Pastor's Perspective - Bubble Gum Heroes

Dear Family & Friends,

Are you somebody’s hero today?

Last night our 8-year-old son Sam thoroughly entertained us. His play as a team member of the undefeated (11-0) little league Twins had his family’s undivided knee-slapping attention. Admittedly, the kid is pretty good. But what really entertained us was that throughout his game, Sam had a large wad of bubble gum in his mouth. Throughout the six innings of regulation play, Sam whether at bat or fielding, chewed, blew big bubbles and popped away. I have to admit, seeing my boy out there chompin away all chipmunk-cheeked took me back a few years. My heart swelled with pride – a Daddy thing I guess! It was clear to all of us that my kid has watched many of his big league heroes doing this on television, and last night was his opportunity to imitate them and shine.

As much as we laughed at Sam, it was a good reminder for me and one worth passing along to you – that our children are looking for heroes to imitate; and that their observations have laser clarity.

As a kid my heroes went from sports stars to rock stars and back to sports stars. As an adult my heroes shifted to heroes of the faith (biblical and contemporary) and those who heroically and courageously wear our stars and stripes. Most real heroes I’ve found are only known by a relative few. They humbly live dedicated and content lives, selflessly serving a higher cause by sacrificially serving others. Their quiet integrity is unquestionable, and their definitions of true success always substitute “I” with “We”. They are known not by their flashy skyrocket ascents, but by their consistency and ability to attain and maintain an altitude. The Bible is filled with them, and “real-life” too, if you’ll stop and look.

I believe strongly that the Lord is calling each of us (especially as parents, grandparents and guardians) to be people worth looking up to and worth imitating. Even the apostle Paul encouraged his readers to follow him as he followed Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). For you see, it’s only as we personally know and fall-in behind Jesus that we become people worth following.

Chew on that!

In the Fight,

Steve Kiefer