Previously on "The Flash" (Part 1 - Origins)

Last month, I stated that the TV show “The Flash” has entered its 9th and final season.  I wanted to take some time to share some of my favorite moments over these years.  Rest assured, I’m not going to belabor this by making this 9 blogs or something.  But I do want to highlight the heroism not just of Barry Allen – alias The Flash – but several figures in this show as well.  I don’t know how many installments this project will take, but this is part 1.

It actually all began in the TV show “Arrow” starring Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen/Green Arrow.  It was in the 2nd season of that show where Oliver met Barry Allen played by Grant Gustin.  While Barry did not have his powers at that point, he was able – quite brilliantly – to save Oliver from the brink of death after he was poisoned.  When Barry left to return to Central City, he had left a mask for Oliver, to better conceal his secret identity as the Green Arrow.  The following year, 2014, the first (but not last) “Arrow” spin-off was born; “The Flash” starring Grant Gustin as Barry Allen. 

It was in the first season that we were introduced to the character who ended up being the main villain of the entire series – Eobard Thawne, the Reverse Flash.  Thawne was actually a scientist from the twenty-second century.  Eventually, we learn that it was Thawne who, out of vindictiveness, traveled back in time and murdered Barry’s mother, when he was a child.  But by doing so, Thawne lost the ability to travel through time.  He was marooned in the past.  In season 1’s finale, Thawne presented Barry an offer to go back to the past and save his mother from ever dying in the first place.  However, to do so would give Thawne the opportunity to escape justice by going back to the future. 

Ultimately, Barry refuses and prevents Thawne from returning to the future; Eobard Thawne is so enraged by this that he fully intends to kill Barry and all his loved ones.  But Eddie Thawne, one of Eobard Thawne’s ancestors, was there.  Eddie did some quick thinking: he chose to sacrifice himself, by shooting himself in the heart, to save everyone’s life.  This noble gesture erased Eobard from existence, as if he was never even born.  Eddie’s heroic act is one of the great moments from season 1.  I always tear up when Eddie, in his last moments, says to Iris (who he intended on marrying): “I got to be the hero after all…that’s all I ever wanted to be; your hero.”

This poignant moment was marred a bit: Eobard Thawne actually returned again and again (and again), even up to season 8.  How did Thawne always come back, when he probably shouldn’t have?  Thawne would usually just say, “Time travel is so weird.”  But, the bottom line is, Thawne is to Barry what Joker is to Batman – the main villain in a long line of a rogue’s gallery.  He’s too good a villain not to continually plague Barry.  So I had to take the time to inscribe the noble sacrifice of Eddie Thawne.  Well done Eddie, well done.

In conclusion, perhaps you are wanting to ask, “I know it’s a TV show that’s been on a long time, but why are you devoting so much time to this?”  When the superhero genre is done correctly, the superhero inspires the viewer; Barry Allen/The Flash has inspired me for eight years, going on nine.  In the pilot episode of “The Flash” not long after Barry’s life is changed forever when he gets his powers, he seeks his friend, Oliver Queen for help. 

“I’m just not sure I’m like you, Oliver,” Barry says.  “I don’t know if I can be some vigilante.”  Oliver’s words of response are priceless: “You can be better.  Because you can inspire people in a way that I never could.  Watching over your city like a guardian angel; making a difference; saving people in a flash.”  As he prepared to leave, Oliver added, “Take your own advice: wear a mask.”  While Oliver was being modest regarding his own heroism, his point can’t be disputed.  But, it’s not just Barry; incredible heroism has abounded over these years on this show.  Next time, I hope to tackle more highlights.

To be continued!

Kevin

"How sweet it is to be loved by you"

Let me start by citing these words from a Christian song: “Sometimes I think what will people say of me, when I’m only just a memory, when I’m home where my soul belongs.  Was I love when no one else would show up?  Was I Jesus to the least of these?  Was my worship more than just a song?  I want to live like that, and give it all I have, so that everything I say and do points to You” (from the song “Live like that” released in 2012 by the group Sidewalk Prophets). 

