Comments on: Heroes http://www.jrbriggs.com/heroes/02/ Attempting to behold the miracle long enough without falling asleep Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:46:25 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Nikki http://www.jrbriggs.com/heroes/02/comment-page-1/#comment-3660 Nikki Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:50:57 +0000 http://www.jrbriggs.com/?p=2147#comment-3660 Hey J.R.- This is a bit of a belated blog comment, but I liked the questions you raised. And to Jane-- I really enjoyed your story of Ronnie the Plumber. He truly sounds like a hero! I really like the idea of everyday heroes, of ways people can be heroes in little ways, unaware of how their generosity deeply impacts others. Distant heroes particularly can be put up on pedestals, but with an everyday hero like Ronnie it's easier to remember that they are human and not so very different from ourselves. Thanks for your story. I read an article a few weeks ago that reminds me of the topic of heroes, though it does not address it in those words. You might find this article interesting-- http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/13/robert-park-terrorism-bombs-sacrifice-opinions-columnists-claudia-rosett.html?feed=rss_home The author compares the (intended) martyrdom of Robert Park (who entered North Korea on Christmas) with that of the would-be bomber of the airplane headed to Detroit. Interesting to think of the concept of the hero in each case. Thanks for blogging! Grace and peace, Nikki Hey J.R.-

This is a bit of a belated blog comment, but I liked the questions you raised. And to Jane– I really enjoyed your story of Ronnie the Plumber. He truly sounds like a hero! I really like the idea of everyday heroes, of ways people can be heroes in little ways, unaware of how their generosity deeply impacts others. Distant heroes particularly can be put up on pedestals, but with an everyday hero like Ronnie it’s easier to remember that they are human and not so very different from ourselves. Thanks for your story.

I read an article a few weeks ago that reminds me of the topic of heroes, though it does not address it in those words. You might find this article interesting–

http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/13/robert-park-terrorism-bombs-sacrifice-opinions-columnists-claudia-rosett.html?feed=rss_home

The author compares the (intended) martyrdom of Robert Park (who entered North Korea on Christmas) with that of the would-be bomber of the airplane headed to Detroit. Interesting to think of the concept of the hero in each case.

Thanks for blogging!

Grace and peace,
Nikki

]]> By: J.R. Briggs http://www.jrbriggs.com/heroes/02/comment-page-1/#comment-3643 J.R. Briggs Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:04:21 +0000 http://www.jrbriggs.com/?p=2147#comment-3643 Jane - Good to hear from you. I think you win the award for the longest post in my blog ;) but your story of your hero is heartwarming. Thanks for sharing. Jane –
Good to hear from you.

