CNN Heroes of 2012

Love your neighbor as you love yourself...

Mark 12:31

Today, CNN revealed their Top 10 Heroes of 2012 - ordinary people doing extraordinary acts of kindness, compassion and leadership around the world nominated by CNN's global audience.  Here are just a few:

Pushpa Basnet - a woman in Nepal who was shocked to learn that there were children living in adult prisons with their parents because they had no where else to go.  In 2005, she opened a children's center providing housing, education and medical care for more than 140 children of incarcerated parents.

Connie Siskowski helps young people who, for whatever reason, are the primary caregivers for an ill, disabled or aging family member.  Her non-profit has provided assistance for over 550 young caregivers in Florida.

Scott Strode founded Phoenix Multisport in 2007.  After beating his own addiction to drugs and alcohol, Scott's nonprofit organization offers free athletic activities and a sober support community to over 6,000 participants in Colorado.

Malya Villard-Appolon, herself a rape victim, co-founded an organization that has helped over 4,000 rape survivors find safety, psychological support and legal aid.

Leo McCarthy started Mariah's Challenge in memory of his daughter, who was killed by a drunk driver.  His nonprofit has awarded over $150,000 in scholarships to teenagers who pledged not to drink while they are underage.

Each of these individuals has stepped out of their comfort zone to bring help, healing, compassion, strength, encouragement, and assistance to others who were incapable of helping themselves.  Three of these heroes took their own tragic circumstances and channeled their energies into helping others caught in the same situations.  The other two brought support and assistance to young people who had slipped through the cracks of society's care and concern.  All of them exemplify Christ's admonition to ...love your neighbor as you love yourself.