be the hero of your own story
Did you know that you are a writer? Everyone is! You are presently writing the story of your life. Each day creates another page in your saga while each month and year completes another chapter, and finally, every season of life marks a division of your book. They will close the finished book one day and place it on a shelf.
What genre is your autobiography? Is it a tragedy, comedy, adventure, cliffhanger, romance, epic, or even fantasy? Most of our stories contain a little of every category; however, what would you like as the overarching theme of your life?
I think I like “adventure” to describe the tale of my existence. Adventure comes from two Latin words, the first meaning, “to arrive,” and strangely, the second meaning, “about to happen.” We are always “arriving” at a destination while simultaneously “about to arrive” somewhere else. Through the years, the word morphed into what we now think of as adventure.
When I was a kid, every day was a new crusade, usually fighting imaginary bad guys. My heroes were Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger, Sugarfoot, The Rifleman, and of course, The Magnificent Seven. There were several undeveloped acres next to my house, so within a few steps, I was into the wild, wild west with my trusty six-shooter and BB Gun rifle.
In a few years, I joined the Boy Scouts and excelled. Scouting was designed to teach one how to live adventurously. I first started gaining my leadership chops as a Patrol leader and ultimately moved up to the Senior Troop Patrol Leader. I eventually became an Eagle Scout and a member of the select group, The Order of the Arrow. One of the colossal journeys of my life was the two weeks at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. During the fifteen-day journey, we slept in tents, dodged bears, rode horses, and climbed 12,445 feet up Baldy Mountain.
I have enjoyed the blessings of a life full of challenges and gratifying experiences. It has always seemed that there was another exploit around every corner. My odyssey has often involved helping others in one way or another, which has rendered me much joy. Following Jesus and leading a few of his people has always proved challenging, exciting, and often exhilarating. In the past few years, I’ve entered a new season where I am now writing another section of my book, trying to make a difference in people’s lives.
To me, life is an exciting adventure full of twists and turns, ups and downs.
At this age I have become experienced in a few matters. Experience is what you gain when you make bad decisions, and I’ve made plenty. Yet, I am constantly enjoying a parade of new opportunities to make good choices.
Though I have many heroic figures, I can humbly state that I am the hero of my own story. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
What’s your story? Did you know that you are a hero no matter what word describes your time on the green planet?
We do not usually think of ourselves as heroes, and we typically consider a hero someone who has done something courageous without bragging about it. There are many ways you are your own hero. You have traversed mountains, stood firm when hurricane winds threatened to blow you away, completed goals, and helped many people along their path. These are heroic feats.
Sadly, most of us fail to recognize and appreciate our personal victories as acts of heroism. There is an insidious voice inside our heads constantly trying to negate our true selves. “You are not good enough.” “What makes you think you can do that?” “Remember your past; it controls you.” “You will never amount to anything!” “You’re not smart enough.” “You lost your temper one too many times. It’s all over.” “You can’t get through a day without a drink. You’re such a loser!” “You are ugly.” “You are fat.” “You are old.” “You’re such a baby.” “God doesn’t love you.” “God would never use you for anything significant.”
I could write pages of false or at least partially erroneous messages we send ourselves, and I’ve delivered almost every one of them to my wandering brain.
However, God gives us the ability to make choices that put us in charge of our lives, and we regularly make good choices. You can and do tell the truth, live with integrity, keep growing, exercise restraint, do good deeds, give generously, treat others with kindness and compassion, help others, work hard, make a difference in the world, etc. These facts make you the hero of your own story because only heroes live by these standards.
The battle for your mind will rage until you pass, but God will continually provide resources for you to overcome your enemies, and He will gladly forgive you a million times when you mess up. One day you will stand before your Maker. Perhaps He will smile and say, “I provided you the Way to an eternally good life and a meaningful mortal existence. Then, I let you choose how you would respond, and you decided wisely. You were the hero of your own story. Welcome!”
I once had a friend who frequently stated to people, “God created me, and God don’t make no junk!” Humbly be the hero of your own story.
Live Inspired!
Don Mark
P.S. Please check out my new Live Inspired! Store online. Go to www.donmarkhamilton.com and click on the “Shop” button along the top banner. You will find numerous products reminding you and others to Live Inspired! New items are added every week. Ten percent of all sales go to train and support impoverished female leaders in south Asia through www.gailsgirls.org.
