Steve Goodier
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LifeSupport Systems By Steve Goodier
HEROES AMONG US
Not every Marine is a hero! During field training exercises at Parris Island, South Carolina, one drill instructor threw a pinecone among the recruits and yelled, "Grenade!" The trainees immediately turned away and hit the ground. "Just as I suspected," chided the DI. "Not a hero among you! Didn't anyone want to jump on that grenade to save the others?"
A little later the instructor threw another pinecone and yelled, "Grenade!" This time, all the recruits but one jumped on the "explosive."
"Why are you still standing there?" the DI demanded.
"Sir," the recruit replied, "someone had to live to tell about it."
Not everyone is a hero. But then, not every hero is instantly recognizable. For heroes do not always wear uniforms and perform mighty acts of valor.
Do you know a hero? I think perhaps you do. Heroes, you see, can be found in some of the most unexpected places! I knew a young mother who was slowly dying of cancer from a hospital bed, yet she put aside her pain long enough every day to smile and laugh with her children. And I watched her husband fill the roles of single parent and financial provider, and still spend every remaining moment sitting at his mate's bedside, valiantly encouraging and offering whatever hope he could muster.
I have known talented teachers who could have worked at far more lucrative professions, yet were determined to stay in a disadvantaged school in the hope that some of their kids might succeed.
I have known students who, against great obstacles at home, persevered in the hope of someday "making something" of themselves.
I have known people from all walks of life face their difficulties with optimism, determination and courage, daily overcoming the impossible. These are the heroes among us.
Many of the world's true heroes have never seen battle, cannot compete athletically and will never sing in a pop band. They have been too busy plodding away in less glorified arenas.
Do you know a hero? Perhaps one lives in your home. And quite likely, one looks back at you from the mirror. For it is in these everyday battles of the spirit that true wars are fought and won. And it is these "everyday" heroes who remind us that anything is possible, one day at a time.
From RICHES OF THE HEART, by Steve Goodier
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Life Support System Publishing, Inc. P. O. Box 237 Divide, Colorado 80814
Steve Goodier is a professional speaker, consultant and author who resides in Divide, Colorado. Purchase his books or sign up for his free newsletter here: http://LifeSupportSystem.com Or call 1-877-344-0989 Free shipping (USA/CAN). Free gift wrapping!
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