Dr. Stephen Strange is one of my favorite characters. Following his journey of grandiosity and selfishness to a contemplative spiritual human being is truly amazing. I want to remember to give back what was so generously given to me. I think that’s part of the reason why I am a teacher. With that said the 5th graders participated in a food drive. We talked about gratitude and being giving. Some of them really showed up and gave back.

Giving Back

“Charity Work! You've got to be joking, Dr. Benton! These are the most talented hands in the annals of medicine! They don't touch a band-aid for anything but cash!” - Dr. Stephen Strange

Poor Dr. Stephen Strange, he was one of the greatest surgeons and healers of the 20th Century but he was also one of the grandiose and selfish surgeons. His steady hands were part of his success but then a car accident removed his ability to hold a steady scalpel. After many attempts to heal himself Stephen Strange found a Tibetan monk – the Ancient One. The Ancient One was actually the Sorcerer Supreme. Stephen Strange learned that his hands were not the whole sum of his success. To make a long story short Stephen Strange through a series of events and trials Stephen Strange became the new “Sorcerer Supreme”. And Stephen Strange redeems himself by healing, protecting, and mastering the mystic realms as Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme.

The greatest lesson Doctor Strange learned was to give back – give back what was so generously given to him. We can learn these lessons as well. A person smiles we should smile back. Years ago, in school your Mom taught you, patiently, the 3 times tables – now help your office mate proof their document with a patient smile. Help your 80-year-old neighbor with her groceries. We move forward by giving back.

Doctor Strange
First Appearance: Strange Tales #110, July 1963, Marvel Comics

Creators: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

* Doctor Strange Vol. 1, #169 June 1968