What is your list of the top ten events of 2010. Here is my top ten list. Many "events" in my list are multiple events - but events that are related.
This is not a list of the top ten most covered news stories of 2010. I invite your comments.
The Earthquakes in Haiti (January), Chile (February), and Indonesia (October) - The destructive power of nature was shown in these massive earthquakes and the aftermath of these disasters. The earthquake in Haiti caused the greatest suffering. Once again Americans responded with concern and generosity. The funds raised by celebrities, however, have often times not reached those in need. These tragedies have faded from the mainstream view. Christians were there before, during, and after the quake in Haiti. How true we find the words of Paul in Romans 8.20-23 to be: "For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to son-ship, the redemption of our bodies."
The Collapsing Western European Socialist Economy as exemplified most drastically in the bailout of Greece (April) and Ireland (November) - Margaret Thatcher was correct: "Eventually you run out of other people's money." The economic collapse will have far-reaching effects in all of Europe and the different countries attempt to prop up each other and save themselves. No longer can the governments provide everything to their citizens.
The Local, State, and National Elections in the United States (November) - This mid-term correction at the national level provides hope for a return to fiscal responsibility and reaches far down into state legislatures and governorships, as well as local governing bodies. Fueled by the "Taxed Enough Already" people and groups, this historic change is a reaction to the economic and political trends. It gives energy to the attempt to repeal the national health care legislation and has already had an impact on federal income taxes.
The Arizona Immigration Law(SB 1070 signed into law in April) - This law focused the frustration of the American people on illegal immigration and the apathy of the federal government. The Arizona Law and the challenge to it by the federal government sets up a constitutional conflict that will be resolved in 2011.
The Enactment of Health Care Legislation(March) - This new legislation will have far reaching consequences -intended and unintended, foreseen and unforeseen. The legislation does nothing to improve medical care, but it will have serious impacts on the economy, the medical profession, and the health of individuals. Challenges to the legislation will continue into 2011 in the judicial and political areas.
The Wiki-Leaks Information Dump (July and November) - The leaks and the lethargic response of the US government are alarming. Publicly the US government has not been damaged, but embarrassed. The leaks make diplomacy and the war more difficult.
The Aggression of North Korea as exemplified in the attack of the South Korean Navy ship (March) and the artillery shelling of the South Korean island (November) - North Korea has always been an unstable rogue nation. The upcoming change in leadership and North Korea's development of a deliverable nuclear weapon will cause greater instability in Asia.
The British Petroleum Oil Spill (April) - This spill certainly had immediate economic and natural consequences. The negative results of the spill were exacerbated by the slow immediate response of the Obama Administration and the long term response of the administration that has blocked much of the oil production in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Floods from the Monsoon in Pakistan (July) - This devastating natural disaster caused great suffering to that struggling nation. The devastation reminds one of the Haitian earthquake. Again I am reminded of Romans 8.20-23.
The Eruption of the Volcano in Iceland (Aptil) - Though this event had no great loss of life, the eruption and the spread of volcanic ash through the atmosphere brought air travel in Europe to a standstill for about two weeks. Once again saw the power of Creation over human endeavors, and once again I was reminded of Romans 8.20-23.
The "Feel Good" story of 2010 was the rescue of the mine workers in Chile. This event was over-covered by the news media. It's lasting effect will be the high number of sermon illustrations that grew from it.
