Heroes and Responsibility

"A hero is someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom." Bob Dylan

Do you consider yourself a hero?  Think about who your real-life heroes were.  Chances are, they gave more than they took.  Heroes by definition give more than they take.  Many other characteristics may come to mind too.  You may look up to someone who helped you when you couldn't help back or someone who took care of someone else less fortunate or someone who shares a common cause with you.

Bob Dylan's description of a hero rings true for a society.  These aren't necessarily personal heroes, but they are society's heroes.  You see any culture, especially one built on freedom and respect needs people who take their responsibility seriously.  Our world needs people who understand the responsibility that comes with freedom.  Do you?

Consider your freedom.  What maintains it?  Is your freedom supported by others, or yourself?  What responsibility comes with your freedom?  Are you responsible to look out for others; give more than you take; clean up after yourself?  Do any places come to mind where you've been dropping the ball?  What are you going to do about them?

As you examine your life, choose to be more responsible and you'll improve your impact.  You may even become someone's hero today!

Photo AP