Fight the Good Fight

On By K.L. HaleIn Essay, Uncategorized

I never liked fighting. From an early age it always made me uncomfortable. One incident occurred on the school bus. We lived less than a mile from the school, so it felt unnecessarily scary. I remember fighting with a girl at church. Oh my. The 4 K’s (my twin and two other inseparables that grew together in the same neighborhood) were picked on by a neighbor boy-much older than us. It took an adequate altercation for it to cease. I didn’t want to fight.

“Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.”-1 Timothy 6:12

The walk to the older part of the elementary building was so exciting. I couldn’t wait to sit on the carpet of our old Kindergarten room and watch a film on African animals. It involved poaching-and people. There were tears in my eyes. I was ready to board a plane or a boat, head to Africa, and save the animals and the people. Would I even meet Jane Goodall?

Fight the good fight.

Being a peacemaker was my goal. Seeing all sides and angles to any situation was not only interesting, but it also became a daily objective. The underdogs, victims of bullying, the lonely or the unloved-they all gripped my heart. I learned under the steeple that we were to love one another. I wasn’t so Pollyannaish (although I was, and still am at times, seen as that) that I was blind to the problems of the world. Couldn’t we all just get along?

Fight the good fight.

I wasn’t so naïve that I believed everyone should believe or act the same, I just prayed we might. My beliefs blew up in blustery blunders. None of what I had believed seemed to be true in real life. The fight was on. As Merle Haggard sang I was “walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me.” I wasn’t fighting to be right, but to feel worthy.

Fight the good fight.

The bends in my life’s river have included fights to stay afloat-mentally and physically. To climb back in the boat after tipping, and at times, a spiritual fight to keep seeking that which IS worth a fight. “Was I even worth fighting for?” A heavenly boisterous and booming voice said “Yes! I needed you alone so you would be all mine for a while.”

 Arguments and disagreements will inevitably occur. Dialogue, if we’re determined, might diffuse.

Fight the good fight.

Today as we honor our servicemembers who have sacrificed for our country I ask, “what is worth the fight?” Our country is constantly fighting with one another. We’re split. We’re divided. We fight for “things” that we think make our lives easier and more convenient as other parts of our world fight just to have the necessities of life.

Haven’t we all fought long and hard enough?–the fight to love yourself, to let go and allow the freedom of where you are, right at this very moment, to be enough. Stop fighting for stuff. Start fighting FOR one another. I’ll not stop fighting with faith to overcome health challenges. I’ll not stop fighting with faith for a brighter future, I’ll not stop fighting with faith in acknowledging love-I’m loved, you’re loved-whether you hear it each day. When you feel alone, confused, misunderstood—when you feel joy, happiness, and contentment-no matter how you feel or what you believe may you endure with faith and fanatical fortitude.

Fight the good fight.

Have faith 🤍

Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas-photo credit-K.L. Hale

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68 thoughts on “Fight the Good Fight”

  1. Like you Karla, I’m of the non confrontational sort. It used to be because I didn’t like fighting, or aggression but now it is also because I don’t see the point. So many people are deaf to any side of a story that doesn’t match their own. Debate is needed to enlighten many issues that will otherwise get pushed into the too hard basket or ignored or worse, be said to be “fixed” but are just silenced instead. The cancel culture is to be blamed for shutting down intelligent debate and helping people see a well rounded version of any story. People should be educated not shamed. Everyone deserves to be heard. It makes me cross, but none of that is my fight. My fight is simply to become a better person, in that way I at least can affect change to the few square feet around me. It’s an ongoing battle but some days I see improvement 😁💕

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    1. Beautiful, Kate. Thank you. Everyone desires to be heard. I found myself becoming more argumentative when I was around argumentative people. I would let it fester. And then my insides would scream because all I want is peace. And I found it by letting go and raising only my expectations of myself-no shame, no arguing–just as you said, to be educated. Like you, Kate, I just want to be better. To use the wisdom gained to seek peace, understanding, and love. It is indeed a battle. And I’ll keep fighting it! Have I told you how good it is to “see” you again? I always appreciate your wisdom and perspective. 🤍

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  2. inspirational and honest: I love ‘blustery blunders’; I have made a few but have learnt from them; I like to be the peacemaker; I have spent too many occasions fighting for my rights when I would have been better served learning to get on with people; I hope our two countries heal their divisions; I hope The US and Australia learn to ‘get on’ with China; I hope this is possible; everyone has to come down from their high horse —

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    1. Thank you, John. I’ve learned too~the hard way, but a good way. Humility is a good place to start. Falling off the horse might put some there? I hope and pray that divisions can be healed too. Thank you for sharing.