I think you win the award for the longest post in my blog ;)
but your story of your hero is heartwarming. Thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Jane R. Lindemuth (P) http://www.jrbriggs.com/heroes/02/comment-page-1/#comment-3642 Jane R. Lindemuth (P) Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:02:38 +0000 http://www.jrbriggs.com/?p=2147#comment-3642 For me, “Ronnie the Plumber” is the first person to come to mind when I hear the word “hero.” I probably met him about twenty years ago when he came to our house to fix a leaky bathroom faucet. He stepped through the threshold of our humble home with his small bucket of hand tools. His chest sported a black t-shirt with a logo for a local motorcycle shop and on his head was a baseball cap with a naval emblem from the ship he served on during the Vietnam War. He was a jovial chap and his salt and pepper beard and mustache often parted revealing a toothless grin. Whenever I had a plumbing problem that I couldn't remedy on my own, I called Ronnie Z. He came faithfully without pomp or fanfare. He walked with a shuffling limp from years of crawling around in damp, cold places on his hands and knees. His fingers were like crooked sausages and the palms of his hands were calloused and cracked. But no matter how weathered and worn the exterior was his spirit was always joyful. He was quick with a tasteful joke or a fishing tale. He always wanted to know how the family was. His visits were often short and he invited me to watch him work and explained what he was doing because I expressed interest in trying to do my own repairs. He often teased me that I should become a plumber. This went on for years. I distinctly remember the week of Christmas in 2000, we had a plumbing woe and had to summons “the master”. He came at our beckoning call. His black loafers slid across the worn green carpeting as our children cheered “Ronnie!” I showed him the enigma in the bathroom and in no time at all it was solved. With my checkbook out and my pen in hand I inquired, “How much do I owe ya?” “Not a thing, Merry Christmas!” “No, Ronnie, you can't do that.” “I can. And I am. That is what I love about being my own boss. Merry Christmas! I don't want your money. Give it to your kids. Get them something nice for Christmas.” Tears burst forth from my eyes just as they do now as I recall this memory. Only God knew my heart and how difficult the decision had been to call Ron. We were struggling financially with one income and three small children. Gifts were never a significant part of our Christmas celebration. However, I knew this bill would mean not even one small present for our children. That weighed heavy on my heart. Ron's free gift of service and unmerited favor profoundly impacted my life. Through tears I asked, “Can I give you a hug?” “Sure,” He bashfully chuckled. “Merry Christmas, Ronnie!” “Merry Christmas to all,” he exclaimed as he exited the front door. After Ron left, I thought to myself, “I want to be like Ron.” Before our children came along I worked for a doctor. I recalled a staff meeting where a woman from the front desk asked the doctor, “Would it be possible at Christmas, to choose one family who was experiencing financial difficulty and erase their balance and allow them to start the new year with a zero balance?” With little thought the doctor vetoed the suggestion. At the time, I hadn't experienced any financial hardships of my own, but was shocked at the coldness of heart not to forgive a debt of someone in need – especially since her husband was a successful doctor and they lacked for nothing monetarily. When our children were all in school, I wanted to find a part-time job. I was in a quandary of what to do because I needed a flexible work schedule. In the midst of all of this, the cartridge on our kitchen faucet needed to be replaced. When Ronnie finished the repair he asked, “What are your plans now that the kids are all in school?” “I'm not sure.” I answered and then without even praying or thinking things through I blurted out “Hey Ronnie, do you need a helper? You always tease me about becoming a plumber. Would you be interested in teaching me your trade?” “Well, it's not up to me. You need to discuss it with your husband, John, and see what he says. If he says yes, I'll give you a call at the beginning of October about working with me.” John cautioned, “Don't get your hopes up. Ronnie was probably just being polite.” However, Ronnie called me three days before the first of October and I was ecstatic!Plumbing turned out to be an adventurous journey with Ron. I worked with him for three years and then his health slowed him down. In that time, he always treated me and everyone we met with respect. He was patient with me for I knew nothing about plumbing. He endured ridicule for having a woman apprentice. In fact, I was working with him for six months and the guys behind the counter at the plumbing supply stores barely acknowledged