When some people doubt my strength,

When some people doubt my strength, I am reminded of this photo. Here’s a picture of me with my katana, along with a block of wood from the board I broke during my first-degree black belt test. I am grateful to have trained for many years and received my second-degree black belt in Hakkoryu JiuJitsu, Shito Ryu Karate, and my first-degree black belt in Kodokan Judo from training in the swimming pool and in the wheelchair, as well as training in Brazilian Jujitsu (Mixed Martial Arts) at my home dojo, Stroud’s School of Martial Arts, with Hanshi Lemuel “Doc” Stroud and Hanshi Richy Smith Huneycutt in Kinston, NC, in Eastern NC. I’m also thankful that, at my age, I am in much better shape than I was back then. I take Zyrtec, Singular, and vitamin D for allergies and vitamins, but I don’t need any spasticity medication. My range of motion in my arms and legs has improved, and I feel like I could do three rounds of grappling or sparring. These last couple of photos are from when I was on baclofen and had the baclofen pump. I am very thankful that the Lord Jesus Christ has brought me out of this situation, and I am very grateful and thankful for my health and that I feel the way I do now. Here are some verses that inspire me: Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Romans 8:11 (NKJV): But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Luke 24:32 (NKJV): “And they said to one another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?’” Psalm 18:34 (NKJV): “He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” Psalm 144:1 (NKJV): “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV): “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.”