For such a time as this, I offer some advice from “Elastigirl,” the “super” from the animated movie, The Incredibles.
Bob and Helen Par are superheroes trying to have a normal life, raising a family in the suburbs, when they get sucked back into their superhero stint of saving the world. The children have untested powers they have inherited from their parents DNA that they will need to draw upon in the current crisis. In a moment of truth, Helen (“Elastigirl”) has to leave two of her children to fend for themselves while she goes off to rescue her husband, Bob (“Mr. Incredible”). It’s her speech to the children that gets my attention every time I see this fast-moving movie.
Up until this moment, Helen has been discouraging her kids to play around with their latent powers so that they wouldn’t stick out among the other kids in the neighborhood. In their physical competitions at school, they have to constantly hold back—even lose on purpose now and then, in order to live a “normal” life. This time, she has to reverse that rule.
“But things are different now,” she says to her daughter as she prepares to leave her and their son, Dash, in enemy territory, “and doubt is a luxury we can’t afford any more, Sweetie. You have more power than you realize. Don’t think, and don’t worry. If the time comes, you’ll know what to do. It’s in your blood.”
Actually this sounds strikingly similar to the way Jesus prepared his disciples to go out without him, and what he would say to us today. As followers of Christ, we have more power than we realize. Don’t think too much, or in other words, don’t psyche yourself out with rules and requirements. Step into the situation because you have what it takes; it will come to you when you need it. And remember… “It’s in your blood,” because the Holy Spirit is within you giving you what you need, when you need it. Doubt is simply a luxury we can’t afford any more.
“On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:18-20)
Once again, thank you for a timely reminder.
Fun, well written, and an encouraging way to start my day! Thank you!
John,
Hey man I was wondering if you would be willing to do an interview with me for our radio stations classic music program? It would be great to talk with you and talk about the good old days of CCM. Plus I’d like to let people know what you’ve been up to and where they can check in with ya.
Please let me know either way.
Blessings,
Jim
You’re on! I send you a private email. Thanks!
FROM THE GIRL STILL WAITING TO HEAR MORE FROM BEN! LOL I LOVED THAT MOVIE THE INCREDIBLES! ALWAYS WONDERED BUT COULD NOT PUT MY FINGER ON WHAT SHE SAID TO THE KIDS BEFORE SHE LEFT, BUT YOU NAILED IT! WHEN WE OVERTHINK THINGS, WE MAKE A MESS. BETTER TO STEP BACK AFTER WE LET GOD GUIDE US AND SAY WOW WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE! HE SAID HE WOULD LEAVE US THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR COMFORT AND WHAT AN AWESOME GIFT!
OOOPS Was not intending on yelling! cap lock helps me read better and faster! yes im a little over 40!
Thankfully with Christ and being a Christian we are not left to fend for ourselves! Even when Christ fulfilled His role in dying on the Cross He told the 12 that God is sending another to comfort us in His absence until He returns. The Holy Spirit! Yay! God is so in control He will never have to be rescued, but He’s always there to rescue us where we are if we just reach out to Him. More amazing than the greatest superhero. Sometimes it’s difficult to wrap my mind around that, and yet having faith it’s always true.
Love that song Held by Natalie Grant. That the promise was when everything fell we’d be held. Yep, better than the greatest superhero by far.
No matter whether we are well versed and quote from the Bible or not, the Holy Spirit can speak through us if He chooses. That is the beauty of the Holy Spirit! I think it depends on our heart and our commitment to Christ. Obviously, both you and Marti are both strong in the Lord! Keep up the Lord’s work!!