How to be a Hero

One wet afternoon when school was finished, a young boy of ten years of age, called Freddie, was walking home. He was soaked through and cold. That afternoon he had promised to visit his Aunt Margaret, who lived alone. So on he trudged, and at last, reached his auntie's house.

Once inside he was soon dried and warmed, and settled beside a nice cosy fire. His aunt was sitting sewing and chatting to him. His eyes spied a book lying on the couch beside him. It was a history book, but with plenty of bright colourful pictures all about soldiers. Soon he was engrossed in it.

At last after some time, Freddie laid down the book and said, “Auntie, if only I were a General I think I should be very happy.” “Are you not happy now ” asked his aunt. “Oh yes, but I long to be a hero; it would be very grand to be a hero don't you think, auntie ” “Shall I tell you how you can become a hero now, grander even than being a General  It is by learning to be master of yourself. Do not give way to anger, or any wicked feeling. Never allow yourself to do what you know is wrong. The bible says 'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that rules his spirit is better than he that takes a city.' Think of this, Freddie, and when you are tempted to do wrong have courage to stand up for the right, and you will be a greater hero than may Generals.”

That was good advice for Freddie, wasn't it, boys and girls  And good advice for all of us. There is a hymn that most of us know, and it tells us the same thing. And it goes like this: