By Brenda Cannon Henley
It always amazes me to find that when God puts a topic on my heart and mind, and I give consideration to write what I am learning, material and ideas flow from every side. It is similar to when we choose and buy a new automobile, we tend to see them everywhere we go and most often when we are not intentionally looking for them. I had been giving thought to the idea of the masses of “hollow heroes” we have all around us in today’s day and age, and lo and behold, three different writings or thoughts made their way to my inbox or my ear. I pray I never lose the wonder of being inspired and helped by others – Some long time friends, others rather new acquaintances, and in several cases, people I have never even met.

A precious girl that worked with me for many years sent a quote from Atlanta. “Darling, your world will be full of hollow heroes until you learn to love yourself.” – (Becca Lee). I don’t know all that this quote meant to my friend, but knowing she had just been through a long divorce after 20-plus years of marriage, I rather thought I understood a bit about what she was saying.

Because this is Southeast Texas and we have just had the opening weekend of deer season, I have heard a lot of talk about the art of hunting. One thing in particular caught my attention. Some men I know well were discussing the qualities and greatness of a “hollow tip” bullet verses a solid one. The best (and shortest) explanation I garnered was that a hollow tip would hit the target and literally explode making a bigger hole and messier kill. If I got it right, the solid bullet will hit the mark, perhaps go through, but will remain largely intact making for a cleaner and more efficient kill. I thought that people with such hollow hearts and minds often make such messes that it often takes a lifetime to repair the damage, not only for them, but for those that love them dearly.

We are accustomed to waking up every morning of our lives to hear of some bad thing an actor, sports figure, politician, and others have done. It may involve spousal or child abuse, theft, improper use of drugs, alcohol, or other controlling substance, and it may be something we cannot even imagine in our own lives. Many of these famous people are wealthy, well traveled, loved, and in some cases, adored. I wonder how many are hollow on the inside and the trappings of success are all they have to show the world their personal worth.

We put our faith in people, relationships, positions, success, money, fame, and countless other things only to find we were wrong – Very wrong in some cases. Our lives are shattered and our dreams sent out to die on the ash heap of life. We have discovered yet another hollow hero – A big name perhaps with no real internal compass or leadership.

I asked a friend if he had ever had a disillusioning relationship or a person he loved that he had placed his faith in only to find the person was hollow and insignificant. His face clouded over and tears filled his eyes. Mind you, this person is well established, respected, financially secure, and loved by many. “Yes, I have,” he answered slowly. “Could you share with me the circumstances without using any names?” I asked. He again thought for a while and said, “My biological brother, whom I love, has disappointed me over and over as an adult.” He went on to say they were from the same dad and mom, reared the same, played together as kids, grew up to be healthy and respected men. Over the years, my friend had done well and prospered in life while the brother had lost two fortunes, left an ailing wife, chose much younger girlfriends to boost his sagging ego, abandoned his own children, and was tossed around in life looking for the next big thing.

“What made you two so different?” I asked in suspense. “I’ve thought about it a lot over the years, and I have reached out to him a number of times, helping with finances and direction, but it has not changed his course,” my friend said. “It is as if we have entirely different personalities on the inside. He is lacking in character and morals, and I believe it is demonstrated in his lack of facing responsibility, aging, and the success of others.” He then added, “It is as if he is simply hollow on the inside and all he has are the outside coverings of the moment. When they are gone, he is virtually gone as well. It is a sorry and sad state of affairs.”

The Bible speaks of this hollowness or hole in our hearts. Without the moral compass of God’s Word and truth in our lives, we are empty and left searching. In Romans, Chapter 1, Verse 25, we find an interesting thought. “…Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator…” In other words, people who are so empty and hollow on the inside look to man and not to God for happiness and peace. (We will continue this discussion in another column).
[11-9-2015]

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788, at
[email protected], or by using the contact form below.

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