Geeks & Underwear Heroes

To my readers,

I am a geek.

When I say I am a geek, I do not mean this as an embellishment. I read comics about superheroes.  Not just any superhero, but the “underwear on the outside” kind of heroes. 

My favorite superhero is Green Lantern (Hal Jordan). To those who have no idea who the Green Lanterns are, The Green Lantern Corps is an intergalactic group of space cops whose powers come from a ring powered through a lantern that’s energy source is the will of every living thing. Still with me?

This is all you need to know. The only requirement to be a Green Lantern is to be without fear.

In the most recently Green Lantern movie we meet Hal Jordan, who struggles with fear and his confusion as to why he was selected to be a Green Lantern.  Eventually, the woman he loves tells him this, “I see it.  I always have. The ring didn’t see that you were fearless, it saw that you had the ability to overcome fear.  It saw that you were courageous.”

In the Old Testament is a book called Deuteronomy.  There is a chapter devoted to how the Israelite army would act during a time of war.  Towards the end you read,

“Then the officers will also say, “Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else.” Deuteronomy 20:8, NLT.

Why would God tell the Israelites to send home anyone with fear?

Fear is a powerful enemy.  God commands the Israelites not to take fear lightly.

Why?

Because fear is a parasite.  Fear reaches down into our deepest darkest hiding places. It feeds on our insecurities, doubts, and issues and will do whatever it takes to overpower its host.  This parasite lives for two things: to instill more fear and to infect others. 

The problem is that we associate fear with weakness. 

Fear is not the weakness.  The truth is that everyone experiences and has fears.  The person who says otherwise has a fear of people knowing they are fearful.  We value fearlessness as though it were strength while real strength is found in courage.  Our ability to stand up and overcome fear is what makes us strong, not our ability to be fearless. 

When fear rises, we must not let it overcome us.  We must become courageous and rise up above our fear.  Fear wants you paralyzed and controlled, while courage requires us to fight back and be unrestrained.  When fear comes, we must dive deep into the reminder that no matter what, Christ is with us. He won’t leave us nor forsake us.

Remember the words Jesus spoke to his disciples, “Don’t be afraid,” he said.  “Take courage. I am here.”  Matthew 14:27, NLT.

It’s Jesus’ love that conquered the world.  It’s that same love he shares for us.  If he, whose love for us is stronger than the grave, is with us of what can overcome us?  Of whom shall we be afraid? 

Don’t give into fear.  Know Jesus is with you.  Be courageous.  The choice is yours- give into fear or be courageous. Which will you choose?


Simply, 
Tex G.M. Rule
“Don’t be afraid,” he said.  “Take courage. I am here.”  Matthew 14:27, NLT.