Have you ever wondered who heroes really are? How did they get their fame and notoriety? Did they plan it or did it just happen? Where are the real hereos? Heroes In The Midst!

Heroes - “c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d: one that shows great courage,” Merriam-Webster. So many times growing up I had different heroes and then I found out that they were just regular people like you and me. Some of them were idolized and presented to me as super human, but in reality they weren’t. Some just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Others who I thought were heroes weren’t really heroes at all. Now, I want to talk about the heroes that aren’t so well known at all. We are approaching the Christmas season and I would like to thank all the heroes in our midst and maybe help them get some of the credit they deserve too.

I think the first line of heroes in our midst are most of our parents, grand parents, guardians, and role models. You know the ones. You saw their faces as you read the first sentence of this paragraph. They are the ones who have given unselfishly of their time to help us become who we are. They don’t expect anything in return, except maybe a hug or two from time to time. Here’s to them. May the Lord bless them abundantly, make His face shine upon them, and shower them with His peace.

The next category of people I think of are our friends who have been there for us. They stood by when they didn’t have to and even when it was embarrassing to them. Do you have any of them? Let them know if you can. There are also strangers who fit into this category. Maybe they’ve seen a way they could help and just stepped in out of the goodness of their heart. These include volunteers in many types of organizations.

Next are those who are paid to do a job or service but go out of their way to help. They put theirs hearts into it to make sure we mattered. You are seeing their faces too. They may even be people that work with you.

Then there are those who are just really kind. They open the door for people. They always have something kind to say. They smile at others and are genuinely interested in others well-being. They are heroes too.

In this season of giving, let us remember to give back to the ones who have given so much for us. Send them a card, tell them the next time you see them or just do something special for them.

Share a smile with someone today. Tell someone thank you for an act of kindness. Open a door for someone and let them go in front of you. Find a way to bless others. First, it will change their life if only for a moment. Secondly, it might even be the start of a good relationship. One of the things I like to say to the cashier at the stores we shop when they are getting ready to ring up the total is, “Do we get a 50% discount today?” I do this especially if I sense that the person is having a rough day. I say it in a light tone and then I look up with a smile. Every time so far, it gets them to at least smile and most laugh or giggle. For a moment, they had a laugh. For a moment, there was something good about their day. It’s only a small thing, but it might be something big to them. Take moments throughout the day of your busy, busy, busy schedule and let others know they matter too. It doesn’t have to be something big or time consuming.

Lord, I ask that you bless the heroes among us. Shower them all with your love and blessings. Help others to give back to them, abundantly. Let your love spread through us all that we may truly be a blessing to those around us. Help us to be heroes. Help us to go beyond ourselves to help those in need. Let our lives take on a new meaning as we share Your love with others.

Share this post with others if you like. Just copy the url address above and paste it in an email. Make the prayer above your prayer also and let’s pass on the blessings. Christmas is a wonderful time. Let those around you know they are appreciated.

Joseph James