Look Up, Get Up, Don’t Ever Give Up

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Look up, Get Up, Don’t Ever Give Up! That is the phrase that the great, Michael Irvin used during his introductory into the Pro Football League Hall of Fame speech several years ago. Irvin was one of the greatest wide receivers in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. He had made it to the biggest stage of them all, in spite of all the adversity that could have, and perhaps should have ended his career long before this glorious night. I remember watching him that night up on stage, tears streaming down his cheeks as he reflected back on his humble beginnings and the hard work it took to get to the place to where he is standing now. But it wasn’t until I heard him speak those words, “Look Up, Get Up, Don’t Ever Give Up!” that I began thinking about my own life. Michael, had indirectly caused me to instantly reflect on the way I had handled situations in my own life. I had not always been the most positive person up to that point. Even though I had always tried to remain positive in all situations, I had often failed. Most people would have never known how negative I would sometimes get, though. Trust me, I was never great at any one thing, Meaning I have yet to uncover any special talent that would separate me from anyone else. And for me, that had always been a source to allow myself to be depressed. It was hard for me just to accept me for who I was. I believe having been born with Cerebral Palsy had everything to do with me not being happy with myself and often just wanting to give up. Thankfully, I always had people in my life who loved me enough to provide a good swift kick in the butt when needed. But it really wasn’t until that summer night in 2007 that my overall outlook changed in a dramatic way. Hearing Michael speak those simple, yet so powerful words had changed my own outlook for the better. At the time, I didn’t have a clue to what I’ve now come to realize. But it was preparing me for some of the hardest battles that life was about to throw my way. Through the years since, if I had $5 for every time I found myself reflecting back to that summer night in 2007, I would be a very rich man and would never have to worry about not ever having enough money ever again. But I gained something much more powerful than money that night. I gained the motivation to Look Up, Get Up, Don’t Ever Give Up! We all have one life while here on earth. And as I have come to realize in my own situation, it is up to us to make the most of everything in our lives. To keep pushing forward, even when you feel you can’t. I know without a doubt that we can all have faith that God will deliver us through those times of despair. Through Christ, all things are possible.