At least until this cataclysmic year we've tended to think of heroism in physical terms: muscular strength, courage in the face of physical harm. We think of soldiers, firefighters, police officers, athletes. Comic book heroes inevitably have physical attributes that enable them to fight, rescue, and achieve. But this year, we've adjusted our definition of heroes. We've recognized heroism isn't only tied to athleticism. Putting ones life on the line doesn't only mean fighting bad guys and heading in to burning buildings. It can mean heading into a hospital, a classroom, a warehouse or grocery store. We've learned this year that heroes can fight invisible enemies and that a hero's weapons can be their mind, and years of expertise and training. But what all heroes have in common, whether the traditional kind or the pandemic heroes we've recognized this year, is a willingness to put themselves on the line for others. It's the determination to do their duty, no matter the cost. The willingness to put themselves at risk so others can be safe.
This year the people who have inspired me are a perfect fit for the type of pandemic heroism we've witnessed around the world this year. It is their care, their compassion, their willingness to look outside themselves that make them heroes in my eyes.
Any way you slice it this is the largest slate of heroes I've ever recognized. Thirteen recognitions, beating out the inaugural twelve in 2007 by one. Fifteen individuals--nine women and six men, and if you count every member of in the group of 22 I'm honoring (which you should), that's thirty seven people! But this was a year sorely in need of heroes and many rose to the occasion. Some of them I've known for decades, one I just met this year, one I've only met once, and four I've never met at all. Three of these heroes are being honored for the second time. You can read their first tributes by clicking on their names in the link below. Also worth noting: three of this year's heroes were previously honored thirteen years ago during my Most Influential People in My Life blog series for the formative influence their friendship had on my life. Check out that post here and find their profiles. This years heroes include teachers, students, public servants, and healthcare workers, but it's not what they do but who they are that inspire me. One just began his journey in life 8 short years ago and one's journey was shorter than any of us could have expected, ending without warning this year. Every one of these heroes have cared: about people, about truth, about love. There's nothing more heroic than that.
Here they are, my heroes and inspirations for the year 2020:
Amy Acton & Mike DeWine
The CAA 8th Grade Class of 2020
Chris Cotta
Chimwemwe Kulemeka
Evelyn Fordham Goodman
Grant Graves & Dallas Jenkins
Chandra Maloney Rudisaile
Lisa Ortner McNeill
Elizabeth Sanders Towns
Shameika Stepney
Janviere Lavender & Tamaria Kulemeka
I'm inspired by their excellence
These two women exemplify greatness in the classroom. They are the absolute gold standard in teaching. If you want to see the very best in action, slip in to the classrooms (or Zoom rooms) of Ms. Lavender and Mrs. Kulemeka and watch the magic happen. For greatness to manifest itself you must have more than talent (though they have that too). You must have a passion for the work, a love for the people you serve, and a willingness to work very hard. Both women have all of these qualities and the result is vibrant, rigorous, creative classrooms led by teachers who are unfailingly enthusiastic about learning and steadfastly committed to their students' academic, personal, and spiritual success. I've been watching both teachers for years now--Jan, from afar as she teaches her middle school students at Ramah Junior Academy, and Tamaria on a daily basis as we teach side by side. I like to think of myself as a pretty good teacher, but Ms. Lavendar and Mrs. Kulemeka keeping challenging me to be great.
