Heroes Under the Radar (An Ordinary Revolution)
In a culture driven by celebrity power, it’s quite possible for us to overlook the “common” or “ordinary” people in our communities that live heroic lives. These are individuals that may never get asked to be interviewed for a show or speak at a conference. No spotlight. No Lifetime Achievement Awards. No Red Carpets. In fact, they’re not even looking for such things.
They continue to work day in and day out to serve their respective spheres of influence. The result of their efforts lead to life change, one person at a time. They are the shoulders upon which others have stood upon to reach their destiny. They are the foundational stakeholders to virtue and good. Without these individuals, life would become all too superficial and disingenuous.
I knew one such hero. His name was Leonard Camou.
I was hired by his pastor to be a youth director at his church after I graduated from college. Leonard was a short, rugged man who had a wonderful zest about life. He worked/volunteered at the church throughout the week to care for the needs of people in our congregation and our city. Nothing could slow down Leonard’s heart to serve people. He always carried a positive spirit and a smile that is still to this day unforgettable. People loved him and regularly would come in to chat with him for a few minutes in the office.
What’s amazing about Leonard is that he did all of this in his latter years while going through weekly dialysis. I never heard him complain. There was something about the way he embraced life and service that kept him going. He persevered. He loved. He kept moving to serve others. He always did his best.
Unfortunately, Leonard’s condition worsened and he eventually passed away. Nevertheless, he imparted something in to everyone he met that continues to live on. I owe a lot to Leonard. He continues to be a source of inspiration and reminder that live is too short not to love and serve others. Thanks Leonard. 🙂
Are there people in your life that is a hero under the radar? Are there people who are a part of this “ordinary” revolution? Would you take a minute to share their story? We need to share their story.
RT @charlestlee: Blog Post: Heroes Under the Radar (An Ordinary Revolution) – http://bit.ly/c4X24X // Looking for your stories. Thnx
@mikerusch honored to be your friend Mike 🙂 You're a hero in my book http://bit.ly/c4X24X
Who are the "Heroes Under the Radar" in your life? http://bit.ly/c4X24X
And in my book // RT @charlestlee: @mikerusch honored to be your friend Mike 🙂 You're a hero in my book http://bit.ly/c4X24X
Definitely my dad. He has been a huge hero and a great example.
You can check out what he is doing here for ministers: http://www.ministrycare.org
Charles…I was so delighted to read this post! Thanks for sharing Leonard’s story, he was truely a great servant.
I am surrounded by ordinary (extraordinary) heroes…but one stands out for me.
She is Barbara Berger. She loves, serves, and honors the Lord daily as she cheers for , supports, and intercedes for her family, world missionaries, the unborn, her church family, those in ministry. Her goal is to make everyone around her better and more effective for the Kingdom. I’m better because of her!
Heroes Under the Radar (An Ordinary Revolution) http://bit.ly/c4X24X
Great post. My hero is my grandfather, Martin Obergon. Once know on the streets as “Angel” because how he survived “jumping trains.” My grandfather has now been a missionary in Mexico for the past 40 years+. For all that he has done, gone through, he has never stopped praising God. Even with the past few hospital visits, you can catch him reciting scriptures and singing praises. Truly one of the greatest unsung heroes in my book.
Who’s your hero and why? http://charlestlee.com/arts/heroes-u…
@charlestlee you. because you are superfly.
@soverpeck haha 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing everyone! 🙂
Kyle, it sounds like your dad has an amazing ministry going.
Sue, good to hear from you on this blog!
Ryan, that’s an awesome heritage…”jumping trains” – wow! Your grandfather is living an incredible life!
My mom. For sure. She not only demonstrates incredible intelligence, independence, and power, but with such grace, gentleness and deep deep love. The Lord has built her well and I am blessed to be her daughter.
Who's your hero and why? http://bit.ly/c4X24X
RT @GenerateLoveBug: @Charles Lee: "Heroes Under the Radar (An Ordinary Revolution) http://bit.ly/c4X24X " http://fb.me/604NeKd
Leonard was a true servant. I recall one particular memory during a Christmas performance of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. When the song was at it’s cresendo Leonard was in the back of the church with his hands lifted high to heaven, and streams of tears running down his cheeks. He truly loved the Lord. He and his wife RosaLee impacted my family greatly.
charles, thanks for the kind words about leonard. i was just thinking about him myself last week, actually bragging about him to someone else. a short man with a huge shadow. i miss him. when i think of the impact he had on others, i’m encouraged to give my life away, give my time away, give my money away – i want to be a lot like leonard camou when i grow up. Sean