Superhero Status

Spiderman. Batman. Ironman. Superman. Captain America. Wolverine. Hulk. Thor. Wonder Woman.

I know I’m not the only superhero movie lover.

There’s just something about the way these characters save humanity that makes us want to grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, put up our feet, and press “play.” Am I right?

I mean, what’s not to love? Surely not their superhuman strength or easy-on-the-eyes physique. Even their flaws and baggage-filled back stories are loveable. It’s this problem-filled prologue that not only makes them relatable but also draws us in like moths to a flame.

Personally, I can’t help but be lured in by my desire to understand who these characters were before they gained their superhuman status.

Yes, you heard me correctly.

Believe it or not, our favorite superheroes weren’t always so super. Some, I dare say, were even less than ordinary (no hard feelings, Steve).

So, if most were your average, run-of-the-mill citizens, how did they become so super? I’m glad you asked.

Each of our acclaimed protagonists faced some sort of unexpected obstacle: sudden death of a loved one, radioactive spider, kidnappers, gamma radiation, etc. Rather than defeat them, though, these unexpected circumstances served as a catalyst to greatness.

Peter Parker, Bruce Wayne, Tony Stark, Clark Kent, Steve Rodgers, Logan, Bruce Banner, Thor, and Diana not only met these unexpected obstacles face on, but they overcame, saved the day, and ultimately became the superheroes that we know and love.

But…

As my fellow superhero fans can surely attest to, the story doesn’t end there. Rather, another unexpected obstacle or semi-attractive villain (cough Loki cough) makes his grand entrance. As the comic book movie industry would have it, each new obstacle or villain is more challenging or more powerful than the last, taxing our ever-charming heroes.

So momentous were these new obstacles and villains that even Thor, a fictional demi-god, could not claim victory, or at least not single handedly. No, he had to align himself with fellow superhumans. Only together could they take on these new challenges and once again save the day.

So what do my superhero ramblings have to do with you?

Well…While our comic book movies may be fictional, they do teach some important and very real lessons, the first being that life will undoubtedly throw unexpected obstacles your way.

Thankfully, your obstacles will not include vengeful mutants or power-hungry aliens, or at least let’s hope not, but they might include an unexpected pregnancy which, let’s be honest, can be just as scary.

 The second lesson deals with your response to the unexpected. Will you turn tail and hide, or will you, like our superheroes, meet the unexpected face on?  An unexpected pregnancy can be difficult, but this difficult moment in your life could be your catalyst to greatness.

Right now you might be asking the question, “How.” How can I be a parent? How can I provide for a child when I can’t even afford diapers? How can I take care of a baby when I don’t know the first thing about being a parent? How?

Well, that’s where the third lesson comes in. When faced with obstacles and villains that were beyond their expertise, our superheroes formed the Avengers, the Justice League, and the X-Men. Follow their example and form an alliance with Starting Point. We offer options counseling for those who are undecided, plenty of parenting resources, adoption agency connections, and all the support you could ever need no matter your decision. You might not be able to parent on your own, but you aren’t alone. Starting Point is here for you.

Remember, friend, expect the unexpected. Let it be your prologue, your catalyst to greatness, and align yourself with Starting Point to become your own personal superhero.