When we think of cartoon heroes, destruction often comes as part of the package. Their superpowers often leave collateral damage in their wake. But knocking things down, even in the service of a noble cause, is easy. Much harder, and requiring much greater strength is the superpower of building up. They are seen as "soft" sometimes, but the gentle virtues of compassion, vulnerability, care, and kindness have a strength that can outlast the toughest situations, the most challenging circumstances.
This year's heroes embody this quiet power, and they stand out in stark contrast to the loud posturing, performative strength, and heedless cruelty that seemed to be so much in fashion these days. Now more than ever, we need heroes like the six women and two men I'm honoring this year.
This year's heroes include a former student, two current colleagues, and a pair of senior citizens from our church that I've had the privilege of getting to know in recent years. Two of my heroes are aquaintances--proving that you don't have to know someone well to inspire and to be inspired by. And one hero, I've never met, though he has impacted thousands. As has often happened over the years we have multiple heroes from the same family, and one hero who is being recognized for the second time (Click on her name to read how she inspired me back in 2018). Together they have encouraged, challenged, and blessed me this year.
Bobbi Towns
Carla Maria Casas
Shawn Boonstra
Robert Whitner
Margarette Alsanders
Becky Cuellar
Juliana Cuellar
Bobbi Towns
I am inspired by her pursuit of her passion
To me Bobbi is the picture of success-hustle, determination, and talent bearing fruit in the most beautiful way. She has worked hard, without compromising her talents or sidelining her dreams. Her goal has been to do what she loves in the way that she loves. Bobbi is bold, funny, a no-nonsense straight shooter whose acerbic honesty is leavened with compassion.
Early this year I was privileged to attend the opening of Bobbi's gallery, the House of Cai. It was a joy to purchase one her beautiful pieces (one of the smaller ones that I could afford on a teacher's salary) and have it in my home. I am so proud of her! Who would have thought that my 8th grader with a penchant for art would end up here? The answer is Bobbi would.
Carla Maria Casas
I am inspired by her advocacy
There are times when doing your job becomes an act of heroism. Such are the times we live in that Carla Casas' work as an immigration attorney has become a valiant act of courage. Her work has never been more difficult and never more important. While we went to school together, Carla was a few grades behind me and I never knew her well. I came across her work through her Facebook page and found myself inspired and encouraged by her posts about the daily challenges and successes of her job. I love her determination, her steely optimism, and compassionate professionalism. I'm sure when she started out in this field she never imagined her daily work would become an act of resistance. But nevertheless her unwavering dedication day to helping ordinary folks gives me hope.
Shawn Boonstra
I am inspired by his vulnerability
This was his most powerful sermon. An admission of vulnerabilty, a sharing of struggle was one of the most impactful acts of witness for this preacher who has spoken before thousands in person and millions on television. Of course, I knew Shawn Boonstra's name--he is a speaker, evangelist, former host of the television broadcast It Is Written and until recently the speaker/director of the Voice of Prophecy media ministry. But it was his appearance on the 3ABN progam A Multitude of Counselors that inspired me. I remember watching with awe as Pastor Boonstra shared honestly about his struggle with perfectionism and how it has led to difficulty sleeping. Boonstra exploded the lie that pastors, especially the well-known ones we see on TV, must be flawless and free of struggle, and in the process, I'm certain, he gave hope to so many. I was further amazed at how humble he was and open to the guidance of the all-female panel of counselors. Shawn Boonstra reflected the truth that sometimes the greatest witness for Christ we can provide is in admitting to our own humanity.
"The very angels themselves cannot persuade the wretched and blundering children on earth as can one human being broken on the wheels of living. In love’s service only the wounded soldiers can serve."-Thorton Wilder
Robert Whitner
I am inspired by his care for people
Brother Whitner's joy was portable, his love mobile, ready to move to wherever it was needed most. I always appreciated how warm and friendly Bob Whitner was whenever I'd encounter him at church. He and his sweet wife always made me feel cared for and loved. But what really came to inspire me about about Brother Whitner is that he wasn't content to exude warmth to whomever crossed his path He went out in search of those that are easily forgotten and neglected. He was a regular visitor to those who were too sick or infirm to attend church anymore. He did this not because he was an elder, a deacon or a pastor, but because he knew he was supposed to--that this was his job as a Christian. To bring encouragement and cheer was a responsibility that he took seriously but also one that he fully enjoyed. In the past few years, as his own health and that of his wife declined, it would have been easy for Brother Whitner to withdraw and focus on himself, but right up to the last time I spoke with him, this past summer, just a few months before he died, Bob was focused on the well-being of others. He still had his easy smile, his good humor, and his concern for the sick and shut-in. I'm inspired by the example he set, and challenged by the knowledge that in his absence, we must step up to fill in his shoes in the living rooms and bedsides of those who need a visit.
Margarette Alsanders
I am inspired by her positive attitude
The years have been kind to Ms. Margarette. For one, she's about enter her 104th year. Sure at this advanced age, the body isn't what it once was, but her heart is as kind as ever, her spirit suffused with what seems an ageless positive energy. I try to get over to visit Ms. Margarette every so often--not as often as either of us would like, I'm sure. I went with the pastor to visit her a few years ago, learned that we were related and since then I've been going to see her. Ms. Margarette is just such a pleasure to be around. I'm supposed to be visiting to encourage her, but it always ends up the other way around. Ms. Margarette has such a cheerful, positive outlook on life you can't help feeling good when you are with her. I usually try to bring a slice of pie or some cookies when I visit, but I always leave with something sweet--a kind word, a smile, a bit of encouragement--from her. The years have been kind to Ms. Margarette, but more importantly she has been kind through the years.
Lisa Lavalas
I am inspired by her leadership
The air gets thin as the altitude increases. That's what I've noticed now that I'm filling the role of vice principal at my school this year. Back when I was "just" a teacher, whenever things would go sideways I knew I could always kick the problem up to admin to deal with--whether an angry parent or an out of pocket student or some maintenance issue. Now, suddenly, I'm noticing that there's only person above me to handle things--and thank God, that person is Lisa Lavalas! I'm really in awe of her because she is at the mountaintop, the buck really does stop with her. But Lisa handles whatever comes her way with a steady hand, a calm demeanor, and unparalleled professionalism. She is organized, a pro at the piles of paperwork that come with running a school and building a full K-12 program. But she's also a teacher's principal, one who treats us with diginity and respect while still holding high standards for us. And she loves our kids--they know she means busienss but they also know she cares. It's quite a balancing act, but she makes it look easy. Every now and then, she'll be away from the building whether for a few hours or even for a week or so when her duties call her away. Then, for that period of time, it's all on me and my admiration for Lisa grows even more, as I experience firsthand what she deals with every day.
Becky Cuellar
I am inspired by her cheerful spirit
They are drawn to her, as if pulled by invisible strings. On any given day you'll find a cluster of students gathered around Becky Cuellar's desk. I'm usually the "bad cop" shooing the kids back to class, to the bathroom, the lunchroom, whereever they were supposed to be before they got pulled to Ms. Becky. Sometimes, she'll give me a look of thanks as I herd the kids away--she's always got a full plate after all. But she can't help it, she exudes love and cheerful welcome and that creates a magnetic effect that we all feel. She's the "good cop" on our school team--she offers a word of encouragement to the kid in trouble, comfort to the one who got a scrape on the playground, and a listening ear for the student whose had a bad day. Those things aren't necessariy in her job description, they are just who Becky is. It's her winning smile, her kind demeanor, her positive spirit that tug out our heartstrings and pull us towards her. I can't think of a better person to greet each student, parent, and teacher who enters our building. Of course in her role as school office manager and registrat there are many things that Becky does behind the scenes that we never see, but what we do see gives our CAA family a boost and a balm every single day.
Juliana Cuellar
I am inspired by her kindness
Juliana has a genuine care for people that I aspire to. I've only spoken to her a handful of times--I know her mom (see above),who I work with, much better. But here's what I know. When we were looking for someone to stay with my mother-in-law, she was not just willing but seemed delighted by the prospect of such an arrangement. Her interest in Mom, her genuine care, and generosity were such a blessing to our family. Although, we ended having Mom come stay with us, I've never forgotten Juliana's caring spirit. While she didn't end up living with Mom, I know that wherever she did end up--and wherever she goes in the bright future God has for her, she'll be a blessing to those around her.
