Man of Glass

Oh, how I longed to be the Man of Steel. I would stand on an unstable cliff, boldly staring into the black, swirling abyss with a smirk. My greatest challenges would be blown away with a single breath. I would save others with amazing speed. My countless victories would be won by my own strength.

But despite my greatest fantasy, I am only flesh and bone. I couldn’t stand on an unstable cliff. My breath is too short to save anyone with my very average speed. I am only victorious through Christ, but at the time, that lesson was still being learned.

Ashley and I were enjoying our new life together, but my foundation of fun was starting to fracture. Within my indulgence, I was trying to continue a carefree life, unwilling to admit my childhood was over. I was stepping into adulthood and couldn’t ignore the bills or the economic recession.

A recession isn’t rough if you have the funds to weather the storm. Unfortunately, we had just left our jobs. Ashley’s drive was too far, and the ranch would no longer operate during summer.

Debt was mounting and sacrifices were made. Our entertainment was being torn away. The movies and mall were too expensive. I couldn’t afford any more games, comics, or collectibles, and we fought to pay the electric bill.

I reached out to different employers, but no one was hiring. In a moment of desperation, I sold some collectibles. Ashley even organized a garage sale, but the return wasn’t enough to keep us afloat. I was losing hope faster than the bills were piling, while these new anxieties of adulthood continued to build.

“Our worst day pales beyond measure in comparison to an eternity without Jesus.”

Paul A. Candelaria