Amy Acton & Mike DeWine
I'm inspired by their leadership
When so many others, hesitated they stepped up. In the earliest days of the coronavirus pandemic that has devastated the globe this year, our governor and his director of the Department of Health set a standard of calm, pragmatic, grown-up leadership that was a model for the rest of the country. Governor Mike DeWine took swift, clear action in line with everything we knew about the virus at the time. The steps he took weren't always popular, but DeWine seemed to understand that pandering to the electorate wasn't the priority at that crucial moment. He'd been elected to govern, to look out for his state and that's what he intended to do. Meanwhile, he allowed Dr. Amy Acton to be a vital voice, speaking to our state daily (this New Yorker profile on Dr. Acton really gives you a sense of the person she is). The calm, professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate demeanor of both Dr. Acton and Governor DeWine were a reassuring presence in an uncertain time. I have no doubt that their actions delayed the worst of COVID's impact on our state by many months, buying our medical facilities and the people of Ohio precious time. Since those early days, both Acton and DeWine have felt the consequences of doing the right thing, as many became impatient with the tough choices they made. Acton eventually stepped down from her role with the state and returned to the private sector, and even the stalwart DeWine could only hold out for so long before giving in to the demands of many in our state who were looking above DeWine for their cues on how to respond to COVID. DeWine still feels like Ohio's favorite dad, but one who is now a bit more permissive, asking but not requiring us to do our part. Still, I'll never forget that Batman and Robin team of DeWine and Acton when the pandemic wave first hit. And I'll always appreciate their mature leadership during that crucial moment.
The CAA 8th Grade Class of 2020
I'm inspired by their love
In my commencement address I spoke about the class as a whole, as well as each student by name, describing what I admired about each of them. You can read that speech here. But if I had to sum up the thing about this group--this thing about them that was present in every single one of them, but was magnified in the whole--in one word, it would be love. This class of 2020, a class that had their special final year at Columbus Adventist Academy brutally stolen from them by a global pandemic, exemplified love. They loved each other. They loved God. And I'm so honored to say to that they loved their teachers as well. I have felt appreciation from all of my students over the years, most especially after they have left my classroom. But to feel that love and appreciation while I am still their teacher is a truly a special gift. Thank you, Larrysa, Athena, Ronald, Philip, Hadson, Chelsea, Robert, Alyssa, Yasmin, Tiffany, Kevin, Greer, Daysha, Dayshaun, Nasha, Djbril, Moise, Piya, Bernard, Stephen, Soulemane, Jasen, & Georgia for the love that you are putting out into a world that sorely needs it. Keep shining!
Chris Cotta
I'm inspired by his thinking
Everybody thinks they are independent thinkers. Only a few really are, and Chris is one of those few. He is quite possibly the smartest person I know. It's always a pleasure to exchange ideas with Chris because I know he'll always make me think hard and challenge me. But I'm also equally certain that he'll give me a fair hearing and that he's willing to change his position if what I say makes sense. Chris and I have been friends since high school, but we'd fallen out of touch over the years. We reconnected via Facebook Messenger near the start of the pandemic and started communicating more regularly after the death of George Floyd energized the movement for Black lives in this country. The two of us are often on the opposite side of the political spectrum, though not always. You can't be an open-minded, clear-headed thinker like Chris and always toe the party line. Chris is too smart to be anything other than humble, fair, and honest.
Barbara Leen Maycock
I'm inspired by her impact
After 23 years of marriage, I didn't think there was much left to know, about my lovely wife. I knew her compassion, her care, her kindness, her love. What I didn't know is how much those attributes had impacted so many others besides me. Finding out at her fiftieth birthday party as the heartfelt accolades rolled in was a revelation. Babs touched so many lives, with her friendship, kindness, teaching, and leadership. I was amazed and inspired by the countless testimonies of people who have come across her path over the years. When the party was over, I was literally in awe of this remarkable woman I am married to and couldn't believe my good fortune in being able to share my life with her. Seeing what a difference she's made has encouraged me to strive to be more like her. They say that when you've been married a long time, spouses start to resemble each other. I think if my character is looking more like hers, I should be looking pretty good!
Chimwemwe Kulemeka
I'm inspired by his caretaking
He is the engine of the Kulemeka household. The one who keeps things running. At least that's the way his bride describes Chim Kulemeka (it's not his style to describe himself that way). While working long hours and going to school, Chim also makes sure that everything in the Kulemeka household runs smoothly. I'm sure it's a lot, but from what I see he does it all without complaint or resentment. Listening to Mrs. Kulemeka sing the praises of her husband, I'm encouraged to bring my best to my own family just like he does. I am married to a great woman, just like Chim is, and you know what they say, behind every great woman is a great man. I want to be that man, just like Chim.
