the corner

One of my favorite movies of all time is “Rocky IV” — the best Rocky movie. Rocky takes down the machine that is Ivan Drago…

I’m not going to lie — I love most boxing or fighting movies. I love the underdogs, the comeback kids, the blue collar tough guys… I love it all. If we pay close enough attention, I think we can learn a thing or two from them. 

In a boxing match there are many factors that come into play, but often overlooked is “the corner.” The corner is a designated corner of the ring where the fighter rests between rounds. While much happens in the corner, I want to highlight three key things that take place. The fighter gets coaching advice, their wounds are examined, and finally, they are reminded why they are fighting. 

You’re in a fight. You need a corner. 

We all know what it’s like to be knocked down. If we’re honest, most of us also know what it’s like to not want to get back up. That’s what is so important about the corner. The corner has the ability to make or break a fight, because sometimes in a fight, it’s not about who’s in front of you — it’s about who’s behind you. The people in your corner are the people you take into the fight. They see the action up close and personal. 

Coaching Advice 

When the fighter gets to his corner, their coach or trainer has opportunity to talk with them. The trainers are normally older and definitely wiser. They’ve been here before; they’ve fought their own fights; and now they help others fight their own. The coaches see the fight outside of the chaos. When a fight is going on, it’s near impossible for the fighter to think about everything they’ve ever learned and not get punched in the face at the same time. During the fight, you can’t think; you just do and react. This is why coaching helps mid-fight. You need someone you can actually hear amidst the chaos. You know those people you know simply by hearing their voice? Your coach must be one of them. 

One of the most important things a fighter can do during the fight is discern the difference between the corner and the crowd. The crowd is the loudest; it emulates the chaos that’s during the fight — full of varied voices, different opinions, and tons of views shouting all different things. The crowd distracts from the corner. You may have people in the crowd, people you love, people you care about; they probably care about you, too, but they’re not in the corner. The corner is reserved for a select few. A crowded corner can become just at jumbled as the crowd. The corner is for the people who are best fit for this fight — the fight at hand. It’s not for people who think the same, look the same, act the same, worship the same, all from the same neighborhood — none of that. They don’t always agree with each other. In fact, you may have a different strategy than the corner, but the reason they are there is because you know they can help you win. The focus has to be on the fight. Having people in your corner that should instead be in the crowd would distract from the fight. 

Wounds Examined

It may not happen in the first or second round, but fighters will get wounded; it comes with the territory. Many times in fighting it’s a cut above or below the eye on the cheek, but it’s important to have it examined, stop the bleeding, and ensure the fighter’s eyes aren’t swollen. If the tissue around the eye swells, it can hinder the vision of the fighter. 

Bruised, bloody, and now blinded… 

I think this is how a lot of people feel in their own personal fight. They can get so beat up that if they get to their corner and don’t have anyone there to be authentic with, anyone they can bleed in front of, anyone there who can see the ugliness in/on them, it leads to many of us trying to fight when we’re actually falling apart. This is a result of an empty corner. Fighting is hard enough on its own; you don’t need to do it alone. 

Reminded Why 

Fighting alone is the easiest way to lose a fight. Not because you don’t have coaching, or because you may not get your wounds examined, but because there is going to be a moment or maybe ten, when you’re going to need to be reminded why. Most professional fighters fight for money, Rocky fought Ivan Drago to avenge the death of his best friend, Apollo. So… why are you fighting?

I mentioned earlier that we all know what it’s like to be knocked down, and to not want to get back up. We all have tough rounds; no one gets through this fight called life without being knocked down. We all go through rounds where when we get to the corner, we sit down and have no desire to get back up. We have to remember why we’re fighting in the first place. There is a reason we’re fighting, and if we aren’t reminded of that we could find ourselves camping in the corner. You need reminded that the fight is yours to win and the only way we lose is if we don’t get back out there. 

Don’t fight alone.

Find the right people to be in your corner. 

Get back in the fight. 

Win. 

You have people in your corner, you’re not alone, and you have what it takes… Keep fighting. 

Respectfully…

DK

4 Replies to “the corner”

  1. WOW, this is really good. Love you Daniel and I hope you know that Deborah and I will always be in your corner!

  2. God has sent many encouragers/helpers to our corner in this battle Gary and I are fighting against Parkinson’s. But the BIG difference is — we know who wins. The victory is ours through Jesus and his shed blood. The grand prize awaits us and all who accept this gift.

  3. Well done Daniel! Wisdom from on high. Mom and dad have raised a man for others and I am proud to have spent a little time in your corner alongside them. Can’t wait to see how God uses you to make a difference in the lives you influence! You are loved! ❤️

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