Written by Kristen Parrish
Published at Thomas Nelson
About the book
What do Katniss Everdeen, Spider-Man, and Huckleberry Finn have in common? They’re heroes—and you can be just like them.
As children, we dream of throwing on a cape and changing the world. Then we grow up, we learn to see the flaws in our movie stars and athletes, and we accept that true heroism is not possible in the real world. You continue to dream, though. Isn’t that why you still love watching heroes on the big screen? It’s more than just wish fulfillment. You resonate with Superman’s justice and Dorothy’s courage because you have those same qualities within yourself.
In these pages, Kristen Parrish looks at the qualities of fifty-two heroes, and then shows how you can acquire every one of those qualities. No gamma rays or radioactive spider bites are needed. You can unleash your inner hero through prayer and practical action.
Men and women, boys and girls alike, will find role models within these pages. While others watch and dream on the sidelines, you can step out in faith, learning from heroic examples and praying for God’s help to make you who you were meant to be.
The Holy Spirit enables us to do great things. Find out how. No cape required.
My Thoughts
I will be honest with your dear reader. The first time I saw this title offered I somewhat rolled my eyes. I thought that it would be cheesy. But then I read the description and my curiosity was picked. You see we are comic books fans in this household and I knew that my kids would enjoy going through these devotionals with me during our homeschool. So the book was requested and I waited patiently for it to arrive.
When the book finally came home, I quickly read a few devotional to get a feel for the book and from what I have read I seriously think that the book has potential. The first one I read was about Friendship – Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk from Star Trek. I thought it was very interesting that coincidently we were watching the Star Trek movies with the oldest boys in order to introduce them to the Star Trek Universe. Anyhow, the devotion starts with a scripture and goes on how friendship is portrayed between the Vulcan and the Human. Part of the explanation also brings back the final moments of Spock has he is separated from his friend. Then the author reminds us that friendship is a gift from God and encourages us to nurture our friends in life. A prayer is also included at the end of the devotion as well as some suggestions in the Take Action section. I also read a few more and all devotions have the same pattern even though they are based on different heroes in the culture.
Through the book you will touch subjects like justice, friendship, hope in others, mentoring, charity, hope, repentance, quiet service, kindness, tender care, protectiveness, growth, loyalty, truthfulness, faith in others, compassion, independence, integrity, fearlessness, coolness under pressure, wisdom, intrepidness, honor, determination, encouragement, courage, bearing burdens, rising to the occasion, mastery, patience, bravery, eagerness, gallantry, putting others before yourself, teachability, forgiveness, honesty, optimism, responsibility, relentlessness, resourcefulness, duty, community, faith in God, love, overcoming, self-sacrifice, strong will, leadership, and thankfulness. Each and every single one of these devotions are linked to a hero/heroine from comics, movies, books and much more. You will encounter Storm from the X-Men, Judah Ben-Hur from the more Ben-Hur. Don Quizote, Spider-Man, Morpheus and Trinity from The Matrix, Indiana Jones, Huckleberry Finn, and many more that I won’t list here. Each time a new hero is presented, you also get the reference where he/she can be found. This could spark the interest of the reader in a way.
The more I read some of these devotionals, the more an idea has sprouted in my mind. I am thinking I shall start doing a devotional each week with the kids and challenge them and myself with one of the Take Action steps offered in the book. That way we could all grow together in becoming more like Christ during the next 52 weeks. The book doesn’t have to be started at the beginning of the year to be enjoyed. Being one devotions a week, I think it is a perfect way to incorporate fun devotions in our homeschool.
No Cape Required will challenge you to always step out of your comfort zone and teach you how to become a servant at heart – a true hero in the faith.
No Cape Required is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.
Kindle
Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.
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