Influential Figures in Christianity – Week 6

The Culture Shapers

Martin Luther King Jr.

Lived: 1929-1968

Location: Born in Atlanta Georgia, died Memphis Tennessee

Early Life & Basic Info:

 Baptist minister, activist, humanitarian, leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement  Born a middle child, Michael King to father Michael King, a reverend – changed both their names after trip to Germany to honour Martin Luther  Grew up with a love for singing and music – influenced by his mother  Father was openly opposed to racial segregation and racism against his family  Suffered from depression throughout much of his life – started during adolescence – resentment because of “racial humiliation”  Smart man, skipped two grades in high school and was known for public speaking ability  Originally skeptical about many of Christianity’s claims (including resurrection of Jesus), but later concluded that the Bible has “many profound truths which one cannot escape” and entered the seminary  Graduated from Morehouse College with a BA in sociology, then enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary (PA), graduated in 1951  Earned PhD from Boston University in systematic theology  Interested in Walter Rauschenbusch’s social gospel  Married Coretta Scott in 1953 – limited her role in the civil rights movement, expecting her to be a housewife and mother

Famous for:

 Became pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery Alabama when he was 25 – preaching centred on the Gospel, Jesus’ example of “extremist” love  Best known for advancing civil rights by practicing nonviolent disobedience – mentored by activist Bayard Rustin who came from pacifist tradition (not practicing Christian, and openly gay) – King publically distanced himself from mentor over time, but Rustin worked behind the scenes and was one of main organizers for March on Washington  Inspired by Gandhi’s success – with help from Quaker group, he travelled to India in 1959 to learn more about nonviolence – deepened his commitment to civil rights  Involved in Montgomery Bus Boycott – Worked with Rosa Parks and many others for just over a year – so intense his house was bombed – his role in boycott (which ended racial segregation on busses) turned him into a national figure  Helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1956, serving as its first president until his death – civil rights organization to coordinate and support nonviolent direct action to end segregation – controversial because some thought the fight should only take place in courts, others uncomfortable with churches being involved in political activism, also experienced repression from police, White Citizen’s Council and Ku Klux Klan  Organized nonviolent protests in Birmingham Alabama – focused on desegregating downtown merchants – peaceful protestors met with brutal police response – King arrested during this time and wrote famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail” in response to clergy who criticised the campaign – violence shown on TV lead to Kennedy administration intervening, lead to desegregation of downtown businesses  Helped organize the 1963 march on Washington, where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech (famous part was improv) – established reputation as one of the greatest orators in US history – huge success despite media fears that protestors would riot – 200,000- 300,000 participants  1964 Nobel Peace Prize for combatting racial inequality through nonviolence – youngest recipient at the time  1965, helped to organize the Selma to Montgomery Marches – 3 marches part of Voting Rights Movement that was underway – highlighted racial injustice and contributed to passage of Voting Rights Act, landmark achievement – activists lead 3 marches to walk the 87km highway from Selma to Montgomery to show desire of black American citizens to exercise their right to vote – before that, each state had discretion to determine voter qualification (used illiteracy as an excuse) – event included Bloody Sunday, where sheriff gathered white men to be deputized and react violently to peaceful protests – images in media lead to outrage and roused support for voting rights campaign  From 1963 until his death, he was the target intensive campaign by the FBI to neutralize him as an effective civil rights leader – Hoover listed SCLC as black nationalist hate group, his phone was tapped, etc. – connections to those who were connected to communism – Hoover paranoid when they learned one of his advisers had been involved with communist party – King denied communist connections – used information about adultery to try and discredit him  Allegations of adultery are often fuzzy and debated but many do seem to be true – great public figure with very shady morals – seems that he understood it was wrong but it was his most difficult temptation – some have said the accounts were sensationalized and he didn’t sleep around, just cheated emotionally, but others say if anything they were watered down  Final years – also focused on poverty and speaking against Vietnam war – connected the war with economic injustice, as resources could have been spent on social welfare at home – cost him significant support among white allies, including President Johnson and publishers  Assassinated on April 4 1968 at Lorraine Motel– death was followed by riots in many US cities – allegations that James Earl Ray was framed or acted with government ages – guesswork persisted decades later – he asked that his awards not be mentioned at his funeral  Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal

