Tag Archives: DC Comics

The Message Behind the Music-October 22

Posted on October 22, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Five for Fighting – Superman (It’s Not Easy) (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Superman:

Superman was conceived out of John Ondrasik’s personal frustration at not being heard. This disrespect spawned  a metaphorical take on Superman’s struggles as a character. Feeling undervalued in the music industry after an underwhelming album, John received the idea of Superman, realizing that it is not easy to explain who you are without blowing your cover as Clark Kent.

Biblical Application:

The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand, Matthew 13:10-13.

Exegesis of Superman:

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naïve
I’m just out to find
The better part of me

Superman or John is trying to discover their greatest assets, gifts and talents in life.

I’m more than a bird, I’m more than a plane
I’m more than some pretty face beside a train
And it’s not easy to be me

Reference to Superman, struggling to find a balance in life between being a beat writer and a superhero.

I wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
‘Bout a home I’ll never see

Feeling pain inside of Superman about his planet that exploded.

It may sound absurd, but don’t be naïve
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed, but won’t you concede?
Even heroes have the right to dream
And it’s not easy to be me

Even heroes struggle with mental health. Trying to be human and express emotions like an average person.

Up, up and away, away from me
Well, it’s alright

Flying to rescue the next citizen who is in desperate need.

You can all sleep sound tonight
I’m not crazy or anything

Superman is watching the skies for trouble.

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naïve
Men weren’t meant to ride
With clouds between their knees

Seeing his life from the eyes and mind of a normal human being.

I’m only a man in a silly red sheet
Diggin’ for kryptonite on this one-way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Lookin’ for special things inside of me

A costume doesn’t make a superhero. It is what he does with his gifts and talents.

Inside of me
Inside of me, yeah
Inside of me
Inside of me

John is trying to find his place in this world.

I’m only a man in a funny red sheet
I’m only a man lookin’ for a dream
I’m only a man in a funny red sheet
And it’s not easy, hoo, hoo, hoo

This search for truth and meaning isn’t easy.

It’s not easy to be me

Finding the right balance in life is tough.

Final Thoughts:

I always wondered why I was born with a severe speech impediment in the form of stuttering. Looking back, this twenty years of questioning God conceived and refined a passion within me to write. While I am far from a superman, I am blessed with the gift of writing in the Spirit. Throughout each week, I receive rhema’s from God while reading the Bible, insights from watching a film or series and have visions about spiritual truth, connecting the dots that I never saw before. This is how ExpressYourself4Him was established in February of 2012 and why this writing ministry continues today. However, just like Superman, it’s not easy, more often like a grind to find the right words to say.

by Jay Mankus

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What are You Hiding From…Waiting For?

Posted on September 17, 2018 by expressyourself4him

The concept of a superman was conceived into a fictional comic book character by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938.  Forty years later, Christopher Reeves starred in the movie, disguising himself as Clark Kent, a mild-mannered newspaper reporter at the Daily Planet.  Unsure of how or when to reveal his super powers, Clark waits until his adult life to introduce himself to the world.  Perhaps, Superman was afraid, not sure how he would be received.  This fear, although subtle as it might have been, prevented miraculous acts from being demonstrated daily.

Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, and his son Gideon was beating wheat in the wine press [instead of the threshing floor] to [hide it and] save it from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O brave man,” Judges 6:11-12.

Human beings can have fragile psyches, especially when confidence is lacking.  In the passage above, you find a mighty warrior working in a blue collar job.  Before Gideon became a famous Old Testament leader, he lived in relative obscurity.  Whether Gideon was hiding, waiting or uncertain about the next move to make in life, an angel of the Lord reminded him of his calling in life.  Gideon wasn’t just a hard working man, he was brave commander who needed a slight nudge from God.

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said, “And we are coming with you.” So they went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. 4 As morning was breaking, Jesus [came and] stood on the beach; however, the disciples did not know that it was Jesus, John 21:3-4.

After Jesus died on a cross, the disciples lost their leader.  After a couple days of mourning, Peter appears to fall back on his former life as a fisherman.  Peter convinces a couple of the disciples to go with him, staying out all night to fish.  When this trips turns out to be a complete failure, Jesus arrives on the scene to save the day.  Following what some refer to as the First Breakfast, Jesus gives Peter a pep talk.  The subtitle of this conversation, John 21:15-17, in my Bible is love motivation.  Jesus reminds Peter of his spiritual identity, petra, the rock upon which Jesus will build an earthly church.

The Lord is good to those who wait [confidently] for Him, To those who seek Him [on the authority of God’s word], Lamentations 3:25.

For the past six years, my life has been in a holding pattern.  To a certain extent, I can relate to Gideon and Peter, stuck in a transitional period.  Yet, at some point I have to come out of the doldrums.  What am I hiding from?  What am I waiting for before I act?  Perhaps, I need to turn my attention to the Old Testament, putting into practice Lamentations 3:25.  May this blog inspire you to get off the bench and get into the spiritual game called life.  Trust in the Lord, lean on the Holy Spirit for understanding and God will straighten your path for the future.

by Jay Mankus

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It’s Not About Deserve…It’s About What You Believe

Posted on January 26, 2018 by expressyourself4him

From 1973 to 1986, the Super Friends was a popular television show on ABC geared for kids.  Based upon characters from DC Comics, this series used the Justice League as the home for super heroes who took turns each episode fighting evil in the world.  Over time, antagonists joined forces to create chaos in what became known as the Legion of Doom.  Every day, good and evil collided with battles won and lost, encouraging viewers to root for their favorite hero or foe.

But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe,” Mark 5:36.

Thirty one year later, DC Comics has introduced a modern film placing Wonder Woman on the front lines during World War II.  Gal Gadot plays Diana who saves a British spy, Chris Pine, from drowning.  After being interrogated by Amazonian leaders, Diana uncovers some of her special super hero powers.  This revelation prompts Diana to leave her home with special agent Trevor.  Diana believes that if only she could kill the source of evil, the German leader, the war would come to an end.  When this doesn’t happen, Diana has a crisis of faith, doubting if the human race is worth saving.  Steve quickly intervenes, teaching Diana a valuable lesson, “It’s not about deserve, it’s about what you believe!”

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:8.

Normally when I watch a movie, I am disappointed by the lack of depth.  Yet, the line above in this film spoke to me.  No one is perfect, as flaws exist within every living being.  These imperfections may be mild or blatantly obvious.  Nonetheless, Jesus believed everyone is worth saving.  Humanly speaking, you can’t change what the world thinks or believes, but you can change yourself.  As this subtle transformation begins, glimpses of Christ’s light appears, illuminated by the power of the Holy Spirit.  You may not possess superhuman strength like a superhero, but faith can make a difference in your life and those around you.  Thus, the next time you begin to lose hope in people, remember the words from Steve’s character, “It’s not about deserve, it’s about what you believe!”

by Jay Mankus

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