"Fourth and goal! It's all or nothing. This is the moment where we separate the men from the boys!"
Okay, now I'm just being silly, but when I hear words like the ones above, I envision myself in a huddle. There is heavy breathing, sweat rolling down other guys faces, dirt and grass stains all over their jerseys, as one person encourages the team to fight for victory.
There is a goal, a prize, a sense of pride and confidence.
Of course, I've never played football, unless you count the Powder Puff game with the Juniors VS. the Seniors in High School. Yeah, even then I couldn't throw, catch, or tackle anyone with much force. I mean, I might HURT them, then what? I'd have to spend the next few precious game moments apologizing and hoping they'd still vote for me for Student Body President.
All jokes aside, I've been encouraged the last few days.
It might be because it's a New Year.
It might be because I finally stood up for myself.
It MIGHT be because I've got a vision of confidence for my life.
It might be because I watched The Blind Side.

Against all odds, Michael Oher, a 6'5, 309-pound All-American tackle from the University of Mississippi, became a 1st round NFL draft pick after living and enduring one of the roughest neighborhoods in Memphis.
Ah Memphis.
I lived there. Been there. Done that.
The Blind Side is Michael's story on the big screen. Watching it and other movies portraying Memphis, I realized I never saw "that" side of town. I didn't even know it existed, almost like a magical doorway to place of darkness, sickness, and fear. A place nobody dare visit.
All I ever knew, in my 4 years of living there, was my quiet and safe suburb outside of the city limits, my playgroups, my church, my running club, my "safe circle".
The Blind Side, or left tackle, protects the Quarter Back, one of the key players of a team. I look to my blind side and who do I see? My husband. Protecting me, encouraging me, steering me to be a successful Work-at-Home Mom. He's my "Big Mike".
So, today I encourage all of you to turn to your left and see who's on YOUR blind side.
I've got football on the brain with all these College Bowl games and the Super Bowl coming soon. What about you? Need to label your little player's sports gear? Use code LDMOMMY for 20% off your next order at LabelDaddy.com