"So many misconceptions surround the notion of heroism. Far too many categorize a hero as a champion on the battlefield, a commander of legions, a master of rare talent or ability. Granted, there have been heroes who fit those descriptions. But many men of great evil as well. Heed me. A hero sacrifices for the greater good. A hero is true to his or her conscience. In short, heroism means doing the right thing regardless of the consequences. Although any person could fit that description, very few do. Choose this day to be one of them."
~Beyonders, by Brandon Mull
I've been reading this book a little bit at a time over the past few weeks. Lately the Sharkbaby hasn't been napping so well, so my free time has been a bit cut short, but I've still managed to squeeze in a few pages a day. I was reading a bit this morning (when I should have been planning for my Young Women's lesson tomorrow) and this quote stuck out to me.
If you truly believe this school of thought, which I do, we all have the potential to be heroes everyday. There's a sticking point, however: We have to CHOOSE to be a hero. Yes, some people are born to greatness, but for most of us it is a choice.
How often do we truly choose to do the right thing despite the consequences? How often do we truly listen to our conscience (or for those of my readers who share my religious belief, the Holy Ghost)?
And on the flip side of the coin, who have we chosen to be our personal heroes? Do we look up to people who are doing the right things... or do we idolize "evil" people with great accomplishments?
And then comes the big question: What kind of example am I presenting? Am I presenting myself in a way that I could potentially be a hero?
This idea has been on my mind a lot lately. Now that I have a baby who is going to be looking up to me, who is going to be emulating the way I live my life, I need to set a good example. I need to live my life in such a way that the Sharkbaby will look to me as one of his heroes. I need to work on doing the right thing despite the consequences.
So I'm challenging myself (and anyone else who wants to take it on) to live my life worthily of being somebody's hero.
2 comments:
Brandon Mull is such a great writer. I found a quote in the 5th Fablehaven about doing the right thing, I had to write it down immediately. He obviously has some big plans for the upcoming generations.
that was my favorite quote too, i blogged about it as well because in the world we live in currently...we need to listen and apply.
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