Time Magazine is starting their campaign for “Most Important Person of 2008″. A couple notables in the current top ten are Barack Obama at #1 (he has a huge lead), Hillary Clinton at #5, and Sarah Palin at #7 (by the way Tina Fey is #3).
I’m sure all the names listed deserve credit for impacting the world in some way or the other.
But I’m interested in your life. Your world. Your family. Who was the most important person to you in 2008? Who made an impact on you? Maybe a sibling? A pastor? A friend? A parent? A co-worker?
Who would you nominate and why?
Please Note: You can’t say Jesus as we all know he blows everyone else away.
I’m going with my dad. It’s been just about 2 months since he’s passed away, and I know that I haven’t met a man more on fire for God. I know that I haven’t met a pastor who loved his people more. I know that I haven’t met a man who has influenced me and shaped me to be who I am in the ways that he has. He is the most important person of 2008 to me.
Here’s a part of his story… http://thesaltlick.tv/?s=Jeff+Gowesky as well as here http://thesaltlick.tv/?s=dad%27s+testimony.
~Peter
In our neck of the woods we respectfully nominate the great Nick Saban! Roll Tide!
In my life it would have to be my friend Michael. He is a great guy that has impacted me with his heart and mind for ministry
I would say my Dad. We had to put him into hospice and then he passed on August 28th from a brain tumor. Through the whole thing, I got to see what it means to finish well. At his funeral I got to hear stories about how he served his community and a really cool one about a hat he used to wear. He used to wear a hat that is traditionally worn by muslims during prayer but he wore it as a reminder to pray for the people of Morroco that he had a heart for from back in the 50′s when he did some missonary work there and just a few weeks ago, my wife and I went to see my mom and I got to read a bunch of letters that people in the prison he used to go sing and lead bible studies at had sent my mom about the impact he made in their lives. I can’t wait to see him again!
a couple at my church. i had a difficult year with ministry the resulted in taking a break. this couple reached out and supported, prayed and listened to me when it seemed like there was no one else who cared!
Pete, you have inspired a blog post. So, instead of a ridiculously long comment, I’ll point you to http://www.whatsthislifefor.org for my MIP of 2008!
Although you’ll have to give me a minute to put it together. HA!
cheesy…but my husband. he is amazing. i’ve changed a lot this year – i mean, God has changed me. i can feel it and see it. and my husband is right with me. alongside me. listening. caring. loving. being patient. i’m so thankful. it allows me to be the person God is shaping me into.
I was obviously being funny with my first answer, although it has been great to have such a phenomenal season. I am not sure I can narrow it down but I would have to say my husband. He is truly my best friend, a fact that I thank God for daily.
@Ed, Wow. Thanks for sharing that story. I think I’m going to go call my dad now.
@Courtney, there is nothing cheesy about that!
@Jan, I don’t think Nick Saban is going to make the cut up here!
Mine isn’t really a person but a group. Stand True they are a Christ centered Pro-life organization and I was out on “tour” with them this past summer. They win the top spot in my most important scale because I learned so much about myself and God this summer traveling around with them. I was stretched almost to the point of breaking but looking back on it now I didn’t break and I am so much stronger. All the people and places were able to show me a glimpse of what a Christian life truly should be.
I am going to say my bride (just in case she reads this!)
The close second is my grandson. He turned 2 this past October (so I am old) and there has been nothing like seeing him mature, laugh, cry, fuss, hug and love on me, get to read to him (over and over the same books) and hear his voice say, “I love you gampa.” Yep, close 2nd.
My wife wins, hands down. We have been through some huge changes, and are still in the middle of some… she has been my anchor through all of it. Thanks, babe!
A lady in Sudan names Wuir … who I got to tell about Christ’s love last month. Her husband was murdered by muslim rebels 2 years ago and has had difficulty living and caring for her two young children since. We cried together as she told me her story. I prayed with her and told her of Jesus’ love for her. It cost me almost $5000 to go tell her that message. God reminded me that it was NOTHING to Him, he would have paid 5 million to have anyone know that HE loves you, Wuir and me!
