My husband, Rich, likes to ask about the origin of strange sayings. Things like “To Pick a Bone,” “Shake a Leg” or “On the Wagon.” I bought him a little book with many of these sayings explained in it. However, it doesn’t answer all his questions.

For example, “Throw in the Towel” is a term that he used as a tool of recovery when he was getting sober. This saying is not found in the little book. But Rich knew the origin of this term and explained it to me.

If you are a fan of prize fighting, you may know that the fight is finished when a fighter’s corner throws a towel or a sponge into the ring. It is an expression of defeat. The fight is over. The fighter may not agree with the manager, but if the pugilist is being creamed by his opponent, the manager makes this determination to end the fight.

Every morning in his early days of recovery, Rich would ball up his towel and throw it with all his might into the hamper. One day he asked me if I knew what he was doing and why he was doing it. I thought maybe he was being considerate and putting his dirty towel in the hamper.

“No,” he said, “this is a physical action which expresses my surrender to a Power greater than myself. I have given up the fight and have decided to depend on God in this matter. Each morning, I make the decision to throw in the towel.” I was struck dumb.

This conscience decision to turn the care and direction of your life over to God is life changing. God loves us unconditionally and wants only the best for us.

You can view surrender as an act of ignominious defeat or as a wise choice. Daily, we face battles with decisions, people, substances and more that can be turned over to God. Surrendered to God. Let God take the control and guide you into serenity and peace. Throw in the towel!

Terri