She Needed a Hero So She Became One

A dear friend who is going through some really tough times sent me a private message after I had said to her “You are your own hero -- you + God = courageous and strong, mighty woman of God!” She replied: Is that ok, to be your own hero?” The following helps explain my response to her:.

If ever we needed our sisterhood, we need it today. To have friends that encourage us, cry with us, rejoice with us and pray for us is worth more than silver and gold. I do that a lot on Facebook. When I see friends’ photos of their child’s wedding, I rejoice with them. I celebrate with my friends when they celebrate the accomplishments of their family – the school wins, graduations, awards, baby births, and anniversaries. I also love it when friends are bold enough to ask for prayer.

This photo says “She Needed a Hero, So She Became One!” I’m so proud of my friends and those women I don’t know, who aspire to be strong, resilient, determined, tenacious women and who say “I can do this. I can survive this. I am an overcomer. I am powerful – not because of my own abilities and my own self-talk – but I am powerful because the Greater One lives in me. (1 John 4:4) I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)”

I learned very quickly, after I became a widow, that I had a choice to make. I could whine and I could wallow in self-pity because I didn’t have my hero to lean on or give me advice on important decisions, or to repair something around the house. I could have thought “I need a hero to see after me!” If I stayed in that mindset, I would have never realized all I could do on my own. Now I know I am a woman of wisdom. I daily purpose to be powerful, passionate, positive, and, above all – peaceful. Rarely do I call out for help from anyone, but I also know my limitations. So when my daughter asked what I’d like for my birthday and since they live nearby, I was quick to say “Coupons for around-the-house jobs” (see photo). And, that's what they gave me. Yay!! I'll definitely use those coupons!

Honestly, there are times I think about how awesome it would be to have a hero again who I could go to for support and who would give me that extra hug, soothe my troubled soul, and boost me up with encouragement and compliments. But, I know I have God Who is more than enough. He is faithful to me. "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." Psalm 68:5. He lifts me up with His love. I may be alone, but I’m not lonely. He is for me and encourages me daily with His Word.

Still, there are times when it's up to ME to set me free. It's up to me to apply the band-aids to my body and my spirit. It's up to me to change the channel of "pitiful me" to "powerful me". It's up to me to do what King David did. "When King David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, David encouraged himself in the LORD his God." 1 Samuel 30:6

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother or mother or friend and it’s ME. I never leave me. I never forsake me. I don’t EVER let me beat ME up and I don't let me pity me. I put on my armor, pick up my sword and raise it high. I have come to realize I am my own HERO. Yes…..there are times when we need a HERO......and that's when it's up to us to BECOME ONE

Opening Bell Rings Big on Nasdaq

Day 165 of Photo Inspirations -- Opening Bell Rings Big on NASDAQ
#TBT -- June 18, 2010 -- This was a day when a proud mama remembered her little Cub Scout selling all those Scout-A-Rama tickets. That was the start of his entrepreneurial endeavors.  Who would have thought that same little boy would be the CEO of a public traded company. At 8:30 a.m. this day, our son rang the Opening Bell on NASDAQ, and we were there to witness it.

What was equal to the experience, and the pride and joy we had in our son's undaunted determination for this day to happen, was my Sweetheart's undaunted determination, in spite of immense and excruciating pain to not let this moment escape him.  He was going to be a part of the celebration -- no matter how he felt or how ill he was.  Five months later he graduated to heaven for the biggest "I WIN" celebration of all.

I realized, as I remembered this day and so many other days and "firsts" that followed....there's one common word that explains this mode of operation.  We continue to be undaunted in our belief that "With God ALL things are possible!"  That's the message we cultivate into our children AND our grandchildren.  We may not come in first every time, but it's not because we lack determination and the will to win.

I'll be honest with you -- there were, and ARE, times when the temptation comes to slow down, take an easier road, and rest in green pastures a while, but once again, the voice of THE ONE Who knows no limits and knows no bounds, says "Trust Me!  Go ahead!  Walk on water!"  He calls us to new faith that overcomes fear and overcomes failure.  God always offers us the guarantee of His presence, and that’s enough to cast fears aside. The One who calls us has already won. We keep our eyes on Him.  He will carry us through. We are strong soldiers and we will continue to be undaunted in our faith and trust in HIM!