Paul Swearingen

I am a big movie fan. Watching a movie is a great way to let your mind relax for a couple of hours. When I was a kid, I enjoyed reading comic books, particularly those involving the adventures of superheroes. So it naturally follows that I get excited every time a new movie comes out featuring my favorite childhood superheroes. Judging by the incredible box office numbers these films generate, I am not the only one. Do you ever wonder why these movies are so incredibly popular?

Take a look at the list of the highest grossing movies of all time. Almost all of the movies on the list have storylines that involve heroes of some sort. As much as we look up to and admire heroes as children, it is not just children who make these movies so popular. These movies are enjoyed just as much by adults. I think that the reason these movies are so popular is that we all need to believe in heroes.

Some of the biggest and most popular news stories involve ordinary people doing extraordinary things in difficult circumstances. These people would probably not consider themselves heroes, but we give them that title, because having real heroes makes the world a better place. So they make the rounds on talk shows, then we write books about them, and make movies about them, because we need our heroes!

But does your life have to be made into a book or a movie in order for you to be considered a hero? According to Webster’s Dictionary, a hero can be defined as a person who is “admired for his achievements and noble qualities” or “one who shows great courage.” Don’t we all know someone in our lives who fits these definitions?

There are thousands of men and women who have put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect us and our freedoms, in the military and law enforcement. There are teachers and coaches who have gone above and beyond to get the best out of us, seeing the potential that we may not have seen in ourselves. There are parents who work tirelessly, and sometimes thanklessly, in order to provide for their family. There are those who use their skills and their talents to fight for those who are not able to fight for themselves. There are those who display courage and strength in the face of life threatening illness. The world is filled with heroes who will never be recognized on a movie screen.

Who are the real heroes in your life? Do they know how much of an impact they have had on you? As we approach Memorial Day, a day to remember our fallen heroes, I encourage you to acknowledge your heroes. Let them know how much they mean, and strive to be a hero to others!