I’ve always been drawn to stories about heroes. When I was very young I read every book about saints in the library. Some of them impressed me with their willingness to stand up for what is right and just. Profiles In Courage remains one of my favorite books for outlining situations in which individuals went against the tide of opinion in order to follow their consciences. More recently I have been impressed with folks both young and old who passionately fight for causes in which they believe. I’ve even known heroes in my own life that nobody else will ever recognize, but whom I recall and admire because of moments when they rose to defend ideas that did not conform with popular thinking. 

It is incredibly difficult to buck the system in pursuit of integrity. I will always remember one of my students who stood up to her entire class, urging them to be honest about a situation involving cheating. She was a small girl who was normally quiet, but on that day she stunned everyone with her fearlessness. So too did another student who returned stolen items that his brother had taken from other students. He was initially shunned even by his own family, but over time his teachers and peers realized how dependable and morally upright he was. They ultimately chose him to represent the school at a summer leadership camp where he soared. 

I have admittedly been turned off of late by people and politicians who run with the pack, refusing to admit when wrongs have taken place. I may not agree with many of her political stances but I will always tip my hat in approval of Liz Cheney’s defense of our American democracy. She proved her mettle in defending our Constitution and the peaceful transfer of presidential power even as her political party mostly turned on her. So too was Adam Kinzinger a man of honor in the same regard. 

Sadly in today’s highly charged environment being a hero often means receiving death threats and being stalked. How the bravest among us are able to endure such things and stand firm in their beliefs leaves me in awe. I like to believe that I will always do the right thing, but I’m not so sure I would be able to do so publicly. I know I cringe and hide a bit when someone gets angry over the topics in my blogs. Nobody has ever threatened me with harm for having contrary ideas but I’ve been called a few names that were uncomfortable to hear. 

David Hogg was a student at Parkland High School when a mass shooter killed many of his fellow students. From that time he has been an ardent supporter of gun control and continues speaking out and organizing. He has been the victim of harassment and hatefulness even from public officials but he does not bend. He gives me hope for the future of the world. We need young people like him.

John McCain was one of the bravest men to ever serve our country both in war and in the Senate. He was a man of honor who loved the United States, not with a crazy fanaticism but with the highest respect for the laws and the American people. I remember the time that he insisted that Barack Obama, his opponent in a presidential race, was a good man. He refused to go along with lies and propaganda. He also voted with his conscience on many occasions. His time as a prisoner of war is legendary. He refused to take advantage of an opportunity to be freed earlier than other men simply because his father was a high ranking officer in the military. No amount of torture swayed him to relent. He had an iron will and he loved our country more than most of today’s politicians put together. 

Barbara Jordan was another of my heroes. I loved that she was born, raised and educated in my hometown of Houston, Texas. She was a brilliant woman and a voice for justice in a time when it took great fortitude for a Black woman to speak her mind. She ranks right up there with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in my estimation and I always wished that her health would have allowed her to run for President of the United States. I think she would have done that job remarkably well. 

I have been fortunate to know real life heroes again and again. They are people without an ounce of hypocrisy in their daily dealings with the world. They are what they seem to be, rising above the ordinary with their determination to work for just causes. Sometimes they are heroes like my dear departed friend, Sharon Saunders, who quietly counseled young men and women who were suffering. She listened with razor sharp attention and provided them with comfort and wisdom and most of all love. 

Sometimes it feels as though everyone is just a mindless follower these days and then out of nowhere there comes a hero. Watch for them. They are all around us. You may find them in the most unexpected places but you will always know them when they demonstrate their honor.