Reflections

It’s a staggering thought that, in January, I will have been blogging for 11 years!  Even though it’s a few days early, I wanted to speak on this milestone today.  I shake my head in amazement at how different I am now as compared to 2011.  Of course losing my dad in 2015 changed me forever, but there are other less dramatic examples. 

For instance, I had the thought that Dad would be surprised at how seldom I stay up past Midnight.  I used to always be a night owl who stayed up into the wee hours of the night.  Today, I won’t even attempt to stay up to Midnight to usher in the new year.  One reason for this is because I usually get up early for work.  The very day I’m writing these words, for example, I was in at 6 AM. 

I’ve also been thinking about difficult events that I’ve endured in recent months and years; events that would shock the Kevin from 2011.  For instance, today is the one-year anniversary of the worst fire in Colorado history – the Marshall fire.  A part of me doesn’t even want to bring this up; after all, in many aspects, I got off easy, as there was no damage to my house or workplace.  However, this haunting day was close enough to my world that it is one I’ll never forget.  I’ve seen firsthand how this blaze turned the lives of so many upside-down, and sadly this is still the case a year later. 

Furthermore, over the years my heart has been plunged into mourning when important figures in my life passed on.  Men like Billy Graham (my spiritual father, as it were, his voice is the one God used to save me; he passed away in 2018).  Or the Christian singer known as Carman (another light in the world; he passed away in 2021).  Of course, I mentioned my dad; I still miss him to this very day.   And because I’m a superhero fan, I’ll never forget 2022 as both Kevin Conroy and Jason David Frank passed away.  I ought to write about the healing gift of grief, but that’s for another day. 

So, yes life is different since 2011.  But there is one thing that has not changed: my love, passion, and relationship with the God of the universe!  I want to point, in word and deed, to God.  Why do I not practice revenge, bitterness, or retaliation when hurt by others?  Because God’s Word prescribes forgiveness.  Why choose, in a ‘just do it’ world, to put off sex until marriage?  Because God’s Word prescribes abstinence until marriage – and fidelity in marriage.  Why look after my widowed mother?  Well, aside from my love for her, God says to look after widows in their time of trouble (James 1:27).

In conclusion, I recently completed the ‘hills to die on’ blog series.  If there was an epilogue I could add on to that, I would submit, something for which I would give my life, would be this: it’s not about me; it’s all about God.  2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them, and rose again.”  I can assure you, without the Lord, I am nothing.

Kevin         

The disastrous 2022 Denver Broncos

Back in March, I briefly spoke about a trade that the Denver Broncos made with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson.  Expectations for the 2022 season were sky high.  But instead of progressing closer to the playoffs and chasing another Super Bowl, the Bronco fans were given one of the worst seasons in Denver Bronco history.  Things have been horrendously bad.  Week after week, the Broncos found a new way to lose.  A few times on Monday mornings, I would go in to work and remark, “Another Monday; another embarrassing Bronco loss.”

On Christmas Day, Denver played the defending Super Bowl champion L.A. Rams.  It’s been a disappointing season for the Rams too (both teams came in at a record of 4-10), but L.A. – behind backup quarterback Baker Mayfield – dismantled the Broncos.  The Rams led 31-6 at halftime.  When the game finally ended it was a 51-14 shellacking. 

After the Broncos showing on Christmas, I knew it was time to begin writing about Denver's train wreck that is the 2022 season.  Then I learned that yesterday, 12/26, Nathaniel Hackett was fired as head coach.  Hackett was a first time head coach, and it showed.  In week 1, down late in the game, rather than try to convert a 4th down, Hackett thought it would be a good idea to just attempt a 64-yard field goal (!) instead.  It didn’t work.  Denver lost the game, and this was just the start of the woes.  But to sum it up, unfortunately for the likeable Hackett, he will go down as perhaps the worst coach in Broncos history.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also bring up the Broncos offense.  For a franchise that is used to putting up lots of points behind John Elway and Peyton Manning, this year’s offensive output has been terrible.  Sports Illustrated.com has an article that presents it well.  Back on December 9, Thomas Hall wrote, “How bad is the Denver Broncos offense?  In a word, abysmal.  It is easily the worst offense in the history of franchise.  The offense is scoring 13.8 points a game, which places it dead last in the six decades that Broncos have been in existence.”

(From https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/news/broncos-offense-worst-team-history)

In conclusion, it’s been difficult to write today’s blog, because it’s been a horrendous year for the Denver Broncos.  They have been a laughingstock.  I once heard a sports commentator sum up an ugly playoff loss by remarking, “This one has been a root canal without Novocaine.”  Apt words for the 2022 Broncos.  Week after week, it was seemingly a new low point.  However, I remain optimistic for the future.  While glaring issues remain, it seemed to me all along that Hackett was the leading culprit.  If nothing else, there is no where else to go now, but upward.  

Kevin    

"Where would I be without You?"

I wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  What a joy and privilege it is to celebrate this blessed holiday!  Christmas, in many ways, is misunderstood.  Because we are bombarded with messages about Santa Claus, getting Christmas gifts for everyone on our lists, and “dreaming of a white Christmas”.  None of the things are necessarily wrong.  But the heart of Christmas is Jesus Christ and His miraculous entrance to Earth.  As my mother so eloquently put it recently: Jesus “invaded our world with light and hope.”

Several years ago now, I had the tremendous honor of being asked to be on the radio with my dad – and my mom who was co-hosting with him that day.  I remember it so vividly.  After I gave my remarks, I chose to play a Christmas song by Rebecca St. James called “A Cradle Prayer” (from her 1997 album “Christmas”).  As I introduced the song, I relayed how Rebecca herself had stated that she pictured herself at the cradle of baby Jesus; what would she sing to Him?  Let me share part of the lyrics here:

“Trials may come, and friends they may go.  What really matters is You, my Lord.  Beautiful Savior, my God, my friend; I am in awe of You.  Lord, I am in awe of You.  Jesus, I love you.  My Lord, my life; where would I be without You?  Here in the quiet, the still, the night, I am in awe of You.  Why would You, Creator and King, come as a baby, for all, for me?”