It was interesting for me to realize that I have written 680 blogs (or counting this one 681) since this blog’s beginning back in 2011.  How many more will I be able to write?  Will I get to 1000?  I don’t know.  While I certainly intend to live a good long life; tomorrow is not guaranteed.  It’s so important to “number our days” (Psalm 90:12).  Furthermore, we must never forget this: Jesus is coming back again.  Yes, people endlessly mock this notion, but it’s still true nevertheless.

Therefore, let me state this definitively: The God who created the world, and everything in it, loves you and me with a pure, unconditional, immense love.  He proved that by initiating a divine rescue plan for humanity: Jesus – God in human flesh – died on a cross, as payment for our sin, and subsequently got up out of His own grave!  So now all one must do is turn to Him in repentance and faith.  The Bible says, “Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

The film “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” was released in 1993; it is celebrating its 30th anniversary.  When I first saw this film as a child, I didn’t get the tone.  While it is undeniably great (Kevin Conroy delivers one of his finest performances in this one), it is also incredibly bittersweet and sad.  I could write a whole blog on this film (but for now, stay with me, as I do have a point).  The movie could be presented in this way:

Boy is orphaned and vows to wage a one-man war on criminals; boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, and nearly gives up his plans entirely.  Girl unexpectedly leaves boy.  Boy becomes vigilante (Bruce putting on the Batman mask for the first time is probably the best scene in the movie).  Years later, girl resurfaces, boy and girl reconnect; ultimately boy and girl realize they will never be able to make it work, and end up apart.  In a heartbreaking end scene, Bruce sadly laments to Alfred, “I couldn’t save her, Alfred.”  The faithful butler tenderly replies, “I don’t think she wanted to be saved, sir.” 

You say, “Why are you bringing up such sadness?”  First off, I’ve been mentioning I would give my remarks on a bittersweet superhero film.  This was the one I was referencing.  But secondly, I think this sadness is a picture of how God feels when we reject His offer of salvation and reconciliation with Him.  God doesn’t force us to have a relationship with Him.  We have a free will.  So God says, “She didn’t want to be saved, she thought she had to perform good works to be saved.”  Works are important, but it’s faith in Christ first, then works.  Or “he didn’t want to be saved, he thought he had sinned too much.”  Or perhaps, “she thought she was a good, moral person who didn’t even need to be saved.”

In conclusion, I don’t know if I have another 680 blogs in my future; maybe it’s more, maybe it’s less.  But whatever the case, I wanted to take the time today to express it clearly: God’s love for you is constant and fervent.  If you haven’t made the decision to begin your relationship with the Lord, do it today; it will be the best decision you will ever make.  I recently heard a love song where the line was: “How sweet it is to be loved by you.”  It’s true for a romantic relationship; it’s also what I express to God, right here and now.  His love fills me up to overflowing, and then it spills out onto others.    

Kevin      

Valentine's Day thoughts - one day late

Last time, I gave a teaser that I had some thoughts on a bittersweet love story from a superhero film.  While I probably will still give my remarks on that at some point, for today, I’ve decided to go in another direction.

I think it’s unfortunate that whenever we think of Valentine’s Day, we immediately think of romantic relationships.  Of course, that’s legitimate, but there’s so much more.  I don’t know who said it but a few years ago now, I heard Valentine’s Day described as “Love Day”.  And this makes me think about God’s incredible love for you, for me, and for all of the world.

Not long ago, I heard Jason Crabb on a Christian talk show.  I had heard Jason sing songs of praise.  I was familiar with what a gifted singer he is.  But I did not know about Jason Crabb’s story; it was fun to hear about it on this talk show.  He candidly shared about how after his parent’s divorce, he began to go down a dark path. 

He partook in what he called “cheap highs”; drugs, marijuana, etc.  But God turned him around.  He spoke of how the Lord used Michael English’s song “had it not been” to minister to him.  Right there in the interview, without any musical accompaniment, Jason sang a few lines of the song: “Had it not been for a place called Mount Calvary; had it not been for the old rugged cross; had it not been for a Man named Jesus, then forever my soul would be lost.”

