Whose Super Hero Are You?

I was listening to a Christian radio station as I drove to Austin. The DJ talked about a family he knows whose wife and mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. The entire family dressed up in Super Hero costumes and went with her to each of her chemo treatments to let her know she’s their Super Hero. The DJ said such comfort was brought to her during such trying times because of her “team” support. Quite frankly, this entire family are true Super Heroes.
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That reminds me of a similar thing that happened in the life of Moses. In Exodus 17 we learn that the Israelites were encountering their first opposition while wandering in the desert. They were being attacked by the Amalekites. While Joshua led the troops into battle, Moses, along with Aaron and Hur, watched the battle from a nearby hill. Exodus 17:11 reads, "So it came about when Moses held his hands up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hands down, Amalek prevailed." Eventually, Moses became weary, and so Aaron and Hur responded by holding up his arms until the Israelites were able to finally defeat the Amalekites. Even the strong, courageous leader that Moses was, he needed heroes and he needed to be willing to embrace the support of trusted friends, Aaron and Hur.

The question for us is “Who are we standing with today and whose arms are we lifting up?” Many people are on the fringes of giving up. Many are discouraged, frightened, and weary from a long testing of their faith. Rather than always focusing on our own problems and concerns, maybe our greatest relief will come as we reach out to others and become their Super Hero.

Maybe we should pause for a moment and ask: “When was the last time I was a hero in someone’s life?” It could be someone close to us, or a complete stranger, but if we intentionally did something kind, generous and courageous for someone, we’d become that one’s Super Hero.

In Mark 12:31 Jesus said “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” How would we feel in times when we are facing insurmountable circumstances and a brother or sister comes along side of us to help us stay the course of our faith? Whose Super Hero are you today? I know there are Moms and Dads who are super heroes for their kids but it’s about time to be Super Heroes to more than just our four and no more. I’ve got my big “S” shirt on and I’m looking for a place to land -- how about you? It's a bird. It's a plane. It's Super Hero YOU and ME!

The Big Picture

Day 267 of Photo Inspirations -- The Big Picture
When I was a little girl, our "family" vacations were to see my "big" sister and her family in West Virginia.  Driving around those crazy mountains to get to Lantz, WV was exhilarating.  That's where my nieces, who were my age, lived. Playing Hide and Go Seek in those mountains and swimming in the river was AWESOME!  And, going to my "big" brother's and hanging out at the lake and learning to water ski was so thrilling and challenging.  He wouldn't let me get back into the boat until I conquered it. And riding the train to go to my other "big" sister's in Oklahoma was always exciting.  I would get to go to the "movies" when I went to her house.  

There was never an option to go to Disneyland or to Hawaii or to any other exotic or "expensive" location.  What I didn't know -- didn't hurt me, because  I don't ever remember wishing for those places -- you know -- the BIG PICTURE of what's available out there.  I just remember those trips to see my siblings and my nieces and nephews that were the most exciting adventures EVER.  Fact is, we could never have afforded to go to those places, but I didn't know that.  My parents never talked about our lack or our financial status.  And, even after my Daddy graduated to heaven when I was just 15, my precious mother made sure I didn't lack a thing.

My Mom and Dad did KNOW the BIG PICTURE. They had a SUPER HERO mentality even before the likes of the "super heroes" our kids have today.  I saw "The Avengers" movie with my grandsons while I've been here in WA (e.g. Captain America, Iron Man,Thor, Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow). Those guys have impressive "super" powers.    Those super heroes, however, have nothing to compare with the ultimate SUPER HERO who my parents depended on during the toughest of times and who I've depended upon during my own challenging times.  And, I've consistently reminded myself of the BIG PICTURE.  Not what I've missed or not what I think is best for me, but what God is to me.  If there's a BIG PICTURE I learned from my parents -- it was their faith that knew no bounds.  In the times of my Dad's sickness and the times of his graduation to heaven, I knew it wasn't my Mom's own abilities -- it was her dependence on her SUPER HERO.  Psalm 24:8  "Who is the King (Super Hero) of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle."  Vs. 10 "Who is He, this King of Glory?  The Lord of the heavenly armies.  He is the King of Glory."

It's not WHAT you know.  It's WHO you know that counts.  And, I know Him.  And I love that my grandkids know the difference in those make-believe super heroes and the REAL ONE.  Bryson had a crazy headache yesterday.  We didn't call on Thor or Iron Man or Captain America for relief. Brennan and Nana called on the King of Glory -- strong and mighty -- to touch Him with HIS mighty powers......and HE DID!

The BIG PICTURE is our GREAT BIG God Who sees all and knows all, loves us beyond what we can think or imagine.  He's the reason why I am so joy-filled, so optimistic and so free.   I know Him...personally and intimately.  He's my Lord -- strong and mighty -- my King, my Super Hero, my everything....and that's THE BIG PICTURE!