Evelyn Fordham Goodman
I'm inspired by her positive spirit
Within minutes of our first conversation I knew we'd struck gold. Mrs. Goodman is relentlessly positive and encouraging. I don't even know how to describe the affect she has on people, but every time you talk to her she leaves you feeling good. I get the sense that she makes a conscious effort to bring people in, to engage with them, and make them feel they belong. But I think it's more than that. Evelyn Goodman just exudes positive energy. It's not something she just merely makes an effort at, it's who she is. So far the demands of leadership as our new school principal at Columbus Adventist Academy has not diminished her shine. She works hard, she learns quickly, and remains responsive and engaging. Beyond that, she cares deeply about her staff and is invested in our well-being. Like every good leader, Mrs. Goodman leads by example. And her example is that of a happy warrior, one I'll gladly follow into battle.
Grant Graves & Dallas Jenkins
I'm inspired by their picture of God
Fear not. This admonition appears more than three hundred times in the Bible, but the way God is so often presented by His well-meaning followers, it's often hard not to feel much afraid. God feels righteous, sure, but also harsh, demanding, and unrelenting. Grant, through his book Fearless: Finding Courage in the Character of God, and Dallas, through his multi-episode television drama The Chosen are committed to presenting a fresh, and I believe more accurate picture of God--a God who's defining characteristic is His life-changing love and absolute trustworthiness. Grant does it through his wonderful book that takes us on a journey through the Bible revealing through his fantastic storytelling and insightful theology a powerful portrait of a God who is not to be feared, but to be loved. By the time Fearless concludes with a stunning breakdown of the three angels message in Revelation, you will understand the phrase "Fear God and give Him Glory" in a whole new wonderful way. While Grant Graves gives us the big picture, Dallas Jenkins goes super-granular, drilling deep into the life of Christ, with a riveting portrait of the beginning of Jesus' ministry in what I hope will be the first of many seasons. I happen to know Grant personally, and he's been a personal hero and a very good friend of mine since we served together as missionaries on Saipan more than ten years ago. But you don't have to know Graves or Jenkins to be inspired by them. Read Graves's book and watch Jenkin's series and you will be inspired to fearlessly follow Jesus, drawn by His incomparable love.
Chandra Maloney Rudisaile
I'm inspired by her compassionate heart
A breaking heart was one of her gifts, one she gave to so many of us during her too-short time on the this earth. Chandra felt other people's pain. Her heart was broken by the struggles of others and as a result she was often a light of comfort to those in the crucible of darkness. It's a reoccurring theme I've heard in the month or so since we lost her: "Chandra reached out to me when I was going through a rough time." From an elementary classmate who felt the sting of childhood cruelty, to a former high school friend going through a dark time, over and over I heard accounts of Chandra reaching out with a message of support and encouragement. She didn't seem to reserve her compassion for those closest to her the way many of us do. If she knew you, and she knew you were hurting that was reason enough for her to extend her care. Chandra had her own share of heartache, and for many that would have been reason enough not to bother with the hurts of others, but if anything her own challenges seemed to make her more tender-hearted. There have been many beautiful tributes to Chandra since she passed, but it's these brief but powerful words--left by probably the toughest guy you will ever meet--that move me most each time I read them:
My high school friend whom could see the soul of someone regardless of the outer shell. I will never forget you didn't forsake your friend at 26, you gave me courage and prayed for me. I'm saddened beyond expression..... It was beyond an honor to call you friend. I hope to be a part of the Kingdom that awaits you....
Now that her light has gone out, it's up to me--to all of us knew and loved Chandra--to carry on her legacy of tenderhearted compassion.