Impact on Christianity:

 Main legacy was to secure progress on civil rights in America – most famous leader in the movement  His faith motivated his work and his use of nonviolent protest  Remembered as a wonderful speaker and his speeches are still famous, especially “I Have a Dream”  Days after his assassination, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1968 – prohibited housing discrimination  International legacy includes influences on Black Consciousness Movement and civil rights movement in South Africa  After his death, his wife Coretta Scott King followed his footsteps and was active in social justice issues and civil rights until her death – including establishing the King Centre in Atlanta, being active in Women’s Movement and LGBT rights movement, opposing apartheid, etc.  Wrote several books, many are compilations of his sermons  Martin Luther King Jr. Day established as a federal US holiday in 1986

Quotes:

 Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.  Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.  The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.  Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Question:

Desmond Tutu

Lived: 1931-Present (currently age 83)

Location: Born in Klerksdorp, Western Transvaal, South Africa

Early Life & Basic Info:

 Best remembered as a South African social rights activist and retired Anglican bishop  Born the second of 4 kids, and the only son  Family moved to Johannesburg when he was 12, where he met Trevor Huddleston (priest and apartheid activist), a parish priest in the black slum of Sophiatown – he took off his hat to greet Mrs. Tutu – big impact on Desmond  Wanted to become a doctor but family couldn’t afford it so he followed father’s footsteps into teaching  Studied at Pretoria Bantu Normal College, then taught high school in Johannesburg and Mogale City – but after the Bantu Education Act he resigned in protest – Act legalized apartheid in schools, leading to racial segregation  Continued studies in theology at St. Peter’s Theology College in Johannesburg, ordained as an Anglican priest in 1960.  Then travelled to King’s College London for his BA and MA in theology  His early career included working at several churches, working as a chaplain at University of Fort hare, lecturing, etc.  Married a teacher whom he had met at college – 4 kids together.

Famous for:

 Rose to worldwide fame in the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid  Widely regarded as “South Africa’s moral conscience”  Supported an economic boycott of South Africa during apartheid, and strongly opposed “constructive engagement” policy of Reagan administration, which advocated “friendly persuasion” despite UN recommendation for economic sanctions and divestment from S.A.  He organized peaceful marches in Cape Town – 30,000 participants  Became Secretary-General of the South African Council of Churches – from this position, able to continue work against apartheid with agreement from nearly all churches  Advocated reconciliation between all parties involved – outspoken internationally – often compared apartheid to Nazism (government twice revoked his passport and was jailed briefly after a protest march)  Also harshly criticised violence used by anti-apartheid groups – denounced terrorism and communism  Helped form the National Forum Committee to fight apartheid  After fall of apartheid, headed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission  First black Archbishop of Cape Town – retired in 1996  Since the demise of apartheid, he has been active in defending human rights, and uses his fame to campaign for the oppressed  He has campaigned to fight HIV/AIDS (has criticised Catholic opposition to condoms for this reason), tuberculosis, poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia (in terms of hatred and damaging attitudes – affirms gay pastors if they are celibate, but has become more lenient in later years) in many countries in and outside of Africa  He is the patron of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (follow up to original Commission)  In 2006 launched a global campaign to ensure that all children are registered at birth, as unregistered children are vulnerable to traffickers  Retired from public life in 2010  Has received many awards, including 1984 Nobel Peace Prize

Impact on Christianity:

 Example of standing up for justice in a peaceful way, but also working towards reconciliation  Not afraid to be vocal about human rights – we can often be timid to involve ourselves in bold ways  Not afraid to oppose official government policies and stances  Shows us that we can fight against injustice even when we don’t agree with others’ lifestyles – important to love and care for all people

Quotes:

 "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality."  "My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together."  "Isn't it amazing that we are all made in God's image, and yet there is so much diversity among his people?"

Question: How can we show love to those whose lifestyles we disagree with (e.g. LGBT community)?