Later on in the interview, he shared a story of when he had what he called a “God moment” with another songwriter, who believed differently than Jason.  He said, “Let me tell you why I believe the way I do: I am never going to be good enough.  I’m broken.  I’m a mess.  I’m a wreck…I realized I wasn’t good enough, but Jesus…why would He give His life for me?  Why would He die for me?  I don’t understand that.  I can’t fathom that.  It’s the greatest love story I’ve ever heard in my life.  Someone would give their life for my junk?”

(Source: “Jason Crabb, a story of tragedy and triumph: Intimate testimony and new music from Grammy-winning artist - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd7hJx6MoLM)

In conclusion, in the midst of this Valentine’s Day afterglow, I am so pleased that the Lord laid this content on my heart.  Ultimately, the best gift I can give is to introduce you to this Jesus who changed my life, and the life of Jason Crabb.  If you’ve never began your relationship with Jesus, do it today.  Put your faith and trust in Him.  If you’ve been on the run from Him, perhaps you’ve been running for years, come home today.

Kevin   

Four blogs crammed into one

There’s a lot going on that I want to write about.  So I decided to change the format up a little bit for today.  Essentially, I have four blogs jammed into one.

#1: “The Flash” enters its final season

Back on Wednesday, the season premiere for the final season of “The Flash” aired.  Honestly, I could go on and on about this show.  “The Flash” is a spin-off of the show “Arrow”.  I remember when I talked with my dad, over pizza at a restaurant, about how much I enjoyed the first season of this show.  It’s a cherished memory because that was in late 2014; he passed away a few months later.

Over the years, I have shared a few storylines from this show in this blog.  I think what I will do at some point soon is celebrate this show by re-visiting some of the stories that I previously blogged about; take a bit of a walk down memory lane.  But I also intend to share some poignant moments that I haven’t previously shared in this blog before.

By the way, some state that the show’s quality has declined in recent years.  I would concede that there have been moments, storylines, and departures that have been regrettable.  But I don’t want to focus on the negatives; I want to focus on the positives.  All in all, the legacy of “The Flash” is it is a team of heroes who have inspired me.  Of course, it centers around Barry Allen, brought to life by the talented leading man, Grant Gustin.  Barry’s courage, optimism, and valor is an example I won’t forget.

#2: Super Bowl thoughts

Super Bowl 57 is going to be happening this Sunday.  I’m not going to be giving my prediction – I’ll say more about that in a second – but I don’t envision it will be a 55-10 blowout that the 49ers gave the Broncos back in 1990.  Or, when the-then Russell Wilson led Seahawks pummeled the Broncos 43-8 in 2013 (the Broncos have three Super Bowl victories to their name, but they were sure the victims of epic Super Bowl beatdowns too).  I think it will be an exciting game, one that goes down to the wire.

There was a time that I used to annually present my prediction, in this blog, for which team I thought was going to win.  I’ve gotten away from this in recent years.  To be clear: I don’t intend to pick this back up.  I could spend some time articulating why, but the bottom line is I don’t feel it’s worth it to alienate an entire state over my opinion.  Passionate fans are ready to go up in arms defending the honor of their team.  It’s just not worth it for me to fight that war over a game.

#3: Valentine’s Day is coming soon

Valentine’s Day is this Tuesday.  I have some thoughts I want like to share that day.  I want to touch on a bittersweet love story, from a superhero film of all things.  So stay tuned for that.  But for now, let me just say whether we have loved and lost, whether we are in a wonderful romantic relationship, or cupid’s arrow still hasn’t hit us, there is a glorious love that is available to us all.  This love is found in friendship and fellowship with God Himself.  And I can attest to you – from personal experience – that His amazing can love seep into every fiber of our being, which can then be poured out on others.

#4: Life is chapters

A Chick-fil-A operator once rightly stated that life is chapters.  I want to illustrate this by describing how actor Henry Cavill’s chapter of playing Superman ended in a very unexpected way. 

