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Losing the Cape: The Power of Ordinary in a World of Superheroes
How to be a hero when you’re feeling anything but super Despite all the superhero hype, the problems and pain in our world aren’t going away. In fact, it often feels like the threats just keep coming. But the good news is that God has placed you here for such a time as this. And the even better news? You don’t have to get rid of your anxiety, debt, speech impediment, extra weight, health issues, disability—or any other weakness—to be used by God. What this world actually needs is less-than-super people making small but significant differences in their own corners of the world. Through inspiring stories from the Bible and his own life, Dan Stanford demonstrates that with God availability is more important than ability . Losing the Cape is an invitation to start making the world a better place through your ordinary, everyday presence.
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2018
5 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Dan Stanford
1 book9 followersDAN STANFORD is not a comic book superhero. The glasses make you do a double take but under his shirt is not a cool costume and cape. He doesn't have a catch phrase like "Up, Up and Yahweh!" and there's no blockbuster movie about his heroic deeds. He's an ordinary, decaf drinking, nap taking, Jesus loving citizen. But in spite of being ordinary, he married his true love, Suzanne and they have three dynamic boys: Caleb, Connor and Colton. Dan holds a Masters degree from Trinity International University and started The Well Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin. To learn more visit www.danstanford.net.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 3, 2018
What a great book! Dan's writing style is casual and fun, and the message is one that needs to be read by everyone who ever thought that they were incapable of making a difference in the world. The stories he shares are moving and compelling, and it all seemed to be over with too soon. I highly recommend Losing the Cape!
April 7, 2018
Excellent!
I laughed, I cried, I was inspired.
This easy read book captures your attention as well as your heart. Through Bible heroes, as well as the heroes you meet everyday, you will be challenged by the author to see your own potential to change your world by accepting the mission God has given you.
“The world doesn’t need another superhero; the world needs you and me to carry on the legacy handed down to us by ordinary men and women who accomplished extraordinary things.”
Each chapter stands on its own and with the study questions in the back, this would make a great book to do with a small group.
I laughed, I cried, I was inspired.
This easy read book captures your attention as well as your heart. Through Bible heroes, as well as the heroes you meet everyday, you will be challenged by the author to see your own potential to change your world by accepting the mission God has given you.
“The world doesn’t need another superhero; the world needs you and me to carry on the legacy handed down to us by ordinary men and women who accomplished extraordinary things.”
Each chapter stands on its own and with the study questions in the back, this would make a great book to do with a small group.
March 19, 2018
Superheroes are the subjects of the most popular movies and shows. Watching our favorite heroes jump in to save the day gives us hope. In fact, most kids fantasize about being one superhero or another. These fantasies can even last into adulthood. What happens when we try to serve God and realize that we don't have the skills and powers of our favorite comic book stars? Dan Stanford says that we have access to the power we need to do God's will in Losing the Cape.
Once we take a look at all the tragedies and pain in the world, it becomes easy to think that we can't do anything about it. We aren't bulletproof, don't have super strength, or the ability to fly. That doesn't mean that we are useless; we can't do everything, but we can do something. God gives us the skills and abilities to fulfill what He calls us to do.
Dan Stanford shares how little things, even ones that nobody else sees, can help and minister to others. Being on the news or in a viral video is not the only way to have influence on people. We we focus on serving God, we put others first. We stop looking at our "inadequacies" and begin using what we do have. God uses ordinary people to do amazing things.
This book is a great one for Christians to read and be encouraged to serve.
I received a free copy of Losing the Cape from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review,
Once we take a look at all the tragedies and pain in the world, it becomes easy to think that we can't do anything about it. We aren't bulletproof, don't have super strength, or the ability to fly. That doesn't mean that we are useless; we can't do everything, but we can do something. God gives us the skills and abilities to fulfill what He calls us to do.
Dan Stanford shares how little things, even ones that nobody else sees, can help and minister to others. Being on the news or in a viral video is not the only way to have influence on people. We we focus on serving God, we put others first. We stop looking at our "inadequacies" and begin using what we do have. God uses ordinary people to do amazing things.
This book is a great one for Christians to read and be encouraged to serve.