me. But that all changed when Ron was cutting through a pipe and sewage started to spray out. (It looked and smelled awful!) My first instinct was to run, but if I moved the pipe I was supporting on my shoulder it might have fallen, hit, and hurt Ron. Little did I know that was my initiation into the trade. “She stood there like a little soldier with poopy dripping down her shoulder. She never left her post.” Ronnie proudly boasted. From that time on, I was on a first name basis with the counter guys. I worked with three other plumbers and none of them compared with Ron. One guy I worked with used inferior quality materials based on a person's skin color or economic situation. Ron taught me to always use the highest quality products and do each job to the best of your ability because in the end your work is a reflection of who you are. So for me, Ronnie the Plumber is my hero. He was heroic without being courageous. I'm grateful to Ron because his seemingly small and unnoticed act to anyone but us, that week of Christmas filled my heart with a passion, to want to emulate the choice of the powerful practice of self sacrifice in order to bless someone else. To some people, Ron may be considered a “nice person”. For me, the difference is that this one grace-filled deed touched my heart so deeply that I came way seeing people as individuals and who have unspoken needs of their own, and one seemingly insignificant action can help transform a life for the better. I sought after my earthly hero to mentor me – to teach me. I wanted to study and get to know him. I did that. In the process I discovered Ron is far from perfect – AND I LOVE HIM! He is like a dad to me, showering me with affirming praises. I've learned a great deal in his shadow about plumbing, people, and life. I am a better person because of Ron, or as my children call him, Uncle Ron! I think human beings need heroes to inspire them to rise above what is ordinary and expected. Heroes surprise you and they don't play it safe. They are risk takers with a heart that puts the needs of others before their own. Hey J.R., I enjoy your blog. I miss your preaching and teaching at The Thread. I just started checking it out two weeks ago – Julie Jones showed it to me. I'm Internet challenged so Julie is helping me. : ) I was captivated when I read “Heroes” yesterday. I couldn't get your nine reflective questions out of my mind. I felt like the people who commented made really great points. My response takes a slightly different twist. I believe my own insecurity led me to use words to paint a picture to try to explain my point. Plus I know you are a story teller at heart and knew you would appreciate that. At first glance, I think most people wouldn't give Ron the time of day. I'm thankful for this time of reflection – it was good for my heart! : ) I've never commented on a blog. Sorry my comment is so long....I shared it with my kids and they told me it was way too long....I wish I wasn't so wordy....but still wanted to share my thoughts with you anyway. Thank you! Blessings to you and your family! I am praying things go well for the adoption and that God is preparing your hearts and lives for the joy and exhaustion of a new born! : ) Love, Jane : ) (a seasoned mom) For me, “Ronnie the Plumber” is the first person to come to mind when I hear the word “hero.” I probably met him about twenty years ago when he came to our house to fix a leaky bathroom faucet. He stepped through the threshold of our humble home with his small bucket of hand tools. His chest sported a black t-shirt with a logo for a local motorcycle shop and on his head was a baseball cap with a naval emblem from the ship he served on during the Vietnam War. He was a jovial chap and his salt and pepper beard and mustache often parted revealing a toothless grin. Whenever I had a plumbing problem that I couldn’t remedy on my own, I called Ronnie Z. He came faithfully without pomp or fanfare. He walked with a shuffling limp from years of crawling around in damp, cold places on his hands and knees. His fingers were like crooked sausages and the palms of his hands were calloused and cracked. But no matter how weathered and worn the exterior was his spirit was always joyful. He was quick with a tasteful joke or a fishing tale. He always wanted to know how the family was. His visits were often short and he invited me to watch him work and explained what he was doing because I expressed interest in trying to do my own repairs. He often teased me that I should become a plumber. This went on for years.
I distinctly remember the week of Christmas in 2000, we had a plumbing woe and had to summons “the master”. He came at our beckoning call. His black loafers slid across the worn green carpeting as our children cheered “Ronnie!” I showed him the enigma in the bathroom and in no time at all it was solved. With my checkbook out and my pen in hand I inquired, “How much do I owe ya?”
“Not a thing, Merry Christmas!”
