“How is faith like boxing?”
It’s not a trick question, there is an answer.
When I started leading this workshop with the youth at my first camp of the summer they said, "Because of the fighting. Because you have to fight for the Lord."
I asked if that was the only way.
They paused before shrugging.
So I wondered what another name for God was. Someone said "breath" and then I asked again "How is faith like boxing?"
They stared and I chuckled. Then I placed them them in the proper stances for boxing (Did I mention that I study kickboxing?). The proper stance is the opposite leg of your dominant hand in front, with that same arm raised to your face for protection. The other hand is by your chin with the fingers balled slowly and sealed with your thumb over the fist. (Always put your thumb on the outside) The back leg pivots on the balls of your feet. That's where the power comes from, the technique.
Once they were all set I took my place in front of them. Asking "When you throw a punch what do you do?" There are pauses as they worked through a few air punches. I answer "You breathe.” And then I ask the originial question again, so how is faith like boxing?"
"Breathing?" They question.
“Yes!” I respond. Your faith is like boxing in the way that it relies on you. Expanding and decompressing as you will it. Faith is like boxing in the way that it can be carried with you and wielded by you to harm, protect, heal, and empower. With every throw you release an intention. Faith is like boxing in that way — what you put out is the intention. It's where the power comes from the technique.
I promised my group of youth that I would shout them out for helping me work out this mini worksop. So thank you to the small groups at Camp Walter Scott. If the revolution is not communal we did or are doing something wrong.