Free photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Superman, Daddy, and The Almighty God; Plus Pam Farrel’s Book Give-Away!
(I just returned from the 3rd Christian Communicators Conference where I told this story. Awesome week, BTW! But in going back to my “Story List,” I see that the experience was about Superman, not Peter Pan as I had said at the conference. So since today’s post is supposed to be a spiritual message, I’m re-telling my story here–partially excerpted from my book Seeing Through the Lies–in order to get all the details straight…and to share the Truth of God’s Word.)
As a little girl, I never wanted to do little girl things. Instead of being a cheerleader, I played on the boys’ baseball team. Instead of running from the guys who pulled my hair, I chased them, threw them to the ground and beat them up. Life was good.
Then I found Superman. Standing up for truth, justice, and the American way, this muscle-bound hero showed up in my living room every week, protecting the population of Metropolis from the evil forces of the world. He was always there when they needed him. And although I understood that Superman wasn’t real, I still wanted to be like him. I wanted to fly.
I don’t mean really fly. I was old enough to realize that some sort of trick made Superman soar above the needy crowd. Then I discovered the secret. They used ropes! So I tied a towel-cape around my shoulders, grabbed a rope, and climbed up my favorite tree.
First big mistake.
I was very careful to make sure the rope was the correct length, long enough to allow me to soar back and forth over the sandbox, but short enough to assure a satisfactory elevation. I wrapped the corded braid around my waist and tested the knots until I was confident they would hold me up. On the count of five, I took a deep breath and jumped.
Second big mistake.
Have you ever tried to breathe while hanging from a rope? In case you didn’t know, it doesn’t make any difference whether the rope is tied around your waist or around your neck, the end result is the same: you die. So there I was, dangling from the tree, folded in half like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the dead weight of my arms and legs hanging over the sandbox. I couldn’t reach the tree and couldn’t squeak out a call for help.
For the first time in my young life, I knew real fear. In the few moments it took for my entire life to flash before my eyes (all of about three seconds—it doesn’t take too long to flash through seven years), I realized I was going to die. I had climbed the tree in order to pretend I was saving the world, and now I prayed that someone would come along and save me. I imagined my parents’ reactions when they found my limp body hanging on display, right there in the front yard for all to see. Boy, was I in trouble this time.
And then a miracle happened. Daddy came home early. As a hard-working young man trying to support his wife and four kids, he was rarely home before bedtime. But that day, he was. And just as the last three molecules of oxygen were circulating through my brain, Daddy’s big, strong arms reached up and saved me. He took control of my most dangerous situation.
That day confirmed what I already knew: Daddy was right up there with Superman. And although he wasn’t faster than a speeding bullet and couldn’t leap tall buildings in a single bound, he was my hero. He had rescued me in the most fearful moment of my young life.
If only we would always recognize and tap into the super powers of our Heavenly Daddy. Unlike our earthly father—or Superman—God’s power is never limited. And He wants to be our Hero!
Are you at the end of your rope today, hanging on for dear life? Are you fearful? Suffering with illness? Hurt over a broken relationship? Searching for His will in your life? Disappointed in your ministry?
Call on your powerful Daddy. Like my daddy was back then, God is constantly at work. But instead of being busy and unavailable like my earthly daddy, God-at-work means He’s always with us. He doesn’t miss a thing. He’s ready and willing to step in and take control…if only we’ll let Him.
God’s big, strong arms are ready to reach down and save you. What do you need to release to Him today?
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And Who’s the Winner of Pam Farrel’s Latest Book, Becoming a Brave New Woman?
Random.org says it’s Judy Parker! Congratulations, Judy! Just send me your snail mail address and your free book will be on its way!
But don’t worry if you didn’t win. You can get your own copy of Pam Farrel’s book, Becoming a Brave New Woman right here. You don’t want to miss it!
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That’s it for today. Don’t forget to return Thursday to see who wins a copy of Marcia Moston’s book, Call of a Coward. It could be you!
Blessings,
Vonda
(Daddy and daughter photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
