The Dreams of Batkid!

Recently, I traveled to San Francisco for some adventuring during Thanksgiving. I did have many adventures, though encountered so many more things to be thankful for than I had expected. Namely, the Batkid! While I know that this story happened way back in November and is an event sure to be emblazoned on every citizen superhero's radar by now, I find myself reflecting on it daily. While in SF, I came across the various locations where the Batkid's valor had taken place. Though I had not been there a few days earlier to actually witness it, I was definitely moved by the story. While being a true superhero does not necessarily warrant a cape or mask, the desire to "save the day" is what resonates so deeply here for me. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and city of San Francisco have certainly created a heroic moment, joining forces to help make another's dream come true (something we should keep in mind for our own efforts.) But when I hear that "saving the day" is an actual dream for a child, like young Miles Scott (aka Batkid), I feel a little stronger, a little wiser and certainly thankful.

Our hero! Batkid saves the day in San Francisco

CS ALERT: The Superheroes of Boston

At the moment of greatest darkness can shine the brightest light.  In the face of the recent horrific bombings at the Boston Marathon, citizen superheroes from all walks of life materialized from the smoke and rubble to, literally, save the day!  It was not a self-serving moment, nor one for recognition or even in the name of a country or belief system...it was simply reflex.  It was compassion in the rawest form.  Runners who had run 26.2 miles (a distance that leaves most physically and emotionally spent) ran an additional few miles past the finish line to give blood at the local hospital.  Bystanders, instead of fleeing in the opposite direction of the blasts and carnage hurried to serve those with injuries, though they had absolutely no medical training.

  The people of Boston, MA and the attendees of the marathon are a people to emulate, and not because it was acting in a time of crisis, but because it was an act of grace and love and support and unity.  They are a community of citizen superheroes that show us what we can be capable of when coming together.  We can only be at our strongest if we act in this way during crisis, but also (and especially) regardless of crisis.

"In times of crisis, we come together and we help one another.  Moments like these, terrible as they are, don't show our weakness, they show our strength." - District Attorney Daniel Conley (in a press conference following the bombings.)

  Crisis can be our greatest teacher and not for the sake vengeance or hopelessness, but for a change in ourselves.  Be absolutely everything you can be and rise to the moment.

Take care of one another, -Citizen Superhero

Thank you for your support

"Heart is what wins battles." - CYCLOPS

Citizen Superhero Project 4th Anniversary
Hey superheroes,
Citizen Superhero turns 4 years old this month!  WOW! Thanks to all of the amazing individuals out there who give of themselves for a better world.  Every minute is a chance to explore and ignite the citizen superhero in each of us.

Now, more than ever, is the time to join our forces and strive to become our greatest selves.  Show your support for the CSP by joining us on facebook.  We look forward to the next four years of serving the greater good.

Here's to saving the day...everyday!  ONWARD!

-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"I am the voice of your children -- the non-meek who intend to inherit the earth!"  - FIREBRAND

CS CHALLENGE:
Whether we realize it or not, superheroes, all we do, everything we build, each and every time we act in the name of peace, we do it for the sake of future prosperity.  Our children are our purest and most powerful asset.  We must teach our younger generations with intention, listen to them, learn from their lessons, demonstrate for them patience and empathy, show them kindness, and surround them with love.  Through these actions our children will become stronger than we ever could imagine.  Despite your affiliation with children in your own life, you still possess the power to affect them.  A child is always in your midst.  Be aware that you are always sending messages in the way you speak aloud in public, or when you hold the door for someone else, or say thank you, or wait for the right time to cross the street, or help someone who has dropped something or been hurt.  Positive and constructive action in these cases is your most potent superpower.  Use it and do so without restraint.

A child simply is the ripple effect.  We act and they will react.  We model and they will respond accordingly.  The seeds we plant should be destined to be great, bright and true and not a product of negligence, prejudice, hate or apathy.  Be a voice and be an advocate for those that will someday take all they have learned and apply it, as you have, to cultivating a better world.

