December 31

Louis Zamperini: A true hero

Louis Zamperini is a fitting choice to be the Grand Marshal for the annual Rose Parade as a true hero. It is unfortunate that he died 6 months before he was able to lead the way for the most celebrated parade in the world at the age of 97. The story of Louis Zamperini is now reaching a global audience via Laura Hillenbrand’s best-selling 2010 book “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption.” Zamperini’s story was really meant for the big screen, but it has taken a half century to make. The original story rights were bought in 1957 by Universal Pictures and Tony Curtis wanted the lead role. But then the project stalled, only to be picked up again by director Angelina Jolie, released Christmas Day, 2014.

Louis Zamperini endured remarkable hardship with bravery and courage with a stubbornness that pushed him to prevail against all odds. He recounts the most important theme of his life as redemption. Zamperini returned from the war a broken man, filled with anger, rage and revenge. He turned to drinking, which even put his marriage at risk. His wife, Cynthia, upon threatening to divorce him, urged him to come and hear a young blonde evangelist named Billy Graham. Graham’s message touched his heart and changed his life completely around.

Louis Zamperini went on to forgive his former captors as well as open a camp for troubled boys. Luke Zamperini said of his father, “I hope people walk away (from Zamperini’s story) inspired and knowing they can overcome insurmountable odds if they don’t give up or give in.” That is also my wish for you. Don’t give up on your goals because truly, there is a hero inside you! (lyrics to song below)

At times you wonder where and when   Life is going to take you
The doors around you close, nothing says you’ll get through
Don’t let others tell you, even try to sell you to throw away your plan.
Pick yourself up, it’s time to break out , oh you can, yes you can
                                   
I KNOW THERE’S A HERO INSIDE YOU
JUST WAITING TO BREAK OUT
PEOPLE DO WHAT THEY KNOW, TO MISGUIDE YOU
TO MAKE YOU STAND, SCREAM AND SHOUT
IT CAN BE DERIDING, PARALYZING TO STEP OUT ON YOUR OWN
I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT, GET ALL THE WAY THROUGH IT
TO MAKE IT ALL THE WAY BACK HOME, TO THE HERO INSIDE
 
The more you push the harder it is to really make a difference
You gave it everything you had, but it’s not enough, it seems to make no sense
Standin’ in the food line, humbled to the core,
not doin’ what you’ve worked hard for,
You can break free, with all that you can be, oh you can, yes you can
 
CHORUS 
Something tells me you’re hesitating, a little girl, a little boy that’s waiting
Holding back like a lonely star, Time to be all you know you are!
CHORUS

The Hero Inside album available on Amazon, CD Baby or iTunes

Subscribe to Facebook Musician Page & Monthly Newsletter! ©Deborah Johnson • Twitter: @DJWorksMusicwww.DJWorksMusic.com  “Hardship, Valor & Redemption,” by Donna Littlejohn, Pasadena’s Rose Magazine (2015) p. 8-10

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Tags

Inspiration, motivation, Olympic athlete, The Hero Inside


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