The Hero Inside You

Heroes’ Day will never be the same for me again, following last year’s turn of events which saw me stare death in the face, bloodied after a horrific encounter at the hands of attackers and robbers.

On that day, I saw my life flash before my eyes as the target of rocks and knives which left me feeling helpless and for a moment, hopeless.

A year later, the memory sometimes still feels like it happened yesterday. And while this encounter changed me, making me more sceptical and reluctant to trust easily, I have come to realise that things could have turned out very differently. I could have died or been seriously injured.

As the nation gets ready to celebrate Heroes’ Day tomorrow, we are focused on those who fought for this country’s independence. While I take my hat off to those whose blood waters our freedom and I salute and honour their dying efforts for the future generations of the Land of the Brave, I also believe in honouring our inner heroes and I can’t help but wonder how many of us identify with the hero within.

When I remember that night, I realise I could have reacted to it by sitting in a corner and feeling sorry for myself. I could have chosen pity but you know what… I didn’t.

It wasn’t easy to move forward, and I faced tough times, especially in the traumatic aftermath. I chose to be grateful for my life. I chose not to let that unfortunate encounter make me bitter.

And while I attribute my survival and recovery to my faith in God, I also identify with the person within me that chose to stand strong and face this chapter of my life.

I think we can all agree that challenges are such a huge part of life, and we face them every single day. Some challenges are heavier and much more painful than others. I’m sure many of you reading this can think of moments in your life in which you wonder how you actually survived it all.

When you look back, you stand in awe at what you have overcome. Some may even be going through a terrible ordeal right now, wondering how you will make it through to the other side.

Let me tell you something. Just as there is light, so is there darkness. And just as there is good, there is evil. As there is God, so is there the devil, whose main purpose is to lie, kill and destroy. Not only through introducing us to the things of this world that are bad, but also through thoughts that he constantly tries to manipulate.

And as you sit there in the midst of this challenging situation, know that defeatist thoughts are lies. That is the devil telling you that you are done. My friend, you are far from done! In fact, your greatest journey is about to start.

There is a giant in you that is screaming to be unleashed in the midst of this storm. There is a hero inside of you that yearns to win, break through and fly above your challenges.

Ignore those negative thoughts, they are meant to destroy your dreams and kill your hopes. As difficult as it may seem, don’t give up. Allow difficulties to unleash the greatness within.

Never give up gents. Inside of you is a hero too.

Till next time, cheers

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