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  3. It was good chatting with you on my blog. Just wanted to say amen, this was well said. I felt just like you did when I was a kid. I hate fighting and still do, but I will always stand up for what is right and fight the good fight. God bless!

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  4. jpayne98

    What a great story as you know I don’t like being in conflicts either. I can remember as a kid growing up I had a friend that know matter what I said he had to say the opposite. It’s all in perspective depends greatly on how someone is raised or what they are taught. Great story. Love always J ❤️🙏🤟🏼. Ps love the Hag.!!!!

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    1. Thank you, sweetheart. I appreciate your support and perspective always. A person’s background and experiences do impact communication for sure.
      May we never stop learning and growing. 🙏🏻❤️🤟🏻 love always! Yes, Merle knows just how to say it! 🎶🥰

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  7. One can wish and one can hope for peace, but the best way to keep the peace is to be a bit scary. Bullies thrive on the weak and non-confrontational. Bullies generally kept their distance from the scary strong. On the macro level, history has proved this with how the allies gave into Nazi Germany during the early years. On the micro level, most school boys have learned this lesson. What I am saying isn’t right, it isn’t nice; but, unfortunately it is true.

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    1. Thank you, Bill, for sharing your wisdom. I understand completely. Bullying is something I can’t stand.And you just defend yourself at times. I’ve had experiences with these situations;particularly at the middle school.I’ve felt bullied as a woman at times in situations;particularly when alone. The verse I mentioned has been in my heart since I completed a study around it. I’m all the doom and gloom that can seem to surround us, I’ll fight with faith to remain as stoic and stable as possible. As my parents are aging and older family members are suffering I see firsthand the battles in both physical and mental. I have these battles too.My “kids” and grandkids have their own lives very far away. I’m so happy for them; yet, it’s been a battle of faith to forge ahead and create a life for the next 1/2 century, God-willing, that does not involve all the things I thought I’d be doing at this age. God has a plan. So I gave up my fight and I’m letting him fight all my battles if that makes sense. I love being part of a family and community, just as here, that is willing to stand together.For there is strength in numbers;and sadly, the loudest are heard. I appreciate you so much, Bill, and how much I learn from all your experiences.

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  8. atimetoshare.me

    You are indeed perceptive. I am nonconfrontational as well. I would much rather watch ants develop a whole colony without seemingly having any plan, than to be judged by another person. I would rather hide in a closet and scream out my frustrations than to let them be known to anyone. We are the vulnerable ones and we will be taken advantage of from time to time. We must always remember that God is in our corner and will not let us fall without catching us.

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    1. Dear Kathy, I love your words and heart. I understand completely what you are saying. I have my moments I just sit with grief and sometimes anger (which makes me cry, lol). These times are becoming less. I don’t worry about other peoples’ understanding.I’ll fight only my own battles and I’d take a bullet for my family and friends. But I know who is ultimately in charge;and I have no control. I had a situation just this week that involved many people, many opinions,…I try to see all angles; and ultimately that open-mindedness led to a beautiful outcome. I diffused others when I felt myself becoming a bit bothered;alas, I go to my quiet place, pet my pup, pray, and just deliver kindness. In another situation, this morning actually, I was alone with a huge financial situation and 3 on the other side, all male, who all had differing perspectives. Through collaboration and dialogue things were wonderful. It takes time. Sadly, people are in such a hurry, we don’t dedicate time to process the situation from our own, and others, perspectives. I hope when I’m 84 I’m still fighting with faith. I don’t want to live a long life of healing and hope to lose it at the end. So that’s why I’ll never give up….again. Love and peace to you and Paul. ❤️🤗 I’ve learned so much from you.

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      1. atimetoshare.me

        You are very wise in your own right. We must defend what we believe but not narrow minded in our thinking. When one mind comes up with a plan, it should be willing to compromise or at least give an alternate choice that will enhance the original idea. That’s the way problems are solved. Have a blessed weekend and pet your pup for me. I sure miss ours.❤️❤️

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      2. What a kind thing to say, Kathy. ❤️ you have a blessed weekend too. I’m preparing for a book signing at a charming book and gift store at the Grand Village in Branson tomorrow. It will be about 26 degrees in the morning and should warm up to the 40’s. I’m sure to some that’s a heatwave! For me, like today, I can’t get warm with the cold blustery wind. So I’ll give extra snuggles to Finley from you. She’s moving slow today in her sweater. And we haven’t touched the surface of true winter, lol. ❤️🤗

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  9. I love this post for so many reasons. The biggest that I try not to stand in the way of doing good and attempt to sidestep the effects of evil in this world. But as you so eloquently said we need to do good, be good, find good – and with a slight edit be Christ to others, find God in our circumstances, and do what God wills…. Peace and Love to you!

