If you could host a dinner and anyone you invite was sure to come, who would you invite?
The classic question. Oddly when I contemplate those I’d invite to a dinner party, the first ten I think about are all deceased – some thousands of years ago, and some just in the past several years.
First words I think about when I look at my list of ten dinner guests?
Sacrifice. Mystery. Brilliance. Tenacity. Bravery. Sadness. Innocence. Love. Talent.
So, check out my list below and my reasoning for each invite, and then let me know in the comments who would make your guest list. Have a great weekend!
Jesus Christ
So many questions that could be answered (literally every question). Just the profound gift of salvation and how he might feel about the state of the world today. I’m sure if I work really hard and am super clever, he’d give me insight into the timing of Revelation too.
My Parents
Pretty much a no-brainer. I often see a television commercial or a news story and wonder what my Mom and Dad would think of it if I were able to blink them back into existence in the here and now. Plus, One last hug, one last kiss, and full closure for everyone.
JonBenét Ramsey
Mysteries intrigue me. My own daughter was the same age as JonBenét when JonBenét was murdered the day after Christmas in 1996. So many questions were left unanswered. Why did the police let the parents back into the house? Why did JonBenét’s father immediately go to the basement? What part did her brother possibly play in the crime? Is Katy Perry actually JonBenét Ramsey (I know, a bit far-fetched)? I’d love to have answers to this complex and extremely sad case – direct from the child beauty queen herself.
Amelia Earhart
Like I mentioned above, mysteries intrigue me. The aviator’s disappearance on July 2, 1937, remains mostly a mystery in 2023. The Kansas native set records and became an icon in the process. During her attempt to circumnavigate the globe in her Lockheed Elektra, she vanished in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on her way to Howland Island. Another mystery could be solved over dinner.
Abraham Lincoln
Ford’s Theatre in DC was a must-stop location on our itinerary when visiting our nation’s capital a number of years ago (be sure to check out the museum on the lower level). Stepping across the street to the Petersen House (where Lincoln was taken following the attack by John Wilkes Booth and died the next morning) was like stepping into the past. Lincoln is one of our most revered Presidents, and considering the state of race relations today, perhaps he’d have a unique perspective on how to turn the tide in 2023.
Olivia Newton-John
Every list of invitees online seems to have a pop culture icon or two that seems a bit out of place with all the historical figures making the cut, and my own list is no different. If you’ve followed my blog, you’ll see my love for the Australian singer/songwriter/actress/activist best known for her role as Sandy Olsson in 1978’s blockbuster “Grease” and for her many hit singles over her 50-year career.
Benjamin Franklin
Writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, publisher, printer, and intellectual bar none, Franklin seems like the kind of man who was still able to converse and connect with people no matter their intellectual level. You know, regular guys like me.
J.J. Vallow & Tylee Ryan
I still recall the first time I heard about “cult mom” Lori Vallow and watched as she stated to reporters her missing children were “fine” as she vacationed in Hawaii with her new husband Chad (his wife Tammy had died in her sleep 2 weeks prior). I remember reading where Lori searched for wedding rings on Amazon using her deceased husband Charles’ account (he was shot to death in a scuffle with Lori’s brother Alex). If you’re still following, Alex died of natural causes in late 2019, the soon-to-be ex-husband of Lori’s niece Melanie was nearly shot (assuming by Alex), and yet no one knew where Lori’s children JJ and Tylee were. That was until investigators traced pings from Alex’s cell phone to makeshift graves in the backyard of Lori’s current husband Chad Daybell. Lori was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and is awaiting sentencing at this time. Although it would be hard to hear, with this baffling case, it would be good to hear from its youngest victims.
Ronald Reagan
Like him or despise him, Ronald Reagan was an actor, President, father, and husband that lived an interesting and charismatic life. I always admired his love and devotion for his second wife Nancy (although she seemed a bit cool and aloof to me as an outsider). I bet Ronnie would have great stories to tell about his acting career and would certainly keep the guests talking.
Captain Edward J. Smith
With the recent submersible tragedy bringing Titanic back into our collective conscious, I think it would be fascinating to discuss the 1912 sinking of the unsinkable ship during its maiden voyage with the ship’s captain, who was set to retire shortly after this final voyage. Judging from his depiction in James Cameron’s 1997 film epic, I think Captain Smith would fit nicely in this little dinner party.
Now it’s your turn!
Let me know who would make your short list of dinner guests (living or dead) by leaving a comment and also telling us why you chose that individual.
MOTEVENTURE 