| My wife and I are watching the TV show Heroes. A show about ordinary people who aqcuire these extra-ordinary powers and how they chose to wield them. We've heard good things about the show, but our interest was really piqued when we saw two of the actors at a conference that we attended in LA last spring. We've been waiting for season 1 on DVD that came out a few weeks ago. Although a bit dark and graphic, it is incredibly addictive and magnetic. We just can't get enough of it. Anyways, at this conference, these two actors ("Ando" & the shape shifter "evil" girl) were being asked about the show, its characters, and why people seem to be drawn toward heroism and heroic stories. By heroism, he didn't mean impressiveness, power, or superiority (the darker side of the TV series), but the ability to serve and help others with no personal regard to their own safety. To come to the aid of people by putting oneself in danger. How we've been intrinsically designed by God to live heroic lives. What I appreciate most about the show is how the humanity of each hero is revealed and presented. Their lack of faith, inablilty to have things figured out, struggles, problems, relational inadequacies, insecurities and fears are all glaringly apparent, and yet each character is incredibly inspiring and impelling. I came away from Season 1 realizing that what made these characters into heroes wasn't so much their super powers, but their genuine care and love for the world they lived in. They cared more about their city than they did themselves. And here's a thought I'm unpacking - if I'm to live a heroic life, then I need to do the same. "Save the cheerleader, save the world." - Hiro Nakamoto |
