Heroes

If ever there was a time that this world needed heroes, it is now. Not the magical flying kind or monster fighting kind, like in the comic books and movies. We need real life heroes who are living such a vulnerable, honest, grace, purpose and love filled life that they bring out the potential for everyone around them to be heroic themselves.

In every stage of our lives there are people that we look up to. People that we look at and think, “Wow, that is so inspiring” or “Gosh I love what they are doing in their life”. It changes as we grow and discover new passions and things that mean a lot to us. But in every stage, those heroes are there, and they give us the confidence to overcome our own fears and to find heart in the struggles. They are the people who, maybe without even knowing, make you want to be a better person or make you want to make a bigger impact in this life. They are people that leave a lasting mark on your soul, so much so that you always remember them. You share their stories, their lessons, their legacy with others.

I have many people in my life that I would consider a hero on my journey. Some of those people are family or friends, and others have absolutely no idea I exist. But they all have made such a profound impact on my life.

 I also have many animal heroes in my life. Truthfully, I often think animals deserve to be considered heroes all the time. They put up with so much from humans. So much betrayal, hurt, and abuse. So much of their land is destroyed or taken away. Their families are torn apart at far too young of ages. Their bodies are used over and over again for things humans like to eat.

However, they still find ways to love us and trust us. Our horses, for example, have all three come from very different pasts. One of them was abused to the point that it took almost a year to be able to touch him. One of them was used on a dude ranch and hauled around the heavier people that came, over rough terrain, in the summer heat, for years and years before they decided to throw him away to slaughter. One of them went 6 years without getting his feet trimmed properly, causing severe hip pain and making him “useless” for anything else. Yet, all three love us and are gentle. All three trust that we won’t hurt them and they know that they will spend the rest of their lives with us. They know they are safe with us. They just get to be horses, relax and enjoy their lives on the farm. To them, maybe they look at us like the heroes. But they are my heroes. Their ability to forgive the past hurts in their lives and move forward in their new life with us has been such a beautiful thing to witness. When I look into their eyes, and the eyes of our dogs and even our chickens, they all make me want to be a better person. I want to be the hero for all of them.

So, maybe our heroes are human, or maybe they have four feet, but whoever and whatever they are, they are pushing us to be better, they are inspiring us to do better, and they are teaching us to grow.

Don’t discount the fact that YOU may already be someone’s hero. You may be the one that inspires others, loves so well you make others want to love more, gives grace to all, and moves through challenges with grit and determination.

Every hero has a journey. Every hero has a beginning. Every hero has hard days and goes through hard times. We can all have heroes and be heroes at the same.

 This world needs more heart, more love, and more heroes.

This world needs YOU.