The Champion

Being the firstborn and only son of the five children born to my parents, I found myself during my youth confronted by something that faces most boysin such circumstances. That is, the absence of challenge at home. I was more of a protector than a contender.

Boys who have an older sister(s) will usually make it their overriding ambition to beat her one-day. If not physically, at least in some other way. The first attempt is usually disappointing. The lad finds himself outmaneuvered, outnumbered, and all other "out's" in the list. He has to swallow his pride, and wait until he reaches an age where he can cultivate an opportunity to flex his muscles again.

I lived in a large neighborhood and since most of the residents were young couples between 30 and 45, the age distribution of their children was about the same.So, when I ventured out to look for challenge, there was enough of it. I soon made many new friends and as the group of boys grew, so also was the need for an arbitrator that had the final word when disputes arose. Now, for a bunch of kids between the ages 8 to 12, "diplomacy" was totally alien and probably the only time they ever heard of the term was at the dinner table as their parents conversed and to them it might as well have been a really cool toy.

In the absence of diplomacy, hierarchy was established by war. The Arbiter, Champion - alpha male as scientists call them - had the final word during arbitrations. My father had made it very clear that there was no room for chicken in his house and that if I chickened out of anything, I would have to find my place in the pen with the chickens.

After a few fights, I soon found myself at the helm. I was small, but an aggressive nature, cunning, and a loud mouth that was intended to intimidate the opponent before a fight compensated this for. Other than that I, was surprisingly gentle and quiet in normal circumstances, which I owe to the influence of my sisters. Enough of this "my own trumpet-blowing session". I did not always beat my challengers and where a clear winner was difficult to be seen, fragile alliances had to be formed.

Later in life I met someone that stood all the challenges that I ever presented to Him. My sinful soul, well that He took care of. I am yet to see something that has ever defeated Him. He never comes to His wit's end. He asks, "is anything too hard for me?"

To the sin-laden, weary one He says, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." He is the only true champion I know and He stands alone unchallenged, He conquered death for me. He does not have any fragile alliances, He is Lord of all and every knee shall bow and every tongue confesses that He is Lord. His name is Jesus. I dare you to try Him.

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Contributed by Edwin Baimpwi
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