I received a free copy of Losing the Cape from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review,
May 12, 2018
Are you a lover of comic books? Do you drool over the latest superhero trailer? Are Mavel and DC collectibles cluttering your home (or at least one room)? If yes, then this is the perfect book for you. The cover alone caught my attention.
We all long for something more in our lives. The more we watch the news, the more depression sets it. This world is hurting. People are hurting and they are looking to fill that void with anything. Can we make a difference when we have no superpowers? Yes! Dan Stanford does an amazing job at encouraging, sharing Biblical truths and weaving bits of geekery in to ensure this isn’t a dull book.
Sorry, but a lot of nonfiction books out there cast a sleep spell on me. I struggle from chapter to chapter, but not with Losing the Cape. Dan manages to know exactly when to sneak in a pop culture reference to pull my attention back. When I start to feel a yawn, he’s got some humorous story (or embarrassing one) that brings a smile to my face.
This is the second author I’ve read that attributes a part of his spiritual journey to a grandparent. So grandparents out there, take hope and be encouraged! You can make a difference in your grandkids’ lives, no matter how astray they may have gone. Like the prodigal son, with a lot of prayer and faith, they’ll return.
I’m convinced the greatest weapon the devil created was the recliner.
Ouch. What will it take to get us out of that chair and to do something for this world? To be the light, the salt of the Earth? Admittedly, there are chapters that might convict, might even step on a few toes, but really if they didn’t then what would be the point of this book?
Dan hit home for me on a few chapters including Multitasking is NOT a Superpower and Moving at the Speed of Light. I multitask a lot and I’m always busy. But reading his take on it, that’s not always a good quality. I might be missing a great deal of life by keeping myself too busy. My attention is all over the place rather than on one thing: God. If He keeps me busy, I’ll find the time. But as soon as I start taking things on myself without any regard to what He wants from me, then I start feeling overwhelmed and risk burnout.
Dan has great advice for us in Losing the Cape. While this book would be an obvious fit for any Christian, I’m thinking of sharing it with someone that isn’t currently attending church. Their love of all things Marvel will be attracted to that portion of Dan’s writing and hopefully, they’ll gain some insight into how ordinary can become extraordinary. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
We all long for something more in our lives. The more we watch the news, the more depression sets it. This world is hurting. People are hurting and they are looking to fill that void with anything. Can we make a difference when we have no superpowers? Yes! Dan Stanford does an amazing job at encouraging, sharing Biblical truths and weaving bits of geekery in to ensure this isn’t a dull book.
Sorry, but a lot of nonfiction books out there cast a sleep spell on me. I struggle from chapter to chapter, but not with Losing the Cape. Dan manages to know exactly when to sneak in a pop culture reference to pull my attention back. When I start to feel a yawn, he’s got some humorous story (or embarrassing one) that brings a smile to my face.
This is the second author I’ve read that attributes a part of his spiritual journey to a grandparent. So grandparents out there, take hope and be encouraged! You can make a difference in your grandkids’ lives, no matter how astray they may have gone. Like the prodigal son, with a lot of prayer and faith, they’ll return.
I’m convinced the greatest weapon the devil created was the recliner.
Ouch. What will it take to get us out of that chair and to do something for this world? To be the light, the salt of the Earth? Admittedly, there are chapters that might convict, might even step on a few toes, but really if they didn’t then what would be the point of this book?
Dan hit home for me on a few chapters including Multitasking is NOT a Superpower and Moving at the Speed of Light. I multitask a lot and I’m always busy. But reading his take on it, that’s not always a good quality. I might be missing a great deal of life by keeping myself too busy. My attention is all over the place rather than on one thing: God. If He keeps me busy, I’ll find the time. But as soon as I start taking things on myself without any regard to what He wants from me, then I start feeling overwhelmed and risk burnout.
Dan has great advice for us in Losing the Cape. While this book would be an obvious fit for any Christian, I’m thinking of sharing it with someone that isn’t currently attending church. Their love of all things Marvel will be attracted to that portion of Dan’s writing and hopefully, they’ll gain some insight into how ordinary can become extraordinary. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 10, 2018
In his book, Losing The Cape, Dan Stanford seeks to open our eyes to the ways in which God works through ordinary people to do the extraordinary.