I would have to say my Pastors. Yes, there were two and one impacted me quite negatively and the other helped me heal.
I would have to nominate my hubbie.
While he doesn’t quite understand me, he “gets me”. Though he has not accepted Jesus as his personal Savior, and doesn’t go to church; he patiently helps me out with what ever I need in all of my designing madness while serving on our Creative Team.
A treasured moment: I was applying for licensed ministry and he was concerned that his not being a Christian would have impacted the governing board’s decision.
We’ve been married 21 years and I love him more all the time.
I would have to say my two grandsons. They are incredible young men. One is 10 and the other will be 2 in Feb. I especially like the optimism that the youngest has. You can see it in his eyes. There is nothing too big or hard or anything for him. He goes at it all full force.
I need to be more like him. He is never overwhelmed by circumstance and just pushes forward. He has never really been let down so he doesn’t let that possibility shadow his present. He is just in the here and now and loving it. I need to be much more like him.
Please be in prayer for my oldest grandson. We discussed all that Jesus had sacrificed for him last weekend. He is asking a lot of questions and I am thrilled God has put me in the place to try to provide the answers. Out conversation should pick back up this weekend.
Bo Pelini, he has revitalized the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team and he will have them competing for national titles very soon.
Okay, I know this will sound like I’m just trying to butter you up, but LISTEN CLOSELY , PETE WILSON.
My husband and I had been struggling for a long time- feeling like we were just going through the motions in our Christian walk.
Very stale, “lukewarm” and just muddling through.
God was dealing with both of us privately, but we didn’t know how to get over this hump that we had both found ourselves trying to climb .
Our dear friend Teddy Cox, a member of your church, shared with us about your series on YOUR SECRET LIFE, and gave us the website so we could watch.
I didn’t watch right away, but a couple of weeks later I did, and was just flat overcome with HOPE and inspiration and then my husband and I watched together, then started watching all the other videos on your site and you have NO IDEA the impact your messages have had on our lives and those around us. IT has changed the course of our lives! Mended relationships and drawn us so closer to our Lord. He used you to take us on this “Journey of Transparency” that we are so enjoying. My pastor has asked me to teach a class at our church on this subject…I AM SO EXCITED! Your obedience and transparancy has had a far reaching impact on the body of Christ!
So, in our “world”, it’s a toss up.
Pete WIlson, or Teddy Cox for introducing us to you.
God bless you and Crosspoint CHurch and your precious family and do know that we pray for you, for God to continue to bless and use you, and that you will remain the humble servant that you are.
My husband and I have been trying to fit in at CP since we started coming in March when Designer’s unfortunately was no more. There are a lot of CP folks in my nighborhood that I don’t know really well. I have started going to Brandi’s Mom’s group on Mondays and have met some wonderful folks. However, Carmen Cook when above and beyond and invited our family to her advent celebration. Finally someone with the spirit that you want CP to be all about. Thanks for being a wonderful person Carmen Cook!!
Tina Fey?
wow, what a great question Pete. Really made me think through the last year…
Mine would have to be…
Dr. Kennedy at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
My wife and I have tried for 8 years to have a baby, and this summer we found our deepest desire had become true: she was pregnant. But then a month ago during a routine ultra-sound they noticed something was wrong and told us the baby was about to be born (four months early), and would likely die or at best have severe brain damage. But Dr. Kennedy, who is one of the best Perintologists in the U.S. did an emergency surgical procedure on my wife and she is now doing wonderful with the baby still in the oven! Only a few doctors can do the procedure and she just happened to work here in Portland. Thank you Dr. Kennedy! Thank you Jesus!
I love the Nick Saban comment!
I would say my sister or my dad. My sister has really begun to embrace seeing the ability to serve God through every way possible and it has totally transformed the way I look at everything. My dad lost his job at the end of June. All of the sudden his security from a paycheck was gone. He has shown me the ability to lean on God and trust Him in news ways. He is showing me a tangible way of understand God’s peace, provision and faithfulness.