Where would I be without the Lord Jesus?  It’s a life that I don’t want to contemplate for very long.  It would be an existence devoid of hope, joy, and purpose.  But thankfully my eyes were illuminated to the grace and truth found in Jesus.  I recently heard minister and evangelist J. John share that there are three things that one gets when they receive Jesus Christ as Savior.  I hurriedly wrote them down.  He said, #1: Forgiveness from the past.  #2: New life today.  #3: Hope for the future.  Amen and amen!

In conclusion, I know some would completely disagree with my thoughts on Christmas today.  They would just consider me a religious lunatic.  I’ve seen how allegiance to Jesus Christ provokes hatred in some people.  But it’s nothing new.  In John 1, we read, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (verse 11).  Jesus was misunderstood and hated by some, those centuries ago too.  Yet the next verse says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”  That’s my prayer for you.  If you’ve never commenced a relationship with Jesus – the One who lived, died for you, and is gloriously alive now – that you would do it today. 

Kevin

Fourth (and final) hill to die on (Part 2)

In 1997, there was a film starring Jim Carrey as fast-talking lawyer, Fletcher Reede, in the movie “Liar Liar”.  At the outset, Fletcher’s five-year old son, Max, captured his dad’s character; he shared his parent’s occupations for his class.  “My dad,” he began.  “He’s a liar.”  The teacher tried to correct what she thought was a Freudian slip.  “You mean, he’s a lawyer.”  Max shrugged.  He actually wasn’t wrong in the first place.

When Fletcher didn’t show up, as he had promised, for Max’s birthday party, Max made a wish when he blew out the candles on his cake; he wished that his dad to be unable to tell a lie, for a day.  And it came true!  Fletcher is forced to tell the truth, no matter what.  It’s played out with zany, hilarious results like only Jim Carrey could pull off.  Even going so far as Fletcher not being able to write out a false statement with a pen.  Ultimately, however, Fletcher learns an important lesson: the truth is vitally important.  At one point, he even says, “This truth stuff is pretty cool.” 

Twice in the Bible we read these words, “God cannot lie” (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18).  It’s not that God chooses honesty; rather, it’s not in His nature to lie.  Numbers 23:19 states, “God is not a man that He should lie, neither the son of man that He should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it?  Or hath He not spoken and shall He not make it good?”  The time came for God to step out of Heaven, and become one of us.  Jesus “Immanuel” meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).  It’s this miraculous event that we celebrate every December!  Jesus Himself said in John 14, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”  Jesus is, as some theologians call Him, the truth incarnate – in human flesh.

You’ll recall that earlier this month, I composed a blog on hope.  I left it on a cliffhanger of sorts by stating that I was going to answer why I stated that Jesus is the hope.  So, what is my answer to that?  Jesus is the hope because He Himself is truth; He embodies truth.  Thus we can completely trust what He said.  I wish I could go on and on with some of the amazing things Jesus said.  But look at these words He said in Luke 18:

“All things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man [speaking of Himself] will be accomplished.  For He will be betrayed to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.  They will scourge and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again” (verses 31-33).  And it all happened exactly how it said it would. 

To know that Jesus is truth incarnate fills me with hope and confidence.  I know with certainty that when Jesus makes a prediction, it will happen.  For instance, on more than one occasion, Jesus stated that He would come back again (see Luke 18:8, Luke 12:40, and John 14:3 for a few examples), and even though there are those who laugh at this idea, I would give my life for this truth.  Jesus is coming back again.    

2 Peter 3 speaks of how there will be mockers in the last days; they will say, (my paraphrase) ‘Yeah, sure, Jesus is coming back.  We’ve heard that before.  It’s been centuries, and people just live and die, and He hasn’t returned.’  This is the context of a well-known verse; 2 Peter 3:8:

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  [Verse 9] The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness, instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  The Lord is tarrying because He is graciously waiting for men and women to see their need of Him.  But make no mistake: Jesus is coming back again.  And it will happen when we least expect it; check out verse 10, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.”

Kevin

"A wonderful Christmastime"

Not long ago, I heard a song playing at a store.  From what I could tell, the song consisted of nothing but these words: “Celebrate; everybody, everybody celebrate.”  Those four words must have been repeated about 50 times before the song ended.  I had to ask out loud to whoever would listen, “What are we celebrating?”  This thought occurred to me: is there a similar confusion regarding Christmas?  ‘Celebrate Christmas,’ we are told every December, ‘Everybody, celebrate.’  And we attempt to do so, but I have to wonder if many of us even know why we are celebrating in the first place.

I’m not sure if you are a big Christmas movie fan, but in recent years I have seen dozens and dozens of them, many more than I ever used to.  And I discovered that these Christmas movies present a mixed bag of messages to the viewer regarding the meaning of Christmas.  One film tells us Christmas is about spending time with family and friends; another says it’s actually about giving to others.  Another will make a reference to the baby Jesus in a manger, and leave the narrative there.  Throw in films about Santa Claus who is God-like in power, and you have a smorgasbord of Christmas notions.

The truth is, when you get right down to it, Christmas – as a pastor eloquently put it recently – is summed up in John 3:16; “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.”  For God so loved the world – He loved you and me – that He chose to subject Himself to life as a human being; He chose to become a baby, then a toddler, a teenager, and an adult that many completely misunderstood.

Many years ago – in 2011 to be exact, the first year of this blog – I had an intense dream that I was completely submerged in deep waters.  No matter how hard I tried to swim to the surface, I was unsuccessful.  When I woke up, I used the feelings of complete helplessness in my dream to help write a college assignment essay; I was to compose my own Psalm.  I wrote of being “trapped underwater with no hope of swimming to the surface” and being “chained in a dark, damp dungeon with no help in sight.”  But I also spoke of how Jesus rescued me!

