Timing: Late January or early February 1957
ROUND 1
One bright day or in the middle of the night, my parents came together and it wasn't to fight.
Arms in arms they embraced each other, and life was dispensed in darkness and clutter.
The competition was on and millions fought, but I won the race and all others came to naught.
For nine months, in training and development I would be, and whatever Mom ate was passed on to me.
My coming out day was at the end of the year, Wednesday, December 2nd, with holly and cheer.
A time of wrapped presents and shopping galour, and a big smile from my mom to the son that she bore.
It was tough for me as well as my mom, as I pushed my way out and fell into her arms.
I was a blessing for my mom to see, because the baby before me was never to be.
She lost Lance and her eyesight for a space of time, but then came her fighter with restored vision and a fighter’s mind.
ROUND TWO
From 0 to 12, I got knocked up, knocked down and around.
And had many smiles mixed in with some frowns.
There were fights where I sustained black eyes and got punched in the gut, was kicked around and whipped like a mutt.
I was reduced to tell lies to save face and hide pride.
The age of accountability came quick for me, because times were hard and there was a great cry to be free.
ROUND THREE
From 12 to 18 a fierce competitor I became, 'twas the game of football that brought me some fame.
Then girls became the name of the game, that was where I lost focus and got caught up in vain and short lived fame.
I got hit in the head, beat up and cut. But never did I ever surrender to smut.
No puff of Mary Jane and no dope in my vein, and thanks be unto God for keeping me sane.
Gun shots were fired but never was I hit,'twas God's grace and mercy that spared me from it.
Then death tried to inflict a killer blow, and take me out of this world below.
Hit by a drunk driver, oh God what a fight, just to keep breathing while following the light.
Around 2 in the morning and not up for a fight, but the enemy was raised to kill, steal and destroy with all of his might.
I got hit from the blind side. It clocked out my light, as I fell to the canvas with no power to fight.
Don't ask me how because I do not know, how I got to my feet and returned the blow.
I went to ringside and got washed in the Blood, opened my mouth for life giving water and out rushed a flood.
CENTER RING ANNOUNCEMENT
Thank God, Thank God for the fighter in me, he instructs me in codes that the eye cannot see.
I didn't understand the words that he spoke to me and through me, they were in foreign tone.
But this I do know that I am his own.
This fight is not over as you can see, but hell has no place in me.
As I dance around this ring and continue to fight, I am assured of victory through the darkest night.
Who is winning this ugly fight, and when will it be over, today or tonight?
Part one I can tell you who the winner will be, for I know the one training the victor in me.
When will this fight be over today or tonight? I don't know but I continue to fight.
The lesson to be learned and for all to see, is that Jesus is training the victor in me.
At the end of this fight today or tonight, I will have won this ugly fight.
Thank God for victory today and tonight, I am the victor in this ugly fight.
Timing: Late January or early February 1957
ROUND 1
One bright day or in the middle of the night, my parents came together and it wasn't to fight.
Arms in arms they embraced each other, and life was dispensed in darkness and clutter.
The competition was on and millions fought, but I won the race and all others came to naught.
For nine months, in training and development I would be, and whatever Mom ate was passed on to me.
My coming out day was at the end of the year, Wednesday, December 2nd, with holly and cheer.
A time of wrapped presents and shopping galour, and a big smile from my mom to the son that she bore.
It was tough for me as well as my mom, as I pushed my way out and fell into her arms.
I was a blessing for my mom to see, because the baby before me was never to be.
She lost Lance and her eyesight for a space of time, but then came her fighter with restored vision and a fighter’s mind.
ROUND TWO
From 0 to 12, I got knocked up, knocked down and around.
And had many smiles mixed in with some frowns.
There were fights where I sustained black eyes and got punched in the gut, was kicked around and whipped like a mutt.
I was reduced to tell lies to save face and hide pride.
The age of accountability came quick for me, because times were hard and there was a great cry to be free.
ROUND THREE
From 12 to 18 a fierce competitor I became, 'twas the game of football that brought me some fame.
Then girls became the name of the game, that was where I lost focus and got caught up in vain and short lived fame.
I got hit in the head, beat up and cut. But never did I ever surrender to smut.
No puff of Mary Jane and no dope in my vein, and thanks be unto God for keeping me sane.
Gun shots were fired but never was I hit,'twas God's grace and mercy that spared me from it.
Then death tried to inflict a killer blow, and take me out of this world below.
Hit by a drunk driver, oh God what a fight, just to keep breathing while following the light.
Around 2 in the morning and not up for a fight, but the enemy was raised to kill, steal and destroy with all of his might.
I got hit from the blind side. It clocked out my light, as I fell to the canvas with no power to fight.
Don't ask me how because I do not know, how I got to my feet and returned the blow.
I went to ringside and got washed in the Blood, opened my mouth for life giving water and out rushed a flood.
CENTER RING ANNOUNCEMENT
Thank God, Thank God for the fighter in me, He instructs me in codes that the eye cannot see.
I didn't understand the words that He spoke to me and through me, they were in foreign tone.
But this I do know that I am His own.
This fight is not over as you can see, but hell has no place in me.
As I dance around this ring and continue to fight, I am assured of victory through the darkest night.
Who is winning this ugly fight, and when will it be over, today or tonight?
Part one I can tell you who the winner will be, for I know the One training the victor in me.
When will this fight be over today or tonight? I don't know but I continue to fight.
The lesson to be learned and for all to see, is that Jesus is training the victor in me.
At the end of this fight today or tonight, I will have won this ugly fight.
Thank God for victory today and tonight, I am the victor in this ugly fight.
'Rounds of my Fight'
by Pastor Lanford E. Porter, Sr.
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