Be the Hero of Your Own Story

Are you a hero?

That word is so huge that we hardly ever think of ourselves as a hero. After all, with fictional heroes like Superman and  Star Lord from “Guardians of the Galaxy,” how can we even compare?

Back here on earth, what is the definition of a hero? A hero is someone who thinks of others first. Heroism is putting yourself at risk for the sake of another. Heroes make enormous personal sacrifice to help others without consideration of personal gain. And here is the interesting thing: heroes never realize they are heroes.

Do you know what I think? I think that the real heroes are people of character and conviction who take care of business every day. Then, every once in a while, when the circumstances are just right, what they normally do becomes heroic.

By definition, today I was the hero of my own story. I didn’t do anything super human, but I showed up at my job at Hope’s Promise, did my best, and worked hard for the kids that we serve with no thought to my own success. My co-worker Rachel was a hero today as well. As the Director of Adoptions, she works as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen. And even despite her enormous case load and demanding job, today she showed up, gave it her all, and passionately worked on behalf of the kids and families we serve with no thought of her own success. I could go on and on naming each of Hope’s Promise staff members who are dedicated and committed to bringing children into families. In fact, I’d say we obsess over it, and that’s pretty incredible!

All of that said, here’s a question for you: are you the hero of your own story today? Any day? If so, good for you! Keep up the good work. If not, what do you need to change in your life to be the person you want to be? Who are you serving? What are you working for? Better yet, who are you working for? We serve an awesome God who is the hero of all of our stories. He always shows up. He works hard each and every day. And, because of his endless love for each and every one of us, He always does His best and never thinks of His own success. Who am I to do any less?

Diane Elliot
Development Specialist

If you would like to submit a guest blog about orphan care or adoption, please contact Diane at diane@hopespromise.com

Photo: Director of Adoption, Rachel Bates, with one of her very special clients.