Thoughts on the news of the day: power list

hmmm…..

            Hu Jintao, the President of China is considered the world’s most powerful person for 2010 according to Forbes Magazine. President Barak Obama was chosen as #2; Pope Benedict XVI comes in fifth.  They were chosen because “in various ways, they bend the world to their will.”  They do it by influencing people and financial resources in multiple spheres.  One interesting criteria is that these leaders must actually wield their power. In other words, they must use it.  The Forbes list also names several international criminals, pointing out that these choices are not meant to justify or glorify them. 

            I have a problem with making this kind of power list. Sure, it is true; these people certainly can control and manipulate whole planets of people to do their will. But is power always about money and manipulation?  I hope not. I hope that on occasion power is about doing the right thing regardless of the cost.  I hope that power is about empowering people to be the best that they can be. 

            How about if you make your own list of influential people? Who in your life inspires you?  Who makes you want to be the best person that you can be?  Who is it that makes you want to carry on, even when it would be so easy to just quit?  Who loves you, even at your most unlovable?  My hope for you today is that those are the people who have power in your life.

            hmmm…..