It may be trite, naive or even against your current spiritual beliefs but I do look to superheroes for guidance. The people who created them and/or play them on TV or in movies can be just as inspiring. I take their lessons and apply it to my life. For me Christopher Reeves is an inspiration.

Hero

“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of Overwhelming obstacles.” - Christopher Reeves

Clark Kent, superman, also known as Kal-el, is probably the most famous of Superheroes. We all know his story, born to a scientific father (Jor-el) and mother (Lara) on a dying planet (Krypton). His parents sent their only son (Kal-el) to Earth. He was adopted by the kind and generous Martha and Jonathan Kent and was given the name Clark. Then eventually he became Superman, faster than a speeding a bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. But all Superman ever wants is to be an ordinary normal guy, but because of the obstacles in his way he is the greatest, the first, and most inspiring. Superman is a total Boy Scout, living a mild-mannered, modest life. Superman was created to protect, to serve and to inspire.

Now before we go any further take a moment to think about Christopher Reeves. Mr. Reeves was a mild-mannered, modest individual who was lucky enough to play Superman in the movies. Then one Sunday afternoon because of an accident he lost the use of his body. He became an inspiration that day. He continued to live and inspire never letting an “overwhelming obstacle” get in his way. Christopher Reeves became an inspiration through the gifts he shared. In the comics Superman once said, “I look upon my powers as a gift, not mine alone but for anyone who needs them.” The easiest thing to give is our talents or gifts. In all honesty deep down we all want to be helpful, caring, and inspiring. We all want to be cared for, helped, and listened to regularly. What better way to do this than to be the absolute best person we can be today? The painter needs to show the artwork. The singer needs to be heard. The lawyer needs to protect the law and the doctor needs to help the sick. Do not let the “overwhelming obstacles” get in our way. Do what we do well and we will find that we to are all supermen protecting, serving and inspiring. We will find that we are all heroes deep inside.

Superman
First Appearance: National Comics Action Comics June. 1938

Creators: Jerry Siegel (plot & script), and Joel Shuster (art)