the Role Model

     With all the business and drama we call life, it's no surprise that I haven't written anything new as of late. Thankfully, after attending a children's service/mass (whichever you prefer to call it), something clicked. It made me remember a sermon I gave once at Hebrews 11 church back in 2006.
     In a world where there's so much corruption, stagnancy, cynicism and futility, kids today need role models. You know, those people that led by good example worthy of looking up to and provided positive influence to people everywhere. There's so many role models I had growing up and some I still have today.
     I'd have to start with Bret Hart. His character in wrestling, for what he's worth, was worthy to look up to. From delivering amazing matches, putting sunglasses on little kids to visiting sick kids in the hospitals to just simply never giving up in a match -- he was my role model in wrestling. Of course, after reading his autobiography, I found that his image is more squeaky clean than his actual person but again, I have the hero in his in-ring character.
     Another hero in my life (and one of the biggest), is my dad. Yeah, he didn't finish college and sure, he's on disability but consider this -- every day of his life, he busted his butt to apply himself, be a man, a good husband and a great father, even with his moments where you just want to roll your eyes or run for dear life. Even in his hardest moments, he never ceases to be the dad I can trust and love.
     Ricky Sacarello is another guy. He's been a huge instrument of encouragement in terms of my faith in Christ. Put another way, he's my mentor in some ways. A retired policeman, a great role model, amazing father to his stepkids and surefire great husband to Tiffany Claudio. We both have seen some of each others' ups and downs and even when it looks like we're distant, God has a way of bringing us back together on the road somewhere.
     Lastly, Jesus. Not just because he's my Savior, redeemer and stuff -- but because He also showed in the Bible an aspect that I desire to show everywhere in my life -- love, compassion, mercy, grace and a genuine sense of philanthropy. He spent his time with the thieves, tax collectors, fisherman, liars and then some. He showed what it was to show love for your fellow human being and to the outcast. People that deserved to get stoned and killed he instead chose to tell them to go and sin no more. He amazes me. He was also absolutely unafraid to draw the line on right and wrong. These days because we're so preoccupied with being popular, we turn God knows how many things into shades of gray and then wonder why there's no sense of justice. His self-sacrificing in our place is noble and leaves me speechless now as I think about it.
     Surprisingly, I'm gonna close up talking about All Star Superman. By far, the best DC Comics animated film since Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. It is the first Superman film that convinces me that he isn't just a man in pj's with superpowers -- he shows a sense of heroism, self-sacrifice and benevolence that convinced me that he truly is a hero.