Lessons From Stan Lee

 Few Lessons from Stan.

From Peter Parker, I learned that with great power comes great responsibility. But that power can also feel small against the evils of the world. Spiderman often faces opponents more powerful than him in some way, and fights to overcome this. We all have abilities, things within our power, it may seem small against the onslaught of awful from the world around us, but we can never give up fighting.

From Matt Murdock, I learned that we do not have to let our limitations define us. We do not have to let the hardships or our lives keep us from doing great things. And that we do not have to let the evils around us dissuade us from what we know to be right.

From Bobby Drake I learned how important it is to keep your sense of humor, even when things are tough and going wrong.

From Warrant Worthington III, I learned that life can sometimes change, drastically and awfully. That we can feel like we’re going to die, and might wish we did. But when we come through the other side, we will be stronger than we ever imagined possible.

From Sue Storm, I learned that we don’t always have to be seen for our presence to be felt.

From Mastermind, I learned to not always trust the way things appear.

From Nick Fury, I learned that there are shades of gray in this world we don’t understand when we’re young, and difficult decisions to make in order to accomplish our goals.

From Bruce Banner, I learned that our rage can consume us if we let it, and actions taken in that anger can destroy everything around us. That even though a Hulk might manifest within us in reaction to the injustices we endure and perceive, we need to check in with the Bruce Banner within us and find a more logical way to work through things, rather than lash out in anger.

From Stephen Strange, I learned that although one path may end, our lives our not over. This was something that I needed in 2013 when I felt abandoned, alone, and that my lifelong dream had dried up and died. But even though one journey may end, it does not mean that we cannot find a new path, learn a new skill and discover a new purpose. Seriously Stan, thank you so much for this one.