Are You a Midlife Hero?

A hero is usually someone else. If asked about it, we’d probably say a hero demonstrates courage, rescues people, puts others ahead of themselves even to the point of risking their life. Most likely, our name wouldn’t be on the list.

But is that a fair assessment?

What if we are actually living heroic lives and don’t know it?

The midlife years are a good example. For those in this season, the unexpected crowding of hard realities takes us by surprise. Right when we think life will get easier and can down shift a little, questions flood in like:

• Where do these regrets and disappointments come from?
• Why is my marriage struggling?
• What happened to my finances and retirement?
• How do I handle severe health problems?
• What am I going to do about my aging parents?
• When are my adult children going to make it?
• Why do I have to parent my grandchildren?

Because of these reasons and more, the midlife season can feel overwhelming. Divorce rates among those over 50 have doubled in the last twenty years when other demographic groups have been declining. In trying to cope with these pressures, people feel a strong pull to escape from it. Many are doing so and derailing their life in the process.

Even though confronted by these difficulties, many midlifers are making heroic choices instead. They aren’t taking the easy path. They aren’t running away. They aren’t requiring that life be about themselves only. While they might not see their decisions as being heroic, in heaven’s eyes, they are.

Here are five characteristics of a midlife hero:

1. Faces their problems and doesn’t look for an easy way out. A hero doesn’t run, but engages in the problem or situation before them.
2. Honors the vows they have made to God and others. A hero’s life is one of integrity. Their word is true and unwavering.
3. Lives to extend their legacy to current and future generations. A hero has a vision for the people in their life and the larger story they are a part of.
4. Relies on God to show up in the midst of their problems and be “The Lord of the Breakthrough” (2 Sam. 5:20). A hero has a deep faith in God that can carry them through times of difficulty.
5. Seeks to bring about a positive solution in each situation. A hero is constantly looking for ways to provide assistance and answers for those in need around them.

Are you a midlife hero?

I believe you are!

By living out these five characteristics, you are well on your way to living a heroic life that puts you on the path to finish well for the Lord.

Do you have other suggestions that would describe a midlife hero? I’d love to hear them.

Please leave your comment below.