Kindness without restraint!
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"No matter how many mistakes we make along the way -- we must learn to care for one another!" - JEAN GREY

Have a powerful week, superheroes!
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"That is the decision all lovers must make -- whether their relationship will destroy...or heal the other. It's often the most difficult decision-- and, as love is not a constantly stable factor, it's one they'll have to make again and again." - BLACK PANTHER

CS CHALLENGE:
Superheroes, I wouldn't normally post two quotes, taken from the same source, back-to-back, but being that it is Valentine's Day, and love is in the air, Black Panther's words provide such wisdom and perspective for love and relationship.  While there should never be just one designated time that we choose to give love to those we care about (the same goes for times to recognize someone's greatness, celebrate a life, do community service or to give gifts), this quote sidesteps the sugar-coated, pink and red haze version of love that is normally equated with Valentine's Day, and provides a real, lasting truth about the power of love.  Of all of our superpowers, love is the purest and the most capable of change.  Love can build as easily and with as much strength as it can break and destroy.

Be conscious of your power to love and do it well and every single day!
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"It is time for our people to hear the voice of reason rather than rage." - MARTIAN MANHUNTER

CS CHALLENGE:
It is so easy to react when we feel threatened, angry or in danger.  Be conscious of how you respond to people and situations.  We can be a reasonable people, but if it is peace and reason we require, then we must practice it ourselves, so that we may model behavior for those that lead and represent us in this world.  Anger is strong, but easy...kindness and reason are difficult, but far more powerful.  Be brave...do the things which may seem difficult, and that nearly scare you because of how true and right they really are.

-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"I believe in an idea, an idea that a single individual who has the right heart and the right mind...can change the world." - CAPTAIN AMERICA

Happy New Year, fellow superheroes!  May this year bring strength, great courage and clear vision to your life.  Be well and good in your intentions.  Serve the greater good, but do not neglect yourself.  Do not falter in helping another in need and remember that both peace and change are ongoing efforts which are always in great need of your support and attention.  Here's to using our powers always for good and never for evil, to being an active part of something greater and to saving the day...everyday.

-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom:

"Redemption isn't always possible. But understanding is." - PROFESSOR X

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"…when you have so little, it's easy to be swayed into blaming your neighbour. Almost all aggression can be cured with education." - DOVE

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"The essence of humanity is not something you can weigh...or duplicate!"  - CAPTAIN COMET

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"A balanced vision is what's going to make all the difference in the world for your mission." -MARTIAN MANHUNTER

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"People can't change what they are until and unless they understand what they can be. Unless they can know it and feel it in their hearts." - SPIDER-MAN

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Stand as a symbol of diversity, unity and tolerance." - DAWNSTAR

Superhero Wisdom of the Week:

"Love should never be a secret."  
 - DOCTOR OCTOPUS

CS: Celebrating Black Superheroes

 

In honor of Black History Month (and every month), here are some links and resources to pay homage to some black comic book superheroes and creators that have spanned the generations and had a tremendous influence on their readers and citizens everywhere.  

As Citizen Superheroes, we must take every opportunity to acknowledge our history and our influences.  It is imperative that, in order to grow stronger and hone our powers, we make constant efforts to recognize our prejudices and break them down one by one.  It is isn't easy and that is precisely why it's so important!

ARTICLES:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com
http://www.ecbacc.com/content/?q=node/36 
http://www.washingtonpost.com (Story about blind comics artist/writer Andre Campbell)
SITES & BLOGS
http://www.blacksuperhero.com/
www.bamkapow.com (The 15 Greatest Black Superheroes of All-time)
http://www.blacksuperherofan.com/
http://heritagehsq.tripod.com (Andre Campbell's company, Heritage Comics)
www.bvblackspin.com (25 Great Black Superheroes)
http://www.vibe.com/photo-galleries/black-superheroes/0 (Picture Gallery)

Superhero Wisdom of the Week:

"If sacred places are spared the ravages of war... then make all places sacred. And if the holy people are to be kept harmless from war... then make all people holy." -SILVER SURFER

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"I'm the sum of so many people who have influenced me, shaped my thinking, and given me love." -NIGHTWING

Superhero Wisdom of the Week:

"Value the character of my heart, not my appearance." - NIGHTCRAWLER

Superhero Wisdom of the Week:

"The only limit to my power is the limit imposed...by my boundless compassion for all mankind."

-ALFIE O'MEAGAN (Alpha Omega)
CS Challenge: What are some limits to your own powers?