Isaiah 9:6 is often quoted this time of year, and rightly so.  “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  This is an incredible prophetic word about Jesus.  But, just a few verses earlier, there’s another marvelous prophecy; in Isaiah 9:2, we read, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has dawned” (verse 2).  Matthew tells us that Jesus fulfilled this prophecy (Matthew 4:14-16).  Jesus is the light.  Jesus is the hope.

Because of Christmas, because Jesus came to “save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21) there is hope.  Jesus was born in a manger, yes; but He subsequently lived a perfect and exemplary life.  As God incarnate, He performed mind-blowing miracles, and His teachings left people “astonished” (Matthew 7:28).  Eventually He died a substitutionary death to pay the price of humanity’s sin.  But then He rose from the dead; and He ultimately ascended back to Heaven. 

In conclusion, it was Paul McCartney who wrote the song “Wonderful Christmastime”.  (The words “simply having a wonderful Christmastime” does certainly stick in your mind).  I can attest to you that this catchy line is true of my Christmas season.  Not because I live a life that is somehow blind to the trouble, heartache, and pain in the world – or in my own life.  Absolutely not.  Believe me, I could write an entire blog on the pressures and suffering in life, but I don’t want to discourage you or myself.  

No, I’m having a wonderful Christmas celebration because of the true reason for this season: Jesus Himself.  I'm grateful for the hope of Heaven after I pass from this Earthly life, and I’m also grateful for the abundant life in Christ right now; the hope, peace, light, and joy to be experienced today.

Kevin

"How could I express all my gratitude?"

I’ve tried to be intentional about practicing gratitude and thankfulness, not just in late November, but every day.  In light of this, I wanted to present an acrostic of items for which I am thankful.  This also doubles as my reflections on the happenings on 2022, which was an equally wild and wonderful year for me.  So here I go.

T: Truth of the gospel

1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”  I was looking back at what I wrote in this blog this year, and I was struck by something I said back in February.  I decided to cite a portion again here; I said: ‘The truth is, if it weren’t for the shed blood of Jesus that paid the penalty for my sins, I would be completely sunk.  I would drown in the waters of my guilt and shame.  But because of my faith and trust in Jesus and the work He did for me, I just want express my worship and gratitude to Him.’

I went on to quote from Brandon Lake’s song “Gratitude”.  Here’s a sampling of that song again: “All my words fall short; I’ve got nothing new.  How could I express all my gratitude?  I could sing these songs, as I often do, but every song must end, and You never do.  So I throw up my hands, and praise You again and again.  ‘Cause all I have is a hallelujah.”

H: Health

Health is a wonderful, but extremely fragile gift that I continually learn to relish.  For example, this year I dealt with a sickness that resulted in a lingering sinus infection.  This was one of the worst sinus infections I’ve ever dealt with.  Furthermore, as I write these words, my widowed mother was hit very hard with the flu.  I’ll spare you the symptoms and the details, but you can imagine how this flu has been a particularly disruptive episode.  All of this to remind us that health is a gift not to be taken for granted.

A: Amazing blessings

When you compose an acrostic like this, it awakens you to the blessings from the hand of God, that you can easily take for granted.  For instance, back in April, when my trusty Dodge Neon finally gave out, I was blessed to quickly find a great Toyota Corolla.  Everyone I talked to stated how good a car this is, and it is true, it has served me well.  I also marvel at how I drove the car home on Good Friday of all days.  But there have certainly been more blessings than just that.  For example, God has led me to new friendships that I can envision being multi-year friendships.  As the old hymn says, praise God from whom all blessings flow!  

N: Nothing can separate from God’s love

While there were great highs in 2022, there were great lows as well.  There were intense episodes of sufferings that I will never forget; instances that cut me to core of who I am, in my very heart and soul.  Even though I am choosing gratitude this doesn’t mean I think life is all puppies, rainbows, and sunshine.  It isn’t.  There are incredibly stormy weather patterns as well.

Romans 8 says, “I am persuaded that neither death nor life…nor things present nor things to come, nor high nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (verses 38-39).  How humbling it is to know that God’s love is there for me, no matter from the unfaithfulness from others, or my own unfaithfulness.

K: Kindness

We live in an increasingly unkind world.  I’m so grateful for the instances of kindness I have seen.  I have heard a Christian radio disc jockey say a certain statement so much it’s repetition is bordering on comical; he says, “The world is still full of nice people.  But if you can’t find one, be one.” 

S: Sustaining of life

This year marks a milestone for me: 40 years ago, God rescued me from the grip of a disease called Infantile Spasms.  He breathed life into me, when I was on the brink of death those decades ago.  But 2022 has taught me afresh about the gift of life.  I’ve spent several hours, blogs, and tears, contemplating the loss of two iconic actors.  What a gift it is to enjoy another day!

Kevin    

My top ten list of Tommy Oliver episodes

It was almost a month ago exactly when I posted my top ten list of “Batman: The Animated Series” episodes.  Unaware that Kevin Conroy would pass away from cancer days later.  I decided to present a similar top ten list of my favorite episodes of Power Ranger legend Tommy Oliver.  I do this to give my tribute to the actor who brought him to life, Jason David Frank, who also tragically passed away last month. 

#10: Green with evil

About midway through season 1, Tommy Oliver was introduced.  His skills caught the attention of everyone, including the evil Rita Repulsa.  She chose to put a spell on him, and create an evil Power Ranger, the Green Ranger.  The fight with the Green Ranger was one of the toughest battles the Power Rangers ever encountered.  It was a massive five-part storyline.  In the end, through their perseverance and will, they broke the spell and freed Tommy.  The twist came when the offer for Tommy to fight for good, with the newfound Green Ranger powers, was given.  Tommy agreed.  The rest is history.

