All heroes are afflicted.
Joy without the knowledge or presence of suffering would cease to be joyful. Light cannot be seen without darkness. Heroes, or “the good guys” all have something in their lives that causes them to strive for their heroic acts. If we think of Batman in this sense, we can look back into his past and remember that his parents were killed when he was just a boy. This horrific event planted a deep seed of justice in the young Bruce Wayne and also gave him an authentic hatred for crime in general. His courage, outstanding achievements, and noble character were all birthed out of affliction. Pain and suffering throughout his childhood created Batman…a solution, or personification of justice.
He remains afflicted because no matter what the motives, no matter how good he is, no matter the number of criminals taken off the streets, he is still portrayed as a bad man to many in the public eye. Even if you’re killing bad guys…you’re still killing. To quote Batman from the 2008 film, The Dark Night;
“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
Bruce Wayne, Batman – afflicted by circumstances.
Wolverine, also known as Logan…which happens to be my little boy Finn’s middle name.
It’s hard to see past the affliction present in the life of Wolverine. He was born with the ability to heal at uncanny speeds, which also slows down his aging process. Match that with another human mutation – razor sharp claws that protrude from in-between his knuckles, and you can see how the government might want to turn a freak like this into a weapon. Logan is afflicted by the longing and desire to just be a normal guy, but he knows that he’s genetically wired for something far more aggressive. Read the comics and a catch-phrase bubbles to the top of who Wolverine really is;
“I’m the best there is at what I do, but what I do best isn’t very nice.”
Logan, Wolverine – afflicted by design.
Peter Parker gets bitten by a radioactive spider and suddenly develops super-human strength, speed, and agility…not to mention a spider sense that can warn him — not unlike when I try to stomp the Brown Recluse I see crawling across the carpet. Spiderman is afflicted not only with superhero issues, but also the fact that he’s a teenager struggling through feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and being obsessed with himself. Already an orphan being raised by his Aunt and Uncle, Peter Parker gets a heavy dose of reality when his carelessness leads to the death of his Uncle Ben. How fitting, that the very same uncle tagged the famous line;
“with great power there must also come great responsibility”.
Peter Parker, Spiderman – afflicted by irresponsibility.
Superman, Ironman, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America — the list goes on and on and the afflictions follow right behind. But once you reach the end of the pages, or the credits roll…the hero has saved the day. They’ve got problems, and so do I. Sometimes I can get wrapped up with all the crap that I’ve got going on in my life and I can forget the battle that I’m fighting. Each of these characters come out victorious because, although they’re afflicted, they’re also reminded of the battle they’re in. They fight because they’ve identified that there is something worth fighting for.
Many of us walk around thinking that all we see in front of us is all there really is to the story. I’m glad Jesus didn’t do things that way. Jesus Himself was afflicted with the knowledge of what He would have to endure to “save the day”. He remembered that there was a very real battle going on all around him and He didn’t ignore it. Jesus faced that battle head on realizing full well that He was going to be killed in the process…but He found that fight worthwhile.
Because He was fighting for us. We were worthwhile. We were worth dying for.
I’m afflicted.
I’ve got stuff just like you do, and if you think you don’t…ask someone else what your stuff is. They’ve probably been wanting to tell you.
And so we fight.
1 Timothy 6:12-16
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
Don’t ignore the fight. Press into it.
At first I was wondering where you were going based on the picture alone. That is a great analogy and something to ponder on. Thanks for the encouragement as we are all dealing with the stuff.
B
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I really like how you say things. God has given you such a great gift.
keep on keepin on, dude.
eyes on the prize as the race is raced.
2 Tim 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
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Beautifully said.
Thank you.
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WOW — this post rocks! If you can stretch it out to an hour, this would make a great message for church. Sooo much better than a cooking post! I’m just saying!
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wow. I really needed this today.
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It takes some serious divine inspiration to get spiritual life lessons from comic books. This is such an amazing reminder, and posed in such an unforgettable way. Thanks!! I definitely needed this today.
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“He that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew, 10:22 “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
Thank you for this post today…we all go to death, back to our makers, crumbling to dust. For me, it is that very knowledge that MAKES the stuff worthwhile.
Much love to all y’all.
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Good words Ryan. I’m writing my thesis paper on suffering and this post resonates with my research and my thoughts. While I’m learning that the point of suffering is to bring glory to God, it sure can be hard at times to persevere when in the middle of fire.
