Usually, we think of heroes as police men and women who risk their lives every day, and sometimes give their lives trying to save someone else.  Or firemen, who also risk everything to preserve life and property.  Or soldiers, who risk or lose their lives saving others.

True enough.  No argument there.

However, there are other kinds of heroes.  They are harder to identify.  They don’t usually think of themselves as heroes.  They come in all flavors.  Some are female; some are male; some are old, some are young, and some between young and old.  Some are quiet and some are very outgoing.

My wife has always been a great encourager to me.  Whether it was getting my Ph.D. or fixing a light switch with a short in it, she has helped me believe that I could do what I couldn’t.  So, I did it!

One of my best students in an all-star class on Old Testament Theology, Dustin, is such a hero.  He sent me a two-sentence email of encouragement this morning.  “Thank you . . . . .  I’ve really enjoyed the OT class and have been extremely thankful for the lengths you’ve gone to be flexible and make the content engaging and relevant!”

Have you ever noticed that it is not the length or eloquence of encouraging words that make the most impression?  No, it is the depth of the encouragement and the timing.  Dustin’s deep words and his timing were exquisite.

I wrote Dustin back the following email:

“Dear Dustin,

I had a rather frustrating ending to the day yesterday.  It was not necessarily anyone’s fault, not even my own.  But it was frustrating, nevertheless.  I so appreciated your kind words.  I needed them!

I have been listening to Andy Stanley’s “Your Move” podcasts, titled “Me and My Big Mouth.”  Today, I am going to listen to part 3, on the positive power of words.  (Stanley has already talked in part 2 about the negative power of words.)  As I listen to the podcast, I will be thinking of your kindness in taking some of your precious time to email me with powerfully encouraging words.  I also plan to write a blog post for my website, in which you will feature prominently.  My tentative title for the post is “Being Heroes of Encouragement.”  Would you rather be “Dustin” or “a student of mine”?”

Dustin assured me that I could use either, so I used both.

This is a kind of hero that does not require superpowers, or superior people.  Anyone can encourage.

The Bible talks about the importance of encouragement a great deal.

God is the great Encourager!

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

When I was in seminary, I learned about God the creator, God the holy one, God the all-knowing one, and so on.  But I was never told about God the encourager.

But encouragement is not just about God.  It is about us as well.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

The author of Hebrews encouraged encouragement.  So should we.

Be a hero!  Encourage someone today.  Being a hero might be easier than you think.