Are You The Greatest American Hero?
I was a kid of the 1970s and 80s. Yes, I wore plaid corduroys in elementary school and legwarmers in high school. I crawled around freely in the back of a moving station wagon, and I learned to type on an old grey Royal typewriter. The keys were so hard to push that I still jab my keyboards like I am trying to make a dent. I also recorded songs off the radio on my totally awesome dual-cassette deck stereo. It had a turntable and a blue led clock readout that could probably be seen from space. It filled my room with a cool glow as I stayed up much too late, hoping to hear songs on my "wish list." There was no downloading or streaming available (or invented), so that was the easiest way to get the prime songs. The music of those decades was some of the best! But the TV shows. Well, the TV shows.
The majority of the programs haven't passed the test of time. The jokes are predictable, and the pop culture references are mostly lost all these years later. But I submit to you a show that, in my opinion, has lasted through the decades and is still entertaining: The Greatest American Hero. You don't know it? It was on for only three seasons, so don't feel bad. I'll fill you in.
Filmed in the early 1980s, the show is set around a high school English teacher named Ralph. Sound boring? Wait. Ralph is gifted with a bright red superhero suit by some friendly aliens who, after having observed Earth for some time, want better for humanity. Hold on; don’t leave yet!
The aliens provide Ralph with an instruction book for the suit, and he is excited to learn all of the powerful things it will help him do. While Ralph is trying out some of the functions, he discovers how to make himself small – so small that the pebbles now look like boulders. While he is tiny, he lays the instruction manual on a nearby boulder. Presently, he makes himself normal size again without holding the manual. The book, still tinier than a pebble, is now lost and useless because Ralph can't remember how to get small. But The Greatest Amerian Hero can't let that stop him. He goes on many missions (three seasons' worth) to save hapless people and the American populace, but without instructions for his super clothing. His experience is full of crashes, miscues, and mishaps. But through his mistakes, Ralph learns and improves.
The title could be taken sarcastically. Ralph wasn't a comic book champion full of confidence, money, or power. However, I think the show was titled with honesty. Ralph was humble, and he was learning. He really wanted to help people, and he didn't have an ulterior motive. That really is a great hero.
Maybe you have been a hero to someone.
Stop and think about it. Have you done something you consider significant, like saving someone's life? Paying their rent? Buying them a car? It doesn't always have to be something the world considers big. Maybe you encouraged a friend or a stranger. Did you brave the COVID cooties and give a hug or help someone clean up a mess? Perhaps you listened to the tickle of the Holy Spirit and stopped to pray with someone. And let's talk about that person who asked you for money on the street. Yes, it is possible that they really were not out in the cold last night, and they may actually drive a car nicer than yours. But if you gave freely and prayed honestly, you are opening a door for God to work in them. In you, too.
You have armor. Put it on! It's not red or bulletproof, but it is the armor of God Himself. With it, you can quench the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16). Don't be afraid to be somebody's hero. How? According to our instruction manual, you can do all kinds of super things.
You can fly! Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
You can become invisible! Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10)
You have super strength! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)
You have a powerful weapon! For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Studying the manual can teach us to tap into those super powers.
Vocabulary from the TV English teacher
One of the results of this show was that it taught many of us the word "scenario." They used it in every episode. Nerdy, huh? My cousin pointed it out to me, and we started waiting for it each week, anticipating it like it was a prize. A scenario, after all, is a series of events that are expected to fall into place. One of the characters, Bill Maxwell, invariably explained how he thought his scenario should solve the problem and save the world. Sometimes it went the way he thought, but most of the time, it didn't.
We work out our own possible scenarios, maybe even practice conversations while in the shower or driving. We decide what we will say and do in meetings and on phone calls. While it's good to plan, we need to remember that God has worked out the ultimate scenarios. You might practice the conversation, but it is likely to go in another direction because God knows you don't need to put your boss in her place or do that head shake and eye roll.
We may not (all) have bright red superhero suits, but we do have an instruction manual in God's Word. Be sure to keep your hands on it. You will need it when you make yourself small, humble, and heroic.
