Archive for July 19th, 2009
“You’re not a hero, stop acting like one”
July 19th, 2009 | 
Author: My mission had a lot of adventures. The things I did, the stuff I ate, and the people I saved were all adventurful. And when I say saved, I don’t mean in just the spiritual sense.
One afternoon, my companion and began to walk across a wide, crowded intersection which flooded with people after the signal to cross came on. Like nearly all streets in Australia, the road had little reflectors drilled into it which helped cars with lights on know where the middle of the road is. As we walked, a little old lady kicked one with her shoe and came tumbling forward into my arms. In a split second, I braced myself so we wouldn’t fall. After the initial shock, she stood straight and we crossed the street together. She gave me a kiss on the cheek and thanked me for saving her, which the large audience around us recognized with lots of smiles.
The fact that I was right there at the right moment was nothing short of providence. If she hit the pavement, she could have broke something. So yeah, I was a hero — that is, until I told my family the other night.
After pointing out how good I was my brother asked, “Wait a second, you were moving in a straight line, the lady tripped in a straight line and you caught her?” “Yes,” I said proudly. He put a disgusted look on his face, “What were you doing, playing chicken with the poor old lady?”
After a few other comments, I wasn’t the hero anymore. I probably scared the lady by coming directly at her and she tripped in a panic. I was about to defend myself, but the heroic moment was over, and it would have done no good.
Fortunately mocking each other is a recognized pastime in my family. I knew my family believed me, but no one was about to let me think I am the Mormon missionary version of Superman. It turns out that getting ourselves worked up about how good we are is not a healthy way to go through life. We should recognize our achievements and be willing to show our talents, but ultimately, as GK Chesterton noted, “Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.” I know I’m a hero. I just try not to get worked up over the idea.
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