I know these two heroes—most of you don’t.  I’ve known them a long time, always been my heroes.

Student Doctor Nate (let’s call him Stud Doc Nate for short) just took a big step, he embarked on a long, difficult journey, and is taking a big risk. Saturday, he received his WHITE COAT as a new Student Doctor at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. If you know anything about becoming a doctor, you know his coat is just a little short, but a White Coat nonetheless. After four years of blood, sweat, tears, and joy, it will be a long coat.  Stud Doc Nate has just entered a very special profession, as he studies to become a doctor. No easy task to be accepted, and a steep climb to complete the next eight years of medical school and residency.  But Stud Doc Nate and the Lord are able.  Young people willing to take these risks and accept these type challenges are my heroes.  Stud Doc Nate, learn well and quickly; I need all the help you can give me.

Let me introduce another hero—she tends vegetable gardens during the hot days of summer. No ordinary gardens, but gardens that help the plight of the less fortunate of Appalachia in Southeastern Ohio through a ministry called Good Works. Oh, she does a lot of other things to help these folks—you name it she does it.  What makes her my hero is that she took the risk of spending her summer with people she didn’t know to be a servant; a real servant all day and in all ways. No phones, no TV, no email, and no time off except one day a week.  Now there is a servant after the one who said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.”

Heroes—am I proud, YES. They may well change the world.  I think I might just allow them to lead on and I’ll follow. How about you and your young heroes?