Ted Kennedy, Madonna and Rob Bell

What the heck do these three have in common? Well, I was inspired by all three this morning. Really.

I was shocked to find out that the Lion in the Senate had passed away when I turned on my computer yesterday. I then spent time talking over his life with Hannah and realized that the first thing I thought of was Chappaquiddick. All these years later (I was only 10 when it happened) so I know it made a deep impression. I did some poking around on the computer and did find some references to the scandal that I remember: that he didn't talk to the police until 10 hours after it happened (and then only after they contacted him), that there were rumours that she was pregnant (unconfirmed because no autopsy was done). So much potential for wrong, for cover-up, for preferential treatment. It led to an interesting discussion with my daughter. So why am I inspired, you wonder? Because despite whatever happened (or maybe because of it) and the way it tainted his life, Ted went on to do amazing things for the underdog in our country. Redemption, a second chance, an ability to do good after doing incredible wrong. Isn't that what God offers us? Isn't that what Jesus' death and resurrection is all about?

Rob Bell is pastor and writer in Grand Rapids, Michigan and I've had the privilege of hearing him speak at my church - Vineyard Community Church in Shoreline. Just this morning I finished his book "Jesus Wants to Save Christians" and I wanted to do a cartwheel and shout "whoo - hoo" to what he had to say. I really loved the chapter entitled, "Swollen-Bellied Black Babies, Soccer Moms on Prozac, And The Mark of the Beast." If that doesn't pique your curiosity then don't read it because you probably won't have ears to hear (or, more accurately, eyes to read/comprehend). I do hope it does pique your interest enough to check it out and get an overview of the Bible in a whole new way. I gobbled it up. It gave me hope that the Church might actually be a force for good in our broken world.

So far so good. But Madonna? I'll admit that even I was surprised by this one (and reminded not to put up any walls that divide and create an Us vs Them). Madonna spoke out to an audience of 60,000 and told them that their treatment of the Roma or Gypsies was wrong. And thousands of them booed her. She spoke of equality and freedom for all and then went on with her concert. Just like that. Oh, and she included Roma dancers in her performance. I'm impressed that she took that stand, that she challenged the audience that supports her. I'm also inspired that she didn't defend or get angry but simply stated her view, took the criticism and then went back to doing what she does best. I think that took incredible courage and I'm hopeful that others will be inspired by her as well. Perhaps even some of those that booed her. Small acts of courage (as well as the big ones) do make a difference.

Thank you Madonna, Rob Bell and Ted Kennedy.