Our Heroes, Our Patriots

The masses try and flee the terror that besieges them as flood waters rise in Texas while others escape the mighty flames burning out of control throughout the west. In Florida, many evacuate so as to be removed from the rage of the massive Irma threatening to destroy all who lay in her path of destruction, and yet, the patriots rush in.

They pack their supplies and travel where few want to go, making the long trek to where they are needed most. Thinking of those they leave behind in the comfort and safety of home could cause them to stay, but their mission won’t allow them to sit idly by knowing they have the skills to help those in their darkest hour and the heart to help ease the suffering of others.  So they go.

Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

So these brave ones go. Those that work the power lines travel to where whole populations of people have no power at all, places where Mother Nature has wreaked havoc and there is danger as live wires can kill with just a touch. And yet, they go, for they are patriots.

Firemen from across the country join their fellow comrades to take on a fight of massive proportion, their adversary, dangerous flames that have reached enormous heights, quickly scorching everything in sight. And yet, knowing that the battle will be long and intense as danger lurks behind the roaring flames they go, for they are patriots.

Though the storms rage all around them, First Responders race out against nature’s forces hoping to reach victims in time. Law enforcement, doing their best to provide safety for citizens even at the risk of personal harm, run toward trouble knowing the uncertainty of what lies ahead, and yet, they go. Medical professionals man their post during crisis, working round the clock trying to treat each person who comes through those ER doors. For they are patriots all.

Volunteers and disaster relief teams head to Houston with water, food, clothing and blankets, hoping to bring comfort to the hungry and worn out and hope to those who have lost theirs.  Devastation is everywhere, and yet they go, hoping to be a ray of sunshine in the midst of the soaking rain that flooded much of the great state of Texas. And soon, many will travel to Florida and begin again, for they too, are patriots.

First Responders, medical professionals, power line crews, disaster relief teams, and volunteers each demonstrate courage and generosity of selflessness as they put the well-being of others over that of themselves. Not for money or glory but for the benefit of those who need help.

Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Even more so for those who put themselves in harm’s way for the sake of people they don’t know and yet still do their best to help. They are our heroes, patriots each one.

Sept. 11, 2017 CCN article by Rebekah Hurst, reposted with permission