Heroes Among Us
We all know the big heroes—the ones movies are made of, where someone has the ability to save a town, save lives, fight the evils of the world. While all of that is definitely important, I believe each of us has the potential to be a hero every day. Extracting from the dictionary, these are some of the meanings that resonate for this occasion: A person who is greatly admired; idealized for possessing superior qualities in any field; Being of extraordinary strength and courage. Someone who “saves the day.”
“A full-fledged, high-test, capital “H” Hero, to me, is still someone who risks his/her own safety to save the life of another. But an everyday hero, a “hero light,” a hero with a small “h” is someone who—with no thought of being recognized, thanked or compensated—does something to make someone else’s life a little happier, a little easier, a little more bearable.” — Kathryn Lerro
How many times have you heard or even said “you’re my hero”? To the person being rescued in the moment, their hero’s act meant the world to them. It hits us all individually when someone else stops what they are doing and takes the time to lend a hand, idea, or their time to make our lives work better in that moment. The impact of the gesture can last a lifetime.
A biblical reference would be Jesus and his healing. The Divine Hero. His works included walking on water, stopping the storms, reviving health, restoring cut limbs, raising the dead. But to him, nothing was any greater or more labor-intensive than the other. He used the same approach to each situation. To the people he healed, each issue he transformed was meaningful and of great importance to the one it was happening to.
“Real heroes are all around us and uncelebrated.” — Peter Capaldi
Let’s bring it back to the everyday hero. I happen to be married to one. I’ve known him for over 40 years. He is not a doctor or firefighter or scholar. He is an ordinary man who has done extraordinary things. He is a trained first responder. Some of his acts of heroism have included saving lives (not just one), and limbs. He was the first on the scene of a car that flipped and went off the road (an accident he witnessed as it happened). Another time a truck lost control and turned over on the highway late in the evening and had dropped pipes all across the interstate. He didn’t even hesitate to immediately investigate these situations to see what needed to be done. He held a woman after trying to resuscitate her, after a heart attack at work. His talents extend to fixing cars, building houses and everything in between. I’ve watched him consistently check on neighbors who could use someone looking out for them. His temperament is steady, calm, controlled and decisive. He was nicknamed “the fixinator” because he always seemed to find a solution to someone’s dilemma. He has been facing a different kind of challenge over the last three years. In the face of such difficulty and uncertainty, he continues to be as available as he can be for those who need his help. He is finding his way and discovering alternate ways of doing things. The hero pushes forward and finds a way or makes a new one.
“A hero is someone who in spite of weakness, doubt, or not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway.” — Christopher Reeves
I also have a friend who I watch tend to those in need with a loving, selfless affection, and attentiveness. Her specialty love language is baking and she never goes to visit empty-handed. It has brightened the days and lives of countless people, including mine. She’s my hero when I’ve needed a pick-me-up and she bakes (just for me) my favorite cookies at midnight!
Another friend is an incredible listener. She has supported so many people just by being there for them, offering encouragement and support—the kind of friend who still listens even if you’ve lamented over the same kind of problem for years.
Other people who come to mind are those who simply show up! I have a friend who makes it a point to show up and be present for as many grand openings, events, fundraisers and birthdays as possible. She has a budget for giving and joyfully spreads it around.
One of my male friends is a constant support to his children and grandchildren. Instead of just saying what a man, friend, father or grandfather should be, he shows it. He makes himself available for all their occasions and needs. He shows up!
“I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.” — Maya Angelou
This topic could be an entire book filled with examples of everyday heroes and what they do. I believe you are a hero to someone in your life. I encourage you to look for the heroic in each person whose path you cross. Continue to bring out the good, see the good and be the good in each others’ lives.