Why We Chose Flight 93

This year we fought evil not only with might, but with good. It seemed like nearly every horror story was matched by a tale of inspiration. Perhaps we fixed on these because we needed them--because the alternative, that the dominant human narrative is tragedy and selfishness, is too depressing to bear.

Every person or group of people on Beliefnet's Most Inspiring list lifted our hearts and sustained us. Choosing a most inspiring person is a bit like choosing the "best" gold medalist at the Olympics. We've had much heated discussion here at Beliefnet--among our users, among our editors, among our columnists and contributors.

We'd like to let you in on these discussions, which forced us to think not just about this extraordinary group of people, but about what truly inspires.

Let's start with the non-9/11 heroes. There were some who argued that we should choose someone not involved directly in the tragedy, to remind us that inspiring acts happen all the time. Mattie Stepanek, the 11-year-old poet confined to a wheelchair with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, almost received the most votes in our Beliefnet poll. Stepanek has been through emotional torture, losing three of his siblings to the same disease that he--and his mother--have. His response--to write moving, hopeful poetry--has been awe-inspiring.

Beliefnet member Hubbellmb put it this way: "Whenever I read Mattie's poems or hear him speak, I feel an utter sense of calm and peace. I have not prayed in years and find myself praying for Mattie."

Mary Kay Ash, the cosmetics entrepreneur who died this year, received many votes and testimonials, several from women who've worked in the organization. "Empowering women with confidence & self-worth has done more for this world than just given women belief in themselves," wrote mksam2.

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