Heroes are those who are admired for their courage. In my experience and observation, true heroes usually do not think of themselves as heroes or courageous. They’re generally normal people who are put in situations they wouldn’t otherwise have chosen, requiring them to show courage. This could include serving others, enduring chronic suffering, persevering through doubts or mental illness, showing faithfulness in obscurity, etc.
This past week on social media, I asked social media followers to tell me about a (non-famous) living woman who is a hero to them. Here are some of the replies from Twitter (visit my Instagram and Facebook posts to read more).
If there’s a woman who is an unsung hero in your life, why not take a moment to tell her today?
Mrs. Weber-Beagle. She was my 8th and 9th grade English teacher. She got me to like reading a little, writing a lot, and to care about my vocabulary. I don’t know if she has Twitter.
— ESV Bible Nerd (@esvbiblenerd) August 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/shemomjojo/status/1291920906789556225
My wife(@Martypartymothering on IG) who serves her community so well that when my 5-yr-old overheard us say “meal train” in conversation, she immediately asked us “who’s pregnant?”
My wife legitimately makes meals and whole meal trains for strangers she meets at the park.
— Luke Oltmans (@LukeOltmans) August 7, 2020
I’m a little late, but my wife is a rockstar. Lemme brag about her for a moment, even if she doesn’t get a book.
Wife to me, mommy to two kiddos. She’s a clinical director for a center for children with autism. She’s a great friend to those around her, and faithful to Jesus.
— Timothy Bitz (@TimothyBitz) August 7, 2020
The leader of our ESL program at our church. Before we stopped for a Covid, had about 130 students and a long waiting list. She works tirelessly for free, while also maintaining a paying teacher job elsewhere. Our students learn for free and she is an amazing organizer, making
— Not in a box (@casigurangirl) August 7, 2020
….sure us teachers are well supported too. She plans parties and celebrations for their accomplishments and the students feel loved and safe while learning their English.
— Not in a box (@casigurangirl) August 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/MzMez/status/1291770966822051841
My mom: She doesn't waver in her commitment to serving God, despite suffering a lot of spiritual abuse in the past.
A local Christian farmer I know: She's smart and very capable, an independent thinker who respects other people but will call out stupidity when she sees it.
— Democracy of the Dead (@Democracyotdead) August 7, 2020
How many do you want?
My mum – models sacrificial prayerful Christian living
My wife – serves our family & student ministry in NZ at personal cost
Alison Bingham – as a student, gave herself willingly to show Jesus to me as a teen
Paula Love – with others helped me follow Him— Ben Carswell (@bcarswell) August 7, 2020
My wife @AnnaGillette5 she’s an incredible wife, mother, teacher, and best friend all rolled into one. So grateful God put her in my life.
— Eli 🇺🇦 (@elijohnson116) August 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/jtmcfluffy/status/1291553099925118976
There is so much that can be said about Carol, but she is a hero to me because of her service in the mission field, her reliance on Christ, just her overall example of Christ. She is so knowledgeable yet humble. I have and will continue to learn much from Carol.
— Josh Hus (@husjoshua) August 6, 2020
My wife, Heidi.
More than anyone, she has taught me what unconditional love is. Trust me, I don't make it easy. I know the love of The Father because of her.
@NEEDTOBREATHE did a great job writing a song about women like her: https://t.co/LhRsOLKy4t
— Dennis 🇺🇸 🇵🇱 🇺🇦 (@dennisswender) August 7, 2020
Hmmm. I'd have to go with @racheljwelcher. She shows so much grace despite sorrow and hardship, and never ceases to extend mercy and sympathy even when she herself is suffering. I find that amazing.
— Jennifer Greenberg (@JennMGreenberg) August 7, 2020
My friend Joy LaCombe who has persevered in trusting God through income loss, downsizing, and family alienation —even when she was part of the problem—because she received counsel and became part of the answer.
— rondi@teamlauterbach.com (@feastonChrist) August 8, 2020