Honour where honour is due…
We’re into a whole new year and after the challenges and difficulties of these past few months, I’m in need of inspiration, maybe you are too? If so, why not join me in celebrating your mentors on this International Mentoring Day (yes it’s today for those of you who didn’t know’!) Kate and I often speak about the importance of doing our greatest work through others. We are intentional about encouraging, amplifying and multiplying the efforts of others engaged in world changing activities. But in order to inspire others, it’s important to be thankful and aware of those who have and continue to inspire us.
So today is a wonderful (and intentional) opportunity to celebrate the men and women who have influenced, inspired and impacted my life over the years… Many I’ve never met, my only encounters with them have been virtual… through books, tv, radio and stories that have been handed down. Others I’ve been blessed to meet personally along the way. People whose voices, values, visibility and sheer presence spoke volumes and made a difference to my world and to the worlds of others. Their examples gave me strength, courage and hope for a better, more godly world, especially when alternative narratives were promoted.
These mentors were role models who not only stood for something, but who also spoke out against injustice in its many forms, when it would have been easier and safer to stay silent. Perhaps, more importantly, these individuals took action by opening doors, creating opportunities and forging new paths for others who followed on the way.
Recently we heard of the deaths of two inspirational men, Archbishop Desmond Tutu on December 26th, and within weeks (January 6th), Sidney Poitier. These two pioneering giants stood in a league of their own. Not everyone agreed with them or even liked or applauded all they said and did but one thing is certain, they left the world better than they found it and I’m incredibly grateful to God for that. Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a powerful force who helped to break down the evils of apartheid in South Africa and his moral compass continues to inspire leaders across the world. I particularly love what he once said of himself: "I wish I could shut up, but I can't, and I won't". Thankfully… he didn’t. (I’m working on that particular gifting by the way).
Sidney Poitier was a trailblazer on so many levels, not only as the first black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1964, he was also a vocal activist against racism, a humanitarian and a diplomat. Poitier was a committed Christian who lived by his convictions, sometimes at great personal cost and he intentionally modelled an approach to both acting and life, that would open doors of opportunity for others.
So, as you consider who to honour and give thanks for… ask God for strength and grace to be the kind of person others will also give thanks for…
