The world was saddened a bit on Saturday after learning of Muhammad Ali’s passing. Like many, I’m not sure how to adequately describe him because was so many different things. Boxing champ and social activist are the first two things that come to mind but certainly do not paint a complete picture of the person and influence he was.
I remember back in the 70s, when my husband (boyfriend, then) and I would watch the fights with his sister and her boyfriend. We watched Ken Norton and Joe Frazier battle Ali. Foreman and Spinks each took a turn or two. Sometimes they won, sometimes they lost. Great boxers, all of them. But, there was something different about Ali. he was bragadocious, but backed it up with his actions in the ring. He was fierce and forceful, yet tender and playful with children, women, and, of course, Howard Cosell. I had not immediately remembered the details of Ali’s social activism, but it all came flooding back watching the weekend’s coverage. He was unyielding in his convictions that all people should have equal rights. At the same time, he was firm in his stand for peace, rooted by his Muslim faith.
Today’s inspiration quote is from an Ali retrospect done in 2013 by The Today Show’s Matt Lauer. While Ali talked a lot about being the greatest, I think he probably would prefer to be known as a man who stood for something meaningful, who stood his ground when it came to personal beliefs, and who knew that miracles are possible.
Just look inward, to your heart.
