Favor Fridays with Tony™:Living in the Era of Superheroes – And Knowing the Greatest One of All

Today is no ordinary Friday.

Yes, it's "Favor Fridays with Tony," where we take a moment to reflect on God's grace, goodness, and favor over our lives. But it's also a celebration of something near and dear to my heart: the release of the new Superman movie—a moment that has my inner child grinning from ear to ear. Why? Because Superman was my first favorite superhero growing up and is still in my list of favorites (closely behind my own superheroes Angelo™ and Angeline™ of S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™). And today, I get to see him soar once again on the big screen.

But beyond the popcorn and nostalgia, I want to talk about something deeper—the favor of living in the time of superheroes. Not just in film or comic books, but in culture, community, and Christ. Let’s dive into what it means to grow up in a generation shaped by capes and courage—and how it’s prepared us to live with compassion, strength, and boldness.

A World of Capes, Comics, and Character

I grew up surrounded by superhero stories. Comics on the shelves. Cartoons on Saturday mornings. Action figures lined up like soldiers in my room. From Superman’s unshakable hope to Spider-Man’s sense of responsibility, to Black Panther’s royal strength and Batman’s unwavering determination—each of these heroes taught me something different.

These weren’t just stories. They were lessons in morality, strength, selflessness, and sacrifice.

They showed me:

• How to treat people with dignity

  
  

• How to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard

  
  

• How to help people in need, even when you’re hurting

  
  

• How to fight evil without becoming bitter

  
  

• How to lead with both power and love

  
  

• And how to be the one who shows up, even when no one else will

Those lessons didn’t stay in the pages of a comic book. They shaped who I became.

The Diversity of Heroes

One of the most beautiful aspects of living in the superhero era is the way it has evolved.

When I was young, most heroes looked one way. But today, we see heroes of every race, gender, and background—each one reminding us that strength doesn’t come from where you’re from but from what’s in your heart.

• We’ve seen Black Panther become a global icon of excellence and pride.

  
  

• We’ve seen Miles Morales, a biracial Spider-Man, teach kids that anyone can wear the mask.

  
  

• We’ve cheered for Wonder Woman, Ms. Marvel, Shuri, and countless others showing that power doesn’t come in just one package.

This isn’t just entertainment—it’s empowerment. It's teaching our kids (and ourselves) to value people who are different. To celebrate inclusion. To fight side-by-side. To build bridges, not walls.

That’s favor—living in a time when we can learn to love beyond boundaries through the lens of storytelling.

Lessons from the League

Some of the most important values I hold today came from watching and reading about superheroes. They weren’t perfect, but they were principled. They reminded me of truths that later echoed in Scripture.

Here are just a few superhero lessons that shaped my walk:

1. Responsibility Matters (Spider-Man)

"With great power comes great responsibility."

It’s not just a quote—it’s a call. The gifts God gives us aren’t for our own glory. They’re to lift others, help others, serve others.

Spider-Man, especially in his early years as Peter Parker, showed us what it means to feel the weight of purpose. He didn’t ask to be bitten by a radioactive spider. He didn’t ask for his uncle to be taken away. But he chose to rise. He chose to take the pain and turn it into purpose. How many of us have done the same? God often gives us gifts and experiences we didn’t expect—not for selfish gain, but so we can become advocates, teachers, leaders, helpers.

Being favored doesn’t mean being flashy. It means being faithful. Like Spider-Man swinging from building to building, we are called to move through life using what we've been given to protect, to serve, and to make a difference—even if we’re doing it anonymously.

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV): “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”

2. Stand for What’s Right (Captain America)

Even when others bend, Cap stays upright. The world needs people who don’t compromise their integrity.

Captain America a.k.a. Steve Rogers is the embodiment of moral backbone. He doesn’t just follow orders—he follows what’s right, even when it’s unpopular. He taught us that standing for justice often means standing alone. But standing with God’s truth will never leave you abandoned.

Whether it was standing up to corrupt institutions or telling friends hard truths, Cap reminds us that favor doesn’t always come with popularity. Sometimes it comes with persecution. But if you’re standing for God, you’re standing on solid ground. Let’s be like Cap: kind-hearted, humble, yet unwavering when it comes to truth and justice. Because the world changes when good men and women refuse to sit down and stay silent.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV): “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

3. Hope Is a Superpower (Superman)

Hope is often mocked, but it’s what keeps people going. Superman a.k.a. Kal-El a.k.a. Clark Kent reminds us to believe in tomorrow.

Superman has always represented something larger than life—not just strength, but goodness. He doesn't save the world for applause. He does it because it's right. He inspires people not just with his might, but with his mindset. He reminds us that hope isn’t weakness—it’s our greatest strength.

When you grow up admiring a hero like Superman, you realize that hope isn’t naive. It’s necessary. Even in the face of destruction, he chooses to believe the best in people. That’s what Jesus does for us—He sees our flaws but still offers freedom. And like Superman reaching into danger, Jesus reached into sin and pulled us out. Let’s carry that same posture: eyes up, heart open, hope strong.

Romans 15:13 (NIV): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”

4. Everyone Has Worth (X-Men)

The X-Men taught me to see beyond prejudice. Everyone deserves love, value, and a chance.

The X-Men weren’t just about mutant powers—they were about social justice. They faced hatred for being different, for having gifts the world didn’t understand. But instead of hiding, they fought for peace and equality. Sound familiar?

How many of us have been misunderstood, overlooked, or rejected simply for being who we are? The X-Men remind us that the things that make us different are often the very things that make us powerful. In God’s eyes, every person matters. Every background. Every color. Every calling. Let’s see people through the lens of grace—not fear. Let’s be willing to be bridge-builders like Charles Xavier, or bold truth-tellers like Storm. Everyone has a story. Everyone has a purpose.

