During the current global environment of societal isolation, there's been a lot--A LOT--of movie and TV binge watching of favorite films and series from a variety of genres and subjects and characters, many of them fictional yet identifying and resonating to many. And while many of those characters may be "other-worldly" in physical, mental, and/or character abilities, there are elements of their own "human" nature conveyed by the character which seemingly form "connections" to the viewer. For me, I've always been a big fan of Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, not so much for his heroic physical endeavors but for his deeply abiding commitment to doing the RIGHT thing. Recently, while watching various film segments on YouTube of Cap being Cap, I came across a scene from the ever-popular action adventure film, Avengers: Endgame where Cap has been battling Thanos the Titan alongside his trusted and ever supportive collegues Iron Man and Thor; nearly beaten and exhausted from the extensive effort to defeat the evil menace intent upon bringing an end to the universe, the expression in Cap's eyes conveys the description of being weary---drained of hope, completely spent and worn-out, and of shattered. Being weary can disconnect one from the very essence of their core, leaving them isolated, fearful, and lost...
It goes without saying there is a present atmosphere of weariness these days as our communities, let alone the global community, continue to face the impacts and effects of the current pandemic, to the point of levying a seemingly ever-present spirit of sadness. So what then do we do? How do we face the tough times of the present day...how do we manage seeming dark days? Sadly, there are many, many vices available to numb and distract one from what is important and necessary; hopefully--and prayerfully--the rise of building connections that matter within our living areas, our neighborhoods, and our communities mitigate those ill-willed vices from having a foothold, offering even the smallest glimmer of hope and assurance...
It is in those shadowed, even dark at times, moments I'm reminded from Scripture to "press on to the prize to which I have been called." [Phil 3:13-14]. Being a committed athlete necessitates a committed work ethos; being a committed co-worker and employee requires dedicated loyalty & service; being a committed husband...father...friend...professional---name your role---entails being resolute towards achieving the desired destination...to press on...to STRIVE. "The act of striving, " Madeleine Albright once remarked, "is in itself the only way to keep faith with life."--so true in the roles we select to pursue and to which we dedicate our time; truer still in the relationships in which we find ourselves and seek. And it is in that striving of life I find relief from my own weariness, for I do so in the camaraderie and fellowship of family and friends, of mentors and ministers, of coaches and collaborators, all bathed and clothed in the spirit of living lives of service and passion---there can be no better way to keep faith in life!
Drained of hope, completely spent and worn-out, and shattered---we've all been there, we've all experience those shadows, we've all known the taste of weariness in various forms; yet, just as Captain America's countenance & spirit was immediately strengthened when Sam Wilson (aka Falcon) called out "On your left" as he entered the battle through the time-portal (along with thousands of fellow warriors), so do you and I when a close friend or confidant enters the troubled arenas of our lives, essentially our own personal "on your left" moments.
So....who's your "Falcon"? Who's called out "on your left" to you when you were weary and lost of hope? Who is the one who encourages you to keep your faith with life? Find them....and love them, now and always.
