Be a Hero

Heroes

Recently, I read in the news of a man heading home on the freeway and seeing an accident up ahead. One of the vehicles involved in the crash caught fire, trapping a woman inside.

Though the man wasn’t a trained firefighter or rescuer, he acted. He pulled over, stopped his own car, then pulled the woman out of her car. He said he’d seen on television how cars can explode when they’re on fire, and he couldn’t just leave her there.

Pretty dramatic story, isn’t it? In one fell swoop, this man earned enough “hero points” to last him a lifetime.

Yet, even with all the drama such stories inherently contain, one common thread I notice in all such accounts is this:

The ordinary people who save others from imminent danger reject the label we put on them. They refuse to be called a hero.

They often say they were just in the right place at the right time and that anybody else would have (hopefully) done the same thing.

What about you?

Have you been a hero to someone? Are you a hero to someone now?

A hero doesn’t have to be someone who rescues someone from a burning car or building. A hero can be someone who is just at the right place at the right time.

The circumstances can be mundane and completely not newsworthy, yet still impact someone else’s life in dramatic ways.

My dad is such a hero. Though I know he would risk his life to save someone from imminent death or bodily injury by fire, I can’t think of a time he’s ever rescued anyone from a car fire. Yet, he’s been steadily building up “hero points” day after day, year after year.

He’s been there to encourage me to do my best, and he’s always thought far better of me than I’ve felt of myself. He tells me, too. By word and example, he’s shown me that he places such great faith in me that no matter if I feel like I’ve failed in a particular endeavor, he always sees me as a success.

And, even with eight children (me being the youngest) and a wife who often required round the clock care, he still found ways to serve others outside the family. He served with distinction but without fanfare. He never got a medal for his heroism, yet to many people, he most definitely is a hero.

How about you?

Can you be a hero to someone today?

Can you encourage them to be there best?

Can you see them as a success even if they feel like they’ve failed?

Who can you be a hero to?

Do you have a child or children you can serve, motivate and cheer on, even if it's not your own child?

Do you have a sibling or a parent you can quietly but meaningfully serve?

What about your coworkers or neighbors? Could they use someone in their lives that sees them at their worst but treats them like they’re at their best?

How can you earn “hero points” by serving someone else today?

I challenge you to find someone to serve today. Find someone to be a hero to. Find someone to encourage, to uplift. Even if you can find one person and help them one time in some small and simple way, you’ve met the challenge.

Be someone’s hero.

And remember, Service is the Action Form of Love.

Daily Unsung Heroes

It’s Monday, October 13, 2008!

In some parts of the country, it’s cold and snowy today. In other places, it’s balmy. Where I am, we’ve been getting snow. I think I’m finally ready for winter. It's nice to know I have a wife and daughter who will take care of me in the cold.

Who takes care of you?

Who helps you manage your personal or business life? If you’re like me, it’s more than one person. Some people have assistants who manage the details; others have spouses who do that for them. For those who work from home, that may be the same person.

Who helps shelter you from the cold?

In most of our business, school or personal lives, there is that someone we really depend on to help us get through it.

Think about it for a few moments. Close your eyes if you need to.

Okay – do you know who it is?

Alright, now, in your mind, ask them this question:

“What have I done for you lately?”

There are so many unsung heroes in our lives. So many people who take such good care of us. If we’re not careful, we can forget the simple things, like saying please and thank you.

If we really get too focused on other things, we may even take unfair advantage of those who help us manage the day. This may impact their loyalty to us, and rightfully so.

So, let’s think about them for today.

As you go throughout the day, take a few minutes and ask what you’ve done for them.

And then, as you think about it, think also of ways you can do something – even something small and simple – to ease their burdens.

Talk to them. Ask how they’re doing. Let them know you care and appreciate them.

Write a note, thanking them for all they do. Be specific.

Bring them lunch. Buy them a coffee and a donut.

You don’t have to empty your pocketbook to let them know they’re appreciated.

And to you – my unsung heroes –

You who stumble me, digg me, retweet my challenges. You who follow my blog and pass it on…

Thank you.

Service in small and simple ways would be so much less meaningful without you.

I appreciate you!

And, remember, Service is the Action Form of Love!

James

Service Letter

It's Sunday.

To many, it's a day of rest from weekly labors. But it can also be a day to do something good.

Something positive.

Here is today's service challenge:

Spend a few minutes thinking and praying. Think of someone who you secretly admire. Someone who may be an unsung hero in your life.

When you know who it is, pick up a pen and get some paper.

Write them a letter. Tell them you notice the good they do. Be specific if you can.

Get an envelope and stamp.

Tomorrow, mail the letter.

That's all there is to it.

A small and simple service project.

Thank you for being willing to do something nice. That makes you an unsung hero, too.

As always, please pass it on.

I appreciate you!

James