Physical therapy was excruciating. It was physically painful for Justin. And watching him was like salt being mercilessly dumped on my raw, cracked heart.

Justin struggled significantly to climb one step and rise to a standing position from the floor. This is the same little boy who ran circles around all of us and who’s strength earned him the nickname “Hulk.”

The steroid driven binge eating has caused weight gain and a bloated appearance. Justin suddenly does not look like himself.

Justin is also very moody and often upset or frustrated and understandably so. He used to laugh so easily and give sweet kisses. Now he angrily refuses affection and rarely smiles.

Cancer has taken his physical strength, changed his appearance and saddened his heart. But it has not broken his spirit.

Justin is still fighting everything and everyone. And I view it as a good thing. Even though he is very young and confused and fighting the wrong things, he is still fighting.

God has made Justin very strong in spirit. And he is battling in the strength of the Lord through the prayers of God’s people. I am honored to be his mom and battle at his side.

Cancer is straight from the enemy and the enemy is going down.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:10-18

We are tired and worn and scarred, but we are still standing in the name of the one, true King. Grace be with you, my friends.