Heroes

We all need heroes.

Everyone needs someone to look up to, someone to trust and admire and someone who will elevate them.  For me and for many of my friends who were conceived in violence, whether parented or adopted, pro lifers are heroes. 

They stand at the gates of the killing centers to dissuade moms.  They give time, money and energy to the care centers and churches.  They open their homes and hearts on a regular basis for hurt, scared girls in distress.  They also go to legislators and lobbyists to try to save children and their parents from our modern civil rights catastrophe.

The media has a different view of heroes.  From X-Men to Jason Borne and Hanna, genetically modified or super-empowerd people are the heroes of current film and culture.  There are also super-equipped heroes like Rocketman, Batman or Ironman from movies.  

We all need heroes, but we don’t all aspire to do great things.  People sometimes just want to be protected and cared for.  Too many, I am afraid.  

There isn’t enough exposure of our true heroes.  When we see heroes on the big screen, we think, “They are enhanced, they have unlimited funds, they are supernatural.” “I could wish all day long and not ever be that hero.” That is correct.  We cannot attain what they have.  They are not real.  

There are real heroes though.  Many right in your neighborhood.  You just don’t know it because they don’t make stuff explode or kill all the bad guys.  The real heroes save lives and rescue the hurting, despairing and destitute.  They are nurses, doctors, firefighters, police, social workers, pastors, teachers, missionaries, neighbors and friends.  They are the very ordinary people who give to the food pantry, the Red Cross, shovel snow from the widow’s walkway and foster children, giving others a safe, peaceful, happier life right here in our own circles of influence.

Be the change.  That is what makes a hero.  Do something great.  You really can.  At this time of year, when we are thinking about new beginnings, think about how you can.  Take some time to ask yourself what your gifts and talents are, what your strong desires are and what you want to see changed for the better.  Then, do something.  You will be a hero for someone, maybe for yourself.