I’ve been reading Billie Jean King’s Pressure is a Privilege. It’s simply written, with no pretense. I was a tot when Billie Jean played the infamous Battle of the Sexes with Bobby Riggs in September 1973. Yet, even though I never watched that match, it was something that I heard about repeatedly. It was, in a word, one of the siginificant events that leveled the playing field between men and women (at least in tennis) and made the U.S. Lawn and Tennis Association reward women appropriately for their achievements. It also gave force to Chapter IX which allowed women to gain scholarships and academic/sports opportunities which were only available to their male counterparts.

Among inspiring people, Billie Jean King definitely falls on that list. Others include Arthur Ashe, Nelson Mandela, and Mohandas K. Gandhi. There are so many more, but I name these few people, because I view them as operating out of a higher intelligence. They are/were channels through which a higher spirit operated. They did things for the greater good of human beings. They realized it in the moment and seized the opportunity and never let go.

There are many people who are wealthy, powerful and successful but not all are inspiring. Some operate for their own empowerment or to increase their wealth. Not all have the spirit that I mentioned above.

I have a doctor friend who just got married. Recently she was called to Uganda to work with a pediatric nurse. She felt scared because it’ll be her first time to Africa. Obviously, most people would be enjoying their honeymoon right now, but not her. She operates out of selflessness and truly believes in helping other people. I admire her greatly.

In a world where celebrities are worshipped and given privileges meant for Greek gods, it’s hard to realize that most are not inspiring. Truly famous people do things not to become famous. They do things because of a higher calling and purpose. Along the way, fame follows. They remain humble and have a grounded perspective. They are gifts from God.