“So many misconceptions surround the notion of heroism. Far too many categorize a hero as a champion on the battlefield, a commander of legions, a master of rare talent or ability. Granted, there have been heroes who fit those descriptions. But many men of great evil as well. Heed me. A hero sacrifices for the greater good. A hero is true to his or her conscience. In short, heroism means doing the right thing regardless of the consequences. Although any person could fit that description, very few do.” (Brandon Mull, Beyonders: A World Without Heroes, 110)
Those words resonated with me as I was re-reading Beyonders yesterday in preparation for reading the second book in the series. I love this description of heroism, because it suggests that regular people can accomplish great things, if they do it for the right reasons.
It sometimes feels like, we live in a world lacking in heroes. I know, there are plenty of heroes that fit the misconceived description. There are even a few heroes that “do the right thing regardless of the consequences” but they are hard to find amidst all the cacophony of causes and complaints that barrage us daily.
I find myself wanting to hide under the covers because I feel like I am constantly tilting at windmills.
But perhaps a true hero keeps tilting at the windmills, even when faced with the impossibility of success.
Perhaps I have been looking for heroes in the wrong places . . . I’ve been looking for the ones that shout the loudest and make themselves known. But, when I think about it, the most heroic people I know are the quiet heroes. The ones who fight battles without need for recognition. The ones who seek to make change by setting good examples and speaking quiet truths. I’ve met teacher heroes and blogging heroes, I’ve met single mother heroes and artist heroes. I’ve met married heroes and single heroes. Heroic people are everywhere, but they don’t always get noticed in the middle of the chaos and the noise.
I believe it is time for me to, once again, celebrate the quiet heroes I’ve met in this world, because through them I honestly believe that the world can be a better place. I’ve written about some of them in previous posts:
But I feel the need to find more of these quiet heroes in our world.
Who are the heroes in your life? Who do you admire for the way they approach the world?
Does anyone want to tilt at windmills with me?