And I suppose that what I have learned is a lesson that the years, or self-concern, had begun to hide from me, namely, that the bravest and most loyal and loving people in the world seldom have heroic physical characteristics or the auras of saints. In fact, their faces are like those of people whom you might randomly pull out of a supermarket line, their physical makeup so nondescript and unremarkable that it's hard to remember what they look like ten minutes after they walk out of a room.
In A Morning for Flamingos, James Lee Burke reflects on an important lesson about the nature of true bravery and loyalty. He observes that the kind-hearted and courageous individuals often lack the dramatic physical traits or glowing presence that one might associate with heroes. Instead, they resemble everyday people, blending into the crowd and often forgotten soon after they leave a room.
This revelation highlights how heroism is not always about looks or grandeur but rather about the strength of character found in ordinary people. Their value lies in their steadfast love and loyalty, qualities that may go unnoticed but are essential to human dignity and courage. Burke's insights challenge traditional notions of heroism and encourage a deeper appreciation for the unsung heroes in our lives.