I nominate my friend Janet, who works as the producer for our services at church. She has stuck by me, through my daughter’s devastating illness this past year. Her gift of time has been extra special. She is one of the busiest women I know, yet she has made time in her schedule to encourage both myself and my daughter. Time is such a precious gift. I have seen Jesus through her care, on a regular basis.
My vote goes to my husband, Ian Black. He
has supported me 110% in starting my new career as a realtor. He is such a great Dad to our 3 boys too.
Jeffrey Burke. My pastor. Hands down. This dude effects the life of every person he encounters and is honestly one of the most anointed peeps I’ve met in my life. Everything he touches seems to change into something that glorifies God. His family is incredible, the people in the church he leads, come, get healed up, get strengthened, and become world changers. It takes a certain kind of leader to have that significant of an affect. He’s challenged me to become that kind of leader and I’m blessed to call him friend.
After that, my hubby, who is becoming the man of God he was designed to be (under the leading of the above mentioned). Someday my hubby is gonna be like Jeff. You wait.
I would have to say, my son. I know, I know, like I don’t talk about him enough already. I prayed and prayed and prayed to become a mother. Last year at this time, he was just a dream. How wonderfully he has impacted my life….he is literally the answer to my prayers.
That is a really hard question. There are so many people that have influenced my life this year…I might have to come back after I think a bit but for now, I’m gonna say Tina Fey.
@Brian Becker, that is so cool. I’m saying a prayer for you guys and a healthy pregnancy right now!
He’ll probably never read this, but I’d nominate my godfather. He has been the biggest constant in my life this last year and always so patient and so wise when I keep making the same mistakes over and over again. He’ll never really know how much I love him, but there isn’t a day goes by that I don’t thank God for him
x
I would nominate my friend Rebecca Moon…she has done more to provoke thought, love and action in me than anyone else this year. gotta love friends like that.
I’d have to say that it’s a tie between my cousin Kristen and my friend Julia.
Both of them helped me back away from some pretty steep cliffs this year, and I most likely wouldn’t be around right now (or gotten the help that I needed) if it weren’t for them.
My wife has had the biggest impact on my life in so many ways. She has been the greatest gift in my life ever. Not just that she is 6’1″ and I do not have to bend over to kiss her, that she has a heart like no other, and it requires me to stand a little straighter too!
The family that gave most of their lottery winnings to charity
The most important people…hmmmmm
There are several.
I think you, Pete and Joe Case because you all moved me into the blog world which has changed my daily life and allowed me to express some things through writing. (1 truly expect 10 brown nose points for this Pete)
Michael Check from YCAP- a youth home and group within the YMCA which I became involved thanks to Michael and really opened my eyes to some of the amazing things we can do by just spending some time with kids. One of the truly great people out there making a difference. I am excited to call him a friend.
Angie Smith- someone I admire daily because of what she and her family went through this last year and the positive message that they were able to generate from what most of us would have caved in from. I pray every day to have one ounce of what she does in terms of drive and determination.
I’ll stop there although there are many more I should put.
Great post Pete.
annette, the mom i met in uganda in february
I’m going w/what Joseph said….
YOU! (believe it or not)
And the winner of “Most Important Person to The Gang 2008″ is . . . . . drumroll please . . . . The Li’l Empress! Whoooo hooooo (cheeres erupt, crowd goes wild!)
Seriously, this time last year, I was feeling so hopeless and frustrated with the long wait to the fruition of this dream that God planted in our hearts so long ago. I was feeling as if the dream of our daughter might be another couple years in the making. And given the crazy wild ride that the last half of ’08 was to get to her, she is the winner. And you know what, she’s the prize, too!
I am changing mine to BrandiandBoys, her blog is an inspiration to us all. I just love reading her stuff first thing in the morning.
In a roundabout way, Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. I have been struggling the past year with my faith and the role it plays in my daily life. After everything that family went through this year, and seeing how much faith they continue to have despite what God has taken away, has me amazed – and encourages me to have that kind of faith as well.
And the “roundabout” way he is my “MIP” of 2008 is because without him and the ministry of Shoahannah’s Hope that he and his wife created, I never would have stepped out in faith and gone to China with 13 women I didn’t even know this past summer. Truly a life changing experience, one that I never would’ve had without him and the creation of Shoahannah’s Hope.
