This year is a World Cup year. The world has come to play football in our backyard. As with anything that happens with the international governing body for soccer, there have been scads of controversies. Morally, ethically, even legally questionable things have happened. The folks who run football have been openly corrupt for years and the newest regime is no different, other than operating more blatantly.

One of the pleasant surprises from over the past month has been the Norwegian “Viking Row”. People have enjoyed the comradery that the Norwegians have shown in the stands. Beating a drum to keep them in rhythm, hundreds, perhaps even thousands of visitors, kitted out in red and blue, will simulate rowing. It has been something to see on TV. Even the team has joined in at the end of each game. The world seems to love it.

There is one notable exception. One lone Norseman has been seen in the stands, right in the middle of the group, sitting with arms folded, refusing to participate. No amount of cajoling can sway him from his steadfast refusal to be a part of the “Viking Row”. His reason: it is factually incorrect. He points out that the Vikings did not row across the seas, but rather they sailed.

In recovery it can be difficult to take a moral or ethical stand. Being the one soldier to march to the correct time when the whole platoon is out of step is not an easy task. Yet we might find ourselves in situations where the world surrounding us is demanding that we participate in things the way that looks fun. If we know that we are on the right foot, we must resist and let the crowd do what they are going to do. When the crowd starts to row, lean back and…

–Rise Up!!