Heroes

A hero is defined as one “of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.”  There are fictional heroes like Superman and Spiderman.  There are military heroes like George Washington, Alvin York and Norman Schwarzkopf.  There pioneering heroes like Lewis and Clark, Chuck Yeager and Neil Armstrong.  There are the contemporary heroes like the men and women serving in the military, police, fire fighters, and EMTs.  We acknowledge and celebrate these heroes.

But there are also heroes that go unnoticed.  Their courage and nobility is seen in their care for their families, faithfulness in their marriages, and responsibility in raising their children.  These are the unsung heroes.  Our society doesn’t often celebrate their commitment and sacrifice.  In truth, the fidelity and responsibility of these heroes, these committed moms and dads, are often mocked in the media.  The heroes portrayed on big and small screen portray values that would tear a family apart and leave scars on the fabric of society itself.

I’m no prude or, at least, I don’t think so, but I find very few movies that I would pay money to go and see.  I find very few programs on prime time television that I’d feel comfortable watching with my kids or my mom.  Is it nostalgia for the “good old days”?  Am I just out of touch with societal trends? Or have we as a people been willing to let the media define our heroes for us?  That would surely explain why Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Tom Cruise are given airtime even on newscasts.

Face it; we cannot rely on the media to provide role models or heroes for us or our children.  Moms and dads must bring clarity and definition for their children – both in their words and in their actions.  Moms and dads must BE heroes.  Moms and dads must point out heroes.  Moms and dads must give positive reinforcement for positive behavior.  Moms and dads, WE are the ones who will, who must make a difference.

“So we make  it our aim to please Him …” (2 Corinthians 5:9)