It’s really tough to pick one person. I don’t think I can. There have been different people at different points.
Here are a few…
My smallgroup – some of you might have read their blogs. But they have done nothing but encourage, comfort, love, give and inspire me – all completely unconditionally. They are each person unique and special, and together with God just all the more incredible. They have stuck with me through some really rough times this year.
Many, many teenagers & uni students – One of the girls I meet up with for coffee through our church’s discipleship programme is forever saying to me “You’re my mentor! You’re supposed to have ALL the answers”. Afraid I don’t have them all – not even close. But suffice to say all the teenagers I’ve had the chance to meet and work with through SU, Church, Powerpoint and Imagine this year….wow…you guys challenge and inspire me!
My best ‘Aberdeen’ friend – Nicola…I miss our coffees, cake eating, One Tree Hill watching and praying (ranting?) together. Her wedding day was just incredible reflection of her and her husband’s faith, values, beliefs and love for just getting alongside people. It was lots of fun and very God-glorifying. And while we’ve not lived in the same city, she’s found other ways of sticking by me through some of this year’s most difficult and challenging times.
That would be my 91-year old mom, who is still teaching me things well into my 40′s. Patience, tolerance, understanding, and compassion are areas I’ve grown in this year because of her.
For 2008 i would have to say it is a tie between my friend Anne and Gina. Anne has been huge in my 2008 process of getting married, and working through some personal issues, the only thing that puts her in a tie is that she doesnt live in my city. Gina has also been there through the 2008 process, and lives in Birmingham. So they are both rock stars in my opinion.
I just came back to add Angie Smith and her sweet Audrey to the most important people in my life this year. Reading her blog truly changed my direction.
My husband Bill, for always offering an encouraging word, for never giving up even though the move from Ca – Nashville has been a struggle financially. He is a kind and caring individual although a bit pessimistic at times he keeps me grounded.
Every woman needs a hero. I am no different. Many spend a lifetime searching for this person to no avail. To many, a hero is a person who flies around with a cape saving the world, but my hero spends his days in quiet surrender. He has earned the respect of his wife and daughters and inpires them to be better people. Is he perfect?…no. That is what makes him a hero. We see him day in and day out. Through the good and the bad. And although life has not always been fair to him he gets up everyday full of joy and hope. I’ve been married to this man for 18 1/2 years and I feel like the luckiest woman on the face of the earth. That is why the most important person award goes to my husband. (Please don’t tell him about this post….he would be so embarrased)!
@Debbie Stull, Your husband would be toward the top of my list as well. We’ve been so blessed to have him serving on our staff with us.
p.s. I won’t tell if you won’t tell.
For me right now (and please don’t roll your eyes) it’s Pat Robertson. He just amazes me for some reason. He just keeps on ticking. Yesterday he commented on some atheists who hung a sign next to a Chrismas tree in a government building somewhere that supposedly ‘dispels the myth’ of Christianity. While believers all over were getting all upset about this supposed blasphemy, Pat laughed and said, “Christians don’t care about that stupid sign!” I love it. Talk abou perspective…
My mom is at the top of my list for 2008, she probably always will be! I was diagnosed with Melanoma at the beginning of this year just shy of my 30th birthday. I under went several tests the month of February, and surgery at the end of the month. I moved in with my mom because I had just sold my home and was moving but my medical issues held me back for a while. Anyway she took days off from work so I didn’t have to go to the hospital alone for all of the testing. She took days off to be with me during and after surgery, and to “nurse me” back to health over the 3 weeks following the surgery. I am one of 4 girls who was raised by a single mom and she sacrificed so much when we were growing up and she continues to do so. She really helped lift my spirits during the scariest time of my life. The Dr who performed my surgery was also important to me this year. He did an amazing job. AND on March 5, MY 30th Birthday, I got the greatest gift I could have ever received (besides my salvation) A CLEAN bill of health. The surgery had been successful, the Dr had gotten all of the melanoma from my ear, and it had not spread to my lymph nodes!! I was also able to share my faith a little with the NP that day when she gave me the great news. Thank you Jesus! and Thank you mom for your continuing love and sacrifice.
