream.

Categories : Politics, Religion, Top 10
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My Top 10 People – 4. Mahatma Gandhi

Apr
29

399px-portrait_gandhi4. Mahatma Gandhi

When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won.  There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall.  Think of it – always.

We have all heard his name.  Westerners for the most part don’t know about him fully though.  We see him as just a peace-monger and Hindu who helped overthrow the British occupation in India.

But little do people know he did that. Without once firing a shot, without once even using force.  He won through his use of peace and non-resistence to violence.

Gandhi also had some tyes to Africa as well, and played a part in the Zulu war of 1906 in South Africa.  This early time for him shaped his thoughts and life later in India.

Gandhi stated that the most important battle to fight was overcoming his own demons, fears, and insecurities. Gandhi summarized his beliefs first when he said “God is Truth”. He would later change this statement to “Truth is God”. Thus, Satya (Truth) in Gandhi’s philosophy is “God”.

As many Hindu roots as Gandhi held he also was a very big fan of Jesus the Christ.  He would always have a copy of Jesus’ famous sermon on the mount.  This is the sermon where Jesus also laid out his belief in non-violent tactics, and essentially his philosophy on life and spirituality.  Gandhi is reported saying,

I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians.  They are nothing like your Christ.

His echoes still resound today in social reformers like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Desmond Tutu.  Like Jesus influenced Gandhi, then Gandhi influence others to stand for non-violent revolution.

In a world where war is a prevalent act of agression, but also an act of fear.  I hope that one day we can come to a day when neither fear or aggression drive us, but like Gandhi we are driven by Love and Truth.

Categories : Politics, Religion, Top 10
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My Top 10 People – 5. Leonardo da Vinci

Apr
21

pillar8-thought-and-art-vitruvian-man-leonardo-da-vinci

5. Leonardo Da Vinci

Many people recognize things that we often will attribute to Leonardo Da Vinci, but not really know much about the man that was Da Vinci.  A visionary some would call him or a genius, and I have to say I do agree.  He laid the early groundwork for future minds to create some of the things that we use today in modern society and science.

This Renaissance man is regarded today as a polymath πολυμαθής (having learned much) like most ancient scientist.  He was not restricted by anyone discipline he studied everything.

His Art is often what he is known for best.  The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper are some of his most famous works of all time.  They are world renowned and are the speculation of many of Dan Brown’s books.

Da Vinci is seen as way ahead of his time in conceptualization of scientific inventions that wouldn’t be built for another 400-500 years.  Here’s a few things he thought about.  A helicopter, tank, solar power, calculator, plate tectonics, and a smattering of other smaller inventions and studies.

He greatly advanced the fields of optometry, civil engineering, optics, hydrodynamics and anatomy.  Da Vinci was more than just an artist he was truly talented and way ahead of his time.  It’s hard to believe that he was able to think of these things before they even existed and lay that groundwork for future scientist.

His designs were almost spot on, and others we have not even been able to think of recreating due to their complexities.  Da Vinci was a genius by some marks and was able to think outside of the box.  This is why the man was nothing less that great and is top 10 on my list of people.

If you’d like to see some of my other top 10 people click here.

Categories : art, design, Science, Top 10
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My Top 10 People – 6. Teddy Roosevelt

Feb
24

teddyroosevelt6. Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt

If there is not the war, you don’t get the great general; if there is not a great occasion, you don’t get a great statesman; if Lincoln had lived in a time of peace, no one would have known his name.

One man who was known for his great pragmatism and the predecessor of his more famous family member Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  Who we all know as that guy who was president for 3 terms.

Teddy was known for many things. In my opinion was one of the most active presidents to ever live. He did so much that I’ll only touch on is with this post.

The nickname of ‘Teddy’ somehow made it’s way into popular culture through a political cartoon and is where we get the name of a teddy bear today.  This 26th president was well known for hunting, exploring, commanding the rough riders during the Spanish-American War, and his conservationist activities.

A very funny thing about T.R. is that after graduation from Harvard his doctor told him that he had a heart problem, and would be better off finding a desk job and living a quite uneventful life.  I think that might’ve missed or ignored that memo, because I do believe his life was more than eventful.

His early life included writing books, and being part of the Navy.  He fought in the Spanish- American War as commander of the Rough- Riders.  This image of a cowboy would follow him into his Presidency.   He was well liked by the public during his presidency due to his personality and charm.

During his presidency he did many things, but the main thing I’m impressed with is his understanding of conservationism. T.R. had set aside more land than any of his predecessors before him.  When it was all said and done he had set aside 42 million acres of national forests, 38 wildlife preserves, and 18 places of special interest. His ideals set forth a precedent for future presidents.

This man did alot during his time, and was often criticized, but he stood strong. That’s why I think of him as such a great man. I leave you with a quote that he said that I can’t do anything, but completely agree with.

Never throughout history has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering.

 

Here are the previous posts on this topic I’ve made. I’ll post a big one at the end to round it all out.

7. Joan of Arc

8. Eric Liddell

9. Nelson Mandela

10. Fred “Mister” Rogers

Categories : Politics, Top 10
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My Top 10 People – 7. Joan of Arc

Feb
11

Jeunne d'Arc7. Joan of Arc

‘The Maid of the Orleans’ she was called. We all mostly know the story about Joan of Arc, but few really know the entire story.  This one woman made an immense impact on society, culture, history and politics and didn’t even live to see her 20th birthday.

Her story is one of mystery and very mystically spiritual.  She was born in 1412 and about 1424 she claims to have started hearing voices.  She said the voices she heard were beautiful and she would later report that Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret told her to drive out the English and bring the Dauphin to Reims for his coronation. She was 12.