James 2:1 (NLT): “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith… if you favor some people over others?”

5. Sacrifice Is Love (Iron Man, Black Widow)

Many heroes gave up their lives to save others. That sacrifice is what love looks like.

In the blockbuster movie, Avengers: Endgame, Iron Man and Black Widow didn’t just talk about being heroes—they lived it until their last breath. Tony Stark went from self-centered billionaire to selfless savior. Natasha Romanoff found redemption through service and ultimately gave her life to save another. That’s what favor and transformation look like: going from 'What can I gain?' to 'What can I give?'

Sacrifice isn’t easy, but it’s essential. Whether it’s time, comfort, or convenience, true love gives. And Jesus modeled this best. When we live with a heart to give more than we take, we reflect the divine. Whether you’re in a suit of armor or everyday clothes, God honors those who live sacrificially. Favor isn’t about fame—it’s about faithfulness.

John 15:13 (NIV): “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

6. Royal Responsibility (Black Panther)

T’Challa, the Black Panther, wasn’t just a superhero—he was a king. His battles were not only about defeating villains but about leading with wisdom, protecting his people, and balancing tradition with innovation.

Black Panther showed us the favor and challenge of leadership. He reminded us that power is meant to uplift others, not dominate them. As believers, we too are royalty—kings and queens in Christ called to steward our gifts with honor.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV): “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.”

7. Faith in the Shadows (Batman)

Batman a.k.a. Bruce Wayne doesn’t have superpowers. What he has is drive, purpose, and discipline. He walks through darkness without letting it consume him.

Batman reminds us that favor sometimes means choosing the hard road. He chooses justice over comfort. Purpose over popularity. And that’s what God calls us to do too. Even when we don’t feel super, we can be effective when we stay focused on our mission.

Psalm 18:28 (NIV): “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”

8. Courage and Power (He-Man & She-Ra)

Growing up, I watched He-Man (Prince Adam) and She-Ra (Princess Adora) with awe. They were bold, brave, and always ready to defend what was right. Their battle cry—“I have the power!”—resonated with the idea that strength comes when we believe in our calling.

In our walk with Christ, we don’t just have earthly strength—we have divine power working in us. Like He-Man and She-Ra, we are called to stand boldly in the face of injustice and wield the sword of the Spirit with courage.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV): “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

9. Unity and Brotherhood (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo were more than ninja fighters—they were family. Despite their differences, they stuck together, fought together, and grew together.

The Turtles taught me about teamwork, loyalty, and brotherhood. And in the body of Christ, we’re called to do the same. We are better when we honor each other's gifts, forgive quickly, and serve side-by-side.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV): “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

10. Wisdom and Strength (Wonder Woman)

Diana of Themyscira, better known as Wonder Woman, is the perfect combination of grace and grit. She fights fiercely, loves deeply, and leads with wisdom. Raised among warriors, she learned that real strength comes from compassion—not just combat.

Wonder Woman taught me that you can be both powerful and tender. You can speak truth boldly and still show mercy. She reminds us that favor often rests on those who use their strength to protect the innocent and uplift the broken. That’s how Jesus leads—with justice and mercy in perfect harmony.

Micah 6:8 (NIV): “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

11. Stepping Up with Boldness (Batgirl)

Batgirl wasn’t born into the fight. She chose it. Barbara Gordon saw injustice and decided to act. With intelligence, courage, and resilience, she carved out her place among Gotham’s elite heroes.

Batgirl teaches us that you don’t have to wait to be invited to the table. You can rise, prepare, and show up. She reminds us that favor often looks like taking initiative, putting your faith into action, and trusting God to multiply your bold obedience.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV): “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

And Then There's Jesus—the Real Superhero

As much as I love Clark Kent, Peter Parker, T’Challa, Diana Prince, and the rest, there’s only One who truly saved the world.

His name is Jesus Christ.

He walked with power but lived in humility. He healed the broken, fed the hungry, and loved the outcast. He faced darkness head-on and conquered death. He gave His life—not in fiction, but in history.

Jesus didn’t just wear a symbol—He became one. The cross is the greatest emblem of hope the world has ever known.

And here’s the beautiful truth: You don’t have to be born on Krypton or bitten by a spider to be a hero.

If you walk in love, stand for truth, serve others, and live in grace—you’re a reflection of Christ, the greatest hero of all.

Why Today Matters to Me

Today, I get to see Superman fly again. My childhood hero. The one who started it all for me.

But more than that, I get to reflect on how favor has followed me. I got to grow up in a time where heroes taught me how to be human. Where capes and cowls reminded me to fight for justice and care for the weak. Where action figures led to real-life actions.

And most importantly, I live in the truth that I walk daily with the Savior of the world—my ultimate hero.

A Favor-Fueled Challenge

Let’s be heroes this week. Let’s show up when others won’t. Let’s defend the hurting. Let’s speak up for the voiceless. Let’s serve with joy. Let’s sacrifice with love. Let’s live like Jesus.

Because the world may be entertained by superheroes. But the world is changed by saints who live in favor.

Final Thoughts & a Word of Prayer

Father God, thank You for letting us grow up in an era of heroes. Thank You for stories that shaped us, lessons that molded us, and characters that inspired us to be brave. But thank You most of all for Jesus—our healer, redeemer, and Savior. Help us walk in His example. Help us be the heroes this world needs. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Now go out there and be super. 🦸🏾‍♂️🦸🏽‍♀️

Want to read about modern heroes fighting darkness? Check out my superhero novel series S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™—a journey of courage, calling, and divine destiny.

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