Stranger in the Mirror

In Social Leadership we are currently reading The 8th Habit by Stephen R. Covey. The book focuses heavily on learning how to discover your voice, and it's imperative significance to ones life. But what does it mean to find your voice? Well I'm glad you asked. :D Finding your voice means discovering who you were before you came to this earth. It's learning who you were in the premortal existence. Sometimes it's easy to see this life as a period in which your being is built and shaped, but it really is not that way at all. Before our earthly life, we were something. We had a personality, a spirit, a heart. We were sons and daughters of a king, and we still are.

Right now, we understand a part of who we during the pre-existence, but not entirely. However, that does not mean it will always be that way. Through study, meditation, and prayer we can uncover who we were and who we can become. When we find our voice we can be truly happy, completely effective, and unstoppable against the powers of the adversary.
Finding yourself can be a frightening experience. We are all imperfect and have stumbled so many times that seeing the magnificent person we were can foster feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. But it's okay to feel that way. We are in fact human, and being imperfect is practically inescapable on our own. But because of our Heavily Father and his atoning sacrifice we can repent of our mistakes, we can become clean, and we can become worthy of royal our lineage.

Heroism

A couple days ago I watched The Princess Bride for something like my 20th time. One of my favorite lines in the movie is Inigo Montoya speaking to Vizzini about his exessive use of the word inconceivable. "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
This is very true for many people in our world today. Furthermore, I do not deny the fact I am also guilty of this. Many words have had their meanings confused and warped over the years, eventually earning an entirely new one. There are many words like this, and sadly Heroism is one of them.
Most commonly, heroism means to be a commander legions, conqueror of foes, and a holder of extraordinary power and skill. Does this truly define the nature of heroism?
During my time reading Beyonders: A World Without Heroes, I happened across a very unexpected and profound quote concerning heroism given by The Blind King. He said:

"So many misconceptions surround the notion of heroism. Far too many categorize a hero as a champion on the battlefield, commander of legions, master of rare talent or ability. Granted, there have been heroes who fit those descriptions. But many men of great evil as well."

A while ago, I watched another film in which a criminal was portrayed as the hero. Of course the, notion of him being heroic is absurd, but by common description he is in fact, a hero. He was a champion on the battlefield (Or in other words, he easily crushed the opposition), was a commander of legions (He had a very powerful group followers under his control), and he did possess rare talent and ability. Therefore, this common criminal must be in some sense, heroic.
I have taken time to think about heroism, and what it really is. I feel that I'm ready to take a stab at defining it. Of course, perspectives and interpretations may very, so I will present the following as a mere opinion, You may feel differently, and I respect that. Owning a unique opinion  is one of the most beautiful things about being human.
For me, I believe heroism to be composed of many characteristics. Of them all, I feel the most important feature is the determination to never sway from your moral compass in the face of opposition. Heroism is not one, but all the virtues tested until the critical moment of heated competition between heart and perversion. A criminal is born when he betrays his moral compass and resorts to evil to survive. A hero is born when he follows his heart until the end of time.

Pretending To Be Less

Sometimes, I have seen situations in which people lower their standards, and do things unworthy of their spiritual goodness, all in the name of being accepted by society. In seeking acceptance, they have become so desperate it motivates them to become something twisted and evil. I deeply feel all should know that any relationship which requires you to betray your moral compass, and lower yourself to darker places is a friendship never worth nurturing. While this does not mean you should be stiff necked and place yourself on a pedestal above the rest of society, it simply means you should avoid lasting relationships that can and will shape who you ultimately become. However, this also does not mean you should abandon them either. People like this are in serious need of help.
Matthew 5:16 says:

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

By living in accordance to Gods commandments, you will be filled with the light of Christ; an unquenchable light capable of penetrating the most calloused heart, and the loneliest soul. It will be as a spiritual bellow, inspiring light within every man women and child.

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” 

You can help them. You can offer them the path to lasting happiness. Will you?