Several years ago, a study of seven to twelve-year-olds revealed that 39% of them had as their "hero" a movie or TV star; 19% had a singer as their hero; 11% idolized comedians and 11% athletes. You put those figures together and discover that 80% of that age group had celebrities as their heroes.
Historian Daniel Boorstin, Pulitzer prize-winning author, says that the best place to find heroes is in the history books. He says, "The hero is known for achievements; the celebrity for well-knownness. The hero reveals the possibilities of human nature. The celebrity reveals the possibilities of the press and media. Celebrities are people who make news, but heroes are people who make history. Time makes heroes but dissolves celebrities." Jackie Joyner-Kersee said a true hero is "someone who really has made a difference in your life," and "If you think of me as your hero, it's important that you emulate Jackie Joyner-Kersee the person, not the athlete you read about." She says she wants kids to understand her values, "that I was able to accomplish my goals by working hard - and to realize that, for me to do that, I needed people who believed in me."
My number one hero is still my mother, who raised six children who were too young to work after Dad died during the heart of the Depression. Though she lost her husband on Thursday and her baby the following Tuesday, she was able through faith, hard work and great wisdom, to raise her family.
Real heroes set the right example and bring out the best in others. Think about that; find suitable heros and admire them but don't try to emulate their lives - follow their example. Take that approach and I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
Zig Ziglar is known as America’s Motivator. He authored 36 books and produced numerous life-changing programs. He will be remembered as a man who lived out his faith daily.