Fight is purposed to help you fill your battle bag with Gods Word, which is your weapon in spiritual warfare. Gods Word is the only standard you can raise that will make the enemy get out of your stuff, your life, your home, your family, your job, your health, your mind, your marriage, and your relationships. Your thoughts and opinions dont matter in warfareonly the Word of God. The Lord directed me to write Fight during a season in my life when my back was against the wall. I had to step into the ring and fight like Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, Rocky, and a prayer warrior shouting my war cry, The blood of Jesus! The devil waltzed his way into my life, went aboard my love boat, and rocked it, and it sank like the Titanic. He made a concerted effort to complicate family matters, attack our health, break the bond of friendships, arrest my finances, put shackles on my dancing feet to keep me from praising God, and so much more. The devil was doing the most. The Bible tells us that the devil is roaming the earth, seeking whom he can kill, steal, and destroy. He will get into your Kool-Aid, change the flavor, laugh in your face, and leave you to die in sin. The fighter emanated from within me, and I poised myself toe-to-toe with the enemy like David faced Goliath and said, Enough is enough. I girded my loins, equipped myself with the whole armor of God, took out my boxing robe and gloves, and boldly declared Gods Word. He had messed with the wrong fighting prayer warrior. I was prepared to fight and win, for I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me (Romans 8:37). The victory was and is mine in Jesus because I stand strong and firm in the power of his might. Every single day, I put on the whole armor of God to stand against the attacks of the devil (Ephesians 6:1011). Armor up and prepare to fight, my friend, because this is war!
Linda M. Hodo, EdD, is an experienced administrator and teacher who has served over thirty years in public and private education, ensuring that students in Californias inner-city schools like Compton, Hawthorne, and Norwalk are afforded every opportunity to learn, grow, and develop in a supportive environment where teachers and support staff are ready, every day, to help each child work to make his or her goals and dreams a reality. She wholeheartedly believes the adage, Dreams can come true, especially when addressing todays youth and young adults. Its with this mind-set that Dr. Hodo has awarded academic scholarships since 2008, which are selected through essay writing contests, to young women who are beginning their college journeys. Another avenue for her to serve as a role model for teens is the twelve-week program she developed based on the book of Esther, called, Women of Excellence. Its sole purpose is teaching and training young women to make decisions and live a life that pleases God. Having a heart for children who are sick at home, in the hospitals, in prison, or participate in community YWCA programs, Dr. Hodo finds great joy in sponsoring annual toy drives so she can present these children with new toys for Christmas. She says that its moving and joyful to see a child who is excited when he or she opens his or her presents. Toys are only one component of what Dr. Hodo bestows upon little smiling faces. She makes a concerted effort to take written letters of appreciation to veterans each year to let them know that someone appreciates the services that they have rendered for our country. What delight it brings to be in the presence of a tearful veteran (possibly alone and handicapped), who smiles and expresses gratitude for being remembered. As a full-time professional, a mother, and a caretaker for senior parents, Dr. Hodo relates to the sacrifices that women endure to serve in their positions. She realizes the benefits for women of all ages, who serve in multiple roles, to implement effective strategies so they can live balanced lives and reduce stress. Her Woman2Woman conferences, featuring various notable artists and entertainers, offer classes, workshops, services, and products, including health and fitness, to assist women in adopting healthy and balanced lifestyles. Dr. Hodo is an author who has been writing stories, poetry, and songs since childhood. She has participated in, The Black Writers on Tour, has traveled across the nation on book tours meeting and greeting readers, and has facilitated workshops for young women based on her popular book, Only In My Dreams. Shes currently in the process of publishing and debuting her upcoming book, Fight, which emphasizes the whole armor of Godthe tools for spiritual warfare based on Ephesians 6. Writing and reading are two of her favorite pastimes. Delving into the world of literature transports her to many exotic places and historical periods. She acquaints herself with the characters throughout the pages of a good book. She would say that learning happens as you journey through a book, and what better way to learn than in the company of her sisters. Continually reading with her female friend motivated the birth of her brainchild and nonprofit organization called, I Am My Sisters Keeper. The purpose of this endeavor was to assist in our positive growth and development, physically, mentally and most importantly, spiritually. The goal is to improve our lives in the areas of finance, safety measures, relaxation strategies, legal issues, working with kids, teens, and grands, dealing with loss and grief, burial expenses, exercise and fitness, crafts, healthy recipes, trips, movies, concerts, love, relationships, and more through sharing and fellowship. The sky is our limit, so as sisters, we can soar together. Dr. Hodo spreads joy and the love of God wherever she goes.
