“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that!
Yes, I had a quote. Tonight is a special kind of night, as I prepare for my debut into the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Cage Fighting. I have had several weeks to think about what it would be like to write this post; knowing myself all too well, it was only to be expected. This is a moment I will remember.
The fight happened as a result of running into an old business partner of mine. While briefly catching up on what he’d been up to, he mentioned he was promoting fights. My younger brother, Mark, had wanted to get into one of these for quite some time. It turned out that he had an upcoming fight, and that Mark would be able to get in on the action. Mark was a willing partner and I was happy to see him decide on the fight. Several weeks into training, Mark decided he wasn’t ready to fight and decided to drop out of the match. After briefly talking about it, we decided to see if it would be possible for us to fight each other; two brothers, one fight. One winner. It was on! Well, it turned out the Ohio Athletic Commission wouldn’t allow family members to fight each other, so we each got a new matchup; Mark would be fighting his original match, and I would be fighting somebody in my weight class. The fight is tomorrow (December 4th) at 7pm.
What’s going through my my mind as I prepare for this moment? Quite a bit. It’s a bit hard to explain, as I have not been in these situations before. However, this is one situation where the outcome will drastically view and impact my view of life. Should I walk out of the ring as the winner, I will have gained an important mental puzzle piece that has helped me see hard work, determination, and a bit of craziness is one method of attaining goals. Should I lose, I will be devastated.
See, my entire life has treated me with relatively soft hands; not allowed to play football, learn martial arts as a child, or able to put myself in situations that would challenge me on a variety of levels. I cannot blame my parents for this type of upbringing, as they thought it would be best. However, it’s made my current life very difficult at times. Always wondering what it would be like to step foot on the playing field, enter the ring, or endure brutal training. Sideline is no more; gametime, Plaat.
I’ve spoken of the cry of the warrior that exists within the heart of men. It has been inside of me for far too long with no exit. It finally has the opportunity to come through and bring me to victory. Get up, Plaat.
Am I ready for the fight? One could always become better prepared or more disciplined for an event. However, there is the time to shrug off the training gear and enter the ring to fight. Now is that time. I have done many things that I’ve not wanted to do in order to prepare for this; rough training sessions at an MMA gym in Columbus, where I’ve frequently walked away spitting out my own blood. I have endured physical training to the point of screaming. My mind has reached points where it takes everything in me to continue. Scraping bottom, I’ve picked myself up and have continue to press on towards this goal. I have done many things I did not want to do in order to do something I’ve longed to do.
Now’s the time to fight, Plaat.
LORD,
I could not continue without thanking You for Your faithfulness and provision for me as I’ve pursued this goal. Thank You for keeping me free from injuries as I’ve trained. You have been with me every step of the way in the weeks leading up to this event. Thank You for allowing Mark and I both to have new opponents and maintaining our close relationship as brothers. Allow us to step forward in confidence, knowing that you are in the cage with us as we step forward to meet our opponents.
MAGEN – it is You who are our Shield. Protect us as we enter into this arena and fight somebody who seeks to harm us. Protect our joints, muscles, bones, and brain. Grant us quickness of mind, deftness of body, and endurance to fight and defeat all blows coming our way.
EYALUTH – It is You who are our Strength. We will certainly need this tomorrow. Fuel our bodies with strength that passes understanding. Allow us to dominate our opponents with strength and dexterity that can come only from You.
ABIR – You are the Mighty One who arms His children with strength, might, and protection. You have trained our bodies for war, chiseled our minds as warriors, and fixated our eyes on the prize.
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH – LORD of Hosts, who commands the Heavenly Army and defeats, with great violence, the forces that would rise against us. I pray for Your hand and Host to be with us even this evening and tomorrow as we enter this competition. Allow us to enter the cage with confidence that You have fought, and will continue to fight, as our Protector against the darkness which seeks to kill us.
EL ELYON – Most High. Allow us to fight and bring glory to You. As we step forward as conquerers, grant us the victory so that we may encourage others as they, too, enter battles of life.
Finally, JEHOVAH-ROPHE – The LORD who heals — after you grant us the victory, heal our opponents.
We know You are the original and true warrior who has fought since the beginning of time. As your children step into the cage, grant us strength and a warrior mindset that will progress our walk as growing up to be strong, Godly men of honor who fight not for earthly acclaim, temporary treasure or momentary pleasure, but for the name of the LORD.
Amen.
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