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In thinking of heroic people one need not necessarily have in mind the heroes of history -- not necessarily well-known people, past or present. One may think of those who quietly, consistently live their lives, carrying their problems, adjusting to their disappointments, meeting their obligations.
Think of mothers who do the daily round of duty, not unappreciated perhaps, yet often unthanked. Think of fathers who faithfully provide for their families. Think of those who meet discouraging debts-debts of necessity -- often not their own, but of others. Think of those of modest or meager means who share what they have, who honor their obligations, and who give in gratitude to God.
Think of those who take time to teach and train children, their own and others; of those who nurse the sick, who comfort the sorrowing; -- of those in whose homes are the handicapped.
Think of those who care for their own and yet take others into their hearts and homes.
Think of those who have lost loved ones by death; and of those deserted and left alone to carry the burden of others, doing double duty, or much more. Think of those who have suffered delays and disappointments in their plans and purposes, but who go on from where they are, keeping faith in the future.
Think of those in every organization, in every effort, who do innumerable unnamed tasks, who assist behind the scenes and help to keep things going, the world over. For every leading part there is a supporting cast and many who are unseen, besides.
Think of those who humbly, prayerfully, approach their problems, who love truth, who resist cynicism; those who have turned from temptation; those who have made mistakes but have had the courage to repent, to turn back, to make amends.
There is great heroism in meeting life, in meeting problems, in serving, in sharing, in repenting, in keeping the commandments, in facing facts, in moving forward and not running away.
"Not a day passes over the earth," wrote Charles Reade, "but men and women of no note do great deeds, speak great words, and suffer noble sorrows. Of these obscure heroes, . . . the greater part will never be known till that hour when many that were great shall be small, and the small great."
Great courage is required in the doing of each day's duty -- and the Lord God will not forget those who do it -- nor will He leave them alone.
Page Modified March 17, 2000