In the words of nineteenth century evangelist D.L. Moody, “There are many of us that are willing to do great things for the Lord, but few of us are willing to do little things.” It’s often the little things that have the greatest impact. (taken from the Introduction)
The book is written in a conversational style which flows easily, making the book hard to put down. The author fills the pages with superhero illustrations, inspiring stories and quotes. Scriptural truths are presented to challenge us to to move out of our comfort zones.
Many a potential hero was disarmed by the promise of a Lay-Z-Boy. Comfort often trumps conviction. What will it take to get you off your chair? (taken from page 94)
Much the way superheroes protected their cities, there are those we are called to serve. We may not be able to change the entire world but there are those we can surely impact. We are reminded that we have been strategically placed in our neighborhoods, in our churches, and in our jobs. There are people we are intended to impact, to share our lives with, to help and to protect.
I found the chapter on the Power of Legacy to bring challenging reminders:
“Every generation passes things along to the next generation.”
“Legacy is one of the ways we outlive ourselves.”
“The most important thing we can pass along to the next generation is a robust relationship with God.”
This is a book for every one of us. We all need to be challenged to see and use our God-given potential and abilities to their fullest. It is as we embrace the ordinary that God will enable us each to do the extraordinary in our little corner of the world.
*I was provided a copy of this book by Moody Publishers for review. All opinions are honest and my own. The post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small percent at no additional cost to you.
In the words of nineteenth century evangelist D.L. Moody, “There are many of us that are willing to do great things for the Lord, but few of us are willing to do little things.” It’s often the little things that have the greatest impact. (taken from the Introduction)
The book is written in a conversational style which flows easily, making the book hard to put down. The author fills the pages with superhero illustrations, inspiring stories and quotes. Scriptural truths are presented to challenge us to to move out of our comfort zones.
Many a potential hero was disarmed by the promise of a Lay-Z-Boy. Comfort often trumps conviction. What will it take to get you off your chair? (taken from page 94)
Much the way superheroes protected their cities, there are those we are called to serve. We may not be able to change the entire world but there are those we can surely impact. We are reminded that we have been strategically placed in our neighborhoods, in our churches, and in our jobs. There are people we are intended to impact, to share our lives with, to help and to protect.
I found the chapter on the Power of Legacy to bring challenging reminders:
“Every generation passes things along to the next generation.”
“Legacy is one of the ways we outlive ourselves.”
“The most important thing we can pass along to the next generation is a robust relationship with God.”
This is a book for every one of us. We all need to be challenged to see and use our God-given potential and abilities to their fullest. It is as we embrace the ordinary that God will enable us each to do the extraordinary in our little corner of the world.
*I was provided a copy of this book by Moody Publishers for review. All opinions are honest and my own. The post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small percent at no additional cost to you.
June 2, 2018
Losing the Cape is a Christian living book by author Dan Stanford. Have you ever wanted to put on a cape and become a superhero? If not now maybe as a child? I have, I admit! In his book author Dan Stanford explains why we don’t need a cape. We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit in us each and every day.
This book is about each and every one of us, just regular folk without a magic cape. Just the way God made us. While we may see all our failures God sees who we can become if we follow Him. He doesn’t look at where we are now, or where we were in the past, He looks at what we can become. I like the quote on page #37 that states, ‘You don’t need an ‘S’ on your chest when you have the Saviour in your heart’
Even though this book mentions superheroes the main theme of this book is that Jesus is the one we need to look to. No matter our education we can be used by God if we will surrender our lives to Him. This book is very encouraging, especially for the underdog. Not everyone makes it into the top 100 club, but God sees the underdog.
The author has a past he may not be proud of but when he gave his life to Christ he gave his whole self; body, soul, and spirit. That giving of self is what this book is about. We are not super-beings, we are human beings that need a Saviour that will save us and a Holy Spirit that will walk with us through life.
I recommend this book to Seekers, Believers and fans of the Marvel and DC comics.
Disclosure: “I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.”
