Spiritual Hero's DO Stuff!!

Tim Wilkins
Aug 7, 2016
3 min read

Often when we start thinking about becoming more spiritual, an image comes to mind of some ancient guru sitting on a mountain far away from humankind. Or we think we have to be some super religious person (Holier than Thou?) who has it all together- you know, like a saint (Ambrose Bierce once said a Saint was a sinner who has been revised and edited). These images, I think, are why most of us don't try to become more spiritual. They are either too intimidating or just unappealing. I get that! AND I happen to agree with you.

But what if there was a more realistic and appealing way to be a Spiritual Hero. A way where there is no such thing as "having it all together", a way where spirituality is coupled with everyday life. A way where we do something with our spirituality rather than sit on a mountain far away to find enlightenment. What if the path to fulfillment was right through the middle of life with all of its flaws, failures, joys and successes? What if it was less about what you believe and more about what you do? Would you do it?

For me, the best example of someone who truly lives and breathes their spiritual journey and are examples of Spiritual Heroes is former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. President Carter and his wife have long been open about their religious beliefs and activities in the church throughout their life of public service. He has always been vocal about the fact that he and his wife are both strong and committed Christians. This is laudable especially when you actually see how those beliefs have shaped their lives and work. However, it is what they do outside of the church-their actions - that impact me and so many others who are on a quest to be authentically human and genuine Spiritual Heroes. Their example has offered a role model of authentic humanity in pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.

Mr. Carter has stood up for the rights of women, LGBT people, people with disabilities and has been instrumental in helping the working poor to afford housing through Habitat for Humanity. He has done this even when it put him at odds with the denomination with which he was affiliated. He has not done these things just for a picture opportunity or a cheap publicity stunt like so many other politicians and religious types have done. He does these things out of his own sense of calling and because his own pursuit of authentic spirituality has pushed him in this direction.

Even while he was going through cancer treatments, he never took a break from life. He demonstrated how his faith and spiritual quest could strengthen him in even his most difficult times. He could be seen working on houses and comforting others even when he himself was suffering. He is a deeply spiritual individual who has not stepped out of life nor has he tried to portray himself as "perfect". He has been open and honest about his own struggles.

Remember our end goal is not to be a Guru or some super spiritual giant. It is to be completely and totally ourselves and to be true to our spiritual development. Living out our call from Spirit is far more important than getting all of our ducks in a row with our beliefs. In the end, it is what you do, not what creed you hold that matters to others. As the book of James in the Bible reminds us, "Faith without works is dead."

Who has been a Spiritual Hero to you and why? Comment on this blog post and let me know about them and what it is that makes them your hero.