Warriors

Over time, hundreds of warriors have made their mark in history- the greatest warriors have become immortal as a result of the great victories they achieved; their bravery, perseverance, and determination have written the stories of their battles and their names on the sands of time.

But, what is the real definition of a WARRIOR? How is an enemy defined, and what types of battles classify a warrior? These questions came to me as I was watching the movie “Letters to God.” This movie is about a little boy fighting cancer, but we had NO IDEA how emotional it would make our entire family when we rented it from a Redbox two days ago. I don’t think a movie has EVER hit so close to home as this one, as there were multiple scenes from it that could have been our family! Sometimes I would look at the screen and have to blink my eyes because I thought the bald boy facing us was Jace. AND, I’ll tell you honestly, I am SO glad we didn’t accidently rent this six months ago. It is that tender.

The thing that really struck me though, is that concept of being a warrior. At one point in the movie, there was a little boy making fun of Tyler, the child with cancer. Tyler goes to a Grandfather for advice. The Grandfather tells him that the others are jealous of him. This is unbelievable to Tyler. He says sarcastically, “Jealous because my hair fell out???”

The Grandfather answers: “They are jealous because you’ve been chosen for the role of a lifetime. You’ve been hand-picked by God….God has chosen you to be one of HIS warriors. As one of God’s warriors, you can ride forth victoriously in truth, humility, and righteousness.”

As I watched this scene in the movie, my new epiphany pounded in my chest. The Grandfather was right! He continued as if he were talking to Jace: “Even though you are sick, when people see how strong and brave you are, it makes them take a look at their own lives... There is a glorious truth. God is truth, and it is your job to point them to Him, and if they turn to Him, they find the truth. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful victory?”

I looked over at Jace during the movie to see what he thought. Does he know he’s a warrior? Does he know this is the role of a lifetime?? I found it interesting that he was the only one in the room NOT crying! It made me smile. He’s so tough. People have asked me over the course of his treatment if Jace realizes what’s really going on. I think he does, but I often pray the lessons we’ve all learned from this trial of cancer don’t pass over Jace himself- because he’s so young…will he really remember??

Hayden on the other hand was emotional throughout the film. He gets it in a different way I guess. He understands. Obviously there are different types of warriors.

So it is, in life. Everyone has their struggle. Everyone is fighting some sort of battle, and we’ve been chosen to fight our particular fights. I’m still not convinced I chose this one- Everyone who knows Jace is sure that he was first in line, but I think I was kicking and screaming to get away from this challenge. Matt probably had my back pushing me forward, and Hayden was on my side saying, “We got this! We can do this!” Oh, and let’s not forget the army behind us made up of all of YOU! Thanks a lot!

When the movie was over, Hayden asked me if I liked it. I said, “NO! It was awful!” (It was actually really inspiring and touching, but it hit way too close to home.) “But mom,” Hayden replied, “It taught us how to be more like Christ!” Yes it did. How could I argue with that? After all, Hayden spoke just like a true warrior.

Chemo tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. Wish us luck.