Yesterday, Captain America came out in theatres, so, of course, I went to see it. After seeing the movie, the first things everyone asked me were "Did you like it? Was it good?" I honestly never answer these questions in a straightforward way, simply because I like to reflect upon the movie and think about whether there was anything, any lesson or moral, to be taken from watching it. In my opinion, a movie or book that teaches its viewer or reader nothing is just a waste. I want to be inspired by the things I watch and read,...and as I reflected upon Captain America, I did feel inspiration.
My thoughts were provoked by the character and personality of Steve Rogers even before he became Captain America. He was a physically weak young man, but his heart was big and full of goodness. The one word I would use to describe him is valiant. He never gave up in a fight, even though his adversary was usually a lot bigger than him.
One scene of the movie that was stitched onto my heart was the scene in which Rogers finally was allowed to go through the recruit training for the military, and he and the group he was placed in were doing jumping jacks at the camp. His commanding officer produced a dummy grenade and threw it at the troops to see how they would react to that surprise attack. While all of the other men, big and strong, raced to get out of reach of the bomb, Rogers, small and weak, instinctly raced toward the grenade and threw himself on top of it, willing to sacrifice himself in order to save the other troops. What an act of courage and self-sacrifice!
I think that when Rogers became Captain America, it just outwardly expressed the inner strength of his heart. He didn't have to be a physically impressive man to be a superhero. He already was one because of the goodness and boldness of his heart.
In this world that we live in, we consider "superheroes" to be extraordinary men and women in comic books.
We don't have to be extraordinary, larger than life men and women to be superheroes.
Superheroes are just people full of desire to make a difference in this world. Superheroes are people with hearts that are big and willing to do good. They know that this life is about more than themselves and are committed to something bigger. Superheroes are real, and you can be one. I can be one, too. There are so many men and women who already are, and I am so thankful for them. They are the people who have made an impact upon my life, whether they realize it or not. They have set an example that I desire to follow.
Be inspired. You are capable of great things. Truly, you are.
