Tap Out To Tap In: WOOOOO!

The term tap out has become a popular phrase in recent years thanks to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).  If I may be a bit nostalgic here, the term tap out brings to mind the following: The DDT, The Rock Bottom, The Crippler Crossface, The Rock Bottom, The Camel Clutch, and of course, The Figure-Four Leg Lock.  Yes, I was a wrasslin' fan back in the day.  I told, y'all.  I'm deep.  Seriously, some of those finishing moves I just listed were used to make the person's opponent tap out by tapping the mat with their hand or flailing their arm(s) in submission.  Submission.  Giving in.  Often, they did just that.  They'd give in, because the pain was too much for them to handle.  It hurt too much.  Therefore, they had to tap out.  Also, if a wrassler (yes, I'm going to keep spelling it like this) was in a tag-team match (yes, I'm singing the song right now) and he was getting beat down, he could/would tap out and tag his partner--who was outside of the ring--to relieve/save him.  Then he'd climb or crawl out of the ring to recover and rest as his partner entered the ring.  Now, that'll teach.  Y'all remind me to write a post about that too.  For now, here's the point.

It's ok and dare I say good to "tap out."  There are some things we all need to tap out of.  Watch this: There are some folk whom we need to tap out and get away from.   Uh oh.  I just said something.  I'll move from that for now.  There are times which we simply must tap out.  The weight of whatever it is is too much for us to bear.  When we tap out, we get time to recover, re-energize, and refuel, just like the tag-team wrassler.  One of the key things there is we're tagging someone else to help us.  Someone to help us bear the weight.  The burden.  Sometimes, we need to lay down what I call "Every Heavy Thing", because sometimes, even the slightest things can be too heavy.  It's why we need the help and support of other folk, y'all.  We're not meant to do life alone.  So, whatever that situation is that you're dealing with, I've got a bit of advice for you. 

1. Carry each other's burdens...(Gal. 6.2)
2. Go to Jesus and He will give you rest (Matt. 11.28)

Sometimes, you have to tap out so you can tap in and win.  When you do, you'll get to say, "WOOOO!"  And that just may make it all worthwhile.

That Is Why It Must Be You!

Ok, y'all.  Watch this clip.  Then we'll get started.  I'll wait...  All done?  No?  Ok...  Ready?  Cool.  Let's go.  "Maximus, that is why it must be you!"  That's a powerful scene.  Imagine if you were General Maximus.  You haven't been home to see your family in years.  You're weary and worn.  You're also sworn to duty.  To honor and defend.  You've also got the ear of the most powerful man in the world.  Trade-offs.  There's some lessons in that phrase alone.  Hmmm...  We'll get to those, but for now, I want you to focus on what Marcus Aurelius says to Maximus after Maximus tells him that he does not accept Caesar's charge of becoming the protector of Rome after he dies.  He says, "Maximus.  That is why it must be you!"

That is why it must be you.

Just like Maximus, you've been charged.  You've got a charge to keep.  Whether you know it or not, you do.  See, you think no one wants to hear you.  False!  Not only do they want to hear you, but they also need to hear you.  You think, "Well, everything's been said."  Maybe.  But know this.  Your message is unique because it's yours and it's coming from you.  And there's not a single other person on this planet that can bring that message across like you.  There's a group of folk you've been called to that need your message.  They need you.  

That is why it must be you!

You think you don't have a voice.  Wrong!  It may have been squelched.  It may have been on pause.  Maybe for years.  But I assure you, dear reader, you have a voice.  It needs to be heard.  Your unique and special voice.  Called and sent for a specific group of folk.

That is why it must be you.

You think it's over.  They told you it was.  You know them.  That stuff.  Those things.  Them folk.  Flag on the play!  It ain't over, maaaaan!  It's only just begun.  Yes, I just went all Karen Carpenter on y'all!  It's only over when you quit.  As long as you're here, you've got a shot.  At whatever it is.  You hear me?!  You've got a shot!

That is why it must be you!

You still have a lil' belief left.  A lil' faith.  It might even be the size of a mustard seed.  Come close.  I've got a secret to tell you.  Closer.  Closer.  Can you hear me?  Are you listening?  Good.  All you need is a lil' faith to spark a blaze!  To spark the fire that burns within you.  To ignite the night with your passion.

That is why it must be you!

You've been told that you can't.  Why?  Because they couldn't?  Because they wouldn't?  Because they can't?  Chil' please!  Later for them.  You need to run as fast as you can in the opposite direction from them folk!  Here's the thing: You can!  Can what?  Can whatever!  Sure, you'll need some help.  You'll ask for it.  You'll get it.  You'll have to get a few PhDs, but you're ready, willing, and able to put in the work.  You're hungry!  Baby, you've got what it takes!

That is why it must be you!

You've been told that you'll never be anything.  That's cool.  Folk are entitled to their opinions.  No matter how wrong they are.  Don't you fight those tears.  Let 'em flow.  Let 'em fuel you.  That statement is a lie!  You'll be and become exactly who you're destined to be.  It's already in you.  Growing up, I'd see these posters that said, "I know I'm somebody, 'cause God don't make no junk!"  That's what I'm saying to you today.  You are something and somebody, 'cause God don't make no junk.

That is why it must be you!

You've been told that nothing good comes from (insert your city, town, school, neighborhood, family name here).  Funny.  I seem to remember something similar being said before.  That seemed to turn out pretty well.  And it will for you too.

That is why it must be you!

You've been called a failure.  To that I say two things.  The first is something we'd say as kids.  "Takes one to know one and I know you."  The second thing is this.  You are a failure.  Yep.  I said it.  'Cause you're about to Fail Ur way to victory!

That is why it must be you!

I don't know where you are.  I don't know why you're reading this.  I don't know how you stumbled upon my blog.  I don't know what's going on in your life.  I probably don't even know you.  And none of it matters.  Here's what does matter.  I know there's more for you.  I know there's more in you.  I know that you've been called to do great things!  I know there's greatness in you!  I know that it's time for what you've got to shine!  I know that it's time for you to move on up like George and Weezie!  I know that it's time for you to soar!  I know that you were made for this!  I know that you are built for this!

That is why it must be you!

I believe in you!  I know that you're ready to get in the car.  As the fire burns away the dross.  As the cleansing and healing rain washes away the miry clay.  As you strut past death and dead bones.  As you ascend unto and beyond the heights that you thought were impossible.  As you take your throne and restore your kingdom.  As you breathe new life.  I need you to know something.  You need to know that it is time.

That is why it must be you!