The Heart of a Hero

At the beginning of 2014, Ricky Mena was completely broke, slept on his friend’s couch, and was unsure of what to do with his life. He wanted to work as a personal trainer but was unable to land a job.

One night, however, everything changed.

Ricky had a dream. In this dream, his late grandmother showed him a strange video on an old movie projector. In the video, Spiderman was going around a hospital bringing children joy through jokes, toys and taking pictures. Ricky asked his grandmother what the movie had to do with him. She replied, “That’s you. When you wake up that’s what you will do.

After Ricky woke up, he sold his car and bought his first Spiderman costume for $1400. He put it on and started visiting area hospitals. He was turned away at first, but after persevering, he eventually was allowed to interact with the patients. Ricky has now visited over 9,000 children and has founded a non-profit called Heart of a Hero that collects toys to give away during his visits.

When awake, what are you called to do? Who are the people and places you are to visit? How are you to demonstrate compassion and be of service to others?

When awake, I know one gift I am to bring to the world is to tell my detour story. I am to find people who have experienced loss and adversity and encourage them in their struggle. When I see hope springing up in the eyes of the discouraged, I feel alive and grateful for the opportunity to give so that I can help others.

All of you have a story to tell — a unique way to express love and compassion to those who need it most. May you not only see the movie playing of the person you are becoming but take intentional action.

The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others. — Albert Schweitzer

Who is the focus of your compassion?  ​