ON MY DESK SITS A MUG GIVEN TO ME BY JORDAN. Emblazoned upon it is the picture of Mr. Incredible, from Disney/Pixar movie, The In-credibles! It was a great gesture of faith and belief from a son to a dad, that he puts me in the same realm as these super heroes. Then again, he knows they’re only cartoon characters, so maybe my son’s faith is not so misplaced after all.
The truth be known, I don’t often feel like Mr. Incredible, but more like Mr. Inflatable. That’s my made-up character who finds himself made strong by the encouraging words of the people around, only to be quickly deflated by the unkind verbal jab. The sad thing is that it takes so much to “pump me up,” and so little to pull out my plug. The sideways glance, the whisper behind my back, the small innuendo and the air begins to rush out and I am left as a limp pile upon the floor. Ah, such is the life of real everyday super heroes.
Now, lest you think that Pastor Randy is just in some blue funk, let me quickly set the record straight. The reason for this self-disclosure is truly two-fold. First, I know that I am not the only Mr. or Ms. Inflatable in town. I would dare say, that there are many who sport my costume.
Second, my real reason for writing these truths is to remind all of us how important an uplifting word can be. It is by our very words that a su-per hero can be raised to the heights or dashed upon the rocks of de-spair.
It is to this end that the Word of God speaks, “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-18)
So shall we live!