A living hero

For me a hero is simply someone of great courage and wisdom; overcoming obstacles and beating the odds.  A person of great character, someone to be admired for their work ethic; a life based on love for one another. Compassion.  According to Webster a hero is: (a) a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities (b) one that shows great courage (c) the central figure in an event, period, or movement.  I have a few living heroes that come to mind whenever I think of the meaning behind the word hero.  Though a hero is generally thought of as a savior I know that a person can't save me, but rather influence me.  Make a lasting impact on my life; a figure who has carved a deep impression on the inside of me, engraving just a little bit of themselves into the person I am.  The person I will become. The people whom I hold in such regard are not just public figures for the world to see at but also those who most will never know.  

Last night after watching the thirty minute Barack Obama campaign ad I felt an inspiration so deep words can only try to convey the strength of the impact from the ad.  All politics aside, I saw a true leader standing on that platform.  A leader who has been years in the making; poised and confident, ready for the challenges that are ahead.  I'm not a political fanatic who is trying to sway anyone.  Despite the pending outcome of this years election, he will forever be a living hero in my life.  Barack Obama.  There are few people who possess the qualities of real leaders.  His character has always caught my attention.  Steady and consistent.  Who he is as a person is who he has always been, and that is something to admire in a leader.  He's not afraid of ruffling feathers to inspire change.  I have seen many 'leaders' who lack character.  Character is one of the foundational elements of making a leader.  Without it you're not a qualified leader, in my opinion.  A leader has wisdom.  Not necessarily wisdom that has come from experience, but rather the ability to look at a situation and have the common sense to make a decision that will yield positive results. Not decision making made without thought, or decision making reached out of haste.  Wisdom.  Most of all I admire his ability to relate to people.  I think his interaction with people shows his heart.  A true heart of compassion for others.  And that is what moves me probably more than anything, a person who has a genuine love, concern, & compassion for mankind.  Of course he's not perfect, but perfectionism isn't what makes a leader.  He makes me see that nothing is impossible.  He inspires people to unite.  A door has been creaking open steadily for many, many years; being slowly pushed by leaders of the past, now Barack has flung the door open and taken a step to the other side.  His courage to take it to another level is an inspiration to me.  I think any race can appreciate the path he has paved for the generations to come.  Come what may next week, Barack Obama is forever a hero to me.