True Heroes

Yesterday in D.C., we stopped at a Latin American art museum. One room showcased a collection of pictures (resource). At first glance, they just looked like random people dressed as superheoroes in everyday environments. After reading the captions, we understood that there was a story behind each picture. These were pictures of real heroes. These were pictures of Latino people who work in the U.S. to support their families in other countries. Each picture had the person's name, what their profession was, and how much money they sent home each week. One picture was of a man who washed windows for a living. He was dressed as Spiderman. Another was of a man who is a cook at a small restaurant dressed as a Fantastic Four character. These are everyday heroes. They spend their time--and money--for the benefit of others. They change people's lives. True heroes.

BERNABE MENDEZ from the State of Guerrero works as a professional window cleaner
in New York. He sends 500 dollars a month.  (By Dulce Pinzon)

OSCAR GONZALEZ from the State of Oaxaca works as a cook in New York. 
He Sends 350 dollars a week (by Dulce Pinzon)

Later in the day, we went to the Dr. MLK Jr. memorial. Here is a statue of one of my heroes. I always was inspired by him. I suppose I appreciated his patience in the midst of environments that would cause anger and his sincere love for his enemies. He was such a humble leader too. I was inspired by the fact that he would sit down and read his Bible for hours. To me, he was living out a life of things I wanted to do, but was too lazy or not bold enough to do. He has had such a significant impact on our society. He changed the lives of so many people for the better. A true hero.

Some heroes seem like they accomplish big things; others may only be heroes to their familes. But both can have a significant impact. Both are heroes.

Sometimes people think highly of us because we are going to do mission in France. But we are not MLK-type heroes. If God puts us on a stage like he did with MLK Jr, I pray that we would have the wisdom and humility he had. But I think God gives us opportunities to be everyday heroes. To change someone's life in small ways. And that happens by listening to His Spirit every day.

Recently, we heard a story of a woman who watched the person in front of her struggle to collect the right amount of money to buy groceries. She let the person know that she was going to buy his groceries. After a little resistance, she convinced the person to let her buy his groceries:  to demonstrate grace--an undeserved gift. She did this in a small way as she was being led to. Can't we all do these small things everyday? Yes, God tells us to take up our cross and follow Him (which takes sacrifice). But we can start by just obeying Him and serving and loving the people around us. We can be small heroes as we represent the True Hero. You don't have to do something crazy or big. Just follow His lead and give yourself away.

Go ahead, be a real hero.