When Someone Is Honored...

When someone is honored old memories (like dead batteries) become recharged and capable of empowering once again.

When someone is honored a fire is stoked. It draws together people who cherish the same values, and it warms them to the core.

When someone is honored people are inspired to persevere, because they can see that the contributions their lives make really do matter to others.

When someone is honored deep sentiments are spoken, like buried treasures being unearthed. Buried gems have no value, but brought to the surface they enrich many.

When someone is honored many people are honored, for family and friends, in ways great and small, have made contributions in the life of the honoree. It is a celebration of the return on their investment.

When someone is rightfully honored Heaven rejoices, for God enjoys adoring His kids through His other kids.

When someone is honored faith begins another growth spurt, for God's wisdom, providence, handiwork, and faithfulness are on brilliant display.

The heroes I'd like to mention today are Lydia and Corban Shaw, who, last night, brought honor to their Uncle Bob and Aunt Leslie in a beautiful surprise celebration of their 20th anniversary. Great job, guys! The meaningful evening brought joy and encouragement to many.

Clusters of Kindness

I didn't mean to skip a couple days after my last post. Busy days. The deeds of consideration, however, continued. Nothing huge (like watermelons), just lots of tiny, sweet ones (like grapes).

I saw a young man lend a much-needed helping hand in a project without being asked. I heard him sprinkle encouraging words at an opportune time. I saw a tired young lady after a long week's work jump to her feet several times to serve others. I observed the non-stop industrious hands of a calm woman pleasantly working for the benefit of many. I listened to the late night piano music of another young lady after her long work day, who took it upon herself to pour peace into her father's spirit as he drifted off to sleep.

None of these were colossal deeds of heroism. They were all rather small, but very delicious and, bunched together, extremely filling and satisfying. Instead of snarfing them down mindlessly, I slowly savored each one. This morning, the aftertaste still lingers.

Who says you have to "feel" like it?

The unselfish deed I want to recognize today came near the end of the day. One of my married daughters (with a toddler and a newborn) called after supper, feeling feverish and yucky. A teenage sister would be such a help to her tomorrow by coming over to watch kids, fix lunch, and do dishes so Mommy can stay in bed. The teen who usually gets the nod (my 19-year-old) has been working hard for days and starting to feel run down. My 17-year-old is willing, but is just recovering from a cold. My 15-year-old is asked if she'd "like" to do it. The feelings say, "I'd rather not." The choice, however, has nothing to do with feelings. Of course she'll do it. It's that simple. Her love-in-action makes Tynae my "Hero of the Day."

Did anybody's unselfishness strum your heartstrings today? I'd enjoy hearing about it!

The heroes that hide among us

My 7-year-old son's fascination with superheroes stirs up old feelings and memories inside me. When I was his age, playing "superhero" meant 3 things:

1) A Costume. With a cape, naturally. It was THE telltale sign.

2) Special Powers. One entire summer I could shoot lightning bolts from my fingers. I got my lightning powers from my Dad's expensive black leather winter gloves, which were re-energized whenever I dipped them in a mud puddle. (Dad discovered them, all brown and crusty, in December --- not a pleasant memory.) I also pretended to have super strength, vision, hearing, speed, and flying powers. I never wanted the ability to become invisible, though. After all, the whole point of being a superhero was to receive...

3) Recognition. In my young mind, heroes' costumes and abilities should be seen and admired by all. Wasn't that what made them heroes?

Hollywood is resurrecting old-time fantasy heroes for entertainment (most recently Captain American and Green Lantern), but it seems that the modern definition of the word "hero" keeps getting shallower. People today commonly idolize celebrities because of their talents, lavish lifestyles, or eccentric behaviors, and mislabel their idols as "heroes." Is anyone else out there tired of the shallow, meaningless fluff that networks and publicists think we should get excited about?

The purpose of this blog is to recognize TRUE HEROES, unsung, everyday heroes who go about their unselfish deeds under the radar. These are the "givers" hidden among us who, in big ways and small, unflambuoyantly put the wellbeing of others above their own. I am on the lookout for untrumpeted love, stealth kindness, and inconspicuous sacrifice, and I intend to post what I find on a daily basis. Let's see how it goes for a week, anyway. If anyone out there wants to comment about similar findings, I'd love to hear about recent unselfish deeds of real heroes you've observed in action. July 4th is a great time to start a Hero Watch.

Today's Hero: I saw many selfless acts today, but I'll go with my son-in-law, Isaiah. During our 4th of July family cookout, he volunteered to play in the back yard with the little ones (not a small group) so other sunburned parents could relax in the cool indoors. He wasn't roped into it; he simply chose to serve. He didn't do it as a duty either. He gave it his all to give them a really great time. What a dad, husband, uncle, brother-in-law, and son-in-law!