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