Hero or Shero ... it's all the same!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizenscan change the world;indeed it's the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead (1901-1978), American Anthropologist

During the Women's Writing and Publishing Summit, we got into a discussion of Heros and the difference between a hero and a shero. I made the bold statement that the word HERO really does cover it all and that we don't need two words to articulate what in essence means the same thing. While the classic definitions of hero often refer to the male gender, if you look at all things written hundreds of years ago, you will realize that the word "man" really refers to "mankind" and hero can be either a man or a woman.

Take a look at the word HERO and you will see what I mean. He-ro has the root of HE and Her-o has the root of HER. If you look at the word from that point of view then hero really does cover any person you can look up to. It could mean an historic figure or an everyday hero. Heros impact our lives every day by their words and actions towards us and others. A true hero is a person who comes through no matter what, who is there in good times and bad, who does "good" without any expectation of repayment.

Who are your heros? Who emulates your definite of the word? Who is there when you need her (or him)? For many of us it is our parents, our spouses, our children, our friends. It may be someone whom you have not met, do not know, and quite possibly will never meet, however you admire them, respect them and honor their presence in the world. People in the military, educators, public servants and business women and men. And so much more!

For me it is my husband Timmy Mooney, my daughters Jennifer and Suzannah, my father Jim, my son-in-law Henry, my grandchildren Devon and Madison, My brother Monty and his wife Michelle, my incredible staff, the members of the WECAI Network™, the men and women who are there when I ask for a favor. My list is too long to include here, hundreds of people who have come in and out of my life over the years. They may or may not know who they are. I do!

Here are some great sites about heros, everyday and otherwise which I suggest you visit.

Tired of all the bad "news that's fit to print"? Here's your alternative! HeroicStories are about everyday real people who step up to the challenge and help others when they are needed. They're not just about people who save lives or stop a crime. Our stories describe both large and small gestures, they're from all over the world, they're true and, most of all, they're interesting. (They're also short! No story is over 500 words.) Visit: http://www.heroicstories.com/

At Your True Hero you can tell your story about a true hero who means something to you. The site invites you share your hero's story with the world. You can help bring recognition to the unsung heroes who make a real difference in our lives. Everyone has a hero. Tell us about yours. Tell your story. Honor your true hero. All for free. http://www.yourtruehero.org/

Check out My Hero.com - Their mission is to enlighten and inspire people of all ages with an ever-growing internet archive of hero stories from around the world. Now more than ever, children, teachers, and parents yearn for messages of hope and courage to face the challenges that lie ahead. The MY HERO web site hosts thousands of stories of remarkable individuals written by children and adults alike. These stories serve to remind us that we all have the potential to overcome great obstacles and achieve our dreams by following in the footsteps of our heroes. You can sign the guestbook and share your HERO with the world.

Also visit GoInside.com, Serving the Spirit of Humanity While Covering the Web of the World - http://www.goinside.com.


Wishing you a wonderful day filled with many people to look up to... and to whom many people look up!

Heidi