I can’t even begin to articulate how upset I am that Colin Kaepernick has yet to be signed to a NFL team. There has been much discussion about why he is being blackballed by pro football. And, even more discussion about why he shouldn’t be. If you haven’t noticed or if you were previously unsure, Colin Kaepernick is definitely being discriminated against and persecuted for activating his civil liberties.
I’ve written about Colin Kaepernick before. I find his “taking a knee” (TAK) stand liberating. A person struggling with depression can easily draw inspiration from a person demonstrating the amount of strength Kaepernick has displayed over the past year. The psychological hits he’s taken might easily be compare in magnitude to the hits he might receive on the football field. To say the least, he’s been through a lot. What I can’t express enough is the positive example he has been through it all. I’m sure he’s had some difficult private moments. However, his light continues to shine through the darkness.
Let’s examine three things Kaepernick has done this year to stay focused in the midst of all the chaos. I want to encourage you to apply any or all of these principles to your life when you find yourself in difficult circumstances.
- Give
Kaepernick didn’t just TAK. He opted to also make an active, immediate change by pledging $1 million to underserved communities. Sure Kaepernick doesn’t have a job right now, but he does still have money and influence. His foundation is committed “to fight oppression of all kinds”, and he gives back through money and acts of service.
There is so much power in giving. When we give to others, we take the focus off of our own problems. According to an article by Roy Vaden, “giving makes you thankful” and “creates an awareness of abundance”. If you have anything to give you aren’t as bad off as you think you are. Try not to feel sorry for yourself about the things you don’t have. Remember, it could be worse.
- Stay prepared
Kaepernick is a free-agent, but he’s been training regularly as if he is a starting quarterback. (read more) He might not have a team yet, but he’s ready when and if the opportunity becomes available. What if he used this past off-season to wallow in his circumstance? What if he allowed himself to feel defeated? We have to make a commitment to ourselves to not allow circumstances to derail us to the point we are unable to function in our purpose. I want to encourage you to always cultivate your gifts even if it seems no one else supports you.
- Go high not low
I have to say, Kaepernick has been a class act throughout this entire episode. I haven’t seen footage of him getting drunk in the club, or cursing out the press, or insulting the people who attack his character. He has been an example of professionalism. I wonder how some Kaepernick critics would act if they were placed in his same circumstance? If anything, he should be on a NFL team because of how he’s handled the backlash from TAK. It shows that he is humble and knows how to take criticism. This is the kind of guy I would want on my team. Listen, the next time you get ready to lose control because of a trying circumstance, remember Kaepernick. Remember that he is staying in control and the he hasn’t allowed others to manipulate his character. Remember to go high and not low.
Life is challenging. And sometimes our decisions (no matter how admirable) might cause us to face even more difficult challenges. You can make it. Give to others, stay connected to your purpose and never allow someone else’s rage against you determine your response. It might not be easy, but as always, we can press on together.
Photo Credit: Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) Twitter