Happy Birthday Mother Theresa - 26 Aug. 1910 - 5 Sep. 1997

Artwork courtesy of Jochabel Reese - Copyright 1999 and 2016

It would not be right this year if I were to ignore a special birthday honoring one of humanity's dearest examples of love and service; Mother Theresa.

To me, it doesn't matter if you are Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or any other religion, or even if you are irreligious, you likely have heard the name Mother Theresa and know at least something about her.

This small woman of no more than five feet tall became known throughout all the world because she followed her heart, set out on a epic journey, and brought light to one small corner of the globe (Kolkata, India) which then radiated throughout the rest of the world.

She helped those who hated her. She nursed those who were sick. She provided beds for the dying. She delivered babes. She encouraged peace. She felt driven to serve the very least among us. She felt deep pain and battled depression. She humbly and nearly grudgingly accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She did not like drawing attention to herself and she always tried to focus the attention of the curious world to the real issues of poverty, illiteracy, seeking better medical care, the need for better hospitals, teaching better hygienic practices, and so on.

Why do I admire and care about this woman who has been gone from her mortal frame for 19 years? Because Mother Theresa inspires me. Her example makes me stop and hope to do a little good in my corner of the globe. To help someone in need. To lift a head that is hanging down. To hold a trembling hand. To hug a lonely person. To give some of my meat to nourish another's hungered belly. To speak or write something that will touch the heart and mind. To offer my time to someone else who needs it more.

I am nowhere near the person she was, but I am grateful for her example and the moments that I've had in my life to learn who she is. She blessed this earth by coming into it and she continues to bless it with the permanent impression she has left on it.

Happy Birthday Mother Theresa.