“All my life I had to fight. I had to fight my daddy. I had to fight my uncles. I had to fight my brothers….but I ain’t never thought I’d have to fight in my own house!” These are the infamous words of Sophia in the classic movie The Color of Purple.

Like most children, I was taught to always be cordial and to use self defense as a last resort. In fact, fighting was considered one of the worst acts in which one could participate. As I matured, however, I quickly learned that there is such a thing as a “good fight.”

A “good fight” compels us to action because our very existence is on the line. It is the kind of fight that the Apostle Paul speaks of in 2 Timothy and the kind of fight that causes soldiers to proudly wear their uniforms. This type of fight yields us no alternative other than to go to battle.

We don’t merely fight for the sake of fighting, but we fight with a purpose and destiny in mind.

When fighting the “good fight” it is essential to choose the right environment in which to engage in battle. As a legislator, my concern is that we have been fighting in the wrong forum.

Public workers and school teachers are not are enemies. They are not the reason for the budget being in critical condition.

Our real enemies are not people, but rather circumstances. Often when we are unsure of who to fight, we tend to fight those closest to us such as family and friends.

A good fight reveals a great deal about our character and ideas as well as those of our opponent.

Fighting with our adversary teaches us who they are.

In the movie Matrix Reloaded, Neo is summoned to a meeting, but as soon as he enters the door he is attacked by the doorkeeper. After the battle, the doorkeeper tells Neo, “

For those who believe in the rights of teachers and public workers, this is not the time to retreat.

However, it is time to take a stand and declare that we are ready to fight with purpose.

If you are anything like me, you want to be able to say that when it was necessary, you did not sit on the sideline.

I have no doubt that we have the courage and fortitude to face the challenges that are before us. So, let’s come out fighting!