Lance Armstrong, Barack Obama, and Martin Luther King Jr.

Lance Armstrong, Barack Obama, and Martin Luther King Jr.

These three names are near the top of the search charts these days.

For Lance Armstrong, he’s facing the aftermath of his admission to doping during his career as a cyclist.  This past week on the Oprah Winfrey Network he came clean about years of “systematic doping” which led to winning the Tour de France seven consecutive years.  He had his Olympic bronze medal stripped from him this past week.  And I’m guessing that he opened the door for countless lawsuits in which people and companies will seek to be compensated for the damage they faced as the hands of Armstrong to their finances, their reputations, and their careers.  It could get pretty ugly for Lance.  I’m sure he could use a little grace and mercy as he faces the penalties and ridicule that he certainly deserves.

For Barack Obama, he’s being inaugurated today for his second term as President of the United States.  He certainly faces some uphill battles of his own in the coming four years.  I’m sure he’s made plenty of mistakes throughout his life including during his first term.  No matter what, some people will love him and some people will dislike him.  With the state of the economy, the situations overseas, and the decisions to be made within our borders, it could be a pretty tough four years for Barack and his family.  I’m sure he could use a little wisdom to go with some grace and mercy as he faces the challenges that await him.

For Martin Luther King Jr., this is a day we remember.  Many will be talking about his famous “I Have A Dream” speech today as they celebrate the man who spoke openly about a dream for equality for all people regardless of race or gender.  Many strides have been made in this department since King said these words as evidenced by the election of Obama to the highest position in our country.  But I’m sure more could be done to bring about equal opportunities for education and career/jobs.  For me MLK Day reminds me that there is still work to be done for his dream and for my own dreams.

So how do these three people fit together.  In a way, I can identify with each of them on small levels.  While I haven’t committed the highly public mistakes that Lance Armstrong admitted to this week, I’ve made my fair share of blunders over the years.  I could definitely use some grace and mercy.  While I don’t hold the responsibility of leading our country, I am a leader in my home, at work, and in my church.  I could definitely use wisdom to go with the grace and mercy.  And as for the MLK Day reminder, I have dreams.  I must continue to go after these dreams with a passion and drive that is relentless.  And I must continue to standup for the rights of those who can’t speak for themselves.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:8-9

What are your thoughts on Lance Armstrong, Barack Obama, and Martin Luther King Jr.?  How do you identify with them?  What’s your dream?