We need heroes. Desperately. In their brilliant book, The Fourth Turning, William Strauss and Neil Howe describe the cycles in America’s history. The “fourth” cycle as they describe it, involves a period of tremendous hardship and pain. The last 4th occurred during the Great Depression and WWII – the next is now.
But there’s hope. According to the authors, heroes have surfaced in every Fourth Turning of our country’s history. When times are at their toughest, when hope seems to be our most depleted resource – heroes step in and turn the tide. So, as our call goes out, who will step in as our champions that re-fuel the dry tanks of America’s hope?
We need entrepreneurs – those brave individuals who risk for reward, even though they currently have less than a 10% chance of survival. Those that succeed generate over 70% of the jobs in this country, and almost all of the innovation. They now have a name that’s catching on – Economy Heroes:
But we need more than those who can re-boot our economy, our country requires a “re-tweet” of the Greatest generation; men and women with the tenacity of my favorite uncle – known to friends and family as “C.W.”. He’s 83 now, sinking fast with a debilitating back disease. But even, and in his case especially, with pain that would force a rhino to its knees, he’s still the mentally toughest individual I know by far. I loved hearing him tell stories over the years of his youth – growing up on a farm in a small Florida community during the Great Depression. His academic and vocational choices were limited which required intense focus and determination. His father handed him $150 on the night of his high school graduation, told him he wished he could give him more, told his son he loved him, and wished him luck. C.W. caught a ride to the University of Florida that night with the professor who gave the graduation address. The professor dropped him off on the outskirts of town and also wished him luck. C.W. found cheap lodging and showed up at a local dairy the next morning looking for work. No jobs were available, but he committed to working at no pay until a job opened. He worked without compensation for three months.
For the next four years C.W. started work at 5:00 a.m., went to class in the afternoon, and studied at night. He joined the Marines the day after graduation because the job market was tight and he wanted to serve his country. He fought in the Pacific campaign, including Okinawa. After the war he farmed and built enough capital to branch out and ultimately become a very successful commercial developer and a pillar of his community.
The people I call heroes – like my Mom, a crazy missionary, an amazing two-star general, an off-the-hook Christian Businessman who leads a world-wide organization that aids the poor and provides incredible support after disasters – and who loves Cuban cigars and drinks single malt whiskey, a brilliant young business woman who struggles with a ridiculously rare form of incurable cancer, a movie producer/director whose dream is to make Orlando the Christian movie capital of the world, and my lovely wife – are self effacing, courageous, and creative individuals who will do what is necessary to aid others in need.
They’re unstated motto – “It’s not about me.” We need millions of heroes like them to “save” this country. Are you available – because my friend – the Call is out…
Posted by Teknon 
Posted by Teknon 
Posted by Teknon 
