Recent deaths of some close personal friends and certain influential leaders have challenged me anew to ask questions about the people I greatly admire: Who do I consider as my real heroes, why do I embrace them as such, and how do I best honor them?
My heroes are formed of steel, though coated in clay. They live their lives in the service to others. Their zeal and commanding presence are clothed in winsome garbs of simplicity and humility.
My heroes and heroines tend to be counter-cultural or non-conformists. Because they know who they are, what they stand for, and why they were born, they refuse to go along in order to get along. They are daring, hard working, and excelling. They sacrifice and risk their lives for causes bigger than themselves. They’re humble in their accomplishments, generous in their giving, and respectful and kind even to their adversaries.
My real heroes are resilient. They never give up, even in the face of adversity and failure. The two words that best describe my heroes are “silent sufferers.” They bear pain patiently, without grudge or complaint. Often, on account of their selfless and forgiving spirit, they are perceived as fools and are taken advantage of. And because they are years ahead of their time, they easily get misunderstood, misrepresented, and even vilified—until after their death.
But true heroes never die. They live on through the indelible imprints they make on our lives, influencing our major decisions and actions. Do you have your own hero or heroine? What would you say about them if called upon to deliver eulogies at their funerals?
Let’s honor our heroes by embracing their values, enlisting in their causes, emulating their examples, and continuing where they fell short or left off. “The godly people in the land are MY TRUE HEROES! I take pleasure in them!” (Psalm 16:3, NLT; cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1; Matthew 11:29, 30).—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
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SAMUEL KORANTENG-PIPIM,PH.D. , is a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and an advocate for youth empowerment. He was trained in engineering and systematic theology, and has authored more than twenty books. They include his bestselling works Hope Through the Dark, Six More Chances, Healed Wounds but Ugly Scars, and Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions. Dr. Pipim currently directs two Centers for Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). www.EAGLESonline.org. He also serves as a special consultant on Bible projects for Remnant Publications. 