GUEST BELI-BLOGGER LEE MCD: SHARED INSPIRATION

I was inspired yesterday for the first time in a while. At my church's morning service, our pastor, Rev. Diane Hampton, spoke passionatley about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and about Stephen, a follower of the historical Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. Stephen (scroll to Acts, chapter 7, verses 51-60 for his story) was stoned for his belief because it went against the ingrained culture and institutions of the day. Dr. King was assassinated because his belief in the equality of races went against the ingrained culture and institutions of his day. They were killed because of fear of the unknown and fear of change. Why didn't their contemporaries "get it?" What was so wrong about religious freedom and racial equality? I was inspired by the resolve and actions of these two men. They did not set out to be martyrs or inspirational leaders. They were ordinary people thrust in to extraordinary situations. They rose to the occasion, effected change, and inspired future generations. Pastor Diane's sermon made me ask: how am I called to make a difference? Am I doing all I can? Have I risen to the occasion? Today is Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Can we not be ordinary people doing extraordinary things?

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things must have been the universal sermon for Sunday. I was also moved by Dave Rodriguez giving examples of other people - his comparison was Abraham and Isaac. He tied it into faith. He also had people talk amongst themselves for a few minutes which I thought was pretty neat. Sounded like a good thought provoking Sunday all around.