#9: Green no more

In season 2, there was a long story arc when Tommy’s Green Ranger powers grew increasingly weak.  Ultimately, they gave out.  A villain tried to break his spirits, by showing him a slideshow of sorts of his time as the Green Ranger.  But this backfired, ultimately reminding Tommy of all the good he had done.  He subsequently defeated this villain; then saved the other Rangers by entering Lord Zedd’s chamber undetected.  And he did all of this without his powers.  This is a powerful superhero lesson: it’s not the costume or the powers; it’s the person.

#8: White light

As just described, the original five rangers had to fight on without Tommy; he had lost his Green Ranger powers.  But the time came when Zordon decided it was time to bring the team back up to six by creating a brand new ranger, the White Ranger.  The team wasn’t too keen on welcoming someone new, but their fears were dispelled when the White Ranger revealed his identity; it was Tommy Oliver!  To this day, I still find it very emotional whenever I see this story.

#7: Wild west rangers

Kimberly, the Pink Ranger, is accidently sent back in time to the 1800’s.  She helps inspire a group of heroes – the first group of Power Rangers – to fight evil.  What is memorable about this story is the appearance of the White Stranger (Jason David Frank in a duel role).  The White Stranger is a heroic figure who rides in wearing a cowboy hat – like the Lone Ranger – he helps saves the day, and then rides off in the sunset.  Even though he has no mask, and no special powers, he still fights alongside the Power Rangers when they need him.  Because he stands for what’s right. 

#6: Master Vile and the metallic armor

In season 3, Rita Repulsa’s father, Master Vile, appears.  He plans to acquire a powerful gem called the Zeo Crystal.  The crystal was placed in a force field, where only those of pure heart can touch it; someone with evil would be destroyed.  The Power Rangers plan for Tommy to obtain the crystal.  The crystal was in caverns aptly named the Caves of Deception.  There were dozens of illusions that appeared to discourage Tommy for getting the Zeo Crystal; they tried to convince him that, deep inside, he was evil.  He kept insisting that he wasn’t.  Ultimately, he proved it by reaching in the force field and getting the crystal.

#5: A golden homecoming

The team loses their powers for a time, but eventually they are powered again by the just mentioned Zeo Crystal.  One of my favorite stories in the Zeo era is the return of Jason Scott (Austin St. John).  I love Jason and Tommy’s chat at the end of the episode.  Jason said he didn’t want Tommy to think he was trying to put everything back to the way it was before, where he was the leader of the Rangers.  Tommy’s response is classic: “The Powers Rangers are a team.  No one is more or less important than anyone else.”  What humility!

#4: King for a day

Tommy is kidnapped and brainwashed into believing that he is the king of the evil machine kingdom.  The lies he is told are convincing, but Jason, and the rest of the Rangers present him with the truth of who he is and their friendship.  The treat of this storyline is Jason David Frank’s acting as he vacillates back and forth, unsure of who he can trust.  My few words of summation here hardly seem adequate for the greatness of this story.  Of course, ultimately the truth wins out, and Tommy returns to his right mind.

#3: Forever red

While this episode appears in a season of the show that I personally never viewed, I saw this special team-up episode.  Tommy Oliver assembles and leads a group of other Red Rangers over the years to disable a powerful weapon left behind by Lord Zedd years earlier.  You can’t help but enjoy seeing Tommy, Jason, Andros, and other past Red Rangers all together.  By episode end, even though the statement is disputed, one ranger declares that Tommy is the best ranger of all.

#2: Back in black

In 2004, Jason David Frank reprised his role as Tommy again; this time he is a High School paleontology professor (“Doctor O.” as he is affectionately called).  For a time, he was the mentor for the newest team of Rangers, but in the episode “Back in black” he gets decked out in a new power and costume: The Black Ranger.  Frankly, the whole season is memorable and deserving of a full blog.

#1: Dimensions in danger

In 2018, for the 25th anniversary celebration of Power Rangers, Jason Frank saved the day as Tommy one last time.  The twist here is he fights a robotic copy of himself.  Tommy used what he called a “master morpher” to morph into his different Ranger costumes over the years.  In a dazzling fight, he battles the powerful robot.  As he gains the upper hand, Tommy remarks to the imitation, “Face it: you’re just circuits and sensors.  You’re nothing like me.  You have no heart.”  Fittingly, it was in his Green Ranger iteration that he finally destroys the evil copy. 

In conclusion, Zordon once referred to Tommy as “an honorable man”, and even the villain Goldar called Tommy “a gallant hero”.  I said before that it’s okay to be inspired by fictional characters if they inspire you to do good, and Tommy does.  I want these two terms to be descriptive of my life.

Kevin

Fourth (and final) hill to die on (Part 1)

Last month, I began a blog series on subjects that I would be willing to die for, or as I’ve called them ‘hills to die on.’  There are things not only worth living for, but also to die for, if need be.  In November, I presented three; today I’m giving the first part of the fourth hill.  Incidentally, there are more subject matters than just these four, but I’ve decided to wrap up this particular collection of blogs by speaking about an incredibly vital component to life.

The fourth hill that I would be willing to give my life is this: there is hope in an increasingly hopeless world.  The older I get, the more I see how profoundly true this is.  We are desperate to have hope, and if we don’t possess it, we become despondent and weary of life itself.  The Swiss theologian Emil Brunner (1889-1966) put it this way: “What oxygen is to the lungs such is hope to the meaning of life.”  Jürgen Moltmann added, “Totally without hope one cannot live.  To live without hope is to cease to live.” 

There is a classic episode of the TV show “Lois and Clark” that illustrates this well.  In a Christmas episode from the 4th season of the show, a being from another dimension puts Earth in a time loop.  After several hours, time returns to noon.  Every time it does, the hope in humanity diminishes.  The outlook of humanity gets increasingly angry, depressed, and suicidal.  But the hope in Superman’s heart releases Lois from the time loop, and together the two are able to restore hope to humanity.  It’s a memorable episode that demonstrates not only the power of hope, but how awful it is when one does not have it.

