selflessness – …my temporary assignment.

We all are made to love.

Part of His divine design. As created by our higher power. God is the very source of love and we are called to embrace, reflect and direct that love to others.

Yet during the course of life’s travails, disappointments and distrust, we begin to engage in the process of actively obscuring that attribute. Cordoning off that integral and essential aspect of our being. Seeking ephemeral pursuits. Avoiding our true nature. Evading our responsibility. And in so doing, creating a false sense of security, safety and wellbeing.

Despite the fact that we are hardwired for it, and it is our primary purpose, it can hurt to love.

To give it without condition, guarantee or quid pro quo. To expose oneself to a seemingly fatal level of self-inflicted pain. We convince ourselves to capitulate to that illusion. That we will not survive the giving. That it will never be received as we intend. Or more to the point – how we expect it to be taken. Or that we need to be present to witness the ultimate outcome.

Choosing to succumb to a skinned knee, while another within our immediate universe might be in the throes of a hopeless, lingering, lonely spiral downward. Choosing process, research and expediency over interaction, intuition and patience. Focusing on our flaws rather than the good inherent to the core. Choosing ourselves and our needs first over those of another and making them second.

True, dispensing, gifting and asserting love are all arduous tasks. The heaviest lifting imaginable Missions that can generate more than their fair share of discomfort, disappointment and despair.

Forgoing our heavenly purpose, ignoring our design and ignoring our Creator.

Fortunately, there are those within our midst that refuse to be deterred. Fervently remaining on point. Absorbing the pain. Depleting themselves. Giving it up.

These sturdy souls, with an unyielding faith, have leaned into this mission. Recognized that their purpose lay within. The pain is temporary. Reserves can be refilled. And giving it up is who they are.

You see, we are all made to love. It’s just that we need to trust in that level of faith, learn to surrender ourselves to Him, and allow Him to direct our path.

Then we will be fully equipped and supported to do so for others.

To love.

The times in which we find ourselves could be defined as uncharted, challenging and just downright complex. An ever expanding array of perilous world events. Protest. Distrust. Separation. Isolation. Anger. Times in desperate need of heroes.

Things that suddenly and seemingly appear as fact in the ether of the internet creating anxiety, angst or anger; in or unintentionally. The stories one hears about from “so and so” via social media, snaps that lead to endless meaningless chats, obscure podcasts from an even more obscure expert or the truth thrice shared from the influencer du jour.

But with some faith, discernment, perseverance and presence, the good in all of this can still be found. It is not that it is hidden, unavailable or too costly to pursue. Just that it is human nature to see the negative first rather than investing, hunkering down, leaning into and embracing the positive that exists within all of this adversity.

It is simply stunning to see the number of heroes that are being revealed each and every moment across the globe.

Leaders of all births, upbringings and life experiences that come to light every hour. Strangers that are willing to leave it all out there for the one next to them with nary a regard for their own person. Regardless of social standing, responsibility or title, men and women are literally putting their lives on the line. For that person next to them, that person’s family, town, region, country and way of life.

This just doesn’t happen. It is a mindset that is entirely born from within. An entity that possesses a character, integrity, commitment and strength all its own. All of which is predicated, derives its sustenance from and thrives on putting yourself aside and giving it all up for the guy or gal next to you. Making it not about you. Just all about them.

Give witness to what it is going on in the world and imagine its impact here in your home town. Each of you can be that kind of hero right here. Not in an international way but in a local community sense. You need not be recognized for it, command headlines or capture x number of views because of it.

You just need to be it.

And do it.

Then, trust that the rest of it will take care of itself.

As one of many that aims to do so, please try to do the same. Leave it all out there to make it about them – not you. Overcoming oneself in the process.

Because in the end, this will be an action that not only helps to make them, but will transform you as well. Losing yourself is actually a great path toward true awareness and self-discovery. In that can be found the bounty of recovery, purpose and a profound sense of joy.

So you can keep the mask and cape to yourself. They are not requisite for heroism. But those you love enough to help rescue will recognize that uniform immediately.

Since your soul has been clothed as such.

A hero.