Rosa Parks

Heroes are uncommon in our world today. Not many people fit the role of selfless, brave, determined, or humble. Heroes weren't always so hard to find, though. Our story begins in 1955 when Rosa Parks displayed a dose of undeniable bravery, sacrifice, and determination. Her surroundings thought ill of her intentions, but despite that fact, Rosa Parks fought for Civil Rights no matter what the cost.

Rosa Parks on a bus when she was a young woman. (Google Images ())

Bravery is a quality that Parks possessed and used to the best of her ability. In the year of 1955, it was very common for African-Americans to be asked to give up their seat on a bus for a white person. Our hero was in a similar situation when the driver of the bus asked her to give her seat to another individual. In an instant, Rosa stood up for herself and defied the driver, breaking the usual pattern that would occur, should this happen. She showed bravery here because she knew that this offense could put her in the position of imprisonment, yet she continued to show her defiance and belief in the fact that she had rights just as much as any other person did.

A portrait of Rosa Parks

Sacrifice also proved to be a heroic quality that Rosa Parks possessed. By standing up for herself, Rosa got imprisoned. She sacrificed her freedom for Civil Rights, proudly exemplifying sacrifice. After her sentence was served, though, Parks became the secretary for an African-American ambassador, continuing to help African-Americans everywhere. This came with a price, though. While working, Parks was at great risk of persecution, still showing her sacrifice for those who had been persecuted themselves.

Last, although certainly not least, is her exemplification of determination, another trait that heroes cease to display. In this case, her determination and sacrifice fit hand in hand. The presence of determination in her let her carry on even with the threats of the sacrifices she needed to make. Like I have stated before, the threat of imprisonment, persecution, even death, were riding on her shoulders. The Lord was with her, though keeping her from giving up and providing that determination.

The Lord has put many people destined to be heroes on this earth, including his very own son. All heroes display the traits and abilities they have been given. And all heroes are destined to do something great, like Rosa Parks has done in her lifetime. Through her years, Rosa used her abilities to save and help people everywhere. And for this, she is my hero.