Does the hero lie in you?
The Thanksgiving holiday — and with it YOMYOMF’s Flava of The Week category — has officially moved on. However, I’m of the opinion that plaudits for genuine selflessness deserve more than an annual, single day shout out — not that gracious deeds should be committed solely for the purposes of winning a competition. Heroism and inspiration exist daily. On the hour. By the minute. 24-7-365. Such is the case with Efren Penaflorida.
Efren, an unassuming 27-year old teacher from The Philippines with the dedication to service of a Mother Theresa and the determination of a K2 summiteer, was awarded CNN’s Hero of The Year at the Kodak Theatre in a ceremony televised before an audience of millions Thanksgiving Day. His acceptance speech was nothing short of World Class.
It’s interesing to note that of the 10 finalists, Efren was one of two Asians on the prestigious list. Budi Soehardi, a professional airline pilot from Indonesia with a wry sense of humor and heart as expansive as his country’s shoreline, who with his wife, founded and run a home for children in the poorest, remotest part of West Timor. Peep Budi’s acceptance here and be prepared to be inspired.
“Our planet is filled with heroes.” So true. So thankful for all the people in the world who selflessly give themselves to helping others, not for recognition but because they feel the need to be of service to their community.
Wow, CNN. They’re hurting this country with talking point regurgitation thinly disguised as “journalism” 99 percent of the time, but they do have their moments.
Congrats to all the heroes, sung and unsung.
I wish that the media would focus on these sorts of heroes all the time; it would alter what people aspire to .. in such an great way.