Her reveleation about what the voices told her to do was not completely clear at first, but slowly came about, and in 1428 she finally knew exactly what she needed to do. She was to go to the help the king, and the voices became insistent, urging her to present herself to Robert Baudricourt, who commanded for Charles VII in the neighboring town of Vaucouleurs.

The voices became urgent, and even threatening. It was in vain that she resisted, saying to them: “I am a poor girl; I do not know how to ride or fight.” The voices only reiterated: “It is God who commands it.” Yielding at last, she left Domremy in January, 1429, and again visited Vaucouleurs.

After an announcement at the Battle of Herrings Joan’s cause caught more validity, and finally was able to visit the King at Chinon.  Joan would wear male clothing in order to fit in with the rest of the military camp, and would even sleep fully clothed to protect her modesty.

Still, before Joan could be employed in military operations she was sent to Poiters to be examined by a numerous committee of learned bishops and doctors. The examination was of the most searching and formal character. It is regrettable in the extreme that the minutes of the proceedings, to which Joan frequently appealed later on at her trial, have altogether perished. The decision that her claim was not heretical and she would be better off in military service was made.

Before the battle of Orleans, which Joan is known for, happend she insisted that the English leave French soil.  The English commander laughed at the idea of it.  When Joan and her troops moved in they made an instant impact.  The battling made the English have to scramble to regroup and they finally withdrew. This made King Henry VII crowned King, which was Joan’s goal all along.  After the battle she was very wounded and he men were down. She encouraged them with a famous line after the battle.

as it had shared in the toil, it was just that it should share in the victory.

After the battle of Orleans she was detained by enemy troops, tried, sentenced and burned at the stake.  She is still seen today as hero for the French, and an icon worldwide.  Her continued faith in what other could not see is a testament to all.

Here are the previous posts on this topic I’ve made. I’ll post a big one at the end to round it all out.

8. Eric Liddell

9. Nelson Mandela

10. Fred “Mister” Rogers

Categories : Top 10
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My Top 10 People – 8. Eric Liddell

Jan
26

eric liddell

8. Eric Liddell

Most people don’t know who Eric Liddell is, but this is my top 10 people countdown. These are the people that I believe have made a major impact on me and the things that affect.

Eric Liddell is known by the majority of people that have heard of him as a famous Olympian from the UK.  He is much more than a simple Olympian.  His story is one that has been told countless times in books and even in the movie, “Chariots of Fire.”

Eric was born in 天津, 中国, or for the lay man, Tianjin, China.  His parents were missionaries in this northern city with the London Missionary Society.  At the age of 5 his family moved back home.

He was known as the “flying scottsman” and was considered the fastest  in Scotland and also in Great Britain at the time.  He ran in the 1924 Olympics in Paris.  He was scheduled to run in the 100 meter race, but it had been scheduled on the Sabbath (Sunday).

For Liddell, a Christian, the Sabbath was considered a very holy day and he refused to run.  He ran instead in a race that was not previously his race, the 400 meters.  He ran the race during the Olympics and won with a World Record Breaking Time.  Before he ran an American runner came up and handed Liddell a piece of paper. The paper read:

“Those who honour me I will honour.” 1 Samuel 2:30

After racing for a bit longer Liddell returned to China to be a missionary.  He continued there and fought for the cause of Christ even after being moved to and internment camp during the Japanese-Chinese conflicts.  Liddell died of an inoperapable brain tumor and malnourishment in 1945.

Eric Liddell fought hard for what he believed in and was known by many as the most selfless and loving Christian man they had ever known.  His story is told many times over, but couldn’t be told enough times.

The Chinese hold onto his heritage and some consider him their first Olympian due to his birth and death in their country.  His life is that of what a true Christian message should be.  A man who would give everything for his saviour and live a life worthy of recognition not for himself, but for his faith and message.

A memorial headstone was erected in Weifang, China where the internment camp was with the verse:

“They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary.” Isaiah 40:31


if you liked this check out my other posts while I count down my number one person of all time. I’ll make a complete list post once I’m finished.

9. Nelson Mandela

10. Fred “Mister” Rogers

Categories : Religion, Top 10
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My Top 10 People – 9. Nelson Mandela

Jan
16

mandela

9. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (often known in his country as Tata Mandiba Mandela)

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

This is one of Nelson Mandela many quotes. He was known for his political and social activism in Africa. Whether you agree with what he has done or what he stands for, you can agree this man has empowered many people and inspired others.

Often called Tata Madiba Mandela by native Africans. Tata means father and Madiba is the tribe in which Mandela belonged to.  He was a true voice and activist for the rights of Africans during his political involvment.

He was very active as an activist against the apartheid in his early life and was accused of certain acts which landed him in jail.  After a 20 year stint in jail he was released in 1990.  He then became President of South Africa in 1994 to reach the pinaccle of his status.  He also received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 preceding his election to office.

During his presidency he had ups and downs, but was known for actively trying to push better relations between South Africans and Afrikaners.  A very famous and public act of pushing support of the South African Rugby team, the Springboks, during the 2005 Rugby World Cup showed a major statement for his hope for a better future of South Africa.

Nelson Mandela is number 9 on my list for a reason. I believe in what he stood for. Equality.  Without the idea that your neighbor is no better than you are and no worse than you are is for some reason a hard concept for people to grasp.  Mandela got it though. He understood that it’s not acceptance that makes us believe in peace and equality, it’s love.  To love your neighbor as yourself is truly golden and I know Mandela got that.

Categories : Politics, Top 10
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