I was watching a football game this weekend. It was the start of the NFL season, so I am actually talking about American football this time. I came home from church and turned on the TV to watch my Steelers playing at the Atlanta Falcons stadium. I don’t have anything in particular against the Falcons. I actually rooted for them in the Superbowl when they played the Patriots. But the Steelers are, and have always been, my favorite team.

I didn’t think it was odd that we were winning when I turned the game on. That’s normal. I didn’t think it was weird when I saw a sea of yellow Terrible Towels waving throughout the opponent’s stadium. That happens at almost every away game we play. No, what caught my eye was the signs around the stadium that read “Rise Up”. Bit weird, innit?

When I am working in my recovery I know that I might find help or encouragement almost anywhere. I can always reach out to my sponsor, or an accountability partner, or someone in my Forever Family. But sometimes, I might get encouragement from a different corner. It might even come from a frenemy. It doesn’t necessarily matter where the help originates, the important thing is that I avail myself to help and make use of it. So here’s to the Atlanta Falcons. Thanks for losing to my Steelers on opening day. And thanks for reminding the world that even in a loss, they can…

–Rise Up!!