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Some heroes slay dragons, some heroes save lives. Still other heroes invest their days in supporting their families, making sure there is food in the fridge, paying the bills on time. There are a thousand ways in which people answer the call to heroine and hero. And yet, according to Joseph Campbell, there is one basic and amazing storyline through which people live out the hero\u2019s journey.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n In his book, The Hero With a Thousand Faces<\/em>, Campbell describes his discovery of the monomyth, or foundational theme, present in the heroic experiences of mythical and historical characters throughout the millennia. This monomyth consists of three distinct phases in the hero\u2019s journey: separation, initiation, and return.[2]<\/a> \u00a0Each of these phases can be broken down into smaller segments of the journey. The hero, setting out from his ordinary homeland, is lured to the \u201cthreshold of adventure.\u201d\u00a0 Crossing the threshold, he or she encounters unfamiliar trials and barriers they must overcome, and in overcoming these challenges, the hero is initiated into a stronger, wiser version of him or herself. Upon returning to the homeland, the boon that he or she brings back contributes to the restoration and enhancement of the world.[3]<\/a> The hero\u2019s journey speaks powerfully to the human soul, for it is woven into the very fibers of our spirit and being, reflecting our own story and wakening our own call.<\/p>\n The hero\u2019s journey reminds me of God\u2019s call on our lives to love God and love others through the unique gifts that God has embedded in our being.[4]<\/a> In doing so, we embark on a life-long adventure of challenge and growth, discover our potential, mature into better versions of ourselves, and gain the opportunity to contribute positively to our families, communities, and the world. In an interview with Bill Moyers, Joseph Campbell commented, \u201cThe influence of a vital person, vitalizes.\u201d[5]<\/a> As we employ our \u201cbliss,\u201d as Campbell refers to those callings that give us joy, we bring our environment to life![6]<\/a><\/p>\n Ironically, the adventures we most want to engage can cause us the greatest fear; and fear can prevent us from starting the journey. Perhaps in these times, it is important to focus on a growth mindset, so that the fear of failure does not overcome us. I saw a mural of Mandela when we were in Cape Town, South Africa. It was located in District 6 and the words next to Mandela\u2019s picture read, \u201cThe greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising everytime we fall.\u201d[7]<\/a><\/p>\n Not all journeys involve bliss and not all journeys feel heroic. Certain life seasons arrive unexpected, bring confusion, feel demeaning, and end in what looks like failure. However, often after struggling through these dark nights of the soul, God deepens our intimacy with him and allows us to emerge as healthier, wiser, and more humble individuals.[8]<\/a> The boon we gain is often not seen until we arrive home.<\/p>\n The Hero with a Thousand Faces<\/em> is an important presentation of the human story. People bring a multitude of experiences to this theme, receive varied credit for their heroism, and emerge with various gifts from their trials. The challenge is inspiring and one I will continue to contemplate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [1]<\/a> Joseph Campbell, The Hero With a Thousand Faces<\/em> (New York, NY: Princeton University Press, 1949), viii.<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> Campbell, 35.<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> Campbell, 245-246.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> Mark 12:28-31.<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> https:\/\/billmoyers.com\/content\/ep-1-joseph-campbell-and-the-power-of-myth-the-hero%e2%80%99s-adventure-audio\/<\/a>, 1988, 0:51.<\/p>\n [6]<\/a> https:\/\/billmoyers.com\/content\/ep-1-joseph-campbell-and-the-power-of-myth-the-hero%e2%80%99s-adventure-audio\/<\/a>, 1988, 0:12.<\/p>\n [7]<\/a> Mural of Nelson Mandela, District 6, Capetown, South Africa, 2022.<\/p>\n