Back in December of 2022, Cavill was given sad news: he wasn’t going to be portraying Superman anymore.  This was only a few months after he was told to announce that he was going to return as the iconic superhero.  He even made a cameo as Superman in a post credits scene in the film “Black Adam”.  But new executives had a meeting with him, and told him they were going in a new direction.  So what do say in response to this all this?  The poise, kindness, and attitude Cavill had in response to being dealt this devastating news was admirable.  (The full details of this story, by the way, is in the link below) Here’s what he wrote:

“I will, after all, not be returning as Superman…this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life.  The changing of the guard is something that happens, I respect that.”  Cavill went on to say, “Superman is still around.  Everything he stands for still exists.  And the examples he sets for us are still there!  My time to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will.”  I submit this would make Superman himself proud.

(Henry Cavill story is from - https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/14/entertainment/henry-cavill-superman-no-more/index.html)

Kevin

God's way is always the best way

Can I begin today by being vulnerable with you?  The last few months have been difficult.  I could go on and on detailing the trials and tribulations I have encountered, but the bottom line is, this time has left me emotionally spent.  To top it all off, recently, after another disappointing episode, I found myself reeling and exhausted. 

While I may have been shopping at a grocery store, inwardly I was fighting a spiritual battle.  It was kind of like those old cartoons where there’s a good angel on one shoulder, and a bad angel on the other.  The bad angel was whispering, “Do you really feel that this living for God stuff is worth it?  Wouldn’t you be better off doing your own thing?”  In that low moment, I chose to reaffirm my trust in God, no matter the cost.  This decision seemed to end my spiritual boxing match, and I subsequently wanted to get on my knees, and raise a song of praise to the Lord.

I have often said over the years that God’s way is the best way.  And the reason I begin with this story is to show that I don’t say those words just because it sounds good; no, when I proclaim that God’s way is always the best way, I am speaking to myself first and foremost.  This is a deeply held conviction in my heart of hearts.  That’s not to say that I always choose to go God’s way.  To be honest, there are instances where I foolishly decide to go my own sinful, selfish way.  But God is gracious to pick me up, clean me up, and put me back in the race.  And I think to myself how much better it would have been to go God’s way in the first place.

Back in March of 2015, I wrote a blog that I entitled “Yield to God’s way.”  I stated that I was going to present an important truth.  And I prefaced it by saying, if it turned out to be the last blog I ever wrote, I would be thrilled if it was found to be liberating (this was a particularly fascinating remark, as at the time, I had no way of knowing that my dad was going to unexpectedly pass away a few months later).  What did I end up saying?  It’s actually today’s blog title: God’s way is always the best way. 

Of course, the fact that God’s way is best doesn’t mean that we will always understand just what it is He is doing.  Why He allowed something to happen.  Or why He decided not to heal someone.  This is because “we know in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9), while God knows and sees it all.  That can trip some people up.  Later on in the same blog, I gave an illustration that I want to conclude with today.  I wrote:

‘Many years ago, I tried my hand at writing fiction.  I wrote several Batman stories.  Suppose that, in the midst of my stories, Batman and Robin were able to converse with each other.  Good versus evil stories need to have struggle.  That's a simple fact.  Pretend that there have been a string of disappointments and setbacks for the Dynamic Duo.  After a particularly bleak chapter, Batman and Robin are frustrated.  With that in mind, let’s eavesdrop on their conversation.

“Can you believe this writer?"  Robin asks.  "Can you believe what he has been doing to us?  The direction this guy is taking us in is pathetic.”  “Yes,” Batman replies.  “It’s quite clear that he has no idea what he is doing; he doesn’t know what is best for us, or for Gotham City.”  “I almost feel like I should write this story myself,” Robin counters.  “I would do a much better job than he ever will."  At this point, Alfred speaks up.  He says, “Sirs, please.  You must not speak this way.  The writer cares for you both a great deal.  Trust him.  He knows what he is doing.  In the end, I have little doubt that he will make all things right.”  And, indeed, in every Batman story I wrote, justice, righteousness, and good prevailed.’

Kevin

Honoring Dr. King

Every January, we honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Rightly so.  What a legacy!  I have a plaque that has this quote from him: “The time is always right to do what is right.”  But I think what is often overlooked is Dr. King was a Baptist minister who had a love for the Bible, and he was clearly impacted by its message. 

