Superman--Absolutely!

           Our younger two children, Shepherd and Elizabeth Jane have amped up their prayer life in the last few weeks.  After learning about several people we know and love who have different illnesses and diseases they began to daily lift these people up in prayer.  The list has grown significantly.  But the really cool thing is that they are seeing God answer their prayers.  One man had a small hernia that is now gone.  Another man had serious heart problems as was planning major heart surgery that is now been taken off the plans because he is doing so much better.  A baby who wasn't sleeping is now

sleeping.  And this list names just a few.  Even though there are still requests that are being prayed with no change seen yet, their faith has increased exponentially.

     I was reminded of a story this morning.  It took me back to just before Halloween several years ago.  Shepherd was particularly adamant about getting a very specific super hero costume.  He started a few weeks before asking for us to get it.  Because this was not my first rodeo I knew costumes bought are not made very well, I was reluctant to agree to get it too early.  And finally I gave in that window where I knew folks had started buying costumes and they might run out of his size, and the not too too early to bring it home and get it torn before the holiday.  That boy was elated.  He was so proud. We got home just in time for me to make supper and all my motherly defenses were down.  He started begging to wear it and I just need to get the food in the oven.  I agreed.  He disappeared and was cheering all the way.  I hear jumping and running and more jumping.  This goes on for quite some time.  And then, walks in the kitchen, one extremely sad Superman.  I asked him why he was so sad.  With long face and head hung low he said to me in his little fellow voice, "I am not a superhero.

I can't even fly."  It had not crossed my mind that part of the reason he was so excited about getting his outfit included the ability to fly.  I could see why he would have been so excited and why it was so hard to wait.

    As I was considering this story today I began to formulate a conversation for bedtime tonight.  At 10 years old, the idea that a costume could make you fly would seem absurd to him.  But I am certain that inside his boy (going to be a man) body there is a place that longs to be a superhero.  I am considering how I am going to tell him that HE IS!  A superhero is "a heroic character possessing extraordinary talents, supernatural phenomena, or super powers and is dedicated to a moral goal or protecting the public." (according to wikipedia)  Now he still can't fly and probably won't unless he goes to flight school.  And I don't imagine he will "leap tall buildings in a single bound", although he is really, really fast.  But Shepherd's life is making a superhero type of difference.  As he storms the gates of hell and takes his prayers up to Jesus the victorious king, changes are happening.  Lives are better as a result of his (their) prayers.  

     And I don't know about you, but this makes me want to get serious about praying as well.  Would those people have gotten better anyway? I don't know for sure, but the doctors report about the hernia is that it would not get better on its on.  I believe all of our prayers make a difference...when we take time to pray them.  It's not "oh, I guess we can JUST pray." Prayer makes a difference!  We are told to "pray continually" in 1 Thess. 5:17.  This is a gift and a high calling to intercede on behalf of one another.  Maybe we should put our best superhero outfits (figuratively of course) and run, jump or fly to our prayer closets to begin taking more ground for the kingdom.  I wonder if I still have those Wonder Woman Underoos...