We Are Their Heroes
Copyright Jim Willis 2001

If you worry that you have not
made a difference, you have,
for only those who do not worry
about it have not.

If you feel overwhelmed, if the
weight of problems is too heavy
to bear, remember it is a shared
burden and the strength of
numbers can accomplish much.

If you think society and government
are blind, it only serves to remind
that we need to change one mind
at a time, one law after another.

We effect change by cooperation,
not by isolation.

If you consider that we cannot
save them all, and what difference
does one make?, you ought to know
the joy of the one who is saved.

Mourn those we cannot save, it is a
eulogy to their being. Do not let
their loss be in vain.

Be kind to yourself, remember
your needs and those of your family
and friends of every species.

If you give everything, what will you
have left for yourself,
or for them?

Strive to be happy and healthy.
You are needed.

Achieving balance in life is a
lifelong struggle.

We who help those who do not
have all that they need should
be among the most grateful
for what we have.

Be proud of your
accomplishments, not
your opinions.

The quality of your efforts is more
important than the quantity.

Forgive your own deficiencies -
sometimes your caring is
sufficient. Everyone can do
something, it is up to you to
do the thing you can.

A kind word and a gentle touch
can change a life.

If a seething anger
wells up within you,
because people are
the problem, remember
your humanity and that
people are also the solution.

Concentrate on specific needs,
pay attention to the
individual - they make up the whole.


See beyond the unlovable,
the unattractive, the impure
and the wounded - see that
their spirit is as deserving
as the rest.

Help them heal.

Their eyes are windows to their soul and the mirror of your sincerity.

All species, all beings, share
this Earth in a chain of life.
Care more about what makes
us alike than what separates
us.

Policies, rules and regulations are
not infallible. Apply them judiciously,
interpret them wisely.

No decision based purely on
money is ever the right one.
Listen to your heart.
Sometimes we have to do
that which we are most
afraid of.

Be true to yourself and your beliefs.
Family may abandon you,
friends may disappoint you,
strangers will ridicule you.

People shun what
they do not understand.
Help them to understand -
kindly, softly, gently.

Those who do not respect
all life are to be pitied.

Often the wrongdoer is as
in need of help as his victims.

Forgive, then teach by example.
Educate yourself or
you cannot hope to teach others.

No action based in hatred
is ever right and anger drowns
out wisdom.


Yours may be a voice crying
in the wilderness,
make it a voice to be respected.

Listen more than you talk,
be courteous and reliable.

Learn to ask for help.
Never waiver from the truth.

Know that it takes a lot of strength to cry
and with every defeat, we learn.

All Creation celebrates that
which is in its own best
interest.

The Children are our hope - nurture them.

Nature is our legacy - protect it.
The Animals are our brethren - learn from them.
Your rewards will not be material, but they will be meaningful, and the
courage of your convictions can survive anything.

We are small boats cast adrift
on a cruel sea, but someday the
tide will turn toward a safe harbor.

No matter how dark the storm clouds,
or deep the pain of heartbreak -
never forget:

We are their heroes.
*******
~ Dedicated to all who have worked
for change. May your efforts be blessed.
You have made a difference.