This leads to an obvious question: where, then, is hope found?  I googled that very question, to see some examples of where we might be tempted to look for this essential aspect to life.  I came across an article that grabbed my attention where the author speaks with great candor and insight; he writes:

“All too often my hope is connected to my own personal desires.  My hope is inextricably connected to…me.  My power. My position. My influence. My ability to control and manage my life.  Other times it’s connected to my prosperity.  My stuff. My money. My savings. My retirement.  When that fails, I look to find hope in pleasure.  My pursuit experiences that brings me joy.  I chase after leisure, food, sport, relaxation, or experiences to fill my heart.”

[He continues,] “What has been so revealing about the pandemic is that it reminds us that we are ultimately powerless, our so called prosperity is not as reliable as we think, and what at one time brought us pleasure is limited, hampered, or completely gone.  Mercifully, more than one biblical author suggests our hope is not found in the places we often look.  Hope is not found in our circumstances, but in a person.” (From https://christpoint.com/where-is-your-hope-found/)

He goes on to quote 1 Peter 1:13; “Set your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  And then he cites 1 Peter 1:20-21, which reads, “He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you, who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”  Amen belongs here!  Hope is found in Jesus, Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23).

We used to sing a song in church with this line: “I have a hope that will never pass away…my hope has a name.  Prince of Peace and the Lord of love, Jesus Christ the Son of God, King of hope He will always be, His great name holds my destiny.”  The old hymn puts it this way: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness…On Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.”  I can practically hear the cynic protesting right now.  They want to question why I would make such an assertion.  My response to this is what I want to tackle next time.  So stay tuned.

Kevin  

Celebrating Thanksgiving with a sad heart

Back in 2015, my mother and I were attending a Thanksgiving celebration.  It had been only a few months since my dad had passed away unexpectedly.  So when we went around the table and were asked to articulate what we were thankful for, I simply said that I was thankful for life itself; that my heart was still beating.  The truth is every day we wake up to face the day is a gift to be cherished.  I’ve been reminded of that on two separate occasions this month when not one, but two iconic actors, passed away.   

I’ve already brought up the passing of Kevin Conroy at age 66.  With due respect to actors like Christian Bale or Ben Affleck, the definitive Batman for me will always be Kevin Conroy.  In my recent list of top ten “Batman: The Animated Series” episodes, I mentioned how a young Bruce Wayne was influenced by a fictional hero named Grey Ghost.  Moreover, I was influenced by the fictitious Batman, voiced by Conroy.  There’s nothing wrong with being influenced by a fictional hero that spurs you on to do good.  As I continue to watch highlights of the decades of work this immensely talented actor gave us as Batman, I confess I have cried several tears.

Furthermore, on Sunday, 11/20, I read the news that Jason David Frank – Tommy Oliver from “Power Rangers” – died at 49 years old.  While I intend to write a separate blog of tribute to the character of Tommy Oliver, brought to life so brilliantly by Jason, I have already brought Tommy up a few times over the years in this blog.  For example, in 2017, I wrote a blog about when Tommy lost his Green Ranger powers.  Interestingly, a villain called Tommy “a gallant hero”.  It was all a mind game to break his spirits, but on the other hand, it’s telling to have an enemy give such words.  But how could you not?  Tommy is a legend, and probably the greatest Power Ranger ever.  The news of Frank’s death, once again, caused me to cry several tears.

I was reminded of a line in the 1988 film “The Land Before Time”.  The main character, a dinosaur named Littlefoot, had lost in mother when she sacrificed herself to protect him.  I don’t have to look this scene up to relay the details; I remember it vividly.  Littlefoot, fresh off losing his mother, bumps into a dinosaur named Rooter.  He laments the loss of his mother, and Rooter listens sympathetically.  In the course of their poignant discussion, the dinosaur says to Littlefoot, “In a way, you’ll never be apart, as long as you remember the things she taught you.” 

This statement makes me think of my dad, a heroic figure in my life.  I miss him, particularly at this time of the year.  His example, influence, and selflessness remains in my heart forever.  But it also makes me think of Kevin Conroy’s Batman and Jason David Frank’s Tommy.  I’ll say it again: it’s okay to be influenced by fictional characters if they inspire you to do good; and these two iconic characters do just that.  And so, Kevin and Jason will never be forgotten.    

Kevin

Hills to die on (Part 3)

Over the years, every so often, I’ve been called Superman.  While I admit that this is a big compliment that strokes my ego, I need to state it definitively: I’m no Superman.  I strive to emulate his selfless character, but I’m just a normal guy.  If there is anything virtuous, holy, or noble in me, it’s because of Jesus.  It is His indwelling love, goodness, and kindness that shines through me.  If I had to, I would give my life for this: God can come in and completely revolutionize a life, no matter what we have done.  My life was forever changed as a boy, when I heard the good news of the gospel; God saved me, not only from what I was, but also from what I would have become. 

You see, there was a historical figure named Jesus.  He existed in the past just as George Washington or Abraham Lincoln did.  But Jesus was unique in history.  Jesus is God in human flesh.  Why would God choose to “become flesh and dwell among us” (John 1:14)?  Because the Bible says that “God is spirit” (John 4:24); only a human body can die.  Elsewhere in the Bible it says “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23); Jesus, as God in human flesh, could take the wages of sin upon Himself.  And that’s exactly what happened; Jesus chose to die on a cross, to pay a debt He didn’t owe. 

Back in 1995, there was a song recorded called “one of us” written by Eric Bazilian, with this line in it: “What if God was one of us?”  It’s not a Christian song, but at one point there are these words: “If God had a face what would it look like?  And would you want to see if seeing meant you would have to believe in things like heaven, and in Jesus, and the saints and all the prophets?”  Personally, I think many people don’t want to acknowledge the existence of God, because to do so, would mean acknowledging their sin, and relinquishing control of their life to Him.  But Jesus said, “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).

