Here’s a preview of one of the themes in my novel, Kingdom in the Redwoods, set to release on July 1st. Discovering the Hero Inside You.
12-year old Aaron is the main character in the story. He’s the oldest child in the Parsons family, charged with looking after his 10-year-old brother, Benji, and 8-year-old sister, Hannah. Aaron’s a striver who wants to be the best at everything he does; most of the time that means going it alone. I don’t want to give you spoilers, so I’ll just say that the Kingdom adventure tests Aaron in ways that make him look inside himself. Discover parts of him he didn’t know were there. Discover who he is. His identity.
What are the qualities of heroes? Oxford’s dictionary defines hero as, “A person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.”
Who do kids say is their hero? In one study, 46% of kids saw their parents and grandparents as their heroes. That’s right, you’re a hero in the eyes of your kids.
As fun as the Marvel movies may be, perhaps they misguide us when it comes to heroes. You don’t need to be ‘faster than a speeding bullet’ to be a hero. In fact, there’s a hero inside you. Uniquely designed to your gifts and personality.
So, for you parents, it may be about playing with your kids in the backyard on long summer evenings to build sweet memories, picking up a new hobby just because your child is into it, helping the little old lady at the market with her groceries, or admitting when you mess up and saying you’re sorry. The same goes for you, grandparents.
For you kids, it may be standing up to a bully on behalf of your younger siblings. Or staying with a friend who’s afraid. It may be telling the truth when something ‘mysteriously’ breaks in your house – taking the heat off your brother or sister. Nursing an injured bird back to health will certainly make you a hero in the avian community.
The point is, there are unlimited ways you can be a hero to those around you.
To help us explore the ingredients in a hero, I’ve identified five essential qualities. I’m sure there are others, but these five will put shape to the figure.
Community
Community is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of hero but consider this: If superman remained all alone on the planet Kyrpton, he never would have blossomed into a hero. Community begins with our own family and expands outward from there. In order to be a hero, you have to be in a community. This involves opening yourself up to others, making new friends and being hospitable to strangers. My wife, Claire, is my role model when it comes to community. To her, a stranger is simply a friend she hasn’t met yet.
Mother Teresa, put it well, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
The first step to discovering the hero inside you is immersing yourself in the waters of community to impact the lives of those around you.
As you’ll see in Kingdom, Aaron is compelled to step into Community even though it’s uncomfortable. Can he embrace it? Better still, can we embrace it?
Compassion
Oxford dictionary defines Compassion as “a strong feeling of sympathy for people or animals who are suffering and a desire to help them. As we live in Community with others, we see their suffering, their needs. We sympathize with their pain, anxiety, insecurity, loss, and bewilderment. The hero cultivates a tender heart for those around them, wanting to alleviate their pain and suffering and bring comfort and security into their lives.
When our child is melting down, do we stop to see the world through his or her eyes? Maybe the stress of a new environment set him off, and to make matters worse, maybe her beloved stuffed animal was missing in action. Unavailable to bring comfort. We have the chance to be a hero by stepping into our child’s shoes with Compassion offering a warm blanket of love, comfort, and security.
In the Kingdom story, Aaron is called to have Compassion for people in a Community he doesn’t really know. Next time you see a family member or friend who’s sad or frustrated, take a moment to understand them. Listen to them, encourage them, lift them up out of the darkness.
Character
When I speak of Character, I’m referring to a host of subsidiary qualities that make up a person’s reputation. Who the person is known to be based on a long and consistent history of what they say and do. For better or for worse. Who they are at their core. When things get tough, how do they react? The qualities that make up a heroic character include Integrity, Reliability and Humility. Add to these the fruit of: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Our children witness our character every day in everything we say and do. If these qualities ooze out of us, that very same character will be imprinted on the minds of our children. As parents and grandparents we are the most influential people when it comes to character formation of our children.
As I look in the mirror, I ask myself: What kind of Character do I want to form in my children and grandchildren? Perhaps more importantly, what changes do I need to make in myself to ensure it happens?
In the Kingdom story, Aaron’s Character is tested by a devious enemy. Can he muster the Compassion and exhibit the Character to overcome his adversary?
Courage
Oxford’s dictionary defines Courage as, “the ability to do something dangerous, or to face pain or opposition, without showing fear.
In the Kingdom story, Aaron is confronted with multiple perilous situations. He has to find the inner Courage to confront the dangers to advance in his mission.
It takes Courage to stand up in a crowd and say what you believe, especially when you know it’s not the popular view. It takes Courage to stay by a friend who’s being teased or mocked by bullies. It takes Courage to say to your friends, “I’m not going to do that because it’s not right. It’s doesn’t honor God.” It takes Courage to be a person of strong Character.
Conviction
Oxford’s dictionary defines Conviction as, “The quality of showing you believe strongly in what you are saying.” That’s where the rubber meets the road. Are you willing to act, or not act, to stand up for your Convictions. This shows those around you that you’re serious about your Convictions. You won’t be swayed by peer pressure or the fad of the moment.
Let’s say you’ve found yourself with some mischievous classmates. They want to throw dirt-clods at the neighbor’s dog or steal a pack of lifesavers from the corner market. Or maybe you find a ball and you know whose it is, but they want you to keep it under the adage, “Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers.” They’re egging you on to do something you know is wrong. Standing up for your beliefs may cost you friendships. It may subject you to criticism or teasing. Doing the right thing often comes with sacrifice. That’s Conviction. Doing what’s right, even when it costs you.
- Heroes live in Community
- Heroes have Compassion for those around them
- Heroes exhibit Character in their everyday lives
- Heroes show Courage in adversity
- Heroes willingly sacrifice to stand firm in their Convictions
I’d love to hear from you about heroes in your life or anything else. Please drop me a line at: [email protected].
May your day be blessed with God’s goodness, beauty, and truth.
Keven
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You can order your copy of Kingdom in the Redwoods on Amazon