Pope Francis

Lived: 1936 to Present (currently age 78)

Location: Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Early Life & Basic Info:

 Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the eldest of 5 children (father’s family left Italy to escape fascism in 1929) – only his sister is still living  Attended Wilfrid Baron de los Santos Angeles school, then Escuela Nacional technical secondary school, graduating with chemical technician’s diploma  Worked in the foods section of a laboratory, a bar bouncer and as a janitor  Studied at Inmaculada Conception Seminary in Buenos Aires, 3 years later entered the Society of Jesus in 1958; officially became a Jesuit in 1960  Taught literature and psychology at a high school in Santa Fe in 1964-65  Ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969 – worked at Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel, as a master of novices and then as professor of theology  Completed final stage of spiritual formation as a Jesuit in Spain (Jesuits – male Catholic congregation, focusing on evangelization, education, social justice, etc.)  Named Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in Argentina in 1973- 1979  Named Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992  Then became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 – created in parishes, restructured administrative offices, lead pro-life initiatives, increased Church’s presence in the slums – under his leadership, number of priests assigned to work in the slums doubled – called the “Slum Bishop”  During this time he sold off the Archdiocese’s shares in multiple banks – share shad lead to high spending – forcing the church into higher fiscal discipline  Made it his custom to celebrate Holy Thursday ritual of foot washing in jails, hospitals, retirement homes and slims  Created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II – became known for personal humility, doctrinal conservatism and commitment to social justice – lived a simple lifestyle in a small apartment, took public transit, etc.  Was one of the main challengers to Pope Benedict but fell back in final votes – made a plea not to vote for him as it could lead to a delay

Famous for:

 Being the current Pope, known as Pope Francis after St. Francis of Assisi – elected in March 2013 – first pope to take the name  He is the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas and the southern hemisphere, and first non-European pope in 1272 years  Throughout his public life (both as a person and a religious leader) he has been noted for his humility, concern for the poor, and commitment to dialogue as a way to build bridges between people of all backgrounds, faiths and beliefs  He is known for having a simpler, less formal approach to the papacy – he resides in the guesthouse, not the papal apartments, refused the traditional ornate cape, chose a silver ring instead of gold, etc. – on the night of his election, he took the bus back to his hotel  He has spoken about gay people – the church shouldn’t marginalize them, but also maintains the Church’s teaching against homosexual acts and is opposed to same-sex marriage  He has also announced a zero-tolerance policy towards sex abuse in the Church and met with several child abuse victims to minister to them  He has written about his commitment to open and respectful interfaith dialogue – goals of building bridges, stating that it is crucial “to intensify outreach to nonbelievers, so that the differences which divide and hurt us may never prevail.”  He has shown that he is especially concerned for the well-being of the poor – upon his election, he abolished the bonuses paid to Vatican employees for each election, instead donating the several million Euros to charity  Has also spoken against the idolatry of money, unbridled capitalism, modern slavery, etc.  Has spoken about the environment, showing concern for exploitation Impact on Christianity:

 Popular opinion and mainstream media love this new pope! Often called “Cool Pope” or “Chill Pope”  He is often portrayed as a progressive reformer or a man of moderate values – much better received and respected by those who are not Christians  People are taking notice of his reform measures, such as meeting with sex abuse victims, kissing a man with tumours, sneaking out at night to help the poor – he is refashioning Christianity (or at least, Catholicism) in the public eye  Sets at example to all Christians of loving-kindness, caring for the poor, humility, how we view money, etc.  He was even named the Best Dressed Man of the Year by Esquire magazine for his simpler fashion  Many other magazines have ranked him high on their lists of great leaders, influential people, etc.

Quotes:

 Even today we raise our hand against our brother... We have perfected our weapons, our conscience has fallen asleep, and we have sharpened our ideas to justify ourselves as if it were normal we continue to sow destruction, pain, death. Violence and war lead only to death.  These days there is a lot of poverty in the world, and that's a scandal when we have so many riches and resources to give to everyone. We all have to think about how we can become a little poorer.  A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: 'Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?' We must always consider the person.  The worship of the golden calf of old has found a new and heartless image in the cult of money and the dictatorship of an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly human goal.

