This past Sunday I heard a story about an amazing person, Chaplain Emil Kapuan. Chaplain Emil was recently awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic acts in the Korean War. It is not very often the Medal of Honor is awarded. It is exceptionally rare to have it awarded a chaplain. What makes this story even more incredible is that Chaplain Emil is being recognized for his heroic acts nearly 50 years after his selfless act of courage. His story is amazing. His acts incredibly inspiring even under the most challenging of situations.
I started to write my reflections about his inspiring story to share on Monday. Instead, I shared my thoughts on something else.
In light of the awful events in Boston, I had this urge to come back to Chaplain Emil’s heroic and amazing story. We will likely never really know what makes a hero do what they do when they do it. We only know that because it is exceptional and selfless in difficult and adverse times we know it is a very special act. That is where heroism comes from.
In Sunday’s talk, I was reminded of the continued opportunities for me to be a hero in someone else’s life. I was challenged to “meet people where I am and to meet people where they are.” Meaning, regardless of our respective situations, I have the ability and the obligation to engage in being an inspiring, loving, helpful resource to those that need me most when I realize it.
In times of tragedy and conflict, we witness the most powerful acts of heroism. These are incredible reminders of the ability that each of us has been given to help our fellow man. We do not need tragedy or adversity to call us to action. All we need is the awareness and the commitment to be prepared to take action when action is needed.
Be a hero in someone’s life. The world will be better off for it!
