Jesus - A man who was unsurpassed in authority, power, integrity, wisdom, fervor and love, yet he was approachable, merciful, gentle, and humble. He called it like it was. He challenged and frustrated the arrogant. For the weak, he saw the best in them, and provided them the power and opportunities to prove to themselves and demonstrate for others the best. His home was heaven yet he lived with the poor. He was a king, yet he stripped and knelt to wash the feet of those who were to desert him. Ultimately, he suffered an unwarranted torture and murder so that hope, grace and mercy would prevail. Now, he lives so that hope, grace and mercy may be experienced by all who recognize him as the source and reason for these gifts. Did I mention, I know him.
For more on Jesus, check out The Bible.
Samuel Whittemore - Perhaps the man of greatest testicular fortitude I have ever come across. At 80 years old, the former British officer, decided to come to the defense of the country he came to love--the United States. Apparently, some British Soldiers were retreating from a battle during the Revolutionary War while looting and burning towns on their way south from Lexington and Concord. This geriatric would have none of it. He grabbed his rifle, dueling pistols and sword. He waited behind a small stone wall as the British soldiers approached. When the soldiers were at point blank range, old man Whittemore stood and fired his rifle, killing one Brit, he then drew his dueling pistols and fired two shots killing two more men. Unable to reload, he drew his sword to engage in hand to hand combat. During this, he was shot in the face and fell to the ground. Not to be outdone, Mr. Whittemore began to pick himself up while continuing to fight his sword againt enemy bayonets. However, he was struck in the head with the butt of a rifle and bayoneted 13 times. The British continued their retreat. After the British had fled the area, militiamen came to see the dead body of the brave Sam Whittemore. But to everyone's surprise, the old man was alive. In fact, he was reloading his rifle! Now that is Epically Awesome. Good Ole Sam lived another 18 years, dying of old age.
The Spartan 300 - Who doesn't know this story? The Battle of Thermopylae. 300 Spartan warriors* against several hundreds of thousands of the Persian Army. The 300 fought off the massive army for 3 days. The Spartan 300 are an example of self-sacrifice, pride, fitness, brotherhood, honor, courage, commitment, skill and intelligence.
*The Spartans did have the help of approximately 1000 other men.
William Wilberforce - At the age of seventeen, he inherited a large amount of money, and began living a rather hedonistic lifestyle for several years. Using his money, charm and wit, He became a member of parliament at the age of 21. In 1784, at age 25, he had a conversion and turned to Christianity. From here, he turned his energy toward the abolition of slave trade. For twenty years Wilberforce fought politically, spiritually and some may argue physically for the end of slave trade. In 1807, the parliament voted overwhelming to abolish the trade and transport of slaves. William Wilberforce fought for a cause that was unpopular but absolutely correct. His awesomeness is not seen in his recognition of the evil of the slave trade, but that he continued the fight for 20 years. He continued the fight until justice prevailed.
