BIBLE THOUGHT

“For as the lightning comes out of the east, and shines even to the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:27 AKJV) The time to get right with God is now. Tomorrow may be too late.

Who opposed and fought the efforts of Signaller McCarthy’s family in their endeavours to get recognition for Sean; our council – which members?

Sean’s recognition should have been without the need of having to jump through hurdles and the impasse of having to fight for something that should have just been a matter of course. Yes, there is far “too much attention paid to sporting ‘heroes’, many of whom are (very) sad examples of role models”.

Sports people, Olympians, elite athletes, and entertainers too, are not heroes; lest of all those in their 20s and 30s.

Ask yourself what does so-and-so’s win in a race do for society in general? Nothing. Do you or I benefit in any way? No.

Joe Blow ran a marathon; Jane Doe won an Olympic medal – big deal.

Accolades won by elite sports people are accorded to them for their outstanding efforts in their chosen sports, not for services to the community at large.

True heroes are those who put their lives on the line each and every day (occasionally sacrificing themselves too) to keep order, to enforce the law, to keep us safe, to respond during times of emergency and disaster.

Then there are those accidental heroes who courageously risk their lives without hesitation, or a second thought, to help out a complete stranger in need or danger.

When it comes to national, state, or local acknowledgement, recognition, awards and honours it seems that those who have helped advance society in many ways and whose unfailing efforts, good works, and selfless deeds have continued to impact on the lives of the populace in general are largely ignored and remain unknown to the attention of the few who divvy out the accolades because they are never basking in the spotlight of fame.

We know these persons as “quiet achievers”.

GEORGE W. HELON, Kearney’s Spring