Question: What is your relationship and/or opinions with Catholicism? How do you feel about this new Pope?

Andrew White

Lived: Born 1964 (currently age 51)

Location: Born in Bexley, Kent, England, lives in Baghdad

Early Life & Basic Info:

 Born to a very religious family – between strict Baptist and Pentecostal  Studied at St. Thomas Hospital in London as Operating Department Practitioner in 1985 – worked in anaesthetics and cardiac arrest  One day he decided he had done everything he set out to achieve, and decided to become a Church of England Priest  Trained for priesthood at Ridley Hall, Cambridge – spend time learning about Judaism and Islam  Also spent time at Hebrew University of Jerusalem  Ordained in 1990, became a curate at St. Marks at Southwark  Met his wife when she was in the audience during one of his sermons – they have 2 kids but his family lives in England  In 1998 he was appointed a canon at Coventry Cathedral  He was diagnosed with MS shortly after – has affected his mobility and speech – has been undergoing a new stem cell treatment that has “transformed” his life  Headed up the International Centre for Reconciliation – promoting reconciliation in religious conflicts around the globe, concentrating on the Middle East

Famous for:

 Moving to Baghdad, to become the vicar of St. George’s Church, the only Anglican church in Iraq – has been dubbed “The Vicar of Baghdad” – just outside the Green Zone  President of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East  His main aim has been to try to maintain communication between Shia and Sunni Muslim leaders – sees his role as a mediator and one who is trying to re-establish dialogue  His lay pastor was kidnapped in 2007 and he raised the $40,000 ransom to secure his release  Later that year he fled to Britain after death threats, but later returned  No stranger to danger – he has been hijacked, kidnapped, locked up, held at gunpoint – some of his staff have been killed for their work, he travels with many bodyguards – keeps doing this work because of the long term relationships he has in the Middle East  Has won many awards for his work

Impact on Christianity

 For us in the West, mostly an inspiring figure as he work doesn’t impact us directly  Reminds us that there are Christians working in very different conditions from us in Canada  Can be an inspiration of perseverance despite personal limitations and danger  Highlights the importance of long term relationships in ministry for long term success  Also brings reconciliation to our attention – not enough to stand back and not do anything

Question:

Francis Chan

Lived: Born in 1967 (currently age 47)

Location: Born in San Francisco

Early Life & Basic Info:

 Born to native Chinese parents – his mother died giving birth to him – his father remarried when he was 7 but 2 years later his step-mother died in a car accident. His father remarried again when he was 10, but then his father died of cancer when he was 12  Chan was then raised by his stepmother along with older sister and brother, and younger half- sister – he also had support from an aunt and uncle and large extended family  Active in Christian youth groups growing up – developed his faith and interest in ministry  Has a BA from Master’s College and a Master of Divinity degree from Master’s Seminary  He is married to Lisa and they have 7 children.

Famous for:

 Founding Cornerstone church in 1994 with 30 people – grew rapidly – 7 years later there were 1600 people  Started Eternity Bible College in 2004 as a ministry of his church – in 2008 the school launched an abroad program in Ecuador  Cornerstone is now one of the largest churches in Ventura County, CA  Was the featured speaker in the Stop and Think video which went viral in 30 countries  Known for speaking at major conferences and events  Frequently talks about what the Bible is really saying and really living our lives that way – not afraid to confront lukewarmness  Resigned from his church in 2010 – moved to Northern California – currently working to start a church planting movement in inner city San Fran  Gives away most of his income – about 90% - didn’t take a salary from his church, and has donated most of his $2 mil book royalties – much of it goes to sex slavery rescue operation charities – his church gives away about 55% of its income to charity  Best known books are Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God, and Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit; also wrote the Multiply book used for discipleship  Currently sits on the board of directors for Children’s Hunger Fund and World Impact

Impact on Christianity:

 His books are VERY popular – great for individual use and Bible studies  Discipleship book and series are very practical and useful  Engaging public speaker especially for younger “churched” generations  Great example of making ourselves poorer to benefit others  Started a mega-church that hasn’t branded itself or turned into a trend or a fad – avoided the “cult of personality”

Quotes:

 “But God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through.” - Crazy Love  “It is true that God may have called you to be exactly where you are. But, it is absolutely vital to grasp that he didn’t call you there so you could settle in and live your life in comfort and superficial peace.” - Forgotten God  “Christians are like manure: spread them out and they help everything grow better, but keep them in one big pile and they stink horribly.”