Lisa Ortner McNeill
I'm inspired by her thoughtfulness
Lisa always got there first. I'd like to think it's not just because she's a faster typist/texter! I think it's because Lisa's thoughtfulness is innate and intuitive. In those devastating first days, when the wound of Chandra's sudden loss was fresh, I friended Lisa on Facebook. I'd only ever spoken to her once in my life, briefly after church 26 years ago, when I was visiting Chandra at Southwestern Adventist University in Texas. But I knew she was one of Chandra's closest friends and I knew I wanted to reach out to those who loved her best. But, within minutes of me sending the request and as I was getting ready to write to her, a beautiful heartfelt message from Lisa appeared in my inbox. She'd beaten me to it. And in the days and weeks that followed, she'd keep beating me to it--text messages popping up while I was still typing, invitations to call if I felt like talking just as I was getting ready to ask if it would be okay if I called. Thoughtfulness is anticipating a need before it is expressed and moving to meet that need. That's what Lisa has done for me. I'm sure it's what she did for Chandra too. I feel blessed to have a found a new friendship, forged in great grief and bound by our shared love for a friend gone too soon. I keep trying, but I think when it comes to a kind word and a thoughtful gesture, Lisa will always be quicker on the draw.
Elizabeth Sanders Towns
I'm inspired by her sharing
Sharing on social media is a fine art, one that most strive but fail to master. There are those who are funny. There are those who are righteously angry. There are great storytellers. There are those who share their hearts. No-one puts all those ingredients together quite like Elizabeth. Her Facebook posts are always a joy, whether she is sharing a tender but hilarious story about her mother, known to us as The Mary or expressing her heartfelt anguish at the state of the nation in these troubled times. Her sense of humor, wisdom, compassion, and love shine in every post. I've known Elizabeth for about ten years; I was her children's teacher, but I feel I know her on a whole other level due to her deft leverage of Facebook to share her stories, her heart and her truth. I think what sets Elizabeth apart is the love that motivates her sharing.
Ezra Maycock
I'm inspired by his empathy
Words can be empty. Sometimes even the most eloquent expressions are not enough. Sometimes the best we can do is offer a hug and silent solidarity. This has always been hard for me, someone who always wants use my way with words to "fix things" even when some things can't be fixed. But my younger son Ezra seems to intuitively understand what I often miss. For a while now, whenever he sees his mother upset, he'll put down his tablet where he's been engrossed in his Minecraft game, walk over without a word and give her a hug. In the past month or so, from time to time he'd come up to me out of nowhere and just hug me. As far as I could tell I wasn't even visibly upset, but somehow Ezra seemed to intuit that Daddy could use a hug. It used to startle me at first, and I'd have to stop myself from reprimanding him for "hanging on me" but I quickly realized that this was his way of expressing comfort and empathy, and I've welcomed those hugs. Just lately, I've started making a conscious effort when I see someone in my family upset to do just like Ezra does. Walk over, and without saying anything (for once!) simply give the struggling person a warm hug.
Shameika Stepney
I'm inspired by her life-giving words
Then again, a few words can change a persons life forever. Shameika Stepney was a third grader when she saw a classmate named Fiona being mocked for daring to try to sit with the so-called popular girls in the cafeteria. Shameika stood up for Fiona, telling her: "Don't worry about those bullies. You have potential." Shameika went on her way, the brief interaction soon forgotten. Forgotten by Shameika. Fiona, on the other hand never forgot those words. They became something that she held on to, a mantra that kept her going for years to come. So much so that one day Fiona, the now-world famous musician Fiona Apple decided to write a song about it. "Shameika" was one of the most well received songs off Apple's latest album Fetch the Bolt Cutters and soon enough Shameika discovered the full life-giving impact of those few words she spoken some thirty years earlier. Stepney, a working musician herself, says that's just who she is. Speaking life is a way of life for her. (Check out her collab with her former fellow-third grader, "Shameika Said." I confess I like it better than the original!) Thanks to Shameika I'm inspired to consider carefully what I say, knowing that just a few of the right words at the right time could change someone's life.
Like apples of gold in settings of silver,
Is a word spoken at the proper time --Proverbs 25:11
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