Fathers deserve credit for helping others
(Editor’s note: Jessica Vozel’s column will appear on the editorial page in Tuesday’s paper.)
The movie, “Man of Steel,” arrived in movie theaters this weekend. I rarely take time to see a movie, but I think I am going to make every effort to see this one. I don’t think that it is coincidental that Warner Brothers released the movie “Man of Steel” on Father’s Day weekend.
Most likely, the marketing team agreed that the best date to release the movie would coincide with one of the “manliest” days of the year — Father’s Day! You got me Warner Brothers — I’m in!
A few months ago, I shared with you my love for Superman. So in that commentary, I also shared with you Christopher Reeve’s, aka Superman from the 70s and 80s, quote, “I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Don’t you think fathers fit that description perfectly? There are so many dads, granddads, uncles, brothers, cousins and friends who serve as fathers in our lives. Growing up, they take time to practice our favorite activities with us, complete homework assignments, study for tests and maybe even teach us how to drive. They do all of this while balancing work pressures, family responsibilities and caring for their parents. As we become adults, our relationships transition from child and parent or mentor to one of friends, with a mutual respect for our life experiences and positions in life.
By now, I think you guys are getting to know me pretty well. If anything, you definitely know that I keep it real. Not for one minute do I want you to think that I believe all father-child relationships are as fantastic and dreamy as the one I just described. I know that not all of us were blessed to have somewhat simple lives where “Wally and the Beav” are our brothers and “Ozzie and Harriet” are our parents (Calm down — I know I just combined two different TV shows.) But even though we may not have had that 1950s iconic TV family, God has brought you this far and strategically placed people in your life to help you get to this point. They may not have been wrapped up like a pretty present, but if you look real hard or consider every person you’ve met along your way, I am confident you will find him — your Superman.
Oh — you thought he was going to have that tight blue-and-red outfit on with an obnoxious cape. No, he looked more like that bumbling idiot teacher in middle school who wore the big glasses and only half smiled, never looking you in the eye. Yet, one day you looked at him and you happened to see the outline of the “S” under his shirt.
You still can’t identify? Are you sure? OK — I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Maybe you had a terrible childhood and you don’t know your father or, worse yet, you know him and hate him. Maybe you never had anyone hug you, smile at you or do anything nice for you. But yet, you are still here — breathing, living. Somehow, you made it this far. I know how you got here. God’s undying love for you, that’s how! He kept you, protected you, loved you and saved you. When no one else may have cared, but He cared. He is why you are here.
OK — still not convinced? How about this? You see, I didn’t share this with you before, but my mom is why I love Superman. Let me explain — my mom is the one who writes and connects with people. She is amazing. After reading a book about superheroes and Christianity, she explained Christ to me like this. “From the very beginning, Superman’s mission was clear; to save the world. Let’s look at the profound similarities. The 1978 Superman movie sounds almost scriptural: “Marlon Brando as Jor-El, who gave his only son to save the world ….” Both arrive miraculously, one by rocket, the other virgin birth. Great dangers attend both: crashing rockets for Superman, Herod’s murderous soldiers for Jesus. Jesus had a dual identity. He’s both a carpenter from Galilee and the Redeemer from Heaven, the Son of Man and the Son of God. Superman is Clark Kent, the son of a farmer and house wife, and Superman.”
I know, you’re thinking, “she gets it from her momma.” And you are right! But you should also be thinking — Wow! God has been my Father this whole time! I know it can be hard to imagine. We can’t physically see him as person in flesh. But Superman had the same problem — sort of. His dad was a hologram! But believe me, God is here — He is right here with us! This truth doesn’t just apply to the brokenhearted or disappointed either. This truth applies to all of you! God calls us His children. He loves us no matter what! He is our Father! Still not sure? Read it here — 1 John 3:1 and James 1:16-18.
I dedicate this commentary to my unassuming Supermen! To Dad — thanks for giving me your love and support — you’ve been the best Mr. Fix-It, Realtor, lawyer, teacher, and friend — I love you. To Michael — thanks for being an outstanding role model for so many to look up to (including me). To Uncle Jinks — Thanks for calling me your “big dummy” and an “honorary butt sister.” I love you — thanks for loving me like your own and always taking care of me and Chris. To Pastor Vincent Winfrey — thank you for being my spiritual father and always taking time to remind me of my superpowers. To Mike — thank you for our son — you are his Superman! To God, my Heavenly Father — without You, I am nothing; thank You for loving me in spite of my sins and my stubbornness; thank You for seeing fit to bless me beyond anything I could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Make sure you take time to thank your fathers today! Happy Father’s Day!
Gina Jones is a life-long resident of Fayette County and serves the community as an educator and advocate. E320 – Follow Gina on Twitter @professorgmarie.