He was the original “Masked Man” and “Caped Crusader”. His given name was Don Diego de la Vega but he is much better known by his secret identity, Zorro. Zorro was well known because of his all-black caped costume with a sombrero cordobés and black mask covering the top half of his face. His signature mark as he overcame the bad guys was to make the mark of a “Z” with his rapier on his enemies or other objects. Zorro was the main character in books, a television show, and movies. However, Zorro differed from all the other superheroes and vigilantes who followed. He didn’t have a sidekick because he worked solo. He single-handedly defeated the bad guys with no help. Part of the reason Zorro is so popular is many times we as guys operate like Zorro. Think about this. Guys like:
to save the world by ourselves.
to be the hero
coming up with solutions to problems.
rescuing the damsel in distress
to be the rugged individualists
The famous poem by William Ernest Henley, Invictus articulates this “Zorro," tendency with the most famous line, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” However, as men, God did not create us to be like Zorro, rugged individualists or masters of our fate. He created for something more, community and friendship.. This month we will explore this idea of friendship and community for men. Next week, we will look at what the Bible says about friendship and community.