Recognizing Our Daily Heroes

The individual’s potential for bravery as expressed through J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy The

Lord of the Rings“There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.” - J. R. R. TolkeinIf you’re looking for a hero, you don’t have to look far. Heroes can be found in the most unlikely places.

Some heroes are really ordinary

people faced with an extraordinary

situations

“Instead of shining armor, he is dressed in simple cotton clothes.  Instead of a royal robe, he wears a woven green cloak, fastened at his throat with a leaf shaped broach.  A short sword hangs at his waist.  He doesn't look like a hero...” (Lovgren)

Frodo may not have looked the part, but he knew his duty.

Ordinary people are doing their duty

every day, but they aren’t seen as

heroes. Except by those that

experience their kindness, courage

and love.

“[Gandalf told me] ’Don’t you leave him, Samwise Gamgee.’ And I don’t aim to Mr. Frodo, I don’t aim to.”

Sam was Frodo’s gardener in the Shire, but also his very dear friend. When sent on his quest, the first person to offer to go with him through thick and thin, was Samwise Gamgee.

He of all hobbits was not cut out for adventure and yet…

Real heroes step up and be the faithful friend when someone else is in need no matter how frightened, no matter how unprepared.

Gimli the Dwarf was a fierce warrior who came at the call for help. He knew that “Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens. Sworn word may strengthen quaking heart”.

A true hero doesn’t leave when there is a task to be done.

There are other circumstances

where a warrior’s strength or courage is needed for one’s own sake or for the sake of protecting

the weak or defenseless.

True heroes come when the call is

heard.

“Seek the right people to stand by you…. you surround yourself with a protective light” -Marylin Loween

So, here is the Fellowship: four hobbits, two men, a wizard, an elf, and a dwarf- a diverse group of people with a wide variety of skills and vastly different backgrounds, setting off on a journey with a common goal.

Here is the call of a hero:

Stand up for what you believe in, help those in need, protect the

defenseless.

Everything is easier when we stand together.

Including the work of a hero.

Each person has been provided with the strength to

start on the path, the endurance to face the trials appointed, and the ability to arrive victoriously at its end.

Everyone can be a hero. No one has to be left out.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us”

-J. R. R. Tolkien

As Mr. Tolkien has shown us: A hero just does what needs to be done.