Bare King

In chess, the king is the most important piece, but it is also the weakest piece when left on its own. This is illustrated by the scenario called the “bare king”: where a player’s only piece left on the chessboard is the king. The name is fitting because it is impossible for a king to bring check, and win a game of chess, by itself. A king is only as powerful as the pieces surrounding him, and none is more powerful than the queen.

I met my wife, Michelle Yeager, 14 years ago today when I was a “bare king”. Sure, I was successful: I was a third-year law student who was finishing my Masters; however, I was so broke, I could not afford my first Army uniform, I was mired in student debt, I had no business acumen, I had only flown commercial once on my own and was not in enough shape to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test if I tried. On the other hand, Michelle was an investor, owned two successful businesses, was named Kentucky’s Fittest Woman, won “The Arnold” Classic in Amateur Fitness, was a career elementary educator, a successful cheerleader and gymnast, and had a sprawling local fitness business in Louisville.?

Michelle got me in shape for the Army, bought me my first Army uniform taught me how to invest and build wealth, and gave my children the coaching they needed to become the gifted wonders you see today. The entire name of this blog is Michelle’s idea. If you ever saw Maximus with a flag, that was because Michelle took him to countless practices while I was deployed. If you saw us dancing like fools with Ellen Degeneres and JLo, it was because Michelle was audacious enough to audition us. If you watched Maximus on HBO portraying Lil Nas X as a child, that was because Michelle got him the opportunity. If you saw that Maximus auditioned for a Broadway show last week, that was entirely because of Michelle. The house we live in in Los Angeles (that is a mere 10-minute commute to work) is because Michelle found it.?

When people look at our family, they are amazed at how much we can accomplish and how upwardly mobile we are. What many people do not realize is just how much the vast majority of those accomplishmen are attributed directly to me deferring to and allowing Michelle to orchestrate that success. Our family never loses in the game of chess because Michelle has built such a marvelous kingdom around me.

What Michelle does for me is not atypical for smart men who allow strong, industrious, and kind people to help fuel their success. For all of LeBron James’ talent, he would not be a billionaire without Savannah. Barack Obama does not become President without Michelle. The most notable example of this today, is Travis Kelce.?

Sure, Travis Kelce was successful in every respect before dating Taylor Swift: he was a two-time Super Bowl Champion and considered by his peers as the best player at his position. However, since dating and embracing Taylor Swift in his life, Kelce and his team has seen an exponential jump in popularity, wealth and notoriety. His jerseys, game, family, podcast, even haircut are now simply near the top of global popularity. He has gone from the best player at his position to one of the most popular player in all of sports. People may be sick of hearing about Taylor Swift, but she is literally doing something for Travis Kelce two (now three) Super Bowl rings could not alone.?

Good women have been building kingdoms since biblical periods. Don’t believe me? Ask the bible, which plainly suggests a strong, savvy, entrepreneurial woman like Michelle and Taylor, are the very best type of women:

“A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!” Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-GOD. Give her everything she deserves! Adorn her life with praises!”

Proverbs 31:10-31.?

All men do not need a woman to be “great”, but navigating the complex and difficult game of life, like chess, is always easier when it is done together with a strong partner and team by your side, instead of by yourself. Whether the “queen” your chessboard is your spouse, mom, therapist, gym-buddy, therapist, business partner, or best friend, be sure you tell them how much you love and appreciate them.?

Happy Valentine’s Day.