Super (Hero)

Now many of you out there have your own personal definition of a super hero. I know that I do. Want to have some fun? Of course you do….who doesn’t. You all know that I love defining words and I will do it here. Actually let’s break down the word “super hero” and see what we get.

The definitions come from the website dictionary.com.

Super is defined as: of the highest degree, power, etc.

Hero is defined as: a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities.

Was that different from the typical comic book hero we all have read or dreamed of becoming as a child? For me, yes. Wanna know something about me? There is a picture out there of me in a homemade superman costume…tights and all. If you’ve seen that picture, please be kind. No I have never been able to leap over a building in a single bound or run faster than a speeding bullet, however, I felt like a super hero that day. Why? It is singled down to one reason…the costume. I got it in my head that because of it, I could do anything. Did I do some grand deed or have powers, nope I wasn’t even close.

Bet you’re wondering why the title is about super heroes. I’m going to briefly make you think for a few minutes. Ever meet a hero? I have, several times. Want to hear some from my list?

My unconditionally giving mom and dad. My compassionate brother. My loving sister-in-law (who has a special look, which I love). My courageous sister.

"Really Michael…those are easy to identify." I am going somewhere with this I promise.

How about those in the Armed Forces, police, firemen or EMS? Those seem like the definition of a hero…actually they deserve “super” in front of hero. I met a guy in the USMC in Asheville. Great guy. Defending my freedom at his own personal risk. Met a firefighter in Asheville too. Also, a true hero. I have a friend who is a hero to me because of her noble qualities…telling me exactly what I didn’t want to hear but told me anyway (she was risking a lot by doing that too).

Hey guess what? I have even considered myself a hero from time to time…nothing super, but I have done some brave deeds, noble if you will. I’ve helped others in need. Wouldn’t someone who has gotten blood from the American Red Cross thought of me as their hero? Probably…again not super.

Did I ever swoop in and save the day? Probably not, but did I help someone. Swooping in and saving the day is really a dramatic statement, don’t you think (see, I’m asking you to think).

Anyway, think about your hero or heroes (I'll wait for you think for a second). Got your list?

Why are they that to you? Did they fall into those definitions? I bet they did. What makes you think of them as a hero or even a super one? Have you ever been told that you’re a hero? How did it make you feel? I’m not a betting guy, but I would say you felt pretty good. But that feeling was a side-effect…you still would have done it because of who you are…a hero.

Do you know what it takes to risk everything for others? Most heroes do it because of who they are. Brave and noble. I know one Super Hero who risked His life for mine. Died for me. I didn’t deserve it either (some of you know me too well). You know whom I speaking of? In case you don’t, it was Jesus.

This was simply a journey regarding super heroes. We all have them. We all can be one from time to time too. I need them. You do too. Acknowledging the comic book ones on tv and movies is fun, but shouldn’t we do it for the non-fiction ones more? I believe we should.

I’m going to make you all a promise right now (and with it being typed out, I cannot go back on it), if you have been, are or become one of my heroes throughout my life, I will tell you. You deserve to know it. Maybe you won’t make that promise online as me, but promise yourself you will do that…tell someone that they are your hero. Watch them light up. Because when it happens to you, you also will light up and that feeling you get, you will have given to them.

Thank you for continuing this journey of Laughter Life and Food with me, I’m truly honored. You know who you are and I thank you for being my heroes. Now go be a hero and or thank yours today!