What if you knew someone who couldn’t tell a lie? Whose words were always truthful. Someone you could trust to give you the exact truth wrapped in compassion.
Do you have someone like that in your life? How do you feel about sharing your heart with that person? What about taking their advice?
Wow – wouldn’t it make you have a lot of faith in that person?
Denise Hunter, beautifully talented author of books such as The Convenient Groom and Seaside Letters, gives her top three list of hero traits. To get a taste of her fabulous stories, check out her website at www.denisehunter.com
Loyal
Honest
Protective
I want to focus on ‘honesty’ today.
Let’s look at a few quotes from the “Man of Steel” movies 🙂
Superman: I never lie
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Clark Kent: Really, Lois, supposing that man had shot you? Is it worth risking your life over ten dollars, two credit cards, a hairbrush, and a lipstick?
Lois Lane: How did you know that?
Clark Kent: Know what?
Lois Lane: You just described the exact contents of my purse.
[Clark peeks in her purse]
Clark Kent: Hmm. Uh, wild guess.
In all honesty , what makes us like Superman? What makes him a hero? Superman has all three of the characteristics that Denise mentions, plus a few more. He’s loyal, not only to the people he loves, but to a whole bunch of people he doesn’t even know – namely the planet Earth.
He’s protective…duh, risking his life even against kryptonite, to save people. Turning back time EVEN! Whoa!
And Honest! Almost to the point that Lex tries to use his honesty and faithfulness against him.
He’s not perfect, but his honesty builds our trust.
I think thats also one of the reasons why Jane Austen’s heroes are so memorable. Mr. Darcy, Mr. Knightley, Mr. Bingley, and even Mr. Tilney. They’re honest – to the point of offense at times, but there’s something about an honest person that builds our trust. Not only does it give opportunity for some great male/female banter, but a sincere heart is a trustworthy heart. It builds our confidence.
Mr. Darcy may not say things that flatter the ears, but his actions are as honest as his words.
When you develop a hero, remember the old addage “Actions speak louder than words.” Our hero’s honesty and sincerity can be shown through his actions.
Again, Austen is good at comparing men who have pretty, empty words vs direct, honest words; and those who have empty actions vs. sincere actions. We may not appreciate the hero at first because his personality appears too abrupt, but his actions are consistent, dependable…trustworthy. He truly his an honest personality. A hero.
If we want to make Christian heroes in our novels, some great words of advice from the Good Book would be in Psalm 15:1-3:
 1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
      Who may live on your holy hill?
 2 He whose walk is blameless
      and who does what is righteous,
      who speaks the truth from his heart
 3 and has no slander on his tongue,
      who does his neighbor no wrong
      and casts no slur on his fellowman”
Unlike Christ, our heroes will be flawed, but the intergrity of their will should not only win over the heroine, but the reader too. Honesty is just one of the many things that makes a good hero.
That makes a good person.
Great comparsion,Pepper. Jesus Christ should only ever be our hero, He paid the ultimate price. May I be eternally grateful! 🙂