Who are the "Regular Heroes"?

I saw a reference in a post I received a few weeks ago to the “ministry of obscurity”. I find this to be quite profound if you apply that label to the millions of people around the world laboring every day to do good in their communities, being kind to others, raising their families, loving their neighbors, sharing their faith with others, caring for the sick/poor/neglected, protecting us from harm and leading virtuous lives...all in relative obscurity and seeking no recognition for their noble efforts. They are beacons of light in an increasingly angry and polarized world. Thinking about them gives me hope.

Through the countless conversations I have with others in my community and professional network, it is obvious many of us feel let down and frustrated by politicians and public figures who espouse the right things, but whose actions don’t align with their words. Perhaps we are looking in the wrong places. Maybe for too long we have placed the wrong people on pedestals. It is entirely possible that we need look no further than our own families, workplaces and communities for regular heroes to inspire us with their good examples.

They are all around, but we may fail to notice them as it is easy to overlook the hardworking, virtuous and generous among us. We may not always observe their good work because they go about doing the right things in often quiet ways, avoiding the spotlight whenever possible. They care more about doing good than getting the credit. When they are not working, they are likely spending quality time with their loved ones, serving others in the community or investing in those they mentor. They provide a powerful witness in the simplest of actions.

What prompted this post? In the past few weeks since I began pondering the idea of the ministry of obscurity I referenced earlier, I encountered three people who I had the good fortune to see, maybe for the first time, as regular heroes quietly serving in this ministry. I have known who they are for years, but I was struck recently by how each of them are such good role models for me and others who know them. Tom, a successful senior executive devoted to his church and his family, selflessly gives his time to a local homeless shelter each month and organizes his church community to support it. He is a quiet and humble man who can always be counted on when you need help...and coach his daughter’s soccer team for good measure. Allison, a talented mid-level manager with a well-known consulting company, quietly devotes as much time as possible to helping job seekers and mentoring other young professionals. She juggles all of this as a newlywed with the demands of a hectic job and has recruited her husband to help. Finally, there is Sandy, the grandmother of a young man on the autism spectrum. Sandy started a non-profit to help amazing young people like her grandson learn to communicate more effectively through improv and theater classes adapted to their style of learning. Her non-profit has helped hundreds of people on the autism spectrum and she is an inspiration to all who know her. There was a need that was not being addressed in the autism community and she took it upon herself to tackle it. ?

Regular heroes like these three individuals and others we all likely know are often humble, selfless, and focused on how they can serve others. They are not necessarily trying to change the world, but instead focus on helping one person at a time.?What are other ways we can recognize them?

• They are joyful and peaceful, which naturally draws others to them.
• They live authentic and courageous lives which do not change to suit their companions or in the face of life’s challenges.
• They have a generous spirit and when engaging with others, it is always about you and not about them.
• They see it as a privilege to do any task necessary to render a service to others.
• The folks I know who fit this category see their service to others as a duty and responsibility which they are happy to carry out.
• Their good work transcends and is disinterested in politics and cultural whims. Doing the right thing for anyone in need is all that matters.

These regular heroes don’t care who gets the credit and pursue Eulogy Virtue vs Resume Virtue as described by author David Brooks in his book, The Road to Character. Both types of virtues are important and worth pursuing and refining, but only eulogy virtues have any lasting value and legacy.?For them, it’s not about the glory or the fame. It’s just a wonderful way to live.

I shared three examples of regular heroes laboring in the “ministry of obscurity” who grabbed my attention when I stopped seeking inspiration from those in the public arena and began looking at my own backyard and the people I encounter in my daily life. There are so many examples I could have also cited like the single mom working two jobs to support her young family to the foster parents who routinely take in and help troubled teens to the teenager who organizes his friends to pick up trash on weekends to protect the environment and beautify his community. Who are the regular heroes in your world? What valuable lessons can you learn from them? We should seek them out, share our sincere gratitude and hopefully follow their great example.

Thank you to all who make the world a better place in your own quiet ways.

Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps because I am afraid, and he gives me courage.

― (Gandalf) J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Check out Randy Hain's newest book, Essential Wisdom for Leaders of Every Generation. Learn more and order the book from Amazon here.

Randy Hain is the president of Serviam Partners, the award-winning author of eight books, an executive coach, leadership consultant and thought leader on business relationships. He is also the co-founder of The Leadership Foundry