Sometimes heroes are obvious to us. They are given titles and duties to perform acts of valor. Maybe the obvious heroes of our time don't get enough credit because of our high expectations, but I like to think we can be inspired by heroes of either kind -- those obvious and those who emerge in unexpected ways.
A few months ago, the world was taken aback in awe at Pilot of US Airways Flight 1549, Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger III, who took his responsibility beyond duty to risk his own life in the crash of Flight 1549 on the Hudson River to first, safely land the plane in the Hudson River, then, amazingly, he undid his safety belt and walked the length of the plane to make sure all the passengers were safely outside before seeking safety, himself.
And I think of other heroes who've recently inspired by their bravery... and a common thread, ind
eed, is how humbly they respond to outpour of celebration by the public to their effort.
Take the case last week of Captain Richard Phillips who traded his own safety to save his crew from the buccaneers who roamed his ship. Pictured is Phillips's wife holding his photo. The news quoted her as saying, "He wanted me to tell you, 'I'm just a small part in this. The real heroes of the story are the U.S. military.'" This hero shrugged off "the mantle of hero" in humble appreciation of others.
These are compelling examples of the character and goodness that reign in mankind. Amid a world full of challenges--from war, to economic decline, to even political disputes, including the tea parties held around the country yesterday (with so little media attention to the outcries of good people trying to arise to the issues against taxation). I pause to think on the difference one person can make that is seemingly small in contrast to the vastness of our world, yet truly grand in its mark in the hearts of minds of regular people who read about and witness such events.
In today's international news was a story about an ordinary British Woman, Susan Boyle, who emerged an everyman's hero this week. If you didn't catch this story, I encourage you to view it for its emp
assionate effect on the human spirit, which speaks so eloquently to us all. CLICK THIS LINK. In the lyrics of Les Mis's "I Dreamed a Dream," sung by Susan Boyle, these words speak to all of this so eloquently and leave us to ponder even more.... I can't think of a more relevant song choice for this underrated woman who said she'd never been kissed, who dared to imagine a bigger life. The history behind the song resonates. In the Broadway show, Les Mis, the character of Fantine suffers joblessness and destitution. Susan Boyle's passionate performance belts out powerfully about the reality of life's struggles.
But so the story ends... Upon Boyle's uttering her first note, an entire crowd of onlookers were on their feet, cheering in awe at a most unlikely candidate who unexpectedly changed a cultural view about beauty and talent and capacity to be strong.
Looks can be deceiving. The obviousness of heroism isn't always so.
Heroes emerge in unexpected places.
Do you know of any heroes? Comments welcomed.
Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
TRIDENT HEALTH RESOURCES, INC.
And I think of other heroes who've recently inspired by their bravery... and a common thread, ind
eed, is how humbly they respond to outpour of celebration by the public to their effort.Take the case last week of Captain Richard Phillips who traded his own safety to save his crew from the buccaneers who roamed his ship. Pictured is Phillips's wife holding his photo. The news quoted her as saying, "He wanted me to tell you, 'I'm just a small part in this. The real heroes of the story are the U.S. military.'" This hero shrugged off "the mantle of hero" in humble appreciation of others.
These are compelling examples of the character and goodness that reign in mankind. Amid a world full of challenges--from war, to economic decline, to even political disputes, including the tea parties held around the country yesterday (with so little media attention to the outcries of good people trying to arise to the issues against taxation). I pause to think on the difference one person can make that is seemingly small in contrast to the vastness of our world, yet truly grand in its mark in the hearts of minds of regular people who read about and witness such events.
In today's international news was a story about an ordinary British Woman, Susan Boyle, who emerged an everyman's hero this week. If you didn't catch this story, I encourage you to view it for its emp
assionate effect on the human spirit, which speaks so eloquently to us all. CLICK THIS LINK. In the lyrics of Les Mis's "I Dreamed a Dream," sung by Susan Boyle, these words speak to all of this so eloquently and leave us to ponder even more.... I can't think of a more relevant song choice for this underrated woman who said she'd never been kissed, who dared to imagine a bigger life. The history behind the song resonates. In the Broadway show, Les Mis, the character of Fantine suffers joblessness and destitution. Susan Boyle's passionate performance belts out powerfully about the reality of life's struggles. But so the story ends... Upon Boyle's uttering her first note, an entire crowd of onlookers were on their feet, cheering in awe at a most unlikely candidate who unexpectedly changed a cultural view about beauty and talent and capacity to be strong.
Looks can be deceiving. The obviousness of heroism isn't always so.
Heroes emerge in unexpected places.
Do you know of any heroes? Comments welcomed.
Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
TRIDENT HEALTH RESOURCES, INC.
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