Put 'em up, put 'em up!

I believe that I’m usually a fairly restrained individual. I prefer to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner as opposed to shouting or arguing in some dramatic fashion. This is not to say that I don’t know how to stand up for what’s right, as I have often had to deal with people who challenged me regarding matters that involved doctrine, business, and general issues that included strong opinions and various actions. I believe that I can be a resolute and convincing person, whether dealing with issues that are personal or professional in nature, but I still prefer to avoid conflict whenever possible. I think that the art of diplomacy is slowly fading from our society.

I’m also not someone who believes that physical confrontation can amount to any good. I try to avoid reacting to situations in any way that would provoke someone toward a fight (such as dealing with road rage type of drivers and obnoxious people in public places…know what I’m sayin’ ?). I do enjoy working out, and I do so in part with weights, a heavy punching bag, a speed bag, and various other things that help to build my strength and endurance. Even so, I haven’t been in a physical confrontation with anyone since I was a kid. The thought of physically brawling with someone is almost laughable to me, and much more so to any potential opponent, I’m certain. I even do all of my exercising alone within the privacy of my garage at home with equipment that I own.

But now I face the issue of dealing with a fight that I must take part in daily. It’s real, it’s difficult, and it’s internal. The battle that I wage daily involves my mind against my body. It’s a struggle that I know must be fought every day if I expect to remain victorious in my life. I have to face every day with a mental attitude that is stronger than some of the physical pain and hindrances that manifest themselves within me as a result of my motorcycle accident. One of the things that I’ve had to learn over the past few years is that the fight never ends and my mental and emotional commitment should be equally relentless. It is generally true that in this life any given day’s end allows for a time of respite from most conflicts, trials, and challenges. I can always find relief at home from most of the things that arise within a day as I rest with the knowledge that I can pick up where I left off on the following day. However, the battle that I must fight against my body never allows for escape. Where do you run to when you’re fighting against yourself? The truth is that I have had to be tougher than my own body. This battle has been with me from my time in the hospital until this very day.

It is necessary that I remain strong within my heart and mind if I am going to defeat some of the consequences of my injuries. I have to face each day with an attitude that overcomes any of the things that my body is manifesting. Some days are easier than others, but every day can be a day of victory if I maintain a strong and positive mental attitude. It helps me greatly to rely upon this simple promise that joins the spiritual with the mental and physical; “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).