Heroes

Is there anyone who hates Superheroes other than super villains? I remember watching my favorite heroes on television growing up. I would occasionally read some of their comic books. Like many others, I enjoyed Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, but I also enjoyed some lesser knowns such as Captain Caveman, Sgt. Rock, and Hong Kong Phooey. I would love to be able to fly or have x-ray vision. It would be great to protect people from evil. 

While I still enjoy watching movies about superheroes, I prefer to hear the stories of the real-life heroes. It has been 8 years since Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger managed to land his plane on the Hudson River saving the lives of the 155 people onboard. 

William Kyle Carpenter was 21 years old when he jumped on a hand grenade while in Afghanistan in 2010. His actions resulted in losing most of his teeth and his right eye. He shattered his jaw and broke his arm in a number of places. The result is that he saved his friend's life. He is the youngest living soldier to receive the Medal of Honor. 

Recently, I watched the film Hacksaw Ridge about how Desmond Doss rescued 75 wounded men during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II while refusing to carry a weapon or to kill anyone. 

There is no shortage of heroes during wars or times of catastrophes, such as the terror attacks on September 11 or Hurricane Katrina.

There are also heroes of the faith. 

Noah believed and obeyed God when no one else around him would. People thought he was crazy, but he never lost the faith that God knew better. As a result, God saved him and his family from death. This allowed humanity to continue to exist.

Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt. The people he helped save would eventually want to kill him. He continued to believe God and the Israelites would be able to go to the Promised Land. 

No one is perfect. Superheroes have their weaknesses, like Kryptonite. Real life heroes are just people with their own problems who respond in situations and put others before themselves. The heroes of the faith had their own issues, as well. Some drank too much. Some acted promiscuously at times, some even killed for the wrong reasons. However, they put aside their reputation and even their lives for the sake of God and his people.

What about the unsung heroes in this world? The unsung heroes work behind the scenes to make things happen. The people who do not get movies made about them. Those who do not get medals.

Dr. Megan Coffee has been working in Haiti since the earthquake in 2010. She established a medical facility for those with long-term illnesses. She is not paid, and she takes public transportation to work so she can treat people. 

John R. Fox died in World War II when he called for an artillery strike on his own position when he realized the Germans would overrun them. This strike caused the enemy to delay long enough for other American units to organize a counterattack.

Heroes do not risk their lives for fame or money. They simply do it to help others. They do it for a just cause. They put themselves out there, regardless of what others will think. 

Anyone can be a hero.  We just need to put down our pride. We need to fight for what is right. We have to put others first. There are so many that need help. There is a lot of injustice that occurs. When the opportunity arises, do not be afraid to do the right thing. People need a hero. Be that hero.