Imitate Who?

 

I have told you before, and I still hold to it, I am so grateful that I grew up during a time when we had heroes. Heroes were more than people we admired and whose example we followed. Our heroes were the people we wanted to become. They were to ones we imitated.

That act of imitating the people we admire has not changed. That is basic human behavior. What has changed are the qualities and values which we use to make those we call heroes. Somewhere along the line, we took a turn from those who do good and are people of character and integrity to people who have negative attitudes, seek out fights, and refuse to think of anyone besides themselves. As a Scout, what you must understand is that the example you follow is up to you, not the person who you are looking to follow.

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders,

but they have never failed to imitate them.”

James Baldwin

1924-1987

Author

 

Scouts and Scouters have a significant advantage when it comes to finding heroes. The Scout Oath and Law give us a list of qualities that we need to seek out in those whose example we want to follow. The Oath and Law also give us the direction we need to set an example for those whose lives we will influence. We influence no one more than our children. Actor Johnny Depp said, “When you have children, there is no room for lies, no room for anything but the truth. Anything other than that is a bad example, I believe.”

Always remember that heroes are important. It is important to have heroes who we can follow and whose example we use as a road map to good character and right living. It is also essential to be a hero. Some may say that we do not set out to be a hero; it just happens to us. I do not believe that is true. Being a hero is a place of responsibility and honor. These are deliberate acts that we not only choose, but we develop throughout our lives. As a Scout, look at the rich heritage of heroes in Scouting over its 110-year history. Make it your goal to add your name to that list.

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. 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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey