"Why do we fall down? So we can learn to pick ourselves back up again."- Alfred Pennyworth - Batman Begins (2005)
Like the howling of a wolf in the darkness, so is the mind which is blanketed by the darkness of undaunted memories. Small eyes witness a tragic event which haunts memories with a cold chill. Echoes continue like standing in the Grand Canyon and crying out, hello. Laughter was yesterday’s event, even though it was heard seconds ago.
A boy kneels down and looks over the lifeless bodies of his parents, slain in armed robbery. The life he once knew was robbed of vitality and so Bruce Wayne exists no more, but only now in the spirit as Batman. Who is this Batman?
In a handbook called, The Batman Handbook, The Ultimate Training Manual by Scott Beatty, it describes everything you’d need to know if you were to become Batman and what you would need to learn. Learn everything you can in every discipline, no matter how obscure and here is an abridged list:
Forensics
Criminology
Law
Chemistry
Physics
Computer Science
Tracking Skills (from bounty hunters)
Training your body.
Training
your instincts.
Can you imagine trying to empower yourself with all the knowledge, so you can fight the crime which took your life and protect others from undue harm of the future? His mission is to ensure the lethal tragic event would not become a reinvented wheel for someone else. What is the psychology of Batman?
It has to be understood through the dichotomy of Batman and Bruce Wayne. Bruce no longer exists. His personality died when his parents were killed and was witnessed by their young son. The Batman Begins movie explains the dynamics and characteristics of Batman when he said, “It’s the difference between who I am and the enemy.” Who is the Dark Knight? He perches on ledges of Gotham City like a vulture waiting on an event to occur, and then too swoop down to devour the lifeless crime which engulfed its victim.
Ever looked at the storyline? I am not sure what the writer had in mind when he created Batman. The characters which exist in the different stories have a profound effect on Batman. There are several key things which provoke the thoughts in my mind.
Batman is pessimistic, moody, but analyzes the situation before engaging. He plans a battle plan. He has an active approach on how he deals with each situation and will use everything within his disposal as a tool to aid in his survival. Batman is careful in his planning, but he fights his arch enemy the Joker who acts on impulses making him unstable. Batman/Bruce Wayne is challenged by another enemy who use to be a friend. Two face acts on fate of a coin to determine his own behavior as to act well or to be evil. Batman is challenged by his own split of his personality. Each of his enemies represents a challenge to Batman’s abilities or his characteristics. Almost like a man in the mirror. The reality stands real, but the reflection is the reminder of what only lies inside.
Can you identify yourself within the stories of Batman? Like Batman, who has acquired many allies, we too have the same allies. Whether, it is Alfred the butler, or Dr. Leslie who raised Bruce after his parents were killed, as Christians there are those who are willing to step in and nurse you when your down and out or lift you up to higher realms. Did you know Christ has empowered you as a superhero? No matter how bad your situation may be.
Christ is the ultimate superhero! We are his sidekicks. It is up to you in how you face your fear and turn them into your greatest strength. Like Bruce he turned his fear of bats into his greatest strength. Christ has empowered us to know there is nothing to fear when He is on your side. No matter how bad things seem to be, Christ gives us tools to survive. Ephesians 3:16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
What is the superhero within? God has empowered you to be more than what you are able to think. We are like Batman. When a tragic event strikes we are faced with choices. Do we change our lives and make it better than what it was before? Then when we are faced with the past like the enemies of Batman, do we have the strength to beat the past?
1. Fear – Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
2. Courage – Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
3. Protect – John 17:14-16 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do.
4. Two Face – Romans 7:21-25 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
Find the superhero within. Find the courage to fight evil and protect others from the evil one. There is nothing to fear. Remember the urge to do what is right and not what is wrong. Have the courage to allow God to change your life for the best. Our disguise is Christ (Romans 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.) and we wait for our bat signal, Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
