Every year an organization publishes what they call their “Stella Awards” for the most outlandish lawsuits (stellaawards.com). The “Stella” is named after Stella Liebeck, the woman who sued McDonalds after she spilled a cup of coffee on herself while driving. Last year, the #1 Stella award went to Allen Ray Heckard. Even though Heckard is 3 inches shorter, 25 pounds lighter, and 8 years older than former basketball star Michael Jordan, the Portland, Oregon, man says he looks a lot like Jordan, and is often confused for him.
He claims the confusion has created a lot of grief for him. As a result, he believes he deserves $52 million "for defamation and permanent injury", plus $364 million in "punitive damage for emotional pain and suffering", plus the SAME amount from Nike co-founder Phil Knight, for a grand total of $832 million. He dropped the suit after Nike's lawyers chatted with him, where they presumably explained how they'd counter-sue if he pressed on.
My friend, I hope you bear a spiritual resemblance with one of the most well known men who ever lived – Jesus Christ. According to Romans 8:29 God’s grand purpose for your life is to conform you to the image, or likeness of His Son. Being Christ-like does not imply that we are on an equal standing with Christ. He is the preeminent Son of God and will be forever exalted beyond any mortal. Becoming Christ-like refers to the work of God in our lives by which we gradually begin to think and act more like Him.
As we grow and mature in our faith we become more like Christ. As we become more like Christ, we bring God greater glory. As we glorify God in our home, workplace and community, people are drawn to Him. In this way we fulfill God’s great calling on our lives.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Showing posts with label heros. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heros. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Who Is Watching Your Back?
Would you be willing to give your life to save another person? This is the question Wesley Autrey asked himself as he watched a young New York stranger fall between the subway tracks in front of an approaching train.
Harlem native Wesley Autrey, a 50-year-old construction worker and Navy veteran was waiting for a subway with his two young daughters. Nearby, a man collapsed, his body convulsing due to a seizure. Autrey and two women rushed to help as the man appeared to regain his composure. Cameron Hollopeter, 20, managed to get up, but then stumbled to the platform edge and fell to the tracks, between the two rails. The headlights of the No.1 train appeared. “I had to make a split decision,” Autrey said. So he made one, and leapt.
As the train approached, Mr. Autrey lay on Mr. Hollopeter, his heart pounding, pressing him down in a space roughly a foot deep. The train’s brakes screeched, but it could not stop in time. Five cars rolled overhead before the train stopped, the cars passing inches from his head, smudging his blue knit cap with grease. Mr. Autrey heard onlookers’ screams. “We’re O.K. down here,” he yelled, “but I’ve got two daughters up there. Let them know their father’s O.K.” He heard cries of wonder, and applause.
In the weeks following his heroic act, Autrey has been the focus of massive media attention. Along with multiple television appearances, he was even recognized by President Bush during his State of the Union address last week. Autrey was surprised by the attention drawn to his unselfish act. In a very humble demeanor he told the press, “I don’t feel like I did something spectacular; I just saw someone who needed help. I don't think I did anything heroic. I just saved a life. I don't call myself a hero because the real heroes are overseas dying for you and me.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that each of us is vulnerable to falling, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Our fall may be a financial fall, a moral fall, a health fall or a marriage fall. Regardless of the fall, we need to have men around us who can help us get back on our feet.
Perhaps you don’t have someone out there watching your back. This is what Men’s Ministry is all about. The teaching, food and fellowship are great, but the ultimate goal is building meaningful relationships with other men. These relationships are sometimes awkward and difficult for men, but in the end they can make all the difference.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Harlem native Wesley Autrey, a 50-year-old construction worker and Navy veteran was waiting for a subway with his two young daughters. Nearby, a man collapsed, his body convulsing due to a seizure. Autrey and two women rushed to help as the man appeared to regain his composure. Cameron Hollopeter, 20, managed to get up, but then stumbled to the platform edge and fell to the tracks, between the two rails. The headlights of the No.1 train appeared. “I had to make a split decision,” Autrey said. So he made one, and leapt.
As the train approached, Mr. Autrey lay on Mr. Hollopeter, his heart pounding, pressing him down in a space roughly a foot deep. The train’s brakes screeched, but it could not stop in time. Five cars rolled overhead before the train stopped, the cars passing inches from his head, smudging his blue knit cap with grease. Mr. Autrey heard onlookers’ screams. “We’re O.K. down here,” he yelled, “but I’ve got two daughters up there. Let them know their father’s O.K.” He heard cries of wonder, and applause.
In the weeks following his heroic act, Autrey has been the focus of massive media attention. Along with multiple television appearances, he was even recognized by President Bush during his State of the Union address last week. Autrey was surprised by the attention drawn to his unselfish act. In a very humble demeanor he told the press, “I don’t feel like I did something spectacular; I just saw someone who needed help. I don't think I did anything heroic. I just saved a life. I don't call myself a hero because the real heroes are overseas dying for you and me.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that each of us is vulnerable to falling, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Our fall may be a financial fall, a moral fall, a health fall or a marriage fall. Regardless of the fall, we need to have men around us who can help us get back on our feet.
Perhaps you don’t have someone out there watching your back. This is what Men’s Ministry is all about. The teaching, food and fellowship are great, but the ultimate goal is building meaningful relationships with other men. These relationships are sometimes awkward and difficult for men, but in the end they can make all the difference.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
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