HA! Debbie you are so right. George deserves an award for being such an amazing mentor to many, including myself!!
Pete, you inspired a blog post by me, which is rare, obviously…..but my nominee would be my mamow. Check out the post here: http://meganlwalker@blogspot.com
Crap! I always do that. Its http://meganlwalker.blogspot.com
I would have to say that the most important person to me in 2008 is my amazing husband. He is not only my best friend and my FPITW (favorite person in the world) ….he has been my cheerleader, my encourager, provider, shoulder to cry on and the one person in the world I can count on to make me laugh on a daily basis. He has loved me better than I have loved my self and continues to support me and decisions I make….struggle to make…..as I always look to him to decide for me yet he gives me the freedom and encouragement to make those tough decisions for my self while supporting me all the way. I thank God everyday for bringing him into my life.
For my world, 2008 goes to Audrey Caroline. She lived 2 and 1/2 hours but because of her parents’ obedience to God, her story and life have impacted thousands, including me. So perhaps I nominate the Smith Family (Angie and Todd) for showing us how to glorify God and honor Him in our deepest of hurts through our scariest moments; and lifting their eyes towards heaven when it would be easy to hang their heads in defeat. I am thankful to them for being real; for being transparent; and for being my friends
My first daughter! Her faith has grown so much this year and I wish I could take some credit for it…but it is NOT me!
She took on the challenge of being president of the Christian club in her public high school of 2400 students! And somehow she is keeping her European History class grades in the B dept!!! (and no, Pete, she doesn’t get paid for either of those!!!)
She has been a tremendous advocate as we deal with the emotion of our youngest daughter…I at least have 1 person always on my side! I cannot imagine just how deep her prayer life is because I swear she gives more to me than I have ever given her!
I am so thankful that God placed her in our home! She is truly an awesome young woman of God!!!
Also, my second daughter! Even though she has reminded us time and again this year that we are parent’s of a teenager, she also desires to please her Heavenly Father. To her, we just seem to get in the way though!!! Through this time with her, I am learning patience and that my Father is always attentive to my cry!
I am a truly blessed Mom of two wonderful, beautiful young ladies!
(sorry for the rambling!)
I would say Melissa Schuler…I got to see pure faith in God lived out and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed. I saw a woman who had every right to be tired and quit going show up to lead Bible study every Thursday night…She brought a prayer called thank you and one of the lines is “I am not going to wait until the pain in my body dissapears, I am thanking you right now…” wow….I am a better person having been nurtured by her and she made the biggest impact on my life in 2008!
my wife ashley… for marrying me this year.
you so cheated by taking away the Jesus option….no fair.
So my vote goes to my hubby…without him I don’t know how I would have made it through school this year. He ROCKS!
My wonderful and supportive husband! Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for such an amazing partner. Also, while technically not here yet, my sweet baby-to-be who has changed my life so much already!
I have to put my immediate family members in the same ‘given’ category that you put Jesus in, because I want to name each of them for one thing or another. Since I have done that, I will have to name Jason R., who attends your church. He eulogized my brother in February and in doing so he honored his life beautifully and helped our family through a terribly difficult time. I have always loved Jason, and I will never forget what he did for us.
my grandmother is the most important person of the year in my life. just this past week, she became a cancer SURVIVOR. she is a HUGE role model to me. her strength through this has been amazing, and now she’s here, with us, cancer free. it’s really helped to put things in perspective for me, that my life could be a lot worse. i could have been going to chemo/radiation treatments instead of taking tests or being at work when i didn’t want to do either. so she is DEFINITELY my most important person of the year.
BTW Jason and I are related. Thought that was worth mentioning since I declared my love for him.
My two kids. Eight year old Isaac and six year old Anika. We decided to move clear across the state of Washington to neighboring Idaho to my birthtown of Lewiston. They’ve been real troopers because they had to change schools, again, and make new friends. Now my kids make friends easy, but it was still a task to say good-bye to good friends and then make new friends. So because they’ve done so well, I make them my People of the Year.