Stay In The Ring : Knocked Down, But Not Knocked Out (Paperback)

Stay in the Ring: Knocked Down, But Not Knocked Out is a book dedicated to anyone who has ever felt or said the phrase, "If it's not one thing, it's another." If you have ever found yourself repeating the above words, then this book is for you. <p>Before you begin reading my book, my prayer is that God will condition your mind and heart to receive the wisdom He has shared with me. My ultimate purpose and mission are to act as your personal trainer to help you discover the undefeated champion that resides on the inside of you!</p><p> Now, before I began to quote a bunch of scriptures to you, it is necessary to dispel any assumptions that I am a superior authority on boxing. Although I have watched several matches on television, I am not an expert. Nevertheless, there are some observations from the sport that I find applicable to a Christian's journey and that is--it is not easy. Like some of you, I have my own personal testimony concerning my various battles within the ring of life that should have literally taken me not only out, but also under. Right now, as I am typing these words, I am genuinely amazed at how God has preserved me long enough so that I may encourage you with my story.</p><p> I am no different from you. Every day of my life it feels as though I am fighting against one thing or another. Should I stay at my job, although they do not appreciate the work I have done and continue to do? What is the purpose of forgiving my family members when some of them still reject and falsely accuse me of being a "Prim donna" or acting as if I am better than them? Why did I decide to remain in my marriage, when I knew there was a time that his mind was not on me, but on the other woman on the other side of town?</p><p> Now, don't get it twisted, this is by no means a "tell all" book. Nevertheless, I must be realistic about my scars in order to help you overcome your current situations and lead you to victory. I believe too often we tend to sugar coat our "stuff" and pretend that we haven't been through anything when the truth of the matter is many of us are literally fighting for our lives daily. We are fighting to keep our flesh under subjection, so we don't knock anybody out, fighting to remain loyal to our spouse when temptation begins to arise or something else appears to be better, or fighting to even keep our vow to the Lord of living holy lives by walking out His word daily.</p><p> What encouraged me to sojourn in the ring was the inward strength I drew from my relationship with Jesus Christ. It inspired me to never forfeit or give up while amid any battle. See, I repudiated the notion of forfeiting the fight on a technicality, but rather stay in the ring. Was it easy? No! Did I want to quit? Absolutely! But once I understood who I was (in God of course) and the power I possessed within, I then realized the fight was FIXED in my FAVOR! John said it better, "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. No matter what happens in the ring, I am more than a conqueror." (John 4:4KJV)</p>