I did something that I haven’t done in about 10 years…I went to synagogue on Saturday morning. Wish I could give you a reason or an epiphany or an invitation but no burning bush or flash of light. When I arrived it really did feel like coming home. There was a comfort and a familiarity that made me relax and off to the chapel for services.
The services were not only for the Sabbath but a young man was having his Bar Mitzvah. He had a theme based on a Mitzvah project or charity project that he needed to complete before becoming an adult in the faith. He chose to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Tennessee. The hospital provides free medical care to children with cancer. He raised approximately $2000, not an easy thing to accomplish. The theme for his speech was about the “Heroes” among us.
At the luncheon he spoke about each table being a tribute to a hero. Those he was honoring included: Lance Armstrong; Bono, Michael Jordan, Daniel Pearl and Danny Thomas just to name a few. What he spoke about and what his parents and the Rabbi commented on was the idea that a hero is someone who brings their best to the table without hesitation. It’s about those who have conviction in their beliefs and have an unwavering sense of self.
As we walk this world as pilgrims I hope these are things you will remember. When facing your illness feeling empowered to take steps that you believe will give your relief or aid in your healing is paramount to your well-being. Knowing what it takes to live each day to the fullest and still choosing to get out of bed in the morning makes you a hero. Recruiting a team of supporters who will be your cheerleader, coach, emotional and sometimes physical support makes you a leader.
I could spend the rest of the day writing about your heroic actions but in the end they have to be acknowledged by you. You’re the one who has to have the belief that you have a say about the direction of your care. You’re the one who has to tune into your body and allow your intuitive abilities to lead you back to the doctor when you’re not satisfied with the progress.
We all have heroes, those we look up to or want to emulate. If that’s what you need to acknowledge the hero within just look at people like Lance Armstrong with his cancer battle, Michael J. Fox and his voice for Parkinson’s Research, Montel Williams and his work to keep those with Multiple Sclerosis healthy and their bodies moving and don’t forget Mattie Stepanek who even with Muscular Dystrophy touched the world with his poetry and each time he made a public appearance people would rethink their own limitations and set the bar higher for themselves.
Identify those things you have in common with some of the “celebrities” I’ve mentioned. I guarantee that you will find those same qualities in you…now make the world aware of those superhero powers.
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 