This book is about each and every one of us, just regular folk without a magic cape. Just the way God made us. While we may see all our failures God sees who we can become if we follow Him. He doesn’t look at where we are now, or where we were in the past, He looks at what we can become. I like the quote on page #37 that states, ‘You don’t need an ‘S’ on your chest when you have the Saviour in your heart’
Even though this book mentions superheroes the main theme of this book is that Jesus is the one we need to look to. No matter our education we can be used by God if we will surrender our lives to Him. This book is very encouraging, especially for the underdog. Not everyone makes it into the top 100 club, but God sees the underdog.
The author has a past he may not be proud of but when he gave his life to Christ he gave his whole self; body, soul, and spirit. That giving of self is what this book is about. We are not super-beings, we are human beings that need a Saviour that will save us and a Holy Spirit that will walk with us through life.
I recommend this book to Seekers, Believers and fans of the Marvel and DC comics.
Disclosure: “I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.”
May 4, 2018
Dan Stanford knows his super heroes...Superman, Batman, the Avengers, X-Men, Underdog, the Martian Manhunter...they're all there! But even more than Dan's entertaining style of writing, I love the message of this book: ordinary as we may be, we each have extraordinary gifts to offer the world around us. And, the world needs each of us to rise up, to serve others, to break free of our insecurities and reach out to those around us who are in need. Together, we can make an extraordinary difference in the world. The message of Losing the Cape is written well and is well-timed. In this world, where there are so many negative messages and so many global crises, we can't afford to wait on others that we somehow feel are more qualified or more talented than us to rush in and save the day. We each are gifted and called by God to make a difference. Losing the Cape asks, what are you waiting on?! I'll be giving this book to the teenagers and young adults in my life in particular. They'll easily connect to the super hero theme but also be encouraged by the real-life application of Dan's practical wisdom and humor. Nice work, Dan!
April 3, 2018
While Wonder Woman was by far my most favorite super hero, I still did not have her powers. Dan Stanford points out in his book that our extraordinary God works through ordinary people to accomplish His purposes. I am one of those ordinary people. I like this quote by Dan, "The one who designs us needs to be the one who defines us." Dan helps the average Joe realize that we are superheroes in the kingdom of God. Batman and Superman may be fictional, but when we use God's word and put it our words and actions we can accomplish a lot. Thank you Dan for allowing me to be a part of this launch.
June 11, 2018
An interesting take on the topic of "living our best lives". The author has a conversational tone which made me chuckle at times and challenged me other times to think of everyday things I can do to make a difference for eternity. I enjoy it when an author makes Bible characters relatable so we can integrate Scripture into our lives without trepidation. This was an encouraging read!
March 21, 2018
The DC Comics® and Marvel® franchises have made millions in the superhero genre. From Batman to Superman, superheroes come with all sorts of skills and gadgets to help them save the day. Fortunately for us, God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us declare victory over our enemy.
Even though the world is obsessed with superheroes and celebrities, it only takes one ordinary person used by God to accomplish incredible things. This is the gist of Dan Stanford's "Losing the Cape". In his book, he discusses how we can use our God-given potential and change the world. He encourages readers to "embrace ordinary".
Despite Stanford's book containing many tweetable phrases, the book didn't reach full potential at least until he shared his testimony,. I can understand why he didn't lead with this story, but I think he should have.
Even with the inspiring stories, colorful anecdotes and spiritual wisdom, it was tough to get through. The book gained speed toward the middle but lost steam as it neared the end. I found it difficult to finish.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Even though the world is obsessed with superheroes and celebrities, it only takes one ordinary person used by God to accomplish incredible things. This is the gist of Dan Stanford's "Losing the Cape". In his book, he discusses how we can use our God-given potential and change the world. He encourages readers to "embrace ordinary".
Despite Stanford's book containing many tweetable phrases, the book didn't reach full potential at least until he shared his testimony,. I can understand why he didn't lead with this story, but I think he should have.
Even with the inspiring stories, colorful anecdotes and spiritual wisdom, it was tough to get through. The book gained speed toward the middle but lost steam as it neared the end. I found it difficult to finish.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 8, 2018
Great book, Love the message. What a great way to let people know they too can be used in great ways no matter how they percieve themselves.
September 17, 2018
Amazing book! Everyone should read it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews