On January 8, 2011, outside a grocery store in Tucson, Arizona, a troubled college-dropout named Jared Lee Loughner opened fire, killing six people and injuring 13 others. He also shot and severely injured U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. Dorwan "Dory" Stoddard, a 76-year-old retired construction worker, was among six people shot to death. Stoddard used his body to shelter his wife Mavanell, 75, or Mavy, from the gunfire.

The next week, several hundred mourners gathered for a memorial service for Dory. His loved ones remembered that Dory didn't become a hero during that tragic shooting. For years he had lived with the character of a hero, and on January 8th, 2011 he acted in tune with his character. At the service, Dory's pastor Mike Nowak put it this way: "Dory Stoddard ... didn't die a hero, he lived a hero. He completed his heroic act of kindness one final time with his wife, Mavy." 

Heroes like Mr. Stoddard remind of another "hero" Who laid down His life so many years ago, so that you and I could be offered eternal life.  This idea might not be new to us, but it's worth thinking about every day.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word

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