"Faster than a speeding bullet. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. More powerful than a locomotive." Remember? "With a hearty 'High Ho Silver and away!'" Remember? "Book 'em Dan'o!" Remember?

Superman, the Lone Ranger and Steve McGarrett of Hawaii Five-O may be far removed from our current list of "heroes" but I will always have fond remembrances of those characters who fought the forces of evil, cared about the underdog, and made right seem relevant.

Heroes. We need heroes. We need men and women who ignite passionate sparks for helping mankind. We need people of character who rise above the trappings of self, people who will be voices in the wilderness to help us strive for the good and people who will invest their time, talents and treasures to make positive differences.

One of my heroes is Joni Eareckson Tada. For many years, "Joni" has been a special hero to me.

Forty-two years ago, at the age of 17, Joni was left paralyzed from the neck down after a diving accident. She has written 35 books, spoken in more than 45 countries, produced beautiful paintings by holding a brush in her teeth, and has been an advocate for the disabled around the world while being confined to a wheelchair.

In addition to all of the accolades already mentioned, Joni is instrumental in the Joni and Friends International Disability Center based in southern California. This great organization has distributed 52,000 refurbished wheelchairs to disabled children in 102 countries, holds events for hundreds of special needs families around the world, and trains leaders in the realm of disability ministry.

Recently, Joni was honored at Indiana Wesleyan University as a "World Changer." The prestigious college recognizes Christian professionals who are "pouring salt and shining light" in their corners of the world. The tremendous honor was bestowed on an individual who is so deserving of tribute because she cares so much about those who often are forgotten and neglected.

Joni Eareckson Tada, special spokesperson for the disabled, adds the dimension of spirituality and faith to great compassion.

As author Rebecca Pippert asserts, we need more people who will "get out of the saltshaker."

At the awards ceremony "out of the saltshaker" Joni said, "Our greatness is not in success, but in service. We witness in our culture to the way of justice, to the way of truth, to the way of righteousness, to the way of beauty, to the way of joy, peace and mercy. We witness to what it means to be fully human, created in the image of God."

Joni Eareckson Tada is a "Modern Day Hero." Thank God for heroes!

Steve Cole is the minister at Faith Church of Christ in Burlington.