Baseball star Darryl Strawberry has quite the story.  He candidly speaks of how success on the baseball field wasn’t enough; he was a womanizer, cheater, alcoholic and a drug addict, but God changed his life.  In his book, “Turn your season around: How God transforms your life”, he writes:

“I used to wonder why God didn’t reject me after I repeatedly turned my back on him.  Then I learned that God loved you and me before we had the capacity to love him.  He has always loved us, even while were still sinners.  Romans 5:8 states it best: “God shows his love for us in that while were still sinners Christ died for us.”  I am overwhelmed by the reality that God loved me at my worst, in my most rebellious state.  In the midst of my deepest and darkest sin, he continued to call me to himself – chasing me with his perfect love and not judgement.  Jesus longed to heal me, not hurt me, and to deliver me, not punish me.”

On Friday this blog was practically ready to be submitted, but then I heard the incredibly sad news about Kevin Conroy passing away.  I decided to process the news before presenting this.  It occurred to me, as I grieve the loss of this gifted actor, how true the Bible is when it speaks of life being “like a vapor that appears for a little while” (James 4:14).  Life is so short.  You blink your eyes a few times; all of the sudden, you find yourself 41 years of age.  These days on Earth are numbered; it’s vital to make important spiritual decisions like this now.

Let me conclude with an illustration.  I love the old show “Power Rangers”, even all these years later.  Once upon a time, there was once a wizard named Zordon who battled the evil Rita Repulsa.  Zordon imprisoned her in a space dumpster, but Rita, in turn, banished Zordon into a time warp.  Zordon’s contact with the world was via an energy tube, where only his head appeared.  It was Zordon who assembled a team of superheroes to fight Rita when she escaped the dumpster.  For years, Zordon served as mentor and leader to the Power Rangers.

In the finale of what was originally intended to be the final season of the show: “Power Rangers: in Space” (1998), the forces of evil are overpowering many pockets of the universe.  Zordon tells Andros – the Red Ranger of that season – that he can stop it and save everyone (including his own sister Karone, who was corrupted and known as the villain Astronema).  How?  By shattering Zordon’s energy tube.  “Only the good energy from my tube can destroy the forces of evil,” he explains.  “But Zordon,” Andros says, “What’s going to happen to you?”  “I will be gone, but my spirit will forever live in all that is good.” 

Understandably, Andros is reluctant, but he finally complies.  Zordon sacrifices himself.  As he does, a bright yellow light cascades throughout the universe.  Some simply turn to sand, as the light washes over them.  But some are changed – such as villains from previous seasons like Divatox, and even Rita Repulsa and Zedd (who are so overjoyed they dance).  Of course, Astronema is also transformed back to Karone.  It’s a powerful, noble, emotional, and heroic scene – one that ultimately points to Jesus’ sacrifice for us. 

Kevin

Batman: the animated series turns 30

I want to take a break from the ‘hills’ blogs, and focus instead on something light and fun.  In 1992, an animated series was released that was a hit, and it is still highly regarded to this day.  I’m referring to “Batman: The Animated Series”.  For many, myself included, this incarnation of the Caped Crusader is the definitive version of Batman.  I’m going to present my top ten list of favorite episodes (limiting it to 10 made it more difficult; I could have easily given a list of 30, but I don’t want to belabor this.)  So, with that said, here is my list.

10. Joker’s favor

Charlie Collins cusses out the Joker in traffic.  Upon realizing who it is, he begs for his life.  Joker asks him for a small favor in return, but says he doesn’t know what it is yet.  Two years pass, and Joker never stops watching Collins or his family, even after Charlie changes his name and moves his family.  “I never lost you, Charlie, you’ve become my hobby,” Joker says.  This episode demonstrates Joker’s vindictiveness.  This is also the first appearance of Harley Quinn.

9. Tyger Tyger

A mad genetic engineer uses a serum that turns Selina Kyle into a half cat, half woman hybrid.  He did this to give Tygrus (a half man/half cat) a mate.  Selina refuses Tygrus, and only desires to be human again.  When Batman shows up, Tygrus desires to kill him, to win Selina.  Ultimately, Tygrus proves his love for Selina by obtaining the antidote to her condition, even though doing so means he will lose her.  Batman is his typical heroic self here, but kudos to Tygrus as well.

8. See no evil

Lloyd Ventrix steals a suit that grants him invisibility.  But the suit is poison and will drive the wearer insane.  Until putting this list together, I had no idea that Ventrix was voiced by Michael Gross.  This is a far cry from Steven Keaton on “Family Ties”, which further shows the tragic downfall Ventrix exposed himself to (and demonstrates Gross’ talent). 

7. What is reality?

Riddler episodes are always interesting.  He wants to prove he has the superior intellect, but Batman always outthinks Riddler.  In this episode, Commissioner Gordon is trapped inside Riddler’s virtual reality computer game.  Batman goes inside to save Gordon.  In the end, Batman outsmarts Riddler yet again. 

6. Almost got him

A fun episode that includes Joker, Two-Face, Penguin, Poison Ivy, and Killer Croc all recounting stories about how they almost finished Batman off.  The twist comes when Croc is revealed to be Batman in disguise; it’s a clever ploy to discover the whereabouts of Catwoman; who the Joker kidnapped.  “I’m not bad with traps myself,” Batman says.

5. Over the edge

This is an interesting episode with Commissioner Gordon and Batman as enemies, as a result of Barbara Gordon/Batgirl’s death. The whole episode was revealed to be a nightmare in Barbara’s mind, from Scarecrow’s fear toxin.  But Barbara says she needs to tell her dad the truth.  Gordon cuts her off and implies that he already knows everything.  A fascinating look at the Commissioner Gordon character.     

