Jack’s Winning Words 3/24/14
“A leader leads by example, whether he intends to or not.”  (Steve Jobs)  A poll was taken, asking whose face should be added to the Mt. Rushmore Memorial.  If you were to suggest a name, who would it be?  A President?  A woman?  An educator?  Someone said it should be Elvis.  Jobs’ quote says that it should be one who has set an example.  How about one who focuses on people, who listens, who’s open to change?    ;-)  Jack

 FROM TARMART REV:  "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22) . . . couldn't resist, Jack  . . . Scriptures like these just pop up into my head at times . . . even the Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills added a spot for Him on their timeline . . .  of course the Beatles were added as well as a world event of notoriety.====JACK:  Let's go in another direction.  If one of the images were to be removed, which one would it be?====REV:  Jack . . . you have once again stumped me . . . out of respect for the original purposeful intent, I would not add nor detract any of the images, and feel very strongly it is what it was intended to be . . . as for me, there is not a range of mountains faces that is long enough to be carved with those faces that have influenced my life into what it has become . . . yours would be carved out there carefully as well . . . always appreciated, never forgotten.

 FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  The first thought that came to my mind was our frequent tendency to keep looking for idols of man because we seem to continue seeking them out, i.e., adding a face to Mount Rushmore, Hall of Fames, Celebrity tabloids, etc. It is as if we want a god of our choosing -- like the Hebrews of old who forgot that they already had one! In any case, I agree with the previous idea; let's put the face of Jesus up there. At least we could acknowledge the "Spirit" of the Law in the face of Him and the source of Righteousness, rather than the distraction of the spirit in face of the idol.====JACK:  But, what image of Jesus would be used, if, indeed, there was an actual image of Jesus?====RAY:  Any image would be fine. Use the same criteria for what image of every other person is used. It confirms the fact that it is only an image anyway -- regardless of who or what is one's god/God/Go(d) ====JACK:  I was just alluding to the fact that, while we have actual likenesses of George, Tom, Abe and Teddy, there isn't one of Jesus. ====RAY:  I know that you were, and I actually thought about your question in my initial comment. But, nonetheless, it is clear that what image we carry is of less significance than the spirit of the image, and it is a good time to make that mention. Isn't that also one of the messages in Saul's appointment of Jesse's youngest son? Man's vision of a man is different than that of God's view.

 FROM ED DOC PAUL:  Leading who, for what,  at what time?  I bet on an international stage the current Pope would be near the top.  Yet, what has he really done to back up his words about women in the Church, gay rights, and contraception?  At least his speech is inspirational.  I wonder if we are so divided as a City, State, Country or World, that looking at someone as a role model may never happen again.  Even Nelson Mandela would have a tough time today.  I fear that people will choose a “leader” that benefits their particular cause and nots someone who has almost universal agreement that benefited the vast majority.  I realize, Jack that you wrote about the U.S.  I have heard that people are pushing hard to have Ronald Reagan added to Mt. Rushmore.  Seriously???  Good example of supporting my point of view.  Personally, I vote for Superman!====JACK:  Since the current "four" are Presidents, the "fifth" might have to be a President, too.  Talk about starting a controversy...====PAUL:  This has been on the national agenda for a long time!====JACK:  The fact of the matter is...There isn't room for another image at the site.

 FROM RS IN TEXAS:  My vote would be for MLK..====JACK:  I don't think the public was given a vote on the first four.

 FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS:  Easy (to me) – Rushmore is a tribute to political figures….the only one with similar influence in my lifetime is MLK.  What did others come up with today?====JACK:  Interestingly, no one suggested a woman.  Susan B. Anthony?  Jane Addams?   Sacajawea?

 FROM WATERFORD JAN:  Leave Mount Rushmore alone.  It seems to be one of the least controversial monuments and is impressive as it is.  I'm glad there's no room for an additional subject.  I have great respect for Martin Luther King, Jr. but he already has memorials and a national day of recognition.  We need to be careful about erecting monuments of any kind until some history has determined that the currently popular hero (male or female) has truly earned a place of tribute.  Another caution:  Respect the monuments, including public buildings, that bear a name that is forgotten so that current population suggests renaming such places.  Wofford University has an interesting history and a respectable name, although not well-known.  It deserves at least an online search to read about its generous founder and its present reputation.====JACK:  I like the hymn, Abide With Me, especially the stanza...
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see—
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
As I reflect...The original intent of today's Winning Words was to emphasize qualities of leadership.  Isn't it interesting how easily we get sidetracked?  The stone faces got the attention and not the qualities of leadership on each individual.  Mea culpa!  I begged the question.

 FROM HUNGRY HOWIE:  Did you know that three of the fours faces on Mt Rushmore were land surveyors?====JACK:  No, I did not know that.  Do you know why Teddy Roosevelt was chosen to be one of the four?

 FROM BLAZING OAKS:  "One man/woman with conviction, makes a majority" and old quote by Edmund Burke. Certainly when you are in a position of Leadership, you have influence regarding your "passion". A leader cannot be wishy-washy!  My main focus was/is Trafficking of Women and Girls, and AB Women took up the challenge and have contributed millions to that cause. I'm sure other denominations have, as well, but you have to lead by example, and put your money & time where your mouth is! Another well-known saying, "All that is necessary for Evil to triumph, is for good men(women) to do nothing"... ====JACK:  A leader leads from the front.  I read recently..."Unless you're the lead the dog, the scenery never changes."

 FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER:  I assume that it has to be an American, so Ronald Reagan gets my vote. He certainly was willing to change political parties, was willing to listen, was not afraid to make a stand and made me proud to be an American.====JACK:  Let's see...So far, 2 votes for MLK Jr, one vote each for Reagan, Pope Francis, Jesus and Superman.

 FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Probably Ronald Reagan.  He was worthy but not perfect.====JACK:  Worthy is an interesting word.  My mother-in-law, who was a church choir director, said that music sung in church had to be "worthy."