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I needed to read this today, thank you.
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well done faithful hero – reminding us all to stay in the fight – doing the right thing and not expecting to get a cool costume or applause in this life but the next.
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Yep, I needed that today. I am struggling as are sooo many of my friends and family and this was a very good reminder that with bad comes good.
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This is a fantastic post!
and just a perfect timing for me to read as well. i needed to read something like this. :]
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Amen!
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Thanks Ryan!
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Wow. Amen. What a poignant way to remind us all what we are really doing down here. I too have been reminded by God in many instances how struggles build strength of character and faith. “Smooth seas never made a skillful sailor.” I’m learning to embrace this struggles as part of my “boot camp” training for all the real battles ahead in our walk as believers.
God Bless, and thank you for such a wonderful post.
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If I were 12 again, I would worship you based on this post alone.
But I’m almost 70, so, I’m sorry, but I have given my allegiance to another.
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Alas, we must all walk thru the fire & face our demons. But Praise GOD we do not have to do it ALONE!(I will be linking your post to every one I know!)SPECTACULAR
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Great post… thanks! Really interesting perspective, and very hopeful.
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I think this is my favorite post of yours..besides just random pics of your adorable kids, of course.
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Wonderfully stated!
Side note – The Facebook link does not work correctly! Please fix this so I can share it properly!
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To me life is all just a battlefield of the mind. I for one plan to win that battle! Good post Ry Ry! (you don’t mind if I call you that do you?)
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Thanks. I preached at my church 3 weeks ago while my Pastor was on vacation, a very similar sermon to your blog. Today I’ve been feeling a little “off”, and I’m thankful that God loves me enough to remind me to keep fighting and get it together. Remember what He’s told me, that he knows my circumstances, afflictions, and still expects my best because I was made for it.
Matt 10:38-39 and Matt 11:28-30
Thanks Ryan for creating a space that I know I can go to get inspiration and “like-understanding-ness”…lol
Plus, the superhero references and pics are awesome. Ironman rules. I’m counting the days to the new X-Men Origins…
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Thanks Pastor Ryan! Perfect timing and message. You have good reflections.
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Ryan, I don’t comment very much; but, I enjoy you and your family so much. I just wanted you to know, I think you are an amazing and interesting man. I realize you are going thru some difficulties. This too shall pass. Alison is a wonderful woman and your kids are healthy and extremely adorable. For that matter, so are their parents. I keep you all in my prayers and know life has wonderful things in store for you.
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Although this proves only that I am a big nerd I’m going to have to correct you. Wolverines razor sharp claws are a result of the governments experimentation to make him weapon X. Be for that his claws were not metal they were bone. I guess they could have been razor sharp bone though, hmmm, eh, I don’t know.
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This is why I read your blog. Thanks. God bless you and yours.
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May I steal some of these ideas for my high school students to journal?
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Perfectly said … a great way to make us all think. Thank you!
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Wow. I think you’re on to something here.
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Thanks for the good word!!
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Thank you. I needed this reminder. Beautiful analogy.
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Thank you. This is just what I needed to hear today.
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I was going to say the same thing as TheDan. Wolverine’s amazing capacity for healing was why he was chosen to have the blades implanted.
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This is awesome. Really really awesome.
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Thank you for this beautiful story. I also love the quotes about fighting the Good Fight from Paulo Coelho, http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2010/01/03/the-good-fight-3/
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I really REALLY like this Ryan. Since I first read it a few weeks ago, I have come back and read it several times and shared it with my husband and a couple of friends. It just really seem to strike a chord with my soul. The verses 1 Timothy 6:12-16 are a favorite of mine.
I have been struggling with the theme of “the older I get, the more conflicted I feel” and sometimes it’s hard to feel that hope or joy that I remember from childhood.
When I read this it struck me that even though we all struggle to overcome an inner demon (be it lifelong battle or short term one), this battle is what makes us who we are. It is how God shapes us, it is how God brings us close to him, it is how he softens our pride and egos that soar with the focus of self. The very conflict that I never seem to overcome always points me to God.
And my real revelation came to know that the JOY is that with Christ we are superheros who rise above and soar beyond our own expectations, demons and struggles without even knowing it at times. Praise God!
Thanks for sharing this and enabling me to reflect. Peace to you and your family.
PS… one other “bonus” of this post is also that as I come back and read it, I am reminded to pray often for your ankle! So extra prayers for you! YEAH! : )
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