Dear Friends,
I was disappointed with myself. I had received
an e-mail from an organization that I was involved in telling me I had to stop
talking about an issue within our organization that I felt was very important
to our operational wellbeing.
Acting out of frustration, my knee jerk
reaction was to resign from the organization-a more accurate use of the word
would be- quit! I had grown tired of trying to change people's minds about an
issue I felt was important, and so my solution to the problem was to quit.
Quitting was out of character for me. I had
always quoted to teams I had coached "Winners never quit and quitters
never win."
I don't know who originated that statement,
but I am fully aware that I am not the only coach who has ever uttered those
universal words that I now had chosen to ignore.
A conversation I had with a friend, combined
with the realization that I had just done something that was so out of
character for me-quitting- led me to ask that my letter of resignation be
rescinded. I am happy to say that my wish was granted, and I was reinstated.
Admitting I had been wrong in acting as I
did was embarrassing, but in retrospect I realized if I felt strongly
enough about an issue, I needed to continue to fight for the cause I believed
was right.
No game is ever won by those sitting in the
stands, but only by those on the field who are doing everything within their
power to win the game, regardless of the odds against them.
Even if I was the only one who felt the way I
did, I knew quitting was wrong. I recognized I needed to remain a part of
the organization and continue to make my feelings known and fight to convince
others of what I knew was right.
It is not easy as one of the few standing up
for something that in your heart you know is right, but it is a lot harder
living your life knowing you have given in and given up to your
detractors.
Even if you are the only one who feels the way
you do, hold on to what you believe in, and regardless of the odds, continue to
fight for your beliefs. Be committed to go the distance.
Robert Strauss defined success as "A
little like wrestling a gorilla. "You don't quit wrestling when you are
tired, but when the gorilla is tired."
Legendary Army football coach Earl Blaick was
once asked why his practices were so hard. He reportedly responded,
"Because you don't develop strong teeth by eating mush."
I am sure there were times when Jesus thought
about throwing in the towel. But he was faithful in fulfilling his calling, and
in doing so he made a gigantic difference in your life and in mine.
His decision, however, was not without
consequence for it was his beliefs that led him to the Cross, but aren't you
glad he didn't quit?
If you and I are to be a difference maker in our
family, work, school, or church, we may have to wrestle that gorilla until he
gives up. We must not settle, or rest, or take the easy, because if we do, we
might find ourselves in danger.
I close with the words of our brother, Paul,
who said, "Let's not get tired of doing what is good.
At just the right time, we will reap a harvest
of blessing if we don't give up." (Galatians 6: 9. NLT)
Remember, "It is always too soon to
quit."
Yours in faith and friendship,
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