This is the story of a Super Hero. Some people know him as Judah. I know him as “Lion Man”. Judah is a living epistle of perseverance in tribulation which produces character, and character hope. Lion Man bolsters my hope because I can so clearly see the love of God that is poured out in Judah’s heart. Rom 5:3-5.
Biblically speaking, Judah was the youngest of Jacob’s sons through whom the lineage of Jesus, The Lion of Judah came.
I have known Judah the Lion Man for just over two years. In that time I have watched him persevere amidst Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic condition that causes muscle weakness and atrophy (when muscles get smaller). SMA can affect a child’s ability to crawl, walk, sit up, and control head movements. Severe SMA can damage the muscles used for breathing and swallowing.
When I say persevere, I do mean PERSEVERE. I don’t know if I could ever handle what Judah faced in his 5 years. Most superhero’s are known for thier ability to avoid pain and suffering and inflict it on their designated villians. Super Heros like Lion Man endure pain and suffering with patience and abundant joy to build faith and bring hope to a world obsessed with self image. I am convinced that God sent super heros like Lion Man to a world obsessed with physicality, in order to smash the idol of self that most people don’t even know they worship. If that seems hyperbolic consider that the net worth of the entire beauty industry was $579.22 billion in 2023. American consumers alone spent nearly $88 billion on beauty products that same year. Meanwhile American consumer spending on fitness supplements came in at $13.5 billion. Just to give you some perspective, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), estimated that an annual investment of around $267 billion is needed to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030. Ironically the 200,000,000 skin cells we smother with lotions and potions die every hour regardless of how much money we spend. Meanwhile the hair we strive to keep shiny and in style is dead before can touch it. Again, I’m not putting anyone down, just lending some perspective.
Jacob who God renamed Israel fathered the nation through whom salvation, reconciliation and restoration would come to a very broken world. It is no coincidence that Jacob’s blessing and true identity began with a physical disability given to him by God. Gen 32:22-32
Recently, I learned that Lion Man was feeling a bit dejected and was seeing himself as a broken toy, namely Woody from the movie series Toy Story. Having only seen the first movie where Buzz is broken, I had no idea that Woody, Buzz’s friendly, rational and pragmatic side kick had his arm torn off as well.
I wanted to cry. Not because Judah was feeling down – Lion Man always bounces back. But rather because he was losing sight of his blessing and being tempted to view himself through the lens of a completely fake and broken world.
Most adults who arrive at an understanding of their identity do so like Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 1. By the way, if you think you are above being ministerd to by a children’s story then you are the quintessential representation of Buzz Lightyear. But then I am writing to, and for Judah more than anyone else.
In Toy Story One Buzz Lightyear, is a toy astronaut with an identity complex. You see, Buzz thinks he is a real superhero and does not know he is a toy. As the story begins we see Buzz comparing himself to, and competing with, the other characters for Andy the toy owners love. Buzz denies his obvious weakness, then rationalizes and justifies his failures to the point of the absurd until one day he sees himself on a television commercial and is confronted with truth.
Never the less he seizes upon his powers of denial, pulls himself together and once again tries to fly only to fall with less style than ever and loses an arm.
In the next scene we see a broken and dejected Buzz drinking Darjeeling tea with a bunch of headless dolls in Andy’s sisters’ room.
His friends try to rescue his shattered self-worth but to no avail. Buzz must go through the fiery process of transformation and discovery of his true identity.
Fast forward to the conclusion, we see Buzz rallying a bunch of broken toys to overcome the wiles of the evil Sid and save the day. In the end He becomes a real super hero but within the context of brokenness and in partnership with those who had also been broken.
The paradoxical truth is that everyone’s true identity is found amidst thier brokenness. Everything else is a facade. That brokenness usually comes packaged as a loss. It might be found in a full revelation of Ephesians 2:1-10. Or in the context of an addiction, a disease, a prison sentence or any other tragedy that shatters our silly narcissistic, illusions about ourselves. No sermon, no apologetic argument, no amount of proof will change the mind let alone the heart of the unbroken. The good news is that the blessing is in the brokenness. That includes the blessing that God has for us as well as the blessing that we can be to others. True anointing does not come with gifting or celebrity. True anointing is conferred by God within brokenness.
I’m no prophet but I can clearly see the anointing on Judah the Lion Man. While so many others must make the journey through their brokenness. Judah was born into his. His legs may not be working at this time, but he is farther along in his walk than many who are ten times his age. He is living up to the heritage contained in his name. He is Judah blessed by God to walk in the spiritual footsteps of Jacob and Jesus the Lion of Judah. You are not a broken toy Judah. You are Lion Man. You will aleays be a superhero in our eyes. Now kick that lying devil out of your head and get back to being the super hero that brings laughter and joy to everyone you meet and above all Glory to your Maker. You have alot to teach us.
Judah bug, I am constantly inspired by the joy that the Lord has put inside your heart! You are often happy, when I know it’s hard to be. Thank you for letting God use you! When days are hard and you feel a little different, remember that God made you perfectly! I love you so so much and so do Mac and Myles! ❤️
Judah, God works in ways that we cannot even begin to understand. You are living proof of God’s glory! Keep praising Him you are a miracle ♡🙏
Judah you are such a gift to me and to all those around you! I love you so very much. I know God has such big plans for you♥️. Love Nene
Judah, you are the strongest kiddo I know. And the best Hungry Hungry Hippos player. So glad that I get to know you and be a part of your journey 💪🏼
Judah, you have taught me so much about being grateful, humble, and being strong! You are an incredible dude, and you are going to continue to do incredible things. You have been one of the BIGGEST blessings in my life. I’m so grateful to be able to watch you grow! I love you so big, bestie! We all do!
Judah you are such an inspiration to us in the way that you live the life of a superhero day in and day out! You have been through a lot but you have fought like a true lion man to reach the point that you are at now! God made you perfect in His own image and He is using you as an inspiration to others! Keep letting God shine His light through you and great things are bound to happen!! We LOVE you!!! Keep up the good work!!!❤️❤️❤️Craig and Robin
Judah, your smile is so infectious and you display strength and courage everyday . You have conquered so much and people just can’t help but love you! Most super hero’s save the world with what they can do physically but your the best kind of super hero because you change peoples hearts with your smile.
Lion Man, we join with you to give God all the glory because of the great things He has done:
• He does not make or create mistakes!
• He is always working for our good.
• He is always with us, dwelling inside us.
• He carries us through the hard times, wipes the tears from our faces and rejoices with us in the glad times.
• He made a way for us to be with Him forever!
• He made you a Super Hero and put you in all our lives. You inspire us! Mr. Poppers said to tell you “Thank you for being my Super Hero.”
We love you to the moon and back, Judah!
Cindy and Joe
Judah you are a valiant warrior