Observations From Hadleyville: JIMMY OLSEN BLUES

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

JIMMY OLSEN BLUES

My sons once bought me a music tape for my birthday. Since they are practical as well as generous, they made sure that the music was the kind they themselves wouldn't mind listening to. The group is called Spin Doctors; and to my mature, evangelical shame, I must confess that I like some of their music (Stone him! Yes, stone him!). One song in particular evokes feelings I have experienced in the ministry. It is called "Jimmy Olsen Blues." It paints a somewhat humorous picture of Jimmy’s frustration as he vies with Superman for Lois Lane’s attention. He sings; "I can't believe my dilemma is real, I've been competing with the man of steel."

I know just what he means. It sounds a lot like my own laments when I foolishly compare myself to other pastors who seem to have all the talent, charisma, grace and breaks. When I really want to draw blood from my psyche, I say things to myself like; “Rats! I’m not Super-Pastor. I don’t leap tall pulpits at a single bound. I’m not faster than a speeding youth director.” Do I dare to show my face around real pastors; Super Pastors?

In my saner moments I realize this problem is not mine alone. We all experience feelings of inadequacy. Of course, wild horses could never drag that admission out of me at a pastor’s conference. Aside from the a fore-mentioned conferences there is good news. When Paul spoke of each of us as individual members of the Body of Christ, (1 Corinthians 12:12) he was championing the concept of individuality within unity.

We are unified by our allegiance to Christ, not our sameness. In other words, God has chosen to build his Church from diverse types. Literally, E pluribus unum; "out of many, one." This is a liberating concept. God can, and actually desires, to use you right now. Just as you are. You may not get Lois, but you don’t have to be Superman, either.

2 comments:

Joe B. said...: This was a good one. I remember this.; January 11, 2012 at 9:52 PM
blunoz said...: Thanks for this post. I can totally relate to this, and it was a good, encouraging reminder that God will use us even if we don't think we're the best at what He's sent us to do. I was feeling a little overwhelmed about what I'd been called to do a while back, and my pastor told me, "Remember, He doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called." That's a saying that's sure stuck in my head ever since. I trust in God to provide me the strength and resources I need to overcome the challenges I will face - because I'm NOT superman.; January 14, 2012 at 10:37 PM

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WHAT'S THIS HADLEYVILLE THING?

Those of you familiar with Mark Twain’s works might recognize my blog title. As Samuel Clemons grew older, he became increasingly disillusioned with humanity. Towards the end he began referring to the Damned Human Race; employing the secular and religious epithet at one stroke.

I find I’ve not reached that level of despair myself. I still believe in redemption and I still see signs of nobility even among we fallen, damned creatures. So, I could not bring myself to call this blog “On the Damned Human Race.” I do however, resonate with another of Clemmons stories; “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg.” And viola, there you have it. “Observations From Hadleyville.”