To celebrate her latest book release, Lakeside Family, my friend, Lisa Jordan, shares a quote with us today.
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“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” ~Christopher Reeve (1952-2004), actor
In Lakeside Family, Nick Brennan feels like nobody’s hero. After his father abandoned his family, Nick promised never to follow in his footsteps. While shouldering the guilt of family tragedy and being responsible for his adult brother with special needs, Nick learns he has a daughter who needs him—her life depends on it. Nick learns heroes come in different shapes and sizes and God can use the ordinary man for His extraordinary work.
To me, real heroes are those who don’t consider themselves as being one:
- single parents who work hard to ensure their children are healthy and safe.
- parents with children who have special needs.
- teachers who encourage and mentor those who feel forgotten.
- victims of tragedy who clings to hope and use their trials to witness to others.
- ordinary people who donate to provide others with hope for a new life.
- anyone who acts as a voice for those who can’t be heard.
In Your Words: Who is your hero? What kind of hero do you strive to be?
Lisa is celebrating the release of Lakeside Family with a month-long party of giveaways, including Coffee Lovers and Tea Lovers baskets. For more details and to enter the gift basket giveaways, leave a comment here.
Married 23 years to her real life hero, Lisa Jordan knows a thing or two about romance. She and her husband have two college-aged sons and will be facing an empty nest soon. By day, Lisa is an early childhood educator, and by night, she is a contemporary romance novelist with Love Inspired. Lakeside Reunion, her debut novel, is a 2012 Carol Award Finalist. Lakeside Family, her second novel, releases in August 2012. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Agency. In her free time (ha!), Lisa enjoys good books, chick flicks, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. To learn more about Lisa, visit her website at www.lisajordanbooks.com.
Lakeside Family
The one man she never wanted to see again is the only who can save her daughter’s life.
In the space of a minute, Nick Brennan learns he has a nine-year-old daughter— and that she desperately needs his help. All this time, his high school sweetheart, single mother Josie Peretti, thought he knew about their child. And that he just didn’t care. About the ill little girl—or Josie, the woman he’s never forgotten. But Nick made a long-ago promise never to forsake his family the way his father did. A promise he vows to make good on now… if only Josie will bless him with a second chance.
Comments 19
I love this post Lisa (and your book…and you!). You’re so right–heroes aren’t always the people wearing figurative capes and all. 🙂
My heroes are my parents. They’re the coolest people I know who love so sacrificially. I saw evidence of that just last night.
Melissa, just hearing about your talk about your parents so much makes me want to meet them someday. You have been gifted with a wonderful family.
What a beautiful post, Lisa. Love the way you point out that heroes come in many forms. One of my heroes is a friend of mine. She’s definitely walked through life’s knocks, been a single mom, dealt with teen age rebellion, and survived. She attempted something big. Even though it didn’t work out the way she’d hoped, she keeps her hope in God rather than give up on Him. She inspires me to hold onto God and his truths as I walk through daily trials.
Here’s a writer’s question for you. Can the hero in a story consciously aspire to be a hero if he believes he’s not been one for the heroine (in this case his wife)?
Jeanne, I’ve seen a variety of heroes who have impacted my life. None of them think they’re anything special–they’re just doing what they need to do. Their humbleness draws them closer to people. Your friend sounds like a daily testament to God’s grace. She’s probably a shining example to others.
To answer your question–I do believe a hero in the story CAN aspire to be a hero if he feels he hasn’t been one in the past. I think it would make for great conflict to see his attempts and failures and how everything would play out. If he feels he hasn’t been the right husband for his wife and decided it was time to “man up,” then the reader could have a lot of sympathy for him and cheer him on. And what woman wouldn’t want to be wooed by her man??
Thanks, Lisa! Your thoughts are helpful. 🙂
Great post, Lisa. You’re right, heros do come in all shapes and sizes. I believe in this culture we live in, some heros are found wiping poopy diapers, changing soiled clothes, bandaging knees, cooking dinners, holding their babies – moms and dads who love their children and are committed to raising them well. That may look different for each family, but it’s the committment that makes them a hero.
Gabrielle, I agree with you 100%. Anyone who is willing to take a risk and do what is right is a hero in my book, even if that hero isn’t recognized for his or her efforts. The fruits of their labors will bloom when the time is right. And the harvest will be oh so sweet.
Beautiful thoughts, Lisa! My hero was my mom. She was strong even in physical weakness, and her strength came from the Lord…and her love for us. We were always first in her life (after God). And that’s something to strive for.
Lindsay, your mother sounds like she was a lovely person. I love what you said about her being strong in her physical weakness. She displayed Jesus in the skin. You can do the same when it’s your time to be a mom.
What a great quote from Christopher Reeve and food for thought. To me, a hero is someone who puts their own discomfort and needs aside to focus on someone who needs help. In fact, many times, a hero generally wants to help others to such a great extent that the hero puts others’ needs first. Whether it’s a firefighter running into a burning building, a police officer interrupting a robbery in progress, or a complete stranger who pushes someone out of the path of a racing car. Heroes remind us that you don’t have to wear a cape or have superpowers to make an enormous difference.
Donna, you’re so right about superheroes not needing capes. Their determination to make a positive difference in the lives of others can be their superpower.
Wonderful thoughts, Lisa! I just love your new book and the heroism of Hannah.
Thanks, Michelle. You had a huge role in helping me create that book. Couldn’t have done it without you, friend!
Beth, thank you for hosting me today and helping me celebrate the release of Lakeside Family!
Lisa, it is a delight to have you here — and to celebrate the release of your second book!
Lisa,
I think we all have so many heroes in our lives. My husband is my personal hero who has persevered through difficult hardships to provide for his family. And he never lost his trust in what God can do with us in our lives. Congrats on your newest book!
Thanks, Terri! I love what you said about your husband. When people face job loss, it’s often equated with a divorce or loss of a loved one. Men put a lot of pride into being providers for their families. Your husband is a testimony for others going through a similar situation.
Lately, my heroes are those walking through the valley of cancer. It is so awesome to see their shiny heads and upbeat spirit, and their courage to keep on going even when it’d be easier to crawl back into bed.
Great post. Lisa, I will definitely have to read your book. Right now, I have many heroes in my life and they are a true inspiration. The refiner’s fire is rough, but oh, the people, it makes.