Would you rather read the story of a perfect hero who has never had any struggles or real temptations, or a hero who had to overcome problems and discouragement to succeed? Most people would want the hero they can identify with. What good is hero who is immune to the struggles I face every day?
Zambia is 50 years old this year, as as we approach this anniversary I have taken special interest in books recording our 'brief' history. One danger when recording true life stories is that we can exaggerate events in people's lives, turning them into 100% heroes or villains. In the name of presenting an inspirational story, writers can edit out any signs of weakness or frustration, any mistakes and any bad decisions along the way. The motive is commendable right? Wrong!
When we create 'superhuman' heroes, we make someone who we can admire, but never aspire to become! If that hero was immune to mistakes and indecision, then we are so far removed that we have someone to admire, but not someone to imitate. This person cannot be a role model. Secondly, when we make our role models emotionless legends, we cause frustration because we know it is beyond us to ever become that. We are glad spectators, but we will also just sit around waiting for more heroes like that to show up and fix our problems. Our role becomes passive observers. We never react by saying "I want to do that!" The third issue is how we can be tempted to look down on those who are struggling to become better. We tend to feel pressured to always appear as if everything is alright, and hide our struggles, as if it is 'sub-human' or taboo to be facing any kind of struggle.
As more people write biographies, they should be mindful to present three-dimensional human beings, with dreams, frustrations, challenges, temptations, mistakes, skills, friends, enemies, tears, laughter, anger, fear and hope. Only then can me move beyond admiring our national heroes, to aspiring to become like them, in all the ways that they overcome evil around them and within.
In many business and church circles it seems taboo to present ourselves as going through the motions of human life in a fallen world. People want to pretend that all is well all the time or they are already in heaven, and look down on others. We are too image conscious, and pride ourselves in painting that perfect image, no matter what the reality is. So we end up with people that paint a plastic image of being happy day and night, free from struggles and temptations which the rest of us face. But we know that is only skin deep. They need to get past the image they are fighting to preserve, if they are to truly rise above the problems that are being swept under the carpet. After all, we are supposed to follow the 'Man of sorrows' who was 'acquainted with grief' (Isaiah 53) and who, though completely victorious, was tempted in every way (Hebrews 4). It takes more faith to admit "I am hurting" and "help" when everyone expects a novel image, than imitate the plastic smiles all around. And maybe, just maybe, someone might be encouraged by the sight of our honesty too.
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