“No, Ronnie, you can’t do that.”
“I can. And I am. That is what I love about being my own boss. Merry Christmas! I don’t want your money. Give it to your kids. Get them something nice for Christmas.”
Tears burst forth from my eyes just as they do now as I recall this memory. Only God knew my heart and how difficult the decision had been to call Ron. We were struggling financially with one income and three small children. Gifts were never a significant part of our Christmas celebration. However, I knew this bill would mean not even one small present for our children. That weighed heavy on my heart. Ron’s free gift of service and unmerited favor profoundly impacted my life. Through tears I asked, “Can I give you a hug?”
“Sure,” He bashfully chuckled.
“Merry Christmas, Ronnie!”
“Merry Christmas to all,” he exclaimed as he exited the front door.
After Ron left, I thought to myself, “I want to be like Ron.” Before our children came along I worked for a doctor. I recalled a staff meeting where a woman from the front desk asked the doctor, “Would it be possible at Christmas, to choose one family who was experiencing financial difficulty and erase their balance and allow them to start the new year with a zero balance?”
With little thought the doctor vetoed the suggestion. At the time, I hadn’t experienced any financial hardships of my own, but was shocked at the coldness of heart not to forgive a debt of someone in need – especially since her husband was a successful doctor and they lacked for nothing monetarily.
When our children were all in school, I wanted to find a part-time job. I was in a quandary of what to do because I needed a flexible work schedule. In the midst of all of this, the cartridge on our kitchen faucet needed to be replaced. When Ronnie finished the repair he asked, “What are your plans now that the kids are all in school?”
“I’m not sure.” I answered and then without even praying or thinking things through I blurted out “Hey Ronnie, do you need a helper? You always tease me about becoming a plumber. Would you be interested in teaching me your trade?”
“Well, it’s not up to me. You need to discuss it with your husband, John, and see what he says. If he says yes, I’ll give you a call at the beginning of October about working with me.”
John cautioned, “Don’t get your hopes up. Ronnie was probably just being polite.”
However, Ronnie called me three days before the first of October and I was ecstatic!Plumbing turned out to be an adventurous journey with Ron. I worked with him for three years and then his health slowed him down. In that time, he always treated me and everyone we met with respect. He was patient with me for I knew nothing about plumbing. He endured ridicule for having a woman apprentice. In fact, I was working with him for six months and the guys behind the counter at the plumbing supply stores barely acknowledged me. But that all changed when Ron was cutting through a pipe and sewage started to spray out. (It looked and smelled awful!) My first instinct was to run, but if I moved the pipe I was supporting on my shoulder it might have fallen, hit, and hurt Ron. Little did I know that was my initiation into the trade.
“She stood there like a little soldier with poopy dripping down her shoulder. She never left her post.” Ronnie proudly boasted.
From that time on, I was on a first name basis with the counter guys. I worked with three other plumbers and none of them compared with Ron. One guy I worked with used inferior quality materials based on a person’s skin color or economic situation. Ron taught me to always use the highest quality products and do each job to the best of your ability because in the end your work is a reflection of who you are.
So for me, Ronnie the Plumber is my hero. He was heroic without being courageous. I’m grateful to Ron because his seemingly small and unnoticed act to anyone but us, that week of Christmas filled my heart with a passion, to want to emulate the choice of the powerful practice of self sacrifice in order to bless someone else. To some people, Ron may be considered a “nice person”. For me, the difference is that this one grace-filled deed touched my heart so deeply that I came way seeing people as individuals and who have unspoken needs of their own, and one seemingly insignificant action can help transform a life for the better.
I sought after my earthly hero to mentor me – to teach me. I wanted to study and get to know him. I did that. In the process I discovered Ron is far from perfect – AND I LOVE HIM! He is like a dad to me, showering me with affirming praises. I’ve learned a great deal in his shadow about plumbing, people, and life. I am a better person because of Ron, or as my children call him, Uncle Ron!
I think human beings need heroes to inspire them to rise above what is ordinary and expected. Heroes surprise you and they don’t play it safe. They are risk takers with a heart that puts the needs of others before their own.

