A movie came out several years ago called, “The Contender”. A woman invited to be raised up for leadership over the country had her name and character assaulted. Men of power levied innuendo and rumors for their own agenda. She was given multiple opportunities to come to her own defense and at one point was even asked to confess to the lies. No matter the pressure, she never once faltered to stand in her integrity. In time the truth came to her defense, speaking for her.
I had forgotten about this movie. It was only when I was looking into the meaning of the word “contend” that I went back to watch it. To contend for our identity, our reputations, it isn’t always a battle of swinging fists. Sometimes it’s a quiet holding on to what you know to be truth.