3 Heroes You May Not Know: #3 is TRULY AMAZING…

According to Merriam-Webster’s, a HERO is defined as:

1.   A mythological or legendary figure of great strength or ability 

2.   An outstanding warrior or soldier 

3.   A person admired for achievements and qualities

4.   One that shows great courage

There are many heroes and heroines that live in our hearts and minds. Some are created from how they touched our lives, others from what they delivered to our world. In each case, their reputation grew from their exceptional and genuine nature that gifted us knowledge of compassion, kindness and strength. Inspirational and extraordinary - here are 3 heroes/heroines you may not have heard of that made positive changes to countless lives around the globe:

1. SUSAN B. ANTHONY:

“I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.”

– Maya Angelou

Susan B. Anthony is a pioneer of the women’s rights and suffrage movement. Suffrage still exists in many parts of the world today, but is generating increased global attention. Recent examples of GM naming their first ‘all-female’ CEO and CFO team or, Iceland’s recent legislation changes making it illegal to pay men and women different wages for the same tasks could not have been imagined if it weren’t for heroines like Susan B. Anthony.

Susan was born in Adams, Massachusetts in 1820. By the time she turned 24 years old, her family moved to Rochester, New York where they led an anti-slavery group to promote human rights. As a social reformer she was vocal in promoting equal rights for all.

Shortly after, Susan traveled into New York City and found male teachers making almost four times the amount of female teachers. Again, this was something she could not accept and determinedly set forth in an effort to change the system. She was a leader in activism and founded numerous associations that trail-blazed into the 1900’s including the International Council of Women, American Equal Rights Association and many more.

Susan not shy away from putting herself in the line of fire to advocate for women's rights. In 1872, she dared vote in her hometown of Rochester at a time when women were forbidden from voting. For this direct legal violation, she was arrested and convicted in a well-publicized trial that generated large scale visibility to her cause; Nonetheless, her perseverance paid off. A few years after her passing, Congress finally passed the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1920) – known as the Susan B. Anthony amendment. This was the first time the U.S. government passed an act to allow its citizens the right to vote regardless of sex. Susan B. Anthony was posthumously commemorated on a 1979 U.S. coin and was the first female to be placed on U.S. currency. 

Her legend will always be honored and remembered as she succeeded in creating an arch from which many strong women were able to walk freely through, and make more positive changes for our world.

“Men their rights and nothing more; women their rights and nothing less.”

-Susan B. Anthony’s ‘The Revolution’ Motto

2. ZION SHAVER:

“Hard times don't create heroes. It is during the hard times when the 'hero' within us is revealed.”

- Bob Riley

Zion’s story inspired me to write this article. His 11-minute Netflix documentary had tugged on my heartstrings and confirmed to me the impossible is always possible.

In Columbus, Ohio, 1997, Zion Shaver was born with caudal regression syndrome – which resulted with him being born without legs. He was given up for adoption by his birth mother as an infant and forced into numerous foster homes. During his childhood, Zion was continuously beaten, starved and teased as he grew up in unstable living conditions. 

Zion had a choice in life – one was to accept who he was or change himself to be what others wanted him to be and accept their perception. The name Zion derives from a biblical mountain - Mount Zion. This majestic hill's name is where Zion acquired his mental strength. After all the turbulent experiences he had endured, he references how being named after this mountain developed a self-perception of being similarly 'strong and stable'. As a young teen, he read a book entitled "No Excuses" by Kyle Maynard who had a similar debilitation as Zion and overcame odds to become a top student wrestler. This was Zion's inspiration and set him on a path to become an inspiration in his own right.

Zion had an admiration for wrestling and was introduced to the sport when he was only 2 years old. When Zion attended Massillon Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio, he joined the wrestling team and competed in the State minimum 106 lbs weight class (despite weighing less than 90 lbs). Instantly, he was chastised and poked fun at by competitors and many others. He lost his first match, and almost quit - but that was not how his tale was to be remembered. Bravery and determination prevailed and Zion continued. Practicing with his coach daily, working on adaptable moves and constantly practicing.

"In wrestling, it's all or nothing, so if I want something, I just have to go for it and give 100 percent effort and hopefully I get it."

-Zion Shaver

And get it he did! Taking opponents down one-by-one, eventually reaching the finals of his district tournament at Ohio's Mentor High School. One game away from the State Championship, like a gladiator, he battled his competitor to the end. In a heart-breaking moment, he was unable to overcome his opponent. His decorated high school wrestling career culminated with a standing ovation from the Ohio crowd as tears dripped from his eyes to cheeks to his beloved wrestling mat. Zion's strength to persevere through all odds, resulted in being heralded as a true hero and earned the respect of those same people that ridiculed him. His senior year record was an astonishing accomplishment with 33 wins and 15 losses.

Zion's coach, Gil Donahue, carried him off the mat in his arms like a proud father. He later admitted "coaching Zion has had a major impact on my life," as he fought back tears, "he is an amazing person who has changed the way I look at life because of his positive outlook.” His mother Kimberely Hawkins, who formally adopted Zion at 16 years of age, was also proud and heaped praise on her young leader "Zion is an overcomer, an inspiration to many.”

Courage is “the ability to do something that frightens one” or “strength in the face of pain or grief”. Many of us can relate to Zion’s feelings, but his accomplishment is what makes him extraordinary.

"Wrestling has changed my life to the point where when I come to an obstacle in my life…I instantly figure out a way to get past it and move on."

-Zion Shaver

3. YOU:

I think we are all heroes to somebody. Whether it is at work, in the community, friends or family. We generally try to set a positive example for others to follow.

For my daughters, I like to believe I am their hero. It is up to me to teach them right from wrong and encourage them to be positive, patient, kind and polite. To also help them become stronger, so they too, can rise in the face of adversity like Zion. Far from perfect, but I give them all my love every day and try my best to set a proud example that can support their growth from innocent young girls to strong women like Susan B. Anthony.

Life happens and we all struggle with issues as they arise. We may handle situations differently than others, but we all have a common thread.

How we deal with our mind, body and soul will project how others perceive us and our ability to support them. Spirituality and mindfulness supports your inner peace and mental health. It is important to enjoy today and do the best you can do at this very moment! The past is worth learning from, but not hurting over and the future is God’s will.

I wish you well on life’s journey and leave you with an inspirational quote below as you pursue your personal goals and successes:

“We can be in our day what the heroes of faith were in their day — but remember at the time they didn’t know they were heroes.”

-A.W. Tozer