You Too Can be Superhero

Submitted by Teresa Hendren in Home Page Stories, RCS Blog on July 17, 2020

You Too Can Be a Superhero!
Blog Written By: Mr. Warner, MSHS Principal

What do Spiderman, Captain America, Batman, and the Flash in this photo have in common? 

That’s right, they are all masked superheroes!  Each wears a mask to hide their identity while fighting crime.

I grew up watching the reruns of the 1960’s version of “Batman” which aired at the same Bat Time on the same Bat Channel. “POW!” “BIFF!” “BAM!” “KLONK!” “ZAMM!” Some of you know exactly what I am talking about while others of you are about to pull your phone out to do a Google search of Bat-Fight words. Of course, the 1960’s version of Batman now looks far less intimidating than some of the current (extremely muscular) versions we see today.

Batman and Robin always came through and often just in the nick of time. The plans of the Riddler, Penguin, Mr. Freeze, and the Joker were always thwarted thanks to Batman’s clever mind, neat-o tools, fighting skills, and courage. Batman and Robin helped Gotham City feel safe by their presence. Currently, we live in a pandemic, and it is up to each and every one of us to protect those around us.

I am not advocating that we all begin wearing costumes and begin fighting crime. We will leave the crime-fighting to our courageous, local law enforcement agencies. However, I am advocating that we consider taking this approach to wearing masks in the COVID-19 era. I challenge you to consider “loving our neighbors well” (Mark 12:30-31). As I understand the research behind wearing a mask, it is meant not to protect me from others, but to protect others from me. It is a way that we can demonstrate to others that we care for them and that we want to keep them safe, just like Batman kept Gotham City safe!

Right now, the state of California is aiming to require masks for children when school begins in the fall. This is something Redwood Christian Schools, parents, and students must learn how to do. There are viewpoints on all sides of mask-wearing (and I understand how and why everyone can land differently on this), but masks are going to be a part of school life regardless. Mindset on wearing masks will be so important in order to offer a safe, secure, productive learning environment. For me, I am choosing to view myself as Batman (clearly the 1960’s version), and by wearing a mask, I keep my germs to myself and protect those around me. As a bonus, I also might allow a child and family to feel safe in my presence.

In this time, Jesus’ words in Mark 12:30-31 are so important for us to remember. We need to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We also need to love our neighbor as ourselves. I am willing to help others feel safe in my presence, love those who are cautious, and potentially protect someone from getting sick by wearing a mask. So, each day as I grab my Neck Gaiter face mask, I am thinking to myself: “Na na na na na na na na War-ner (some of you have some Google searching to do)!”

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