From within comes the Power to move Mountains against all odds.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fearlessness, but one of power, love and sound judgment.” 2Timothy 1:7

When we decide to take a stand regarding something we believe in, we will be challenged, confronted and even vilified for our beliefs right or wrong. We prepare ourselves for our positions until someone or something proves us wrong because our feelings are usually based on our experiences which no one can take away from us until they walk in our shoes. That being said, when we speak the Truth others will feel the piercing affects of our words, as the Truth will either bring others in line with what with think and feel or divide us from those who can not face the Truth nor believe in it. Labels by some will be bestowed upon us like; Rebels, Trouble Makers and Loud Mouths.

In contrast, when the Truth hits home with other observers titles like; Leader, President and Captain will be laid upon the ones standing in the “Gap of Change” as those who represents Principle and Truth.

It is for this moment that some people are born.

Certain people can point things out from experience that others bear witness to but are powerless to change. When change is long over due, some people will stand in opposition, as they are comfortable with the present circumstances of the day. However, as it relates to our sport, “Change” is something we need now and “Change” is what I represent. Therefore, I may not win many popularity contests within the ranking class of officials but as it relates to our sport and the athletes therein, I represent a breath of fresh air with a voice of common sense and relativity to the past, present and future of our sport. I feel my career as a competitor made an impact on the sport but my passion for what is Right and Wrong with our sport burns even more than when I was competing!

When negotiations with “Officials” fail, you take the fight to the people exposing the problems in broad daylight for others to see. The feedback is like a raging inferno that catches a cool breeze and spreads like wildfire with everyone chiming in with opinions and ideas to help expedite “Change” by way of conversation. The fall of Apartheid, the end of Communism, Segregation, Discrimination and Jim Crow Laws were all defeated once the world got involved and decided they had enough. The victor at the end of the day was Equality, Fairness and Opportunity. These things are what “Change” brings and the leaders in these struggles were thought of as Rebels, Loudmouths and Troublemakers!

Judging by the results of these Leaders, Captains and future Presidents I would like nothing more than to continue the fight for “Change” because we all know that some of us will have to go through Hell to get to Heaven!

“Our Faith grows by expression. If we want to keep our faith, we must share it. We must act!” Billy Graham

Now, while major league baseball is under going some growing pains that’s long over due, our sport stands as a poster boy for the Old Guard still having their way with our athletes. In some situations Conversation and Dialogue can move mountains and be beneficial for all parties involved. However, there is an Exclusion Act in place regarding the welfare and equality of our athletes and their misrepresentation in the making of rules and regulations in our sport today. The absence of any true representation will continue to allow for total disregard of Athletes participation in the sport that could not exist if not for them.

While a Rebel can be many things, more often than not they can and will be heard at some point or another. As it is written, “If we don’t stand for something, we will fall for anything.”

The time is now, Rebel, Leader or otherwise, the infinite reign of Silence in our sport has come to an end. It is for this reason; I believe the time has come for me to head my calling in light of the issues facing our athletes today.

“If you know who you are in Christ, your personal ego is not an issue.” Beth Moore

For many years as a competitive athlete, I let my physique do the talking for me, now however, my “Big Mouth” as it has been said, will do the talking for me, with or without the support of the Officials and industry leaders. People are calling and contacting me regarding our sport, what can be done, how it can be improved and what changes are needed. Sadly, none of the calls are from the very people running our sport.

The time has come for me to seize the moment as a Rebel Leader with a Big Mouth to represent our Soldiers at War!

“God gives His gifts where He finds the vessel empty enough to receive them.” C.S. Lewis

We have athletes suffering financially in a sport that reaps Million of dollars from using their images to promote various branches of the fitness industry yet, the athletes are fighting for crumbs. Some athletes are getting injured, arrested, posing nude, undergoing transplants as a direct result of their involvement with the sport. The sad part is that we are all bearing witness to Multimillion Dollar transactions as it relates to the buying and selling of Fitness Clubs, Magazines and Supplement Lines! Someone has got to say something, scream it from the roof tops and protect our soldiers if necessary!

If not now, then when?

“Fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25

Change is here, and I fear no Man. I am armed for the battle with the Holy Spirit directing my feet. The course I am on will lead to change with or without the support of our sports officials. The Athletes and Fans have spoken with regard to the direction of our sport and lack of inclusion with the process of change. Therefore, I set my sights on the Lord for wisdom and look back on our sports history for points of reference. The Rebel will be yelling and screaming for ACTION! I am now in a position to make a difference getting the Athletes what they deserve and desire from an industry that has taken from them but has not compensated in return. Change, one simple word that strikes fear in the hearts of men who have had their way for years and the day of reckoning is upon them. As I have been directed I will: “Do my work with enthusiasm. Working as if I were serving the Lord, not as if I were serving only men and women.” Ephesians 6:7

Should the Athletes now have Hope?

Of course Change represents hope when all else fails at the negotiation table which in our sport the Athletes have none. So stand back and watch the doors get blown off their hinges while the Athletes and Fans stand with applause for representation they have long been deprived of. Change has been long over due!

What am I trying to say, in time, all things come to those who wait.

“God’s work is not found in buildings, but in transformed lives!” Ruth Bell Graham

In Strength & Honor!