4. His silicon soul

An artificial intelligence computer known as Hardac duplicates Batman.  When the robotic Batman thinks he murdered the real Batman, it sends him into a moral crisis.  The robot breaks free of Hardac’s programming and sacrificing itself to stop Hardac’s plan and save Gotham City.  Alfred summed it up well to Batman in the end, “It appears it would rather sacrifice itself rather than allow innocent life come to harm, rather like you.”

3. Heart of ice

Perhaps the best adaptation of the character of Mr. Freeze is in “Batman: The Animated Series”.  This episode is Freeze’s origin.  It is the story of Victor Fries downfall into Mr. Freeze at the hands of Ferris Boyle.  It is sad and tragic.  Also: the way that Batman stops Mr. Freeze at the climax of this episode is nothing short of brilliant.   

2. Beware the Grey Ghost

Simon Trent (voiced by Adam West) once portrayed a superhero named Grey Ghost, decades ago.  When bombings related to the old show begin, Batman and Trent, decked out in his old Grey Ghost attire, team up.  This episode showcases how superheroes inspire.  When Batman takes Grey Ghost to the Batcave, he reveals to Trent that the Grey Ghost was his hero as a child.  “So it wasn’t all for nothing,” Trent remarks. 

1. Perchance to dream

“Perchance to dream” is my all-time favorite episode of “Batman: The Animated Series”. Bruce Wayne wakes up one day to realize his parents are alive, he is engaged to be married to Selina, and someone else is Batman.  But the whole thing is a dream-like illusion.  Bruce selflessly (and brilliantly) finds a way out of this illusion, even though doing so means saying goodbye to his ideal life.  An equally noble and heartbreaking decision.

(Please note that this last paragraph is written on 11/11/22.  When I decided to undertake the task of looking at this iconic series, I had no idea that a few days later, Kevin Conroy - the man who voiced Batman not just for this series, but in many other incarnations of the Caped Crusader over the decades - would pass away from cancer.  He was only 66.  This news fills me with sadness and grief.  You'll forever be in my heart, Mr. Conroy, for your incredible work as Batman.)

Kevin

Hills to die on - Part 2

In the “about me” section of this blog, I describe myself as having a lot of labels.  I’m a Colorado Christian University alumni.  To some, I’m the Chick-fil-A guy.  I’m a son; I’m a brother.  And, of course, I’m a superhero fan.  But I go on to declare that the most important thing about me is that I am a Christian.  When you draw a line in the sand like that, and point to Jesus Christ and say, “I’m following Him,” it provokes anger, hatred, and persecution in some people.  This is just what Jesus said would happen in John 15.  So, as I said last time, writing blogs like this isn’t necessarily easy, but I must present the truth.

Hill to die on number 2: God’s way is always the best way.  In 1647, there was a catechism that was put together, belief statements, it has been helpful to many.  This is known as the shorter Westminster catechism.  The first is as follows: “What is the chief end of man?  The chief end of man is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever.” 

Sinclair Ferguson, in his work “Lessons from the upper room” gives food for thought when he writes: “People often assume that the glory of God stands in antithesis to their own blessing and may even be His calculated denial of it.  It’s as if they believe – as they in fact do – that every ounce of glory God gets proportionately diminishes their happiness and pleasure… [but the truth is,] God’s glory and our enjoyment go hand in hand!”

Psalm 16:8 states, “I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”  What is the result?  Verse 9: “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will also rest secure.”  And then perhaps this more familiar verse; Psalm 16:11: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  Did you catch it?  The Psalmist lives his life to honor and glorify the Lord, and the result is his heart is glad.  Sinclair is right: “God’s glory and our enjoyment go hand in hand!”

The fact of the matter is God is not a cosmic killjoy.  Let me be transparent with you: every time I have chosen to go my own way other than God’s way, I regret it.  The Bible says, “The way of the transgressor is hard.”  Proverbs tells us, “He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow” (22:8).  Conversely, when you do it God’s way, you want to sing the old song, “He has made me glad; He has made me glad.  I will rejoice for He has made me glad.”  That’s because what He prescribes in His Word is actually for own good, not to take away our fun.

Now, in conclusion, let me reiterate something: just because God’s way is the best way does not mean that there won’t be pain along the path.  As Graham Tomlin expresses it, “the more intensely we follow Jesus the more joy and laughter there will be, but likely the more tears and struggle also.  Carrying His name in this world is an awesome and enjoyable adventure but one that will require much endurance and courage.” (As quoted by Matt Redman in his book “Mirror Ball”).  Amen and amen!

Kevin

Hills to die on - Introduction/ Part 1

I was recently gripped with an urgency to present a collection of blogs on what I’m calling hills to die on.  Ron Luce once stated, “Until you find something worth dying for, you’re not really living.”  If someone were to ask me what are some things that I would be willing to die for, hills that I would be willing to die, what would they be?  Well, I have several subject matters that I’m passionate about.  But I have not yet determined how many I will be giving in this blog series. 

Before continuing, let me state that going down this road isn’t as easy for me as you might think.  Jesus said in John 15 not to be surprised if the world hates a follower of Christ because it hated Him as well.  “If they persecuted me,” He continued, “they will persecute you” (verse 20).  The longer I follow Jesus, the more I can see the truth of His words.  Make no mistake about it: there is a cost to following Jesus.  I have seen it with my own eyes: unrestrained hatred from the world because of my allegiance to Jesus Christ.  So please know composing this has had an emotional and spiritual effect on me.  Yet, I must speak because I believe it is more vital than ever before to present the truth.