For example, many quote from Dr. King’s famous 1963 speech “I have a dream”; and his vision was for a day when his children “will live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”  Powerful words, to be sure.  Interestingly, soon after those words, he stated:

“I have dream today that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”  This is a direct citation from the book of Isaiah chapter 40, verses 4 and 5.  And Dr. King continued, “This is our hope.  This is the faith I go back to the South with.  With this faith, we will be able to hew out the mountain of despair a stone of hope.”

(https://www.npr.org/2010/01/18/122701268/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety

It was fun looking online at some of the wise words from this man.  I could write a whole blog on just his quotes.  For instance, he once remarked, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  I love this one: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” 

Here’s one to chew on for a while: “We must develop the capacity to forgive.  He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.”  Or, given the fact that he only lived to the age of 39, here’s a rather eerie one: “The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important.”  One last quote: “I have a decided to stick with love.  Hate is too great a burden to bear” (all quotes from https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/martin-luther-king-jr-quotes)

Kevin

"A thousand hallelujahs, and a thousand more"

Happy New Year, reader!  I’m blessed to be able to share my heart with you for another year.  For this inaugural blog of 2023, I want to begin with an illustration that you’d expect from me – from the world of superheroes.

There’s a memorable story in the animated series “Justice League Unlimited”.  In part 2 of an exciting time-travel story titled “The Once and Future thing” an unforeseen meeting occurred.  Batman, thanks to some time travel craziness, actually meets himself as an old man!  In this incarnation, Bruce grew too old to wear the cape and cowl; instead he mentored Terry McGinnis – the Batman of the future.  In the episode, Terry manages to take the wackiness in stride, and he makes the introduction: “Batman, Bruce Wayne; Bruce Wayne, Batman.  Or have you met?”

This came to my mind when I recently had the opportunity to chat with someone that I used to know, but I have not seen in nearly 20 years!  Quite frankly, seeing this person was a shock; absorbing this encounter, in a sense, made me see myself back almost two decades ago now.  And that set my mind down a road that I could go on and on and on about. 

First off, somebody is going to be confused, so let me state definitively that my Batman illustration breaks down.  For instance, I do not think of myself as an aged Bruce Wayne.  That said however, I do have to acknowledge that I’m not a young buck anymore, either.  But with age has come clarity; I am more comfortable in my skin today.

Once again, I can’t possibly address everything I’d like to cover (honestly, I feel like I could write a lengthy academic paper right now).  For instance, if I had the space, energy, and time, I would reflect on how life feels like it is moving too fast.  I would go on to speak about how the people who said life is short, were absolutely right.  But even still, each passing day is an amazing gift to cherish.  Because, through losing important people to me, I’ve learned a hard truth: tomorrow is not a given.  Life is a gift that is extremely fragile.

Further, this whole experience makes me consider my own legacy.  The fact is, 20 years ago, I wanted to point to the great God of the universe; today, I still want to point to Him.  Somebody wants me to ask and answer this question: why?  Why not boast and broadcast myself instead?  Because to point to myself would be futile; I’m just a flawed, imperfect man.  It’s far better to boast in the Lord.  It’s better to boast in His goodness, grace, mercy and love.  Psalm 115:1 has been my heart cry for many, many years now.  It says, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your Name, goes all the glory” (NLT). 

Writing this content today has been interesting.  Once again, I could have covered so many more subjects than I did.  Perhaps in the coming days I will bring some of them up.  But for today, rather than compose an essay, let me just begin to wrap this up.  I love the song “A Thousand Hallelujahs” by Brooke Ligertwood (also known by her maiden name Brooke Fraser.)  “With a thousand hallelujahs, we magnify Your name; You alone deserve the glory, the honor, and the praise.  Lord Jesus, this song is forever Yours.”  I quoted these lyrics for this final line: “A thousand hallelujahs, and a thousand more.”  This resonates with me; over the years I’ve probably lifted up a thousand hallelujahs to God, but what I’m so thrilled about is I intend to lift up a thousand more!  Because He is worthy of it all!

Kevin