Question: Chan once said that we need more than one person in our lives to be discipling us. Share about 2-3 people who have discipled you throughout your life.

Mark Driscoll

Lived: Born 1970, currently age 44

Location: Born in Grand Forks North Dakota, currently lives in Seattle, Washington

Early Life & Basic Info:

 Raised Roman Catholic in the Seattle area in a “very rough neighbourhood” – the same area that Ted Bundy picked his victims  Oldest of 5 children – family history of abuse, crime and alcoholism – family moved to Washington to get away from those family members  Graduated from Highline High School in 1989 – met his wife Grace (daughter of an evangelical pastor) there; together they have 5 children  Converted to evangelical Christianity as a college freshman, also felt a call to “marry Grace, preach the Bible, train men and plant churches”  Earned Bachelor in communications from Washington State University, Masters in exegetical theology from Western Seminary  After graduation, Mark and Grace moved to Seattle, working as college ministry volunteers – through church internship he met Mike Gunn and Lief Moi, who started discussing and planning a church plant Famous for:

 Founding Mars Hill Church in 1996 – first met in Driscoll’s home, but a year later the church had expanded to 2 services, by the time it dissolved last year, it had 15 campuses in 5 states.  Later, Driscoll reflected that he was “not ready” to plant his own church at age 25  Worked with David Nicholas to found Acts 29 church panting network in 1998 in response to people asking for church planting advice (takes it’s name because Acts has 28 chapters, so this is the next chapter in church history) – now has 500+ churches – Driscoll resigned as president in 2012, turning things over to Matt Chandler  Founded the Resurgence in 2006, a “theological cooperative” that aims to train church leaders in conservative reformed theology – branches are Re:Lit publishing, Re:Train training centre, and Re;Sound music arm  Most famous works include Vintage Jesus, Vintage Church, Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe, and Real Marriage (which also included a conference tour)  By 2006, Mars Hill was restructuring – 400-5000 people in 3 branches – Driscoll had overwhelming workload as lead pastor, president of Acts 29 and president of The Resurgence, plus being an author and travelling speaker – at church, retained roles as public face and preaching pastor – turning point in the church – boards full of “yes men”  Very controversial leader for many reasons, including harsh leadership style. He has had many controversies or conflicts with church leaders and elders – 2013 former elder filed bylaw charges of mistreatment, accusing him of being “domineering, verbally violent, arrogant, and quick- tempered”  Theological stances include: socially and theologically conservative, Calvinism, complementarian (all male leadership), creationist  Other controversies are around how he responds to valid theological stances – often harsh or unloving  2014 scandal bout Real Marriage – Mars Hill paid a large fee to marketing firm ResultSounce to manipulate sales numbers of book to attain #1 bestseller status – church bought 11,000 copies ($200K) to manipulate those numbers – he has since apologized  A rant someone recorded from 2000 resurfaced this last year – harshly critiqued feminism, homosexuality etc. in vulgar ways, denouncing “emasculated sensitive men” – lead to protests and demonstrations around their church campuses  August 2014 – Acts 29 removed Driscoll and Mars Hill from membership due to “ungodly and disqualifying behaviour” – Driscoll announced a 6 week hiatus from ministry to refocus and rest with his family – by the second week of the hiatus, church started announcing layoffs and closures of a few branches – attendance at all campuses dropped from 13,000 at start of 2014 to 9,000 at this time (15 branches total in 5 states)  Driscoll resigned in October, unexpectedly (board did not ask for resignation) – board did conclude he had been guily of arrogance, temper, harshness, etc. but was not disqualified from ministry in the future  Mars Hill Church dissolved 3 weeks later – branches had choice to continue as autonomous churches, merge with other local churches, or disband. 11 churches have now become independent local churches

