During the Great Depression, James Braddock worked as a day laborer to feed his family.  His boxing license was revoked and he needed to feed his family which included three young children.  The path seemed hopeless and with not enough money to keep the lights on during the winter, sending his children to relatives for a while entered his wife’s mind.  But he was determined to maintain the union of his family, no matter if it meant getting back in the ring, with the possibility of being killed in a fight.

Then James’ luck began to turn around.  His former manager, Joe Gould, arranged for a one time fight.  He won and Joe pleaded with the commissioner to reinstate James’ license.  He did and after several more wins, James became the top heavy weight contender against the defending champion Max Baer.  Max killed two opponents in the ring before with solid right blows to the head so needless to say, James’ wife was a nervous wreck.  But in an interview with the media a reporter asked James to explain his whirlwind comeback.  He replied that apart from not being injured, he knew what he was fighting for this time.  “What’s that?” the reported inquired.  James replied, “For milk.”  This story was nicely told in the movie Cinderella Man.
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What or who are you fighting for today?  Is it to feed your family?  Is it to be the top dog in your organization?  Is it because you made a promise to someone?  Do you even know why you are fighting daily through the traffic, heat, cold, mediocre wage or working conditions?  Maybe you are being paid handsomely, but why are you doing it?

Stop just going through the motion, if you are, and find your purpose for life!  You’ll find you’ll be able to function with more passion and your activities will be more purposeful.  If you’ve found it, I applaud you.  Now help someone else with the gift of your time and expertise.  As you give, you will receive in like measure (Luke 6:38).  If you are not there yet, seek out someone who is ahead of you to hold you accountable for moving toward your goal, or even another to mentor you.  There is someone who is depending on you using and sharing your talent.  To him or her, that’s milk.

Be it for milk, growth or passion

Know your why – it’s not fashion

Toiling, sweating, and bleeding to move multiple steps forward

But what a blessing if it’s your choice, not that you’re coward

For when you’ve clarified the purpose for your effort

You strive even if you don’t feel alive, to guard your fort

You endure even if it seems like defeat for sure

Yes, you live when you learn how to share your talent the more

 

One fighter fought knowing he had to provide milk

I fight for heroism at home, and to touch some heart, just like silk