One Came Along

This month, October, we celebrated the national heroes in our island nation. The place where I took my first breath. Where my values and strength of character began to take formation. These heroes are those who sacrificed and paved the way for generations like mine. Those whose blood, sweat and tears do not go unnoticed. I reflected on the idea of a ‘hero’ – one who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities (Oxford Dictionary). If you are like me, you see many untrumpted heroes around you everyday. They may never get a place at the podium, or have their names glittered in lights, but we can agree that they’ve added much depth and meaning to our lives and that of many others. I think about them often. Often times admiring them from afar.

Have you ever had one come along just when you needed them the most? One came along and made you smile, helped you walk again, showed you ‘how to’ when you just couldn’t. They were all fashioned in special ways for unique purposes. Often uncommon and rare in their commitment to their calling.

Our lives connecting wasn’t by happenstance. When people touch your life in marked ways -even if just for a moment in time- I see the hand of God. He never created a life without purpose. Heroes, especially the ‘everyday’ ones, have discovered meaning to this thing called life. They realize that they don’t just live to and for themselves. Touching lives is what they do. Sometimes when you fall asleep on life, they come by to wake you from your slumber. They pop by to re-ignite flames in you that may have stopped burning. They inspire you back to your place of passion and desire. I’ve met a few along life’s road.

They show up even when being present is hard. Sacrifice is part of their lifestyle – they give sometimes from a place of little. Our unsung heroes frequently lead and support from a place of obscurity, never desiring to be seen by the masses. They are comfortable in their own skin and are at peace with their limitations, while they are intentional with their strengths. They use them for the greater good. Their eyes and heart are always on the alert- seeking ways to touch and build lives in their space.

Heroes come along , in many cases, unnoticed. Never seeking to attract attention. They show up in the trenches, get their hands dirty, take a chance on something – on someone. One just may be right by you now- in your circle, simply unseen. She may go by the title mother, grandma, teacher, coach, friend or neighbor. He may be the dad who always held your hand but needs you to hold his now. He believed in you when no one else did. He always checks in – has little to offer but gives of his heart. Stop a minute and look around. Your unapplauded hero may just need to be seen or heard today. To be reminded that he or she is valued and seen.

I believe God made a ‘hero’ in each of us. As you rise, be deliberate and purposeful about giving of yourself to someone along the way. Take someone with you. Invest in someone other than yourself. Wherever you go, choose to not leave people drained and empty – leave hope and encouragement. Be the answer to someone’s prayer today. Awaken the ‘hero’ in you’; you may find the life you just enriched is your very own.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3 (AMP)