I recently heard Tony Campollo speak. Even though I'm a fan of Mr. Compollo, my mind generally wanders no matter who is speaking. This time was no different. His preaching was called "Red Letter Prayers" and I couldn't tell you a thing about those. But what I can tell you is a story he told about Mother Teresa...anyone could talk about Momma T and they'd have my attention.


So there was this big town meeting in this little town somewhere is some state. There was a mental institution down the road who had some patients who were well enough to enter society. The idea of making eight halfway houses for the patients was proposed and every town member said 'noway'. There was a unanimous vote against the development of such a place. Just so happens Mother Teresa was in this same little town and she got wind of the vote. She marched right into the meeting got on her knees and said "For the love of Christ, give these people a place to live". After moments of silence the head-town guy suggested a re-vote, and there was another unanimous vote, however this time for the approval of the halfway houses.


After the story Tony Compollo goes on to suggest that the reason Mother Teresa had such authority in such a place was because of her consistent sacrifice, and that sacrifice of any kind is the foundation of power and authority.


William Booth said it too:
"The greatness of a mans power is the measure of his surrender".