Heros among us

I have had so many blogs/thoughts fluttering through my head, and I keep thinking I won't have time to complete it, so I avoid writing. But, today, at the Veteran's Day Chapel at Abilene Christian University, I was profoundly struck by one overwhelming thought:

There are heroes among us.

There were several moments throughout the service when Veterans were asked to stand and be recognized. As each branch of the armed forces stood I was struck by how...ordinary they each appeared. They were my brothers, my professors, my teachers, my uncles, my dad, my friends. They were not towering above the crowd. They didn't wear distinguishing attire. I could have seen these folks at Denny's eating breakfast, or at Lowe's shopping in the outdoor section. Maybe, I ran into them when I was at the grocery store. They were...common.

I know this may seem obvious. Of course they were common, ordinary, regular folks, Rosie. What did you expect? Did you think they would have capes on, or sashes displaying their rank and service? I guess I didn't. But, I thought I would see the emblem of honor or heroism somehow broadcasting their clout and distinguished service. I thought I would look at them and see the war torn years and experiences altering who they were and giving us, their community some awareness to their uniqueness.

The gentleman who spoke was 99 years old, had been married for 74 years and played the harmonica to God Bless America (I think). He plays his harmonica at nursing homes and retirement villages throughout Abilene. Who would have known this
"unremarkable" man, according the outside world had such a remarkable history? He didn't stand straight and tall; he moved his small, hunched over body to the podium with the use of a walker. It is amazing to me that this man, once young and virile, now stood humbly before the crowd offering his gentle demeanor to the service honoring all of those who have fought beside him and before him.

Quickly, I must share, that I think we are all carrying a remarkable history inside of our unremarkable posture. We all have a story. Each one of us. To some, we are the ordinary, common person who they meet at the grocery store, or at the Pizza Inn. In fact, isn't that how God created us? In his image? Wasn't he the ordinary, common man who came to walk among us? Wasn't he the indistinguishable son of a carpenter? Yet, we each carry a story, a history and a future that contends to be remarkable. As you look around, you may see the common, everyday folks that walk beside you. You may be that person to someone you meet. But, please, please fight to be the hero that stands and strives for justice, truth, and dignity. You don't have to wear a banner, a badge of medals. Oh, to be a hero, like the men and the women I saw standing in my midst today. That would be the greatest honor I could achieve. I pray today, that I will not only recognize the heroes in my midst, but that I will strive to be worthy of the fight they offer in my honor.