Sign up for Hero training TODAY! By B. Taylor

Heroism is the stuff that dominates books for the younger crowd.  It's sort of one of those things that kids think about being. A hero! They just touch our hearts. Doesn't it seem like every good movie that happens to end with a high note, often has an amazing hero story?  The hero stories are generally the best stories to listen to and to tell.  Occasionally, we hear of a news report about a hero and think "Wow!"  And surely, we've all had the benefit of having someone, once in our lives, ride in and save the day. It may not have even been a person, but God's saving grace, his Holy Spirit or angels to the rescue.     Amazingly enough, heros definitely have a "personality profile." Surely we could all brainstorm as to what attributes a hero exemplifies, but there is an official list recently released by the *Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. *

Moral integrity, Bravery Conviction Courage Self-sacrifice Selflessness Determination Inspirational Helpful Protective Honesty Determination

     The researchers built this list after many, many interviews and compiling responses of data, over and over again. Those who contributed to the interviews and gave answers to this very scientific study weren't considered religious or non-religious. There was no talk about faith, the Bible, Proverbs or precepts, or anything remotely Jesus. But doesn't it sound like the very definition of what a Christian should strive to be in many ways?  Surely you could find a Bible verse that would correspond with each of these traits. Additionally the Bible says in the book of Timothy, "For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." Sounds like a hero to me!      Also, heros are generally very humble, which is also biblically minded. But heros and Christians can and should, also bask in God's shining light.  We are to let goodness be spread like a wildfire, in the same manner that evil can seemingly be contagious. Doesn't it seem like that with the school shootings and all the other bad things you see, that you just saw weeks before and thought, surely no one will do this terrible thing again. At this age of the internet, now more than ever, we need to shine lights across the nation.  Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Imagine making "copy cat" heros and starting a revival for goodness. A new definition for the name "Caped Crusaders!"      It's high time we turn that tide around and start becoming visible and vocal heros. The kind that don't have a hidden agenda for the reward (because that is never part of the equation)--That reward comes in it's own way, just let the Biggest Hero figure that one out.       As Jeremiah 29:11 shares that if we focus on the task at hand, if we will just keep to His word our hero story will have a great ending. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."      You may just coming off a past year that needed a hero, you may still need a hero (by the way, there is a Big One waiting to rescue you if He hasn't already)....but there is a new year ahead and an opportunity to become a hero for someone else starting today. You and those around you can wear a cape. Yes, you can! In fact, we need to start training little ones to keep wearing their capes and grow up to be heros and we need to inspire teenagers and young adults towards this same movement. It's way better than being the villain. We sort of know the ending to that story anyway, now don't we!      On the smallest level, we have the power to start random acts of kindness and pay it forward, if only we try.  Contrary to the notion of building up your heavenly reward, not every good deed should be done in secret. That is one reason why this little magazine makes an effort each month to share good news. In fact, we are so blessed to have many volunteers---writers, distributors, people in our stories, advisers and especially our advertisers--- who are heros, contributing to make this good, non-denominational publication available for free to readers from Sunnyside to Ellensburg and everywhere in between and we always need help on our team! Interested?          There is a new year waiting. So, have you decided what color your cape will be? A hero is waiting inside of you!