Why We Need a Savior

The Christmas season is here, and I wanted to share this message as a reminder for why we celebrate. I know that because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His gospel, we can be together forever as families. Christ is the true superhero.

Heroes Among Us

We are surronded by heroes. All we need to do is look around us. I wish that I could share a photo of everyone, because in some way we are all heroes. We are heroes to our children, our friends, our spouses, our co-workers, to random people. It doesn't matter who we are a hero to. Just remember your potential!

Let's look at Hugh Jackman, who professionally plays a super hero. His hero is his dad. Even Wolverine has a hero! 

 

Now let's look at Stan Lee. He is a millionaire from creating superheroes. He is the hero to others and yet here he is holding a sign that says he is for real life superheroes. Even the heroes need heroes!

 Let's not forget the biggest heroes of all. These men sacrifice their lives for our freedom. Their courage, selflessness, and honor make them real life heroes.

I created a survey asking college students and family members who their favorite hero/heroine was and what attributes their hero had that they admired. Below you will see the results of this survey. I was very surprised that Captain America was so popular. After asking the second part to the question, his popularity made sense. 

While some heroes were picked solely for their good looks, others were picked for their character. Some liked Thor because of his hammer. Others liked that Ironman is rich. But often, after describing these characteristics my fellow students began to delve deeper into their appreciation for their hero. A girl named Sydney stated, "I choose Charles Xavier because he is a great leader despite his physical limitations". Rochelle explained, "Ironman is smart, and he isn't afraid to give his opinion, and he tries even if he shows off a little bit. And he's attractive. BONUS- he listens to AC/DC". Finally, Harlee said, "my favorite hero would have to be the Hulk. I like that he realizes that he has flaws and yet he doesn't let those flaws define him. He tries his best to be a good person and help those around him."

We can learn so much from these heroes. That is what heroes are for, an example to look up to and to strive to be like. If only we could have the "good morals and goodness" about us that Rylee admires in Captain America. Being a hero doesn't require superhuman strength, cat-like reflexes, or mind-controlling abilities. It comes from within. Thor wouldn't be as amazing without his honor and worthiness to wield his hammer. Wonder Woman wouldn't be wonderful without her compassionate and good-hearted nature.

We, like the Hulk, have flaws. What makes us a hero is moving on despite those flaws. Fighting for and defending what is important to us shows a strength of character more than it shows a physical strength.

 You are the Hulk: Calm, and collected, and thoughtful, you're an intellectual with an unstoppable rage beast living just under the surface. You're not proud of that rage beast, but you have to appreciate the way it gets things done.

You are Captain America: A natural leader who sets

a good example and never gives up. People defer to your sense of justice and integrity. You do your best to protect others, and nothing upsets you more than someone being a bully.

 You are Superman: You embody a strong sense of morality and selflessness. Goodness is apart of your being, and you are a strong believer that all people are good and deserve a second chance. 

Zero to hero

"When we ask why people become heroic, research doesn’t yet have an answer. It could be that heroes have more compassion or empathy; maybe there’s a hero gene; maybe it’s because of their levels of oxytocin—research by neuroeconomist Paul Zak has shown that this “love hormone” in the brain increases the likelihood you’ll demonstrate altruism. We don’t know for sure" (Zimbardo). 

Unfortunately, we can't become a hero by simply wanting to be one. Being a hero requires more than slaying monsters and getting the girl. As Hercules learned, "a true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart."

The process of becoming a hero is similar to the process of developing a successful relationship. 

First: You need to meet someone or become aware of their existence. Just as Hercules becomes aware of his powers, we become aware of the influence another might have on us.

Second: You must progress from acquaintance to building a relationship.  Behaviors that allow this change to come about include, "high levels of routine contact and activity (for example, calling, texting, going places together, and just spending lots of time together), providing emotional support and... talking about the relationship" (Hawkins et al). This is comparable to Hercules seeing his potential and practicing to become a true hero.

The main indicator that you have moved on to this phase is the first date. These are often awkward and uncomfortable. However, "most people seem to prefer being friends before moving into a possible romantic relationship" and going first as friends can ease the awkwardness of the situation. (Hawkins et al). Hercules didn't become a master swordsman by simply picking it up.  Dating is a process and the more you date, the easier it becomes.

Thirdly: Couples need to carry on in the relationship. They need to be invested in a long term relationship, and for most couples, marriage is the next natural step. Hercules is invested in his heroic abilities and works hard to ensure that he is prepared.

Lastly: Just because we finally got married, we are not able to stop putting effort into our relationship. We must "measure up" to our responsibilities and fulfill our roles in the home. 

The marriage process allows us to recognize the attributes we admire in others and to seek to gain those attributes as well. Hopefully we will all develop the qualities we appreciate in others. We can start to develop hero-like qualities now, because after marriage come children and now is the best time to prepare to be their heroes.

I would like to echo the challenge of Philip Zimbardo, "to take the 'hero pledge,' a public declaration on our website that says you’re willing to be a hero in waiting. It’s a pledge 'to act when confronted with a situation where I feel something is wrong,' 'to develop my heroic abilities,' and 'to believe in the heroic capacities within myself and others, so I can build and refine them.' "

Sources:

Hawkins, A., Dollahite, D., & Draper, T. (2012). The ABCs of Successful Romantic Relationship Development: Meeting, Dating, and Choosing an Eternal Companion. In Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.

Zimbardo, P. (2011, January 18). What Makes a Hero? Retrieved October 11, 2015, from http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_makes_a_hero

For the Heroes: A Pep Talk From Kid President

This video is a little long, but well worth it.