When things get 'harry'

I'm not a huge sci-fi, magical-whatevers-are-terrorizing-the-world, supernatural villains vs. geeky heroes-type movie fan, ordinarily. "War of the Worlds" was pretty decent, but once was enough. I did see "Batman Begins" and "Revenge of the Sith" multiple times, though. I like those two films not only for the action and impressive effects, but also for the feelings and emotions they aroused in me. I could watch "B.B." weekly because I need the kick in the a** it gave me to want to fight against injustice. Granted, you won't find me in black lycra (you can thank God now) trying to beat anybody up to give an old lady her purse back, but I do need to practice greater vigilance in looking for ways to practically combat poverty and discrimination.
My wife has a great saying, "It ain't easy being easy." Our choice to do the tough things to help out, coupled with an effort to be gracious in allowing for, and overlooking, others' faults is often overwhelming and certainly not the path of least resistance by any stretch. (See entry on 'acceptance' below.) However, what is a hero? Is it always some person with supernatural ability and a mysterious alter-ego? I think heroes are those who decide what their central life-mission is, and then say, "Nothing will stop me from accomplishing this; so help me God." They pick a cause they deem worthy, and then get after it as if their life depended on it. Obviously, there have been plenty of people throughout history whose choices of cause were anything but altruistic: Hitler, for instance, but generally, those that are willing to sacrifice and to serve consistently reach the end of their days with a life deemed heroic.
Towards the end of the latest movie installment of "Harry Potter," Professor Somebody-or-Other (dude has a long, gray beard and funny hat?) prophetically states that the time is approaching when "we all must make a choice between what is right and what is easy." Every day life presents numerous little "battles of the will" that will ultimately reveal our character, or lack thereof. Will we do the right thing? Will we put someone else on our back and carry them through whatever is their struggle? Opportunities for heroism are all around each of us. We needn't prowl the night like Batman to find injustice and evil lurking in plain view. The AIDS pandemic and the plight of the poor grow worse everyday, or if you are not ready to tackle world-view issues such as these just yet, try taking on a few local "villains": stocking the neighborhood food pantry, visiting a nursing home (bring your pet, too.), or simply being a better, less-selfish friend.
We can all be heroes and leave a lasting legacy. We can all look for ways to help; however, don't expect your new and courageous endeavor to be easy--the right things rarely are.