Most of us
(except, perhaps, for the most jaded)
have heroes,
folks we admire for the sacrifices they make,
the causes they defend,
the love they share,
the ideas they espouse,
the courage they demonstrate,
the ideals they live.
Our heroes tend to swim upstream,
lead by example,
lift up others (in place of themselves),
speak prophetically,
remind us of what it means to be truly,
honestly, fully human (that is, to live
with joy, hope and compassion).
They may be known...or not.
They may be a favorite author,
religious leader,
entertainer...
or a friend,
family member,
neighbor.
I see heroism in hospital beds,
under urban overpasses,
in office cubicles,
in assisted living facilities,
heroes who fight on, despite illness,
addiction,
abuse,
poverty,
corporate soullessness,
the slow decline of age.
Heroes are those
who face the journey
unsure of their resources
or the outcome,
those who continue on, despite setbacks,
criticism,
ridicule,
institutional inequality,
cultural obstacles,
inner demons.
Do you have a mirror nearby?
Take a look...
and meet (and celebrate)
your newest hero.
Text and image © 2018 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.
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