Looking Everywhere Except The Most Obvious Place When Holding Out For A Hero

"I'm holding out for a hero...He's (or 'she's') gotta be sure and it's gotta be soon, And he's (or 'she's') gotta be larger than life".. Dean Pitchford, Jim Steinman

We're probably dating ourselves with the quote from Bonnie Tyler's great song in the sub-headline just about this paragraph. We added a little bit to include everyone. This page is inspired by the most recent column from guest author T.O. Illustratio. Isn't it true that most of us deep down, are holding out for a hero?

As least those among us who see things not only as they are, but also how they could be. If you have checked into this website you are someone who seeks to do more, become a stronger leader, a more accountable citizen, and the best version of yourself that is possible.

In that page about the unsung hero, T.O. Illustratio did as is the custom of the author by writing something that caused us to think. Those of us with glass-half-full outlooks tend to fall into the group that is holding out for a hero. We are not hypnotized by apathy where we don't see and consider evil in our world. Evil is a constant traveling companion of human beings, lurking two steps behind and one step to the left, always ready to seize on our weak moments. Evil grows one weak moment to the next.

We might not be all the way there to where we can fully challenge evil, so we hold out for a hero to take on the fight. We look beyond the horizon, certain that the strong, omnipotent force is on the way to end injustice and put all that is good and noble back in order.

Holding Out For A Hero

"Where have all the good men (and women) gone and where are all the gods?
Where's the streetwise Hercules to fight the risin' odds?
Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?" Dean Pitchford, Jim Steinman

Over the past several decades our national elections have descended into the dispiriting reality of picking the lesser ineffective of two unqualified candidates. We're holding out for a hero to come along who will bring honor to the positions. Sadly life doesn't always meet our expectations so we are left with that dispiriting reality of picking the least objectionable.

We're looking outward for the hero but we're missing the heroic presence as we scan beyond and overlook the answer in front of us.

“The thing about a hero, is even when it doesn't look like there's a light at the end of the tunnel, he's going to keep digging, he's going to keep trying to do right and make up for what's gone before, just because that's who he is.”
Joss Whedon

"If you are not the hero of your own story, then you're missing the whole point of your humanity.” Steve Maraboli

Regular readers of accountablecitizens.com probably know where we are going next. Instead of holding out for a hero, why not become the hero? One, or ten, or even 100 of us taking up the challenge won't bring instant results. But it will start a ripple that becomes a wave.

The world is holding out for a hero because fear holds many people back, and lack of personal belief robs others of realizing they can be one of those heroes.

All great, seismic changes begin with small efforts that grow more powerful, more effective. The Freedom Riders began with some ideas bantered about in small rooms that led to what seemed like an ordinary event we all do, going to lunch.

If you aren't aware of the historical significance of those lunch encounters, read our page about the Freedom Riders. They were holding out for a hero, and out of that came many heroes, all just ordinary folks doing something extraordinary.

Mother Teresa took a handful of young women into one of the most impoverished, disease-ridden parts of the world to offer aid and comfort. Just ordinary folks doing extraordinary things to bring about positive change. Those small efforts became a world-wide program that cares for thousands of marginalized people around the world.

It also gave a voice, a powerful, truthful voice to a small woman who would speak to American presidents, national leaders, and religious position holders in very direct terms. She called out their indifference to the value of innocent lives. She challenged them to walk their talk. Mother Teresa became a hero so many were holding out for and also showed how we can do the same.

"And you finally see the truth, that a hero lies in you." Mariah Carey

We don't have to meet the elevated stature of Mother Teresa or the Freedom Riders. We can learn to listen better, break free of fear and procrastination, and become more responsible for our part of the world. Our page directory has information on all those topics.

Every part of America is holding out for a hero. We don't need to look over the horizon. We'll see the hero in the mirror.

"And then a hero comes along, with the strength to carry on,

And you cast your fears aside, and you know you can survive,

So when you feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong,

And you finally see the truth, that a hero lies in you." Mariah Carey

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