The People’s Champ (Paradigm Shift) ©

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.

Abraham Lincoln

One of the many things that history has taught us (for those of us that have paid attention) is that it never easy being the virtuous person. The one that understands what it means to do what's right in the face of fierce opposition. To be the one that sees what needs to be done to right a wrong even if it is against the status quo. To be the one that stands firm against oppression in any form armed with nothing but the truth......even if it's an inconvenient one. That's why I respect the leaders of our time (Past and present) that championed the voice of the common people to insure equality and a level playing field for this game of life that we all participate in daily (either willingly or unwillingly).

  I count myself amongst the number of individuals that at one time looked to persons in positions of authority to do what's right by those in their charge. I mean after all every time someone wants to put a particular segment of society in its "place" they cite their rules and regulations and assert their authority right? Well the funny thing about Authority and being made steward over something is there is a tremendous amount of accountability that comes along with it. Being in leadership does not exempt you from the rules, it merely means that you (supposedly) have a better understanding of them and will not abuse the power that you have been granted.

Another lesson that I personally have learned from history (which by the way is an excellent teacher) has been that those that benefit most from chaos and confusion put forth the absolute least amount of effort to change the environment unless it benefits the status quo.. Take Slavery for example... I don’t believe the Emancipation Proclamation made a lot of slave owners happy. Ok... still not convinced? I don’t think the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the thought of equality (at least on some levels) made a lot of die hard bigots all that excited about the future. Oh so you still don't believe me huh....Man you're tough crowd! Ok ...let's see ... AH! How about healthcare for every American, Economic equality and making this country a more energy independent nation which would allow it to be more of an international competitor because right now we just hold the title of strongest Superpower. Anybody can claim to be the Champion until a strong enough contender comes along and knocks you on your ass. Just ask Mike Tyson or Roy Jones, Jr.

Championing the causes that are important to the people has always been a double edge sword though. You will always meet with opposition from the ones against your proposed change, but be assured that you will also always have your critics amongst the people for whom you are fighting to obtain the change. That’s why I personally have so much respect and admiration for those Men and Women who lay their lives and livelihoods on the line every single day trying to make this world a better, safer, and more civil place. Our brave soldiers spread the world over, those on "the hill" trying to do what their constituents elected them to do, our teachers -whose job is truly at times a thankless one - working to prepare and empower our youth, our law enforcement officials who carry the shield and truly lay it on the line "to protect and serve" , the parents that are doing all they can to raise their children to become honorable and responsible men and women, the clergy that are truly invested in the "flock" they have been ordained to "shepherd". The list of contributors to maintaining the balance required in keeping our society civil and stable is utterly endless. Everyone plays a part. Even you and I. How? By doing our part, we insure that we are part of life's solutions and not its problems. By making sure that we are positioning ourselves to help our fellow man/ woman…. not hurt them. I know.... it’s a noble notion. Besides, it's so much easier to inflict harm on people because there are a lot of people in this world whose sole purpose on the planet is to do just that. No sense painting a target on your back trying to be "different". I get it. However it’s also important to remember that Karma is not a respecter of persons. That eventually the hunter becomes the hunted. Just ask Osama Bin Laden. Oh....you can't. Oh well …. look at his example. He led a life of violence...and died violently. Now I’m not a pacifist. You get what you give in this life. But I am a realist and a bonafied contextualist. Not to mention a small student of history and things past (two totally different things I might add) and one thing is clear - at least to me anyway - Nothing is new. All has been done before in some shape, form or fashion. It only comes back around with a different appearance or presentation. With that being said, it is our responsibility as individuals to recognize the trend (albeit a positive or negative one) and act accordingly. 

 The ultimate goal of a champion is victory. However, as it is often said: Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Once victorious the true champion knows that that is the beginning of their journey. There will numerous title defenses. Everybody gunning to take their place and not always using the fairest of tactics. However true victors also know that numbers and strategy wins battles. Those things combined with will, desire, perseverance and sincere devotion to the source of your conviction wins wars.

That’s why the enemy wins a lot of battles because they most definitely have the numbers. It’s no doubt about that. But they lack the conviction to see the war to its final conclusion. They lack the discipline to persevere. They are content with a battle or two whereas God assures his people total victory if they stay committed to the cause. Commitment requires devotion on a level that is lost on most people today. Commitment requires sacrifice at times. That’s uncomfortable for people. Mainly because people at times commit to the wrong ideals. In my humble opinion the “wrong” ideal is the one that does more harm than good. The one if asked to lay down your life for it you would gladly allow the next person to make the ultimate sacrifice and watch without one iota of regret. True champions know that in order to obtain the victory and retain the title that some sort of sacrifice is required. True leaders realize that in order to champion a cause they may be required to - as Honest Abe put it – give their full last measure of devotion. If you as a leader aren’t willing to do this, then maybe you should relinquish the crown. For true leaders understand that in order to obtain total and absolute victory that you got to “leave it all on the field” regardless of the venue. The battlefield, the playing field, the boardroom, the streets, the classroom…. Wherever you find your challenge or the test of your character and resolve…. Understand that you can be victorious if you are willing to put forth your best effort leaving no doubt that even if you fall short of the goal or the prize, you gave it your all! Nobody likes losing, but contrary to popular belief the “moral victory” still exists. Give me a gracious loser over an arrogant victor any day.

 The mark of a true champion is being able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. To have the ability to make something out of nothing. To take what the world means as a slight or your demise and turn it into something that not only blesses you but those around you. Now understand that in order to have this ability it requires an extremely large amount of determination and tenacity. The timid need not even step into the ring because the enemy will undoubtedly make short work of you. So save yourself the unnecessary beat down. But warriors…true warriors understand what it takes to be successful when the entire world has written you off. Champions are the ones that use people’s doubt and disbelief as fuel to obtain the victory that everyone dares them to come and get.

In my humble opinion, there is no force on the planet stronger than the heart and mind of a champion. One my heroes said it best:

“Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something that they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision.”

He kind of knew what he was talking about too. He has set a many a contender on their Gluteus Maximus.

 Are you a champion? I’m sure that you are. To someone, you are their reason to fight on. To someone, you are their reason for being alive today. For someone, you are their reason for living. For someone, you are their provider and caretaker. For someone, you are their reason to love again. For someone, you are their inspiration and motivation to face the challenges of this world for which there are many. For someone, you are the best thing that could ever have happened to them. And guess what….

That makes you a champion. Now claim your crown. Claim it understanding that when you do, the enemy is going to do everything they can to take it from you. But also know that once you claim the crown, as long as you give honor and glory to the One that blessed you to obtain it that He blesses you with everything you need to retain the title. Granted some of your title defenses are going to be brutal…… BRUTAL. But understand that within the center of your being you have the answers needed to be victorious! As long as you know Whose you are, who you are and what you want… the victory is yours.