Hey J.R., I enjoy your blog. I miss your preaching and teaching at The Thread. I just started checking it out two weeks ago – Julie Jones showed it to me. I’m Internet challenged so Julie is helping me. : ) I was captivated when I read “Heroes” yesterday. I couldn’t get your nine reflective questions out of my mind. I felt like the people who commented made really great points. My response takes a slightly different twist. I believe my own insecurity led me to use words to paint a picture to try to explain my point. Plus I know you are a story teller at heart and knew you would appreciate that. At first glance, I think most people wouldn’t give Ron the time of day. I’m thankful for this time of reflection – it was good for my heart! : ) I’ve never commented on a blog. Sorry my comment is so long….I shared it with my kids and they told me it was way too long….I wish I wasn’t so wordy….but still wanted to share my thoughts with you anyway. Thank you!

Blessings to you and your family! I am praying things go well for the adoption and that God is preparing your hearts and lives for the joy and exhaustion of a new born! : )

Love,

Jane : ) (a seasoned mom)

]]> By: lisa g http://www.jrbriggs.com/heroes/02/comment-page-1/#comment-3632 lisa g Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:04:22 +0000 http://www.jrbriggs.com/?p=2147#comment-3632 I always tell my husband he is my hero, and I mean it. He saved me from a life of loneliness. He stands up for me, and helps me do things I wouldn't be able to do by myself, or go places I wouldn't feel safe or comfortable by myself. He comforts me when I'm sick or in pain, and helps me to be brave when I lack confidence. He's my hero, and I love him:) I always tell my husband he is my hero, and I mean it. He saved me from a life of loneliness. He stands up for me, and helps me do things I wouldn’t be able to do by myself, or go places I wouldn’t feel safe or comfortable by myself. He comforts me when I’m sick or in pain, and helps me to be brave when I lack confidence. He’s my hero, and I love him:)

]]> By: Alistair Johnson http://www.jrbriggs.com/heroes/02/comment-page-1/#comment-3631 Alistair Johnson Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:58:52 +0000 http://www.jrbriggs.com/?p=2147#comment-3631 I do wonder if a hero is not someone who we place on a high pedestal and if he ever falls off we are all broken. Maybe thats just me... In Greek mythology a hero was a person who was brave, courageous, often of divine ancestry and generally was favored by the Gods. Sounds very like someone I read about a lot about. I remember growing up and saying my Dad was my hero. In one way he still is and I am ok with that. In contrast in my mind a mentor isn't on a pedestal instead he is in your life and is involved in the messy stuff of the 'day to dayness' of being a human. Great thoughts man. I do wonder if a hero is not someone who we place on a high pedestal and if he ever falls off we are all broken. Maybe thats just me…

In Greek mythology a hero was a person who was brave, courageous, often of divine ancestry and generally was favored by the Gods. Sounds very like someone I read about a lot about.

I remember growing up and saying my Dad was my hero. In one way he still is and I am ok with that.

In contrast in my mind a mentor isn’t on a pedestal instead he is in your life and is involved in the messy stuff of the ‘day to dayness’ of being a human. Great thoughts man.

]]> By: Jason Coker http://www.jrbriggs.com/heroes/02/comment-page-1/#comment-3630 Jason Coker Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:07:44 +0000 http://www.jrbriggs.com/?p=2147#comment-3630 It seems to be that heroes - the way we popularly think of them - emerge in moments of spectacular need, displaying those qualities that are most rare in a crisis. They becomes saviors in a moment when most people are becoming victims. Mentors engage in the more mundane long-term form of modeling or teaching. Interesting that we sometimes refer to our mentors as heroes - if they were particularly close to us and if they're life-influence was strong enough - but we never refer to heroes (like Chesley Sullenberger) as our mentor. Mentoring seems to require intimacy, whereas heroing(?) need not involve any real relationship at all. Interesting questions JR. I've been thinking much about mentoring lately but hadn't considered heroes at all. It seems to be that heroes – the way we popularly think of them – emerge in moments of spectacular need, displaying those qualities that are most rare in a crisis. They becomes saviors in a moment when most people are becoming victims.

Mentors engage in the more mundane long-term form of modeling or teaching.

Interesting that we sometimes refer to our mentors as heroes – if they were particularly close to us and if they’re life-influence was strong enough – but we never refer to heroes (like Chesley Sullenberger) as our mentor. Mentoring seems to require intimacy, whereas heroing(?) need not involve any real relationship at all.

Interesting questions JR. I’ve been thinking much about mentoring lately but hadn’t considered heroes at all.

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