Never Changing Values

 Poor Steve Rogers. A man out of time. Growing up in the "Greatest Generation" era has left poor Steve lost in the 21st century after waking up from a deep sleep. Here in this particular panel, Steve questions his purpose as Captain America. Was he just a soldier in the hands of the government? A propaganda tool to counter the Nazi regime in Europe? A rallying symbol to unite all of America?
   Renown for his courage and desire to do good, Captain America is mostly recognized by his fellow heroes for his values. Before being the a hero, Steve was an Orphan trying to serve his country but rejected many times for his physical stature. Finally transformed by the Super Soldier program, he still never lost his values and his pure goodness.Cap is a Greatest Generation icon struggling to maintain those values and beliefs in a far more ever changing and complicated world.
  The same way works with God's commandments. Even though the world may portray the commandments as "old school" or "outdated", they still are for our time. Steve often gets made fun of, mocked, or put down for his beliefs and standards. But he knows the world needs an example of pure goodness for our time. As being a Latter-day Saint, I know that we never lower God's standards. The world is always changing, God's law doesn't change. We must hold onto what is right!
  Seriously, what purpose does Captain America serve outside of combat? Of course we know the answer now Steve. But as for us, we must be like Jesus Christ, our Savior. He was perfect in all things, including keeping His Father's commandments.

We will have Cap wrap this up with a quote..

"...Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right... When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world — No, you move."

"Greater love hath no man than this.."

   I love comic books. With great artwork and awesome heroes... it's never a boring read. Of course one of my personal favorites is the Ultimate Spider Man series. Peter Parker, a nerdy teenager growing up in New York City, succumbs to a spider bite that transforms him to super human capabilities. Receiving these powers, he later recognizes the responsibility that comes with it. 

  Taking the entire city under his wing, he fights against the rising crime. And in some cases.. a few crazy characters. Peter than sees the sacrifices that a hero must go through in order to maintain the peace. Long hours of the night fighting against criminals, Peter can barely focus during school. Being a masked vigilante, he must protect his identity, even from loved ones such as his aunt and uncle. And if the villains ever found out who he was, then all who he loves will be placed in danger. He must sacrifice his relationships with others, since this is one of his greatest fears. And of course, he is always putting his life on the line for others.

    With all of the pressures of such responsibility, what can a kid do? Spider Man is known for his sarcastic humor and positive outlook on all situations. This is why he is one of my favorite heroes. Despite facing a really hard situation, he will crack jokes and often mock his foes. In the end, Peter realizes what he is doing is good. He knows his sacrifices are never in vain as long as the people are safe. At times, he does face sorrow and despair, such as the losses of loved ones. 

  Eventually, Peter made the ultimate sacrifice. Seeing Captain America in the line of a sniper, Peter quickly took action and pushed the legendary hero away from the shot. Captain America was safe, yet young Peter was not and could not recover. The young hero who fought valiantly for others was gone. 

   I often wonder of the great sacrifices Peter had to go through. Yes, he isn't real.. but doesn't mean people today aren't doing the same. Everyday, there is someone in the world putting their life on the line.. or a parent working long hours everyday to put food on the table. Or a student staying up late into the night, so one day he/she can provide for themselves and their future families. In the Bible, in the book of John 15:13.."Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. "  Yes, many of us may not have to sacrifice our lives for others, yet we can still do a lot! Bearing the burdens of loved ones, serving people at all costs, and sacrificing our time for the benefits of others.  

  The perfect example of sacrifice of course is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Taking upon him the sins of the world, of our sorrows, pains, trails, and afflictions... Jesus Christ sacrificed his life so that all of us can return to our Father in Heaven. I hope that we may put ourselves aside for the benefit of others. 

  For those who think their sacrifices go unnoticed, remember that you have a Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, who love you and see all that you do.