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    1. Pam, I appreciate your words of wisdom. I may not like fighting, but I’ll stand when I need. Your words, I know, can so eloquently and precisely defend your determination in doing the right thing! I’m so glad we’re on the same team. I’m proud of all you’ve accomplished and the battles you’ve overcame (and still have)to be who you are. You’re a good fighter.

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  11. Karla, your article is both well written and inspirational. You have a wonderful writing style. You are right when you say we need to stop fighting against one another and start fighting for one another. I hope you continue to fight with faith and I will be there along side of you. The great thing about fighting with faith is you know you have already won. Have a great weekend!! Scott

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    1. Thank you, Scott. I appreciate your feedback very much. I don’t always know my style, but am happy if just one understand the musings in my mind and heart. I’ll keep fighting and I’m so glad we’re on the same team. Your years of leadership and service provide pivotal points for us all! Thank you for that! You and yours enjoy your weekend, too.

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  16. Great thoughts on this Veteran’s Day. I am especially fond of your phrase “My beliefs blew up in blustery blunders.” Like you, I am a non-confrontationalist. But I fear sometimes in my efforts to please people and calm the waters, I may squelch important and difficult dialogue. Thanks for the encouragement!

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    1. Thank you, Russell, for your kind words. I am surrounded in this space with wise friends. I’m sometimes scared of saying things the wrong way ~it takes me a bit to process. But in writing, I feel I can communicate better to others. It’s a fight of faith to continue to speak and communicate in the best way possible. Stay safe and blessed!

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  19. Karla, I always appreciate your honest in looking out to this world of ourselves. I am grateful for the sacrifices of our past, present, and future veterans and their families. At the same time, I sometimes feel my energy waning from the constant carnage of words I see and hear. I am tired of it, but God’s grace and peace replenish hope for tomorrow.

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  20. Excellent — stop fighting for stuff. Defining the “stuff” can be difficult, projections onto people or attachments to them, or fears can confuse us as to what we are really fighting for. I have this image — combining the quote attributed to Mother Teresa to “hold things lightly in your hands” and then imagining okay, if we hold our hands that loosely and lightly, what would any fighting look like? I found myself “fighting” your words at the beginning of this as you seemed to also be doing which is another fun little revelation your piece brings up about human nature — we spend so much of it in a fighting stance.

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    1. Thank you, Jane. I always appreciate your feedback. I love the image of Mother Teresa’s quote, “to hold things lightly in your hands.” It’s that fighting stance I no longer want. You knew exactly to what I was conveying. I’ll not forget the stance with one girl who scratched me with her nails~on purpose. To have someone deliberately try to give physical
      pain was a shock~and immediately my stance kicked in and all I could do was grab her hair. I’ll never forget that. I never want an innocent human to endure abuse. But the unnecessary squabbling, arguments, and “fights” are so detrimental to democracy. I hope you’re doing well my wise friend. ❤️

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  21. Jean McDonald

    Another great post! I was raised by 2 people who felt they were always right most people were wrong lived to verbally fight though in reality were cowards. Have you ever noticed that people have a tendency to raise their voices when fighting or want to fight? I have always told my daughters people don’t listen to people who yell. If you keep your voice low they have to stop & try to hear what you say then it may actually mean something! It is so very important to pick your battles & stand by them. Hope to get to see you next year. Hopefully will get to travel again. This has kinda been a tough year but God & faith have really helped. Congrats on the book! You would really be in your element at book signings! Have a great thanksgiving my dear friend!

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    1. Vicki, it’s so good to “see” you. How are you? Thank you so much for your support and encouragement always. Kim and I got together for tea and we were hoping to get to see you in the future. You’re missed. I’m sorry for the tough year. You are such an encourager through the battles you’ve won. I understand the wisdom you share. Thank you again my friend. Let’s stay in touch. Love and hugs. 🤗❤️🙏🏻💛

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    1. I hear you. To me, confronting it and “winning” by not waging war on my own beliefs puts me in a posture of profound purpose~and pragmatic power with profits is a win win. Thanks for sharing, Catxman.

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  25. I really like your repetition of, “Fight the good fight.” We always can choose to do this. It won’t look the same every day not will it look the same to each of us, but making this kind choice will make a difference. As long as we keep choosing to fight the good fight.

    Thank you for sharing this. I hope you and your family are well, and 2022 is opening up many possibilities for you. 🧡

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    1. Hamish, it’s so good to see you my friend. How are you? 2022 seemed like a rough start. But Spring is settling in and God is good all the time! Thank you so much for your support and friendship. I really like your comment, “It won’t look the same every day not will it look the same to each of us, but making this kind choice will make a difference.” That’s wisdom! I hope you and yours are doing well. Stay safe and blessed my friend. 💛

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