It seems I have found myself watching a lot of movies lately involving superheroes. It could possibly be because of the time of year, summer seems to be the time to resurrect those comic book type stories, be it on the big screen or on the television. Take a second… think of any story line that you have heard, read or watched involving that sort of character; there is something special or peculiar about a person; they start to recognize their own differences between them and those around them; they act in a manner that is beneficial to those around them; sacrificing their own life, sometimes limb; their reward lies in the bringing about of the better good. This universal storyline is something that I have started to dissect. Bear with me as I draw a correlation between the actions of superheroes and those of us, the not-so-super uh, heroes.
Last night I watched one of these type stories. The main character was in a relationship where he had a wife and a son, and his marriage was in jeopardy. He wasn’t completely aware of the abilities he had inside him and something in his life seemed amiss. He couldn’t explain why, but it was. He met a gentleman that started to enlighten his mind to the idea that he could be “special.” He denied that it was true, but after time and trial he started to see what he had subconsciously believed all along. His counterpart that had opened his mind to these thoughts offered the idea that the reason for the unhappiness in his life and the melancholy he faced was because he refused to believe in what he actually was and act upon those gifts that he had been given. The story ends in typical Hollywood climax. The conflict is faced, resolved; add in a little twist and boom… great movie. Once he owned his uniqueness and realized that he was special; his action followed with the subsequent aiding to the rescue in the community of the world. One of the key elements to the story was the main character seeing the limitations his own weakness played in his ability to be who he was meant to be. At first he saw his weaknesses as the reason he wasn’t special. In the end he realized it was a similarity that all those in his position faced; defeat was always a possibility but by knowing your own weakness you may strengthen yourself again and conquer what you thought you could not conquer.
Today at church there was a lot of focus on the Holy Ghost; mainly how to nurture that relationship and the need that we all have to be strengthened through its influence. In priesthood we talked of how God’s children don’t choose the outcome of their decisions but they lose sight of what that the outcome is for their decisions and then they choose the things that are ultimately their downfall. We spoke of the great need to understand what temptations are thrown at us and why…Pardon the sports analogy, but when you understand the opposing offense you understand how to stop it. Same is said for the opposing defense, you can succeed by knowing its weaknesses and limitations. A thought came to my mind reminding me of a quote by President Monson that I had read that demonstrated what happens when we do not fortify ourselves from all sides of evil…
“I recall an experience of a few years ago. A group of friends were trail riding on strong Morgan horses when we came to a clearing which opened on a lush grass meadow with a small, clear stream meandering through it. No mule deer could wish for a better home. However, there was a danger lurking. The wily deer can detect the slightest movement in the surrounding bush; he can hear the crack of a twig and discern the scent of man. He is vulnerable from but one direction—overhead. In a mature tree, hunters had erected a platform high above the enticing spot. Though in many places this is illegal, the hunter takes his prey as it comes to eat and to drink. No twig would break, no movement disturb, no scent reveal the hunter’s whereabouts. Why? The magnificent buck deer, with its highly developed senses to warn of impending danger, does not have the capacity to look directly upward and thus detect the enemy. The deer finds himself in harm’s way. Man is not so restricted. His greatest safety is found in his ability and his desire to look upward—to “look to God and live.”
There is a point to all this… I have been made acutely aware of my weaknesses…I do not presume that I am a superhero in anyway (wink); but I appreciate the Lord in His willingness to share with me the ways that he has blessed me with imperfections. This having been said, I have a perfect uniqueness that as his son; I share a relationship with my Heavenly Father that is individual to any other relationship that I have. This makes me special, this makes me loved… this makes me Bryce. As my life continues to evolve I learn more about my need for the weaknesses that I have. I am reminded that my only true happiness can come through acting upon the knowledge that I have and blessing the lives of those around me. I thank my Heavenly Father for reminding me through my weaknesses of my need for redemption. I feel empowerment as I overcome my imperfections everyday and grow towards being a more perfect man. I feel closer to my Savior as I work toward fortifying myself and my family against the adversary.
These thoughts came about because of what I learned at church this day… It was a good day. I am off to bed to rest for another day of fighting crime… ok, not really (but seriously…)
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