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The comeback kid
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By CAROLYN WILSON
We all love stories of triumph through dire circumstances. The ones that are make-
believe and especially those that are not. We love the Holly-wood scripts when
someone bounces back and they not only survive, it is an absolute triumph of the
spirit.
We’re willing to pay outrageous theater ticket prices to cheer on heroes because even
a syrupy storyline has the capacity to melt a stoic cynic. Sometimes tinsel town
embellishes a message with the story behind the story as in the hit movies “The
Blindside” and “Precious”.
Whether the character happens to be fiction or non-fiction, entertainment can be
disguised as a teaching moment. We look for and readily accept a miracle or
contrived resolution as necessary before the end credits begin to roll. Sadly, it’s
amazing how we flip the script in real life when we single out others and label them
unlikely to overcome the odds and of course we can be our own worst enemy with a
self-inflicted pessimistic view. Comebacks are not just confined to actors, directors
and politicians who aren’t current front runners, there’s a success story in all of us
each and every time there is a need to come from behind.
Setbacks are not terminal. The most trying hardship cannot define our character,
intellect or integrity unless we give it unwarranted power. As we witness the aftermath
of the devastating earthquake in Haiti it appears impossible to rebuild after the dust
and rubble is cleared, yet miraculously there is “beauty among the ashes”.
Nations have answered the call to send physical, financial and spiritual support
however this is not the major story. The triumphs that stir our hearts surfaced from
beneath the rubble- literally. Adults and children of all ages have been pulled alive
from under concrete where they survived for days and some said they knew they
would be rescued if they could just hold on. They embody the true concept of the
“Comeback Kid” and inspire us all to remember to hold on by faith and sheer will
because triumph might be just a stone’s throw away.
We all love stories of triumph through dire circumstances. The ones that are make-
believe and especially those that are not. We love the Holly-wood scripts when
someone bounces back and they not only survive, it is an absolute triumph of the
spirit.
We’re willing to pay outrageous theater ticket prices to cheer on heroes because even
a syrupy storyline has the capacity to melt a stoic cynic. Sometimes tinsel town
embellishes a message with the story behind the story as in the hit movies “The
Blindside” and “Precious”.
Whether the character happens to be fiction or non-fiction, entertainment can be
disguised as a teaching moment. We look for and readily accept a miracle or
contrived resolution as necessary before the end credits begin to roll. Sadly, it’s
amazing how we flip the script in real life when we single out others and label them
unlikely to overcome the odds and of course we can be our own worst enemy with a
self-inflicted pessimistic view. Comebacks are not just confined to actors, directors
and politicians who aren’t current front runners, there’s a success story in all of us
each and every time there is a need to come from behind.
Setbacks are not terminal. The most trying hardship cannot define our character,
intellect or integrity unless we give it unwarranted power. As we witness the aftermath
of the devastating earthquake in Haiti it appears impossible to rebuild after the dust
and rubble is cleared, yet miraculously there is “beauty among the ashes”.
Nations have answered the call to send physical, financial and spiritual support
however this is not the major story. The triumphs that stir our hearts surfaced from
beneath the rubble- literally. Adults and children of all ages have been pulled alive
from under concrete where they survived for days and some said they knew they
would be rescued if they could just hold on. They embody the true concept of the
“Comeback Kid” and inspire us all to remember to hold on by faith and sheer will
because triumph might be just a stone’s throw away.