Augustine (354-430) in his autobiography “Confessions” wrote to God: “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”  This is a concept that I would die for: life without God makes us feel incomplete, searching, and restless.  It’s like a puzzle that is missing a piece.  The Bible illustrates this concept well in the book of Ecclesiastes, where the preacher describes all he tries to find ultimate fulfillment.  He speaks of how he used his vast wealth to build houses, vineyards, gardens, and pools (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6).  In verse 10, he speaks of indulging in pleasure; but in verse 11 he sums up his endeavors with: “all was vanity and grasping for the wind.”

This was the life of Augustine as well.  One tremendous resource writes, “Augustine looked for rest through relationships.  He gave in to peer pressure, doing things like stealing, thinking that solidarity with his peers would lead to peace…Augustine also chased after romantic relationships, notoriety, and success in his career.  None of these efforts provided what his heart longed for.  He knew there had to be more to life.  Such pursuits will never satisfy us either, if they are pursued as an end in themselves.  So what are we to do?  The answer, Augustine tells us, is to come and receive the rest that God offers us in Jesus Christ.”

(Source: https://www.bibles.net/heart-restless-augustine-answer/)

Jesus Christ said, “Come to me all you who weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, from I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).  Augustine found that rest.  Throughout the centuries, a multitude around the globe have experienced this thrilling rest in Christ – myself included.  The same article concludes with these words, “Rest for our restless hearts is only found in the eternal God who made us for himself.  To rest in God is to receive the gift of salvation freely offered to us in Jesus Christ, and then to entrust our lives to him.  Have you found this rest?”

Kevin

The bright gem of Spider-Man 2 (Part 3 of 3)

Before moving on to the exciting conclusion of “Spider-Man 2”, I want to rewind a little bit and flesh out something.

Christ-like Similarities

Christ-like similarities or allusions are nothing new in superhero films.  Consider, for example, when Superman is stabbed in the side with a kryptonite dagger in the film “Superman Returns”, as Jesus’ was on the cross.  Or when Batman takes the sins of Harvey Dent upon himself in the final scene of “The Dark Knight”; Gordon’s son comments that Batman did nothing wrong, ultimately pointing us to Jesus.  There’s a Christ allusion in “Spider-Man 2” as well:

As Spider-Man shoots numerous webbing lines on both sides of the train, he proceeds to use every drop of his strength to grasp the webbing, and stop the train.  He does this with arms outstretched, like Jesus on the cross.  Spidey is so spent, he loses consciousness.  The passengers pull the spent hero inside the train; this is a tender picture of Jesus’ body being taken off the cross.  The body of Spider-Man is so unresponsive one passenger asks another, “Is he alive?”

Complete Surprise (Part 2)

As they had previously arranged, Ock brings a captured Spider-Man to Harry Osborn, in exchange Harry would give Ock all the Tritium fuel to complete his fusion reactor.  In yet another riveting scene, Harry Osborn looms over a subdued Spider-Man, with a knife in hand.  He decides to take off his mask so he can look into his eyes.  The look of shock on Harry’s face, when he sees his best friend Peter Parker looking back at him, is priceless.  Surprisingly, Peter convinces Harry to reveal where Ock is keeping MJ, so he can save her, and stop Ock once and for all.  Because Octavius’ fusion reaction project failed before and it will fail again.

Collaborative Shift

Octavius’ calculations were wrong.  That’s why his fusion reactor didn’t work before; and so unsurprisingly, when he fired it up the reactor – that was much larger than before – it began to suck magnetic objects into it, endangering many lives.  But Spider-Man arrived to stop Ock.  The way he stopped him is remarkable.  He stopped using his fists and began using his head; he took off his mask and began to appeal to Octavius as a man.  He pointed out that the four mechanical arms had turned him into something he isn’t, and he needed to stop listening to them.

Ock points out that sustainable energy for mankind was his dream.  “Sometimes to do what’s right, we have to be steady,” Peter replied.  “And give up the thing we want the most, even our dreams.”  These words were essentially what Aunt May had said to him.  Amazingly, Octavius agrees with Peter, and regains control over the arms.  He proceeds to volunteer to drown the fusion reactor in the river, sacrificing himself in the process, but saving the day.  I’m always in tears when I see this noble sacrifice.  As he destroys his life’s work and his dream, Octavius says, “I will not die a monster.”  As I see it, he died a hero, not a monster.  

Celebrated Shock

As Octavius sacrifices himself, it is revealed that MJ – who Peter thought had run to safety when he saved her – saw that Peter was Spider-Man.  The two lock eyes.  The look on MJ’s face, the accompanied music, what I’m calling the celebrated shock, is pure gold.  I’m tearing up just describing it here.  Very early in the movie, MJ had called Peter a mystery, but now the mystery was solved.  Suddenly, a huge wall began falling, about to crush MJ, but Peter saves her.  He confesses that, the structure is “really heavy” and in case they both die, he wanted to set the record straight: he does love her, even though he had said he didn’t.  He manages to rescue them, and the two escape to safety.

Concluding Scenes

Peter chose to sacrifice his own dream of being with MJ.  He had explained to her that now that she knew the truth of his superhero life, she knew why they couldn’t be together.  Mary Jane was to go ahead and marry John Jameson after all.  But she couldn’t go through with it.  She ran to Peter’s apartment, in her wedding dress, and said that she was making the choice to face the danger of Peter’s life.  She wanted to be with him.  The tension is whether Peter will finally reciprocate this time.  His line “thank you, Mary Jane Watson” solidifies the happy ending.  The two kiss, until police sirens blare; she encourages, “Go get them, Tiger.”  He web-swings to the danger, and this amazing film’s credits roll.

In conclusion, I’ve presented numerous reasons why I love “Spider-Man 2” and there’s even more I could have said!  Some takeaways for today: I find it refreshing that a movie proclaimed that you can’t always go after your dreams, if in the process of doing so, you lose yourself.  Octavius teaches that it’s never too late to stop on the wrong path and begin doing the right thing.  And Peter and MJ’s happy ending shows that the saying is wrong: nice guys don’t always finish last.

Kevin