Impact on Christianity:

 Shows a passion for church planting in an organized way  Example of a hard worker in a ministry setting  Very popular preacher who was able to reach one of the most unchurched areas in North America  Books are useful for study, teaching, Bible studies, etc.  Popularized the “hipster church” movement that we sometimes see in mega-churches (The Village is our local example) – good use of technology, worship “experience,” social media, etc. – many pros and cons to this kind of church  Shows the danger of holding too much power in a large church  Shows us the importance of dividing leadership and using the gifts of the many instead of the few – what would have happened to Mars Hill if Driscoll was executive pastor but each location had a preaching pastor?  Often seen as a negative Christian leader in the secular world – comes across as offensive regarding feminism, sex, gender roles, etc.  Mars Hill has “produced” other famous people, including Jeff Bethke and Citizens and Saints

Quotes:

 “Don't cohabitate. Don't fornicate. Don't look at pornography. Don't create a standard of beauty. Have your spouse be your standard of beauty. This is one of the great devastating effects of pornography: you lust after people and compare your spouse to them. It's impossible to be satisfied in your marriage if you don't have a standard that is biblical; that standard is always your spouse.”  “Our identity is not in our joy, and our identity is not in our suffering. Our identity is in Christ, whether we have joy or are suffering.”  “We need more Spirit-empowered Christians who take seriously their call to witness to God’s work in this world, and to do so in unity with other Christians, even if they don’t agree on some secondary matters.”

Question: Many mega-churches enjoy long-term growth and stability, while others fall victim to being a trend, or attracting those with a ‘consumer mentality.’ What steps could a church like ours take to ensure healthy growth in the future?

Bethany Hamilton

Lived: Born 1990, currently age 25

Location: Born in Lihue, Kaua’I, Hawaii

Early Life & Basic Info:

 Born as the youngest of 3 siblings  Homeschooled during early years but went to high school  Grew up surfing – competed in various surfing competitions both before and after her accident  She married a youth pastor in 2012, and now she and Adam Dirks are expecting their first child, due in June.

Famous for:

 Losing her arm in a shark attack while surfing at age 13  Attacked by a 14 foot tiger shark, losing her arm at the shoulder  Thankfully she was with her best friend Alana and Alana’s father Holt, who quickly fashioned a tourniquet and saved her life  She took her father’s place at the hospital as he was in for knee surgery – Holt’s quick thinking saved her life as she lost 60% of her blood by the time she arrived at the hospital  Despite the trauma of the incident, she was determined to return to surfing, which she did after 3 weeks  Initially used a custom made board, but now continues to work and compete with normal boards  Since the attack she has appeared on numerous TV shows  In 2004, her book, Soul Surfer, was pubished  Next, she starred in a short subject documentary in 2007, described as a “faith based documentary” – film addressed her devout Christianity and her faith after the attack  Her book was adapted into a movie, also called Soul Surfer in 2011 (she did her stunts, but another actress played her) – refused to sign over the rights if they watered down the faith component

Impact on Christianity:

 Her Soul Surfer movie enjoyed popularity, especially in Christian circles  She has used her situation to talk about faith in a variety of outlets, including TV, radio, cameos and more  Inspiration to young Christians to persevere and truly rely on faith  Positive role model to girls and young women

Quotes:  It was Jesus who gave me peace when the shark severed my arm. I trust in Jesus whenever I'm going through a hard time. I see all the beautiful things that have come out of my situation. I'm able to share my story with young girls who have few role models, and I can help others cope with what they have been through.  Whatever your situation might be, set your mind to whatever you want to do and put a good attitude in it, and I believe that you can succeed. You are not going to get anywhere just sitting on your butt and moping around.  Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That's what little girls are made of.

Question: Have you been able to turn a traumatic experience around for God’s glory?

Honourable mentions – Joan of Arc, Joni Erikson Tada, Rosa Parks, Beth Moore, Jeff Bethke, N.T. Wright, Tim Keller, Rick Warren, Doug Fields, Henrietta Mears,