A BEAUTIFUL FIGHT

Beaten?  No, but bruised and battered some.

Overwhelmed?  All the time.  But never overcome.

Tired beyond emotion, but triumph is in my sight.

My victory is a certainty in this beautiful fight.

As the world mourns champion and humanitarian Muhammed Ali, and I personally experience the transition of my Aunt Mollie Woolfolk, I find myself reflecting on how they both uniquely impacted my life.  Their lives were polar opposites: Ali was a presence that captivated the globe,  Mollie, a caretaker that captivated the cul-de-sac. Ali, a physical menace with a gentle heart for all mankind.  Mollie, a mother hen barely 90 pounds with the tenacity of a prize fighter.  Both, great legacies and great lessons of life that I hope I will carry with me for a lifetime.  Lessons like…

MAKE A NEGATIVE SPACE YOUR POSITIVE THINK TANK

As I watched the Ali movie, I most anticipated seeing their rendering of the "Thriller in Manilla" fight and the famous "rope-a-dope" strategy used by Ali to conquer his opponent.  What fascinated me then, and still does, is the grit and fortitude it took to think and strategize while in that vicious brawl, exercising his mental muscles while enduring crushing blows.  What does a man known for his much-publicized personal affirmations say to himself ABOUT himself to survive THAT battle?

The artistry of positive thought became an unbeatable weapon.  It is an exercise in empowerment through adversity that is still dissected and analyzed to this day.  Ultimately, Ali showed us that there is no exterior force more formidable or powerful than the one controlling our thoughts.  And it ours to choose which will have the victory.

ALWAYS BE A PART OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

As my aunt's health began to decline, I had the opportunity to care for her yard.  Her enormous yard with 26 trees.  I rarely spent time in any yard prior to this, but as I dedicated time every week to pick up limbs and prune trees I discovered a new passion for the beautiful things nature brings.  The same neighbors would wave to me on their way to work and returning from work - I had been out there that long.  I was praying with my eyes open, and the peace it gave me far outweighed the energy spent.  That season in my life gave me a new perspective on the beauty found in dirty hands toiling in rich soil.  For me, the power of growth and maturity reflected in the roses translated to a deeper desire to see people grow and reach their potential.

  

All of us are called to flourish beyond our circumstances and to help others do the same.  There is a personal peace that is unmatched when you dig deep to help someone else.  Our lives are only as beautiful as the fruit we bare.  Always be a part of something beautiful.

WHEN YOU ALWAYS GIVE, YOU'LL NEVER BE EMPTY

Both Ali and Aunt Mollie were givers.  Ali to humanitarian efforts for peace, Mollie to her family and many foster children.  All of her children were special not only to her, but to everyone who knew them because you could see how her love for them changed their lives.  I remember an infant straight out of the maternity ward and awaiting adoption.  When she got the word he has coming, the family rallied and for a few days we had a newborn in the family.  He was the calmest baby I had ever encountered.  And after a few days, he was gone to live with his permanent family.  We were all devastated, but Mollie especially.  She loved her children with her whole heart.  No long after, she received two sets of siblings to help fill the void.  For one child, Mollie was the first woman she ever called, "Mama".  You could tell Mollie felt complete.

God has a wonderful way of filling our emptiness with an overflow of Himself when we looklikeLOVE in the eyes of someone else.  In sacrificing ourselves, we discover His sacred love.

ilooklikeLOVE is a testament to all the "Mollies" and "Alis" in my life.   Stay mentally strong, beautifully connected, and always in serve to a point of sacrifice.  Victory depends not upon if we can brawl, but HOW YOU WIN. 

Make it a BEAUTIFUL FIGHT.

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