The Significance of a Hero

Today is Father's Day. Of course, like every year, I feel it receives less attention than it should. So I decided to dedicate this post to my Dad so that he can know what he means to me. I'd like to call it the significance of a hero. Everyone needs a hero. Don't you find it ironic or simply fitting that the superhero industry thrived during the Great Depression and is again, starting with the Great Recession. It's obviously not a coincidence that when things become difficult or there seems like no answers, the world seeks the hope only a hero can bring.

So why heroes? What is it about a Hero that gives them such significance? Perhaps it is their characteristics that we hope to emulate. Or perhaps it's a comic book superpower we think would solve all our problems. But I think the significance of a Hero begins with struggle. In the movie "Megamind" Metroman put it this way, "As long as there's evil good will rise up against it." Let's change that a bit. "As long as there are struggles the strong will rise up in response to it." Nelson Mandela from the movie "Invictus" put it this way, "But how do we get them to be better then they think they CAN be? That is very difficult, I find. Inspiration, perhaps. How do we inspire ourselves to greatness when nothing less will do? How do we inspire everyone around us? I sometimes think it is by using the work of others." And therein lies the significance of a Hero. In the background of every legend, every great person, and our each individual heroes lies the struggles that gave them the reason to rise, to be more, and to inspire themselves to greatness, and further to inspire us all.

The inspiration my Daddy has given me is embodied by the poem:

 Invictus
By William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul.

This is why my Daddy is my Hero. Over the years he's had more than his fair share of trials, hardships, struggles, and strife. In fact, I've never seen someone face such constant tribulation as he's been required to do. But every time he has risen and taken another step. He never gives up and he always turns to the Savior. He's a wonderful Father and I'd want no other, for I've always been his Little Buddy, and he's always been my Hero.

There is a poem called "Superman's Dad" that puts it quite nicely. (Yes, it's about father to son, but the sentiment is the same). :)


When you were young you looked to me
And asked me how to fly.
I shook my head, I didn't know
You just let out a sigh.

And then you pointed to the clouds
And told me that someday
You'd stretch your arms and reach up high
And then you'd fly away.

That seemed like it was yesterday
Oh how the years have flown.
And now you have a family
With children of your own.

You've grown into the father that
I always knew you'd be.
And now your son looks up to you
Like you once looked up to me.

And though I didn't know it when
You asked in days gone by.
I now know how to soar the heavens--
you taught me how to fly.

So with all the need for heroes, I'm glad that mine is found in someone so dear to my heart. Thanks, Daddy. I love you.

Love,
Natalie Cherie