What makes a hero?

What makes a hero?

Two things come to my mind when I think of what a “hero” is: courage to do what is right even in the face of great opposition, in some cases even death, and putting the good/lives of others above your own.

July 24th, 2012 I received the numbing news that my friend, classmate, neighbor, and hero- Marine Sgt. Justin Hansen had been shot and killed while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. A familiar verse (written on the tombstone of my brave cousin who died trying to save his friend) immediately came to mind. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friend.” As thousands who have fought in the past, and many who continue to fight today, they have purchased and continue to defend the freedom and liberties we are blessed with as Americans. We are forever grateful for their sacrifices.

There is a hero that paid the ultimate price for the freedom we can have in this life and the next. Jesus Christ came to earth to die so that we can have the opportunity to have freedom from our sins. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Like all who knew Justin, we are proud to know our heroes. So the question I ask you today is this...do you know Jesus Christ? Have you accepted His free gift and have a relationship with Him? If so, remember daily and live, knowing the ultimate price He paid in laying down His life for you.