As children, our heroes were famous athletes, presidents and movie stars. We idolized them and expected great things from them, however, we were usually disappointed because the reality never measured up to the image we created in our minds. Several revered athletes have turned out to be not very nice people away from the playing field and the days of worshipping political figures has gone the way of the dinosaur.
But don't despair - there are heroes all around us. Ernest Hemingway said, "As you get older it is harder to have heroes, but it is sort of necessary". They are your coworker who volunteers at a soup kitchen every weekend. They are the Army veteran who now helps other veterans through the Wounded Warrior program. They coach your kid's baseball team - giving up time with their own families to teach not only baseball skills, but also life skills like leadership and good sportsmanship. They are nurses, doctors, police officers, and firefighters who risk their own health and safety for others. They are the parents of disabled or critically ill children who spend all their time doing the very best they can for their kids. They are everywhere. These are the people who deserve our admiration and affirmation. It gives us hope to see what these folks do without looking for rewards or accolades.
Listed below are some books about heroes who inspire us with their selflessness and commitment:
Reluctant Hero by Michael Benfante tells the story of a 9/11 survivor and the acts of heroism he saw on that fateful day.
Secret Heroes by Paul Martin spotlights thirty overlooked Americans and the impact they have had on their world and ours.
Do Unto Others by Samuel Oliner explores what it means to put the welfare of others ahead of one's own.
Stone Soup for the World tells of ordinary folks who through moral and physical courage are able to do great things for their neighbors, communities and beyond.
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