Who, or what, do you think of when someone says the word “hero”?  If you have young children like me, you may think of the super hero cartoons they like to watch.   On further reflection real heroes include our members of our military and our first responders—police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.  I would contend however, there is another group that don’t come to mind right away, but are no less heroic.

Consider the unwed woman who finds out she’s pregnant and instead of choosing to avoid the coming shame and ridicule, chooses to protect the life growing inside of her without knowing quite what she’s in for, or how she’s going to manage.  Think about the parents who find out there may be something wrong with the child they are so eagerly anticipating and can’t wait to meet, but risk their own convenience to have the child and love him or her for as little or long as he or she is alive.  Another example of a hero is a woman who finds out she has a life growing inside of her as a product of violence…or one that finds out the child growing inside her may put her life at risk but carries out the pregnancy anyway. Finally consider someone at the end of their life and the heroic decision it takes to live life to its fullest and not take the easy way out.

Take it one step further though.  Firefighters, police, paramedics, and even members of the military can’t do what they do on their own…they all have the support of others.  Neither can the heroes of the pro-life movement.  The unwed mother needs heroes to step up next to her and give her the support, love, acceptance and encouragement she needs.  The parents of a child with possible issues needs heroes to give them the necessary support and encouragement, as does the mother making a decision that could mean giving up her life for another.  The individual at the end of his or her life needs heroes to help him or her handle their pain and prepare for the inevitable.

So next time you think of the word “heroes” think of these ordinary people making extraordinary decisions every day.  Also, think of the heroes who are supporting them and helping them make the right decision.  Finally, consider who you can be a hero to and help choose life!