Courage

What is it we want from our heroes? To quote the Cowardly Lion "Courage."

We want it from them because we so often fail to find it in ourselves. If only we had the guts to do that thing - that one, right thing. Our hero would do it.

Oh, he sometimes has to be forced, kicking and screaming, into doing that one, right thing; but he does it in the end. Why?

Because he's a hero.

It is hard? Of course it is. To quote Tom Hanks from A League of Their Own "If it were easy, everyone would do it."

It is painful? You bet. Sometimes it hurts worse than an actual wound.

It is costly? Many of our Founding Fathers gave up everything, even their lives, to buy freedom for our country.

"When he found a pearl of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:46 NIV. Jesus is talking about the kingdom of heaven, not freedom per se, but does it not take courage to give up everything for that one, right thing? Especially when the easier route is right there?

Heroes do the right thing. It's hard. It's painful. It costs. It has to be done. If you're a hero.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:8 NIV.

Perhaps, if our heroes are courageous enough, some little bit will rub off on us.

We can hope.