Collage of Thoughts December 27, 2007
In the past few days I have watched a couple of great movies that remind me of I desire the most; to see change. Life is not worth living if we do not live to impact those around us. There have been people throughout history who have not set out to be famous heroes who go down in history, but rather just ordinary people willing to give everything that they have to make a difference in just a few peoples lives. These people inspire me, make me see that there is more to this life than just getting up every day to make a living, despite what everyone tells me. You know, the funny thing is that people get excited and teary-eyed when they hear these stories, but when you tell them that is what you want to do with your life, where are all the cheerleaders then? Who supports or understands?
To be a vehicle of change is as though you are asking for a difficult life, one without much support and often times filled with the sense of failure. But it is worth it.
Nothing is more valuable than a person’s life.
Freedom Writers is about a young teacher who gives everything to change the lives of a group of inner city kids that no one believes in. She teaches these kids and exposes them to things that will impact their lives forever. I am so thankful for the daring men and women who thanklessly teach kids everyday and truly give it all they’ve got to change just one person’s world.
At first, I really thought that Amazing Grace was just going to be a corny Christian movie–low budget and all. But I was so wrong. I’m pretty sure that this is now my favorite movie and I wish I could have lived in Great Britain during this time so that I could have met/married William Wilberforce because he was an amazing man.
I had been told the story of the song “Amazing Grace” when I was a kid, but this shed a whole new light on the song and the abolition movement in England. I strongly recommend this movie to anyone.
TIME’s 100 most influential people of 2007 December 19, 2007
TIME has compiled the 100 most influential people of 2007. It is pretty interesting and sadly I do not know who some of the people are but the quick blurbs on each person give a brief on who they are or what they have done to be influential. I’m still working on getting through all 100 short articles.
There are five groups of people:
- The Artists and Entertainers
- Scientists and Thinkers
- Leaders and Revolutionaries
- Builders and Titans
- Heroes and Pioneers
In contrast, ChristianReport.com also put out a list of the top 50 Most Influential Christian Leaders, Joel Osteen being at the top. The list also includes John Piper, Rob Bell, and even ol’ George Dubya Bush.
Mother Theresa Come Be My Light November 13, 2007
Farwell
I’m leaving my dear house
And my beloved land
To steamy Bengal I go
To a distant shore.
I’m leaving my old friends
Forsaking family and home
My heart draws me onward
To serve my Christ.
Goodbye, O mother dear
May God be with you all
A Higher Power compels me
Toward torrid India.
The ship moves slowly ahead
Cleaving the ocean waves,
As my eyes take last look
At Europe’s dear shores.
Bravely standing on the deck
Joyful, peaceful of mien,
Christ’s happy little one,
His new bride-to-be.
In her hand a cross of iron
On which the Savior hangs,
While her eager soul offers there
Its painful sacrifice.
“Oh, God, accept this sacrifice
As sign of my love,
Help, please, Thy creature
To glorify Thy name!
In return, I only ask of Thee,
O most kind Father of us all:
Let me save at least one soul–
One you already know.”
Fine and pure as summer dew
Her soft warm tears begin to flow,
Sealing and sanctifying now
Her painful sacrifice.
I want to live a life of sacrifice no matter the cost.
