By Domenick Epps

Russell Wilson, quarterback for the NFC-champion Seattle Seahawks, taught us a valuable lesson in their game against the Green Bay Packers. In life, it’s very possible to start poorly, be humiliated and talked about by the masses, and still finish strong.

I’m sure someone asked Seattle Coach Pete Carroll, “Why is he still in the game, Coach?” Four interceptions, no touchdowns, and Seattle was losing on its home field with time running out. But the game was not over, and though Wilson’s passer rating was one of the lowest in playoff history for a Super Bowl champion, he didn’t lose sight of the goal at hand, and his coach kept him the game.

Some of the wealthiest leaders and greatest athletes in the world failed many times. They failed and got up again, because their tenacity and unwillingness to buckle wouldn’t allow them to throw in the towel. They train hard physically, and they learn to have a short memory. They don’t dwell on mistakes.

The numbers 1,383 and 755 belong to one MLB Hall of Famer. Hank Aaron held the record for hitting 755 home runs, but he struck out 1,383 times. But nobody talks about how many times he struck out, because he stayed in the game and set records many are trying to break today.

So I say to you: So what if it didn’t go well and people are laughing at you. Let them laugh. He left? Good! She left? Good! Someone quit and just walked away without prior notice? Good! Rejoice in all things, and again I say, rejoice.

True friends and true fans will stay in spite of your failures. Psalm 27:10 states, “When my mother and father forsake me, then the Lord will receive me.” Man may leave and relinquish their support, but God will never leave us nor forsake us.

The fact that you are still in the game speaks highly of your character. I salute those of you who took a licking and kept on ticking. You faced obstacle after obstacle, but you are still here. You are still in the game. You are more than a conqueror, and victory sure looks good on you.

“Greater is He that is in you, than he that’s in the world.”

Domenick Epps is a Suffolk resident, real estate agent and youth pastor. Email him at DomenickEpps.Realtor@gmail.com.