METROPOLIS-Jack Larson, best known as James Olson, aka Jimmy, died this
week at age 87. Lost to the public for many years, Larson was stuck in the mold
of the foolish young Jimmy, and decided to work behind the camera rather than in
front of it. Of The Daily Planet staff only Noel Neill, former pin up favorite
who played Miss Lois Lane survives, today at age 94. He was preceded in death
by John Hamilton aka Perry White, Robert Shayne aka Inspector Henderson, and
George Reeves, aka Clark Kent, aka Superman. Services will be private,
donations can be made to the Jimmy Olson Fund for Cub Reporters courtesy of The
Daily Planet.
And so it goes, another touch with a generation is gone forever. But as
Jimmy Olson will live on forever on reruns, Jack Larson is dead. No reruns for
him anymore. His fate is sealed. Along with Perry, Clark, and Lois, Inspector
Henderson will live as long as there are reruns available, and watching then on
Me TV this Saturday will be bittersweet. But just as sad was the death of Larry
Berra, aka Yogi at age 90. Remembered best for his Yogi-isms, his masterful
ability to mangle the English language, one of the most quoted came true this
week, “it ain’t over til it’s over.” Sadly very few will remember him as one of
the best catchers who ever lived, a man who played in more World Series games
than anyone else, who caught the only Perfect Game in one, and whose number 8 is
retired at Yankee Stadium. He lived in an era before TV, before video tapes,
and a whole generation who can associate with him is almost gone. How will they
be remembered? How will you be remembered in this age of video from phones and
cameras? What are you leaving behind to the next generation to know you by?
What is your legacy? Will it be words or actions, or even remembered at all?
Will anyone care when you are gone?
I often wonder when will Superman die? He obviously will age, will his
super powers keep him going longer than most mortal men? What is the average
age on Krypton? Did the climate here on earth age him quicker? A hot topic for
global warming advocates. See even Superman succumbed to global warming. As he
got older could he still leap tall buildings at a single bound? Could he still
fly? Was he as fast as a speeding Metroliner? Did his skin age and with it the
ability for bullets to bounce off? How will he have fared fighting for truth,
justice, and the American way? Will he have kids to pass his skills onto? Or
with Jimmy now gone, Lois retired, who will write his obituary? Who will have
known him any better than them? Certainly no one born just a few years ago.
Who will mourn for Mr. Kent, and will his true identity finally be
revealed?
2000 years ago the real Superman lived. He came to earth with powers far
beyond those of mortal men. He could change the course of mighty rivers, even
walk on them. He spoke to mountains and they moved. He healed the sick, gave
sight to the blind, fed the hungry, and changed the world. His name was Jesus,
and he rose again after death, promising his believers the same thing. How sad
his disciples were upon his death, but he came back and revealed himself to
them, giving them the Holy Spirit to guide them until his final return. His
obituary, the New Testament, turning into the Bible, Basic Instructions Before
Leaving Earth for all to have. And their choice to follow. He left a legacy
for generations to come, no children, but brothers and sisters in Christ, who
become children of his Father in heaven when they are born again. He never
denied who he was, always giving credit to his father for all the miracles he
performed. He died penniless, to the point of even being buried in a borrowed
tomb, leaving noting but the promise of eternal life for those who believe. And
in lieu of any service, we pledge to be servants of him today. All he asks is
you believe on him and live as he did. Showing love to all without prejudice.
He was and is and always will be the first and only true Superman.
And while TV offers reruns of Superman, we can see and hear him daily if we
follow his spirit, that he left to guide us. To comfort us, to protect. To meet
all of our needs in him. Yet some deny him, or even his existence, going there
own way until like Superman they find out what he can do. They are rebelious
against all that is good, and choose evil instead. Choosing death instead of
life. Seeking fame and fortune that will flee instead of eternal life. All
based on him. In some religions heaven is based on good works, sorry Jimmy,
Perry, Lois, Inpsector, and even Clark. Maybe Superman might make it for all
the good he did, but how would you measure up? What if you needed a 90 to gain
heaven and only got an 89? What kind of a loving God is that? So he made
salvation a gift so all could afford it. Simple through one man, Jesus Christ.
Great Caesar’s ghost or the holy ghost?
So this week Yogi and Jimmy join their generation is death. You still have
the chance to join Jesus’ generation in life. All have sinned and fall short of
his glory, who you believe will designate where you spend eternity. Superman
was a good guy, even a good role model. But only Jesus can save your soul.
That makes him truly super in my book. No other like him ever. Trust him today
and see.
Which leaves one question unanswered? If bullets bounce off Superman, why
does he duck when a crook throws his gun at him?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com