When I write, I write of heroes and villains. Creatures of extremes, in respect of both their abilities and personalities. J.R.R. Tolkien was no different, not that I would compare myself in any other way to such a literary giant. Yet, in my re-reading of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy I’ve reached the stage where Frodo, Sam & Pippin have almost crossed The Shire, following a couple of uncomfortable near misses with the Wraith Kings, the Dark Riders.
‘Courage is found in the most unlikely of places.’
So Frodo informs Pippin, after their otherworldly encounter with Gildor Inglorion and his fellow elves, an ethereal band passing through the Shire on their way to distant shores. Gildor and his people provide the hobbits with protection, sustenance and wise counsel before they embark on their own journey towards the Bucklebury Ferry and strange new lands. They’re only tiny, inconsequential folk but the future of Middle Earth rests on their well-fed, hairy shoulders. The most unlikely of heroes.
We all need to step up to the plate and display courage at some point in our lives. Failure to do so will mean our hopes and dreams are repeatedly trampled upon, by others in this rat race called life. You may not feel particularly heroic, you might not look like Superman or strut about like Wonder Woman, but the ability to perform heroic acts, no matter how small, exists within us all. We just need to dig deep and draw upon it when the time is right.
The word ‘hero’ originates from the Greek ‘heros’ meaning defender or protector. It is therefore not an aggressive expression, rather one that denotes shielding others from harm. Others less fortunate than ourselves. Be a hero today. Protect or defend another human being; from hunger, bullying, poverty, abuse, the list is endless. You decide when and where within your sphere of influence. Nobody is too small to be a hero. Just ask the hobbits of Hobbiton.
Black Thoughts 
I am sure you have noticed that the heroes God picked are the least likely people.
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Yes indeed. Thank you 😊
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It is the act and not the uniform that makes a hero. Thank you for encouraging each of us to do heroic things for those who are desperate for a defender or protector.
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Thank you. Wise words indeed 😊
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Excellent! Yes, we can all make a difference. I don’t believe that it’s necessary to seek a situation that needs a hero. If one is willing, then the opportunity will present itself. The Universe will show the [hero to be] the doorway.
You’ve inspired my next piece of writing! Thank You!
Joseph
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You’re welcome Joseph. Thank you 😊
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I love this! I just love it. Yes, we are all capable of heroic acts, no matter how small. Amen to this. (And I adore the Lord of the Rings trilogy.)
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You have excellent taste 😊
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LOL
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And s/heroes who protect themselves!
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Truth 😊
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And that is how we be the body of Christ! Great read!🙏🏼
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Thank you 😊
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I’m still giggling over “well fed hairy shoulders”
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😂
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Great post! Definitely needed some Hobbit-like positivity today. Thank you! Time to have my second breakfast and go kick some wraith king ass!
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Love this post. I’m also reading through Lord of the Rings right now. I’m almost finished with The Two Towers.
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I’ve a bit of catching up to do. Thank you 😊
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Lovin these its like watchin the movies again
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Thank you Cynthia. You’ve inspired me to write more of them.
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Yay🤗🤗🤗
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To be strong of heart makes someone heroic, not strong of muscle. (Though the heart is a muscle, so maybe it is a bit of both. 😉)
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Very true sir 🙂
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I love a story where the good guys win. 🙂 I believe it’s important to believe in yourself too.
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Agreed 👍🏻
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There is lots of wisdom in the LOTR. books. One from Gandalf to Frodo has been on my mind a lot these days. It is early in the trip through Moria and Gandalf counsels Frodo about living in bad times that “Nor do any of us who live to see such days as these. But that is not our choice. All we can do is do the best with the time given us”. It is not an exact re-telling of the quote but the last line is what is most relevant. Thanks!
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There’s so much to be taken from the books. Thank you 😊
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