The Words We Use

Sunday November 5, we had a 'mass shooting' in a small Texas community church. So much carnage, yet two men stepped up and made a difference. Many have hailed them as 'heroes'. A few months ago there was a horrible flood in Texas. Many volunteers came in with boats, food, supplies, and comfort. These volunteers and many others in that incident were hailed as heroes. During the Las Vegas shootings as well, there were police officers, first responders, and even common citizens, who at great risk to themselves helped others, and were tagged as heroes as well.

The word hero is used a lot lately and with good reason. In the above incidents people have stepped in to help others for good purposes. In many of these instances the recipients of the blessings were strangers to the heroes involved. What is involved in being a hero?

Merriam Webster dictionary gives us this definition of Hero:1) a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability:2) an illustrious warrior:a person admired for achievements and noble qualities:3) one who shows great courage 4):the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work:the central figure in an event, period, or movement

In the first paragraph examples, parts of definitions two and three fit the mold.

• Tomorrow is veterans' day. We often of late hear people say to our military, "Thank you for your service". Those in the military indeed have or are serving by protecting this country and its citizens. 
• A hero can also be a leader in the community that has done, or accomplished an admirable task.
• Completing a noble task with dignity and courage is noteworthy. Some times completing a task no matter how it comes out is noteworthy. Noblesse Oblige ~
• Showing the courage of our convictions; putting our money, time, or something of ourselves where our mouth is.
• However, sometimes a hero can be a simple person doing their every day tasks. A father or mother doing the everyday things in spite of their want to's. 

For example, the  season is upon us when the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" is shown often. George Bailey wants to travel the world. On his honeymoon he begins a journey to help his fellow humans. Denying himself he eventually comes full circle to where, after years he is repaid by his friends and neighbors. 

Heroes are not only out fighting battles, they are also found in the common lives around us. Yes, they are found on the literal front lines of battlefields, but also in the spiritual battles that rage amongst us at home. Some have wondered out loud in these days when violence seems to surge around us, even in the peaceful valleys of life, what can we do against this violence and hate? What can we do? During an interview a local "Pastor" mentioned in passing that our society has taken God out of everything. He was then asked if he thought that was the problem. His further answer was no, but we as Christians believe that we are in a spiritual battle and...

I would submit that his answer should have been, 'yes and' we are in a spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of people. The violence that we see around us is because when we take God out of everything evil fills that void. When evil fills the void hatred, violence, and spiritual ugliness fills the society. Christians need to 

• stand up,  God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but of hope, and courage
• speak up, Just as in the days when Chick Fillet was under attack and Christians flooded their restaurant in silent support, Christians or people who call themselves Christians are still the majority in this country.
• step up, Far too long those who are taking this country down the socialist/communist pathway have had their day in the sun. Yes, many of us have grown used to letting Leroy run things. (Leroy is a generic name for anyone else). We don't want to disrupt our lives, so we allow 'other people' to run for government office, fill in the political spectrum. We have a whole mixed bag of characters some good, but many just opportunists in our political machine. 

"And what shall I more say? for the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens." (Hebrews 11:32-34 ASV)

Hallelujah! What a Savior!