Who "Inspires" You?

I just saw this "meme" on another blog. It's interesting to stop and ponder.

What five people - past or present - inspire your spiritual life??

Hmmm...

OK, we know that our Lord Himself has to be at the top of the list, so He is assumed. Your five simply follow Him. In Lutheran circles, we will also presume "Father Martin of Wittenberg" as well. :-)

So the five would be additional people who (humanly speaking) have greatly impacted your life of faith and love on this earth.

Here are mine, in alphabetical order:

Pastor Peter Bender
a hero with the heart of a catechist, who encourages others to have the same.
Dr. Ron Feuerhahn
the ultimate example of Churchman, gentleman & scholar; one of the most pastoral men I have ever met.
Bishop Walter Obare
this Lutheran Bishop of Kenya has lovingly and fearlessly stood up for what is right in doctrine and practice.
Dr. Rick Stuckwisch
for proving that a gentle, humble spirit, together with steadfast orthodox doctrine and catholic practice can truly advance the cause of authentic Evangelical-Lutheranism!
Pastor William Weedon
for the encouragement of being well-rounded, well-read, and actively engaging in the life of prayer to which we are called.

Now, I tag Pastor Weedon, the good Dr. Stuckwisch, Pastor David Juhl, Jonathan Kohlmeier, and my dear wife Kristi. :-)