Approximately two years ago, I was sitting in the den of my parents' house in Atlanta and flipping channels when Hercules: the Legendary Journies appeared on the screen. I had seen nothing else of interest, so I shrugged and put the controler down. Now, I had seen bits and pieces of Hercules before, but this time was different. Before, I had actually made fun of what looked like another lame low-budget family-oriented hero show, but as I watched it again, the brilliance of Hercules struck me. Kevin Sorbo was not just another self-righteous vigilante with a bad-boy image and a penchant for bad one-liners; he was simply a man with a good heart and the desire to help others. The most shocking revelation of all was the fact that he was not acting! While he might have played a half-god, he did not need superhuman powers to inspire his fans. What he gave us was significantly more than another chance to experience a vicarious glory that was impossible in real life. In essence, he brought the same message that Jesus preached two thousand years ago, but in a form more accessable to most people--a way of behaving that was more realistic for a people who could never hope to achieve Christ's perfection. Be strong in mind and body. Help your fellow humans. Have confidence in yourself. Correct injustice. Do things your own way, but do not condemn the ways of others.

In the years that have passed since that fateful show, I have adopted a more positive attitude towards life. I am no longer depressed or lazy. I set goals and have the confidence to achieve them. Instead of hating people who are different from me, I have learned to appreciate different perspectives. I try to help others and learn from my mistakes, and in the end it all came from having something to identify with and somebody to inspire me.