“When the will defies fear, when duty throws the gauntlet down to fate, when honor scorns to compromise with death, that is heroism.” ~Robert Green Ingersoll
I am reminded of the famous quote from William Shakespeare: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
What he didn’t mention is that “having greatness thrust upon” yourself demands an awareness of the moment and an acceptance of the invitation from destiny to step up and into harm’s way.
The world watched one man accept that invitation last week.
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A week ago, a war on European soil seemed impossible. Now, we are watching a horrific reality TV show unfold in real time.
All over the world, nations, cities, companies, and townspeople are watching, and standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian people: Ireland, Poland and Romania taking in refuges; social media banning Russian misinformation; NATO stepping up with nations sending supplies and ammunitions; protests around the world, protests in Russia, too, for heaven’s sake!
Russian troops have encountered stiff resistance with Ukrainians repelling Russian troops, with trucks and tanks abandoned on the side of the road.
Five days of bombing and the capital, Kyiv, still stands.
Putin didn’t expect this.
We are also witnessing heroism in one of its purest forms: saying goodbye to one’s family and taking up arms against a mightier military invader, or—even harder, perhaps—leaving one’s home and fleeing to another country while fearing for the safety of your father, brother, husband or son left behind to fight.
Given that Putin’s stated aim is to “stabilize” the area by toppling the government and that the Ukrainian president is target number one, he would generally have been removed, scurried away, hidden for protection.
But not this president: Zelensky sent his family away, put on a flak jacket and returned to join his troops.
Zelensky recognized the invitation and responded “yes.”
Regardless of any outcome, that choice alone has inspired the entire world and cements his place in history as a hero.
Because he stood up to a global bully.
One could make a case—and history might well record—that Zelensky’s individual decisions caused a collective groundswell of courage which kept that city safe.
May it be so a year from now.
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Whether it’s on an island or in an alley, whether with a weapon in the streets, or with bottle of water at a refugee border crossing, when everyday people step up and lead the way average people become everyday heroes.
I think Putin has overplayed his hand. I believe that despite the short-term suffering war always engenders, the longer-term goals of yet another autocratic leader have been thwarted, though Putin may not realize that yet.
Because these people are fighting to defend their homeland.
Their will to keep it will outlast Putin’s desire to take it.
I pray for the freedom and safety of the Ukrainian people and their leaders, that they be protected, kept safe, kept alive.
Unfortunately, many of them will pay the horrible price of heroism in real time.
“I was in uniform for four years, and I know that heroism doesn’t occur from taking orders, but rather from people who through their own willpower and strength are willing to sacrifice their lives for an idea.” ~Thor Heyerdahl
