I AM a superhero!

You really don't know me well enough on a personal level to know that I AM a superhero. Before you delete or dismiss this based on that statement, give me a chance to explain. Becoming a superhero was the easiest thing I ever did: it takes a few simple steps to get started. 1. Know your story: How did you come to be where you are? Why did you come this far? And why are you going to try again tomorrow? 2. Choose your powers: What are your strengths? What are your talents? What abilities created the structure for your story? 3. Identify your weaknesses: What derails you? What weakens you physically, emotionally, and mentally? (Whatever that is for you don't carry it around in your pocket for goodness sake). 4. Determine your conversion: What has to happen for you rip off the outer layer and reveal your identity, your brand, or your label? What warrants your conversion from individual who cares to compassion in action? What makes you trust the cape? 

One of my sons, Levi, loved basketball in high school. Even now he goes to the games two or three nights a week to watch his former high school team. When he was in junior high the boys teams were a bad joke. They were beat by 50-100 points every game, twice a week, by state champs and Christian leagues alike. We were beat so bad the other teams didn't even want to play them. It was awkward for the opponents and miserable for our team. When Levi enter high school he was going to change the program. His determination was going to fuel a change and create an environment of rejuvenation and pride. I was so proud of his zeal and his ability to see the need. Unfortunately, he didn't make any lasting changes for the team; another losing season for the Bobcats, a disappointed but still determined Levi, and another new coach the next year. Everyone has a philosophy, an idea, a strategy; not everyone has the strength or the determination to fight uphill against the odds and the masses to see it through. 

Maybe, Levi thought, the new coach would. He came in like a whirlwind, rocked the traditions and questioned a lot of answers. He worn a suit and required that the team do the same; people looked at them strange. They bought new equipment and new jerseys; people said it was just decoration. He didn't recreate the game; he reintroduced the sport. The greatest hurdle that faced Coach was attitude. He didn't attempt to change the fans. He didn't argue calls and fuss with the refs. He didn't bring in any super athletes. But every game with that group of 10 boys that were gathered around in the locker room, he said, "Stop playing like you are trying not to lose and start playing like you intended to win!" It took months for them to understand the difference, it took a season to break the cycle and some of the egos, but it only took one playoff game to make it happen. They all became superheroes. Have a great weekend; trust your cape.