A Superhero Without A Cape

"He made me realize that preachers are superheroes"

Don’t make it more than it is, but nearly 30 years ago I realized I had the ability to hypnotize people. Over the last three decades I’ve done many shows all over the world. Perhaps the one bit I do is when I tell those under hypnosis that they are a super hero of their own minds creation. They know their super hero name, enemy, purpose, and power. It’s interesting to hear what their minds create. 

Super heroes. Superman, Spiderman, The Black Panther, Flash, Wonder Woman. They fascinate many of us. 

I’ve spent the week with an unusual man. His humble gift of humility, his simple spirit, his servant heart and gentle (and often unsuccessful) humor are quickly seen. I asked him what he wanted to be when he was growing up. He said he wanted to be a superhero. He said it with a laugh. But the more i got to know him the more I began to understand. He is one. He doesn’t wear a cape and hang out in a fortress where he monitors world events to spot someone doing evil, it’s more than that. His superhero strength is love. I heard it as he talked with the church from the pulpit, and again as he gently heard the needs of the old, and there, when he laughed heartily at himself with the teens, then over there as he played with the children. It was clear when he dealt with the barista and the barber. Whether it was the spiritually healthy or those struggling with their own faith, his love for them shown brightly. Yeah, his cape was showing. He’s a superhero in disguise as a middle ages minister. 

I’m not telling you his name, on purpose, he will know I’m writing about him. I suspect he is an average to slightly above average speaker, his lack of self-confidence and ongoing desire to grow and improve would reveal that. He doesn’t overwhelm you with talent, he’s not what you’d call suave, he’s really rather common on the surface. 

And, may I state it clearly, that’s the way most of our ministers are. They are Clark Kent, Peter Parker, or Diana Prince … until. Watch carefully and you’ll spot it. Love. Care. Tenderness. Kindness. Defense of those hurting. Trying to make the way smooth for the struggling. They show up at the hospital of the hurting, the house of distress, the grave of the bereaved. They are there when the doc comes in with tragic news, when a spouse abandons their family, wherever failure stings or fatigue frustrates. Most of them don’t see themselves in this light. They feel more lacking than they are comfortable with. They could never see themselves in a human highlight loop. But there they are, showing up and doing, serving, caring. and yes, loving. Yep, you are my heroes. Thank you for using your true SUPER power, the Love of God!