Do you remember when it was cool to have a hero? Heroes were always the good guys. They were honest, steady, kind but tough and they always won. Everyone wanted to be like the heroes. I am not talking about make-believe superheroes like Superman, Batman or Wonder Woman, I mean the flesh and blood heroes like today’s first responders, astronauts, soldiers, and sailors. Where have all the heroes gone? They are still there, it is us who got blinded by our age.
What makes a hero? In their great book, Raising Boys By Design, authors Juntz & Gurian give a wonderful, working definition of the word HERO:
Honor: adhering to truth, values, compassion, and principles beyond self.
Enterprise: working at important things, whether they saw small or large.
Responsibility: carrying important people and things throughout life.
Originality: being a dreamer, a thinker, and explorer in the world.
“Heroes have good character and strong self-discipline. These heroes are and can be our sons.”
– Gregory L. Juntz & Michael Gurian
from the book: Raising Boys By Design
This is why I love applying the Scout Law to life. The principles there are the elements that makeup heroes. As we teach them to young people it is not with the intent of making them better children, but making them better adults. The principles taught in the Scout Law are to be carried through life. Some former Scouts may have lost their way from time to time, however, there are many who practice and live by these principles every day.
Success-minded people need to get this clear. It is not the time to sit around and long for the days of heroes. It is the time to rise up and become heroes. It is up to us to be the heroes the world needs to get it through this very difficult time. Yes, the mission is impossible. Yes, it does look hopeless and we are far outnumbered. But isn't that the stuff that makes heroes? You do not need a hero to do the possible, only the impossible. You do not need a hero to correct mistakes, you need them to fight evil.
We need to be the heroes of today and teach our children to be the heroes of tomorrow. The thing is, there will always be wrong and evil in the world. There will be difficult times and impossible problems to face. There will always be the need for a hero. You are that hero!
You matter! You matter to the world and to yourself. Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.
Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program, however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. For more information about the principles taught here, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. © 2018 John Patrick Hickey
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