'Kryptonite' for Negative Thinkers

If you're a fan of the Superman Comics like me, you know that even with

all of his superpowers, the one thing that could always bring Superman to his knees was kryptonite; the radioactive substance found on his home world that is deadly to him when he's exposed to enough of it.

As much as a lot of us who've been fans of the comic admire the virtues of Superman and the values he upholds; namely, 'truth, justice, and the American way' (regardless of how corny that phrase might sound these days), it is also a reminder that we owe it to ourselves to at least try and pursue the 'truth and justice' part.

We might also take care to be equally as diligent about insulating ourselves from the trouble and calamity that will surely intrude on our lives at some point. The objective being not to surrender when you're in the middle of needing to juggle both.

Don't Get It Twisted

The truth is, many of us are more closely aligned with the Superman character in our thinking because of what he represents; which covers our desire for order, equity, fair play, and above all, knowledge. Knowledge is the real 'superpower' that opens the door to our sensibilities

and keeps us from having to grapple with how we should treat one another. Being well informed helps erase animosity that's been stoked by

fear, and fears that have probably been given birth because of ignorance;

ignorance about certain issues that may happen to impact us even indirectly, and especially ignorance about one another.

Even though 'Superman' is a metaphor for how many of us would like to see ourselves,

the takeaway is that no matter how much we try to account for the disappointment and setbacks, the harmony will usually be challenged at some point. Being knowledgeable about a range of issues means being equipped to resolve problems that otherwise wouldn't, or couldn't, be addressed without having the right information at your disposal. The pursuit of it becomes the beginning of wisdom, which affords us the power to distinguish between those things that enhance the quality of life, as opposed to those that are detrimental to it.

'Insurance ' Without A Deductible

Being well informed is probably the best insurance policy against unexpected circumstances that can easily derail your efforts at trying to achieve anything. Having the right information at your disposal to tackle any situation is a self-imposed premium that will usually produce the desired result. Without it, it's the same as trying to 'put down' a large predator with just a 'BB Gun'. It just won't happen.

The decision to pursue higher education for instance, aside from the secondary and high school level, is always admirable and in most cases necessary in today's society. Whether it's a Degree program or Trade School Certification, to a prospective employer or casual observer it always speaks directly to your desire for upward mobility.

Indirectly, when we simply want to stay informed about those things that will impact us, especially old heads like me, it means we understand how invaluable it is to have useful information at your fingertips and how frustrated our efforts can be at trying to manage our day to day affairs without it.

My own father, for example, didn't complete all of his formal high school education because of the demands placed on him at the time, of needing to be one of the 'bread winners' in the family.

Subsequently, growing up in my parents' household, I appreciated more deeply the sacrifices they made daily to maintain a cohesive family unit. The success we enjoyed may have seemed improbable to some, since we were a family of 5 boys and 5 girls, and living in the poorest part of town. They were not flamboyant people by nature, so our view of material success could best be described as 'relative', but never burdensome.

What distinguished them as parents though was a deep abiding, and active faith that was passed on to all of their children. The 'pecking order' was always made clear when it may have been challenged a time or two, but one of the things that stood out to me about my dad in particular, was his insatiable appetite to learn. He was an avid reader, and educated himself well enough so that he could speak intelligently to anyone about anything; whether it was science, politics, the economy, or religion. He stressed to each of his children the desire that we pursue higher education knowing the premium that it carried for our futures. Educating himself established the assurances needed to tackle problems that otherwise may have become overwhelming, but more importantly it provided discernment; letting him see clearly how truth could enrich his life and the lives of those he loved, as opposed to having to guess about possible solutions, and the pointless claims of deception and negative thinking.

The Looking Glass Revealed

Sadly, in an all too present alternate universe, whose occupants continue to glare at most of us from behind what seems like 'virtual safety glass', knowledge and truth take on the same meaning as the plague, and as something that should be avoided at all cost. In practical terms, it's as if they've decided on a self-imposed exile.

What's unfortunate for anyone who subscribes to that mode of thinking, is the fact that knowledge and truth are self-fulfilling and don't need the burden of misinformation on top of lies, on top of more misinformation to provide sustainable cover from having to do what's right.

If we were all suddenly reduced to 'automatons', without a soul or the ability to think independently, the deception would just be a matter of programming.

Since we're held to a higher standard being created in God's image, our behavior should reflect his character. If some cold hard facts seem like 'kryptonite' because they tend to restrict the execution of what some might consider the 'natural order, I would say to those individuals, consider how God created all of us differently. From the first man and woman sprang a multitude of races, ethnicities, languages, and hues, but neither of them having been given dominion over another. It should be incumbent upon all of us to make an effort to learn from each other and appreciate the gifts we each bring to the table, so that our value doesn't become subordinated and ultimately at the mercy of lies and deception.

During the countdown to this election season, we have an opportunity to follow God's lead and decide to promote truth rather than lies and misinformation. It is written ..

'Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who

deal truthfully are His delight'.

Proverbs 12:22 (NKJV)

Even if you're struggling with your faith, there's reason to be glad about God being pleased with your acceptance of the truth. Knowledge and truth are what sets us free, so there's no need to treat truth like it's your 'kryptonite' that virtually forces you to retreat to an alternate reality with like-minded thinkers. So, to whoever 'fits the mold' consider becoming an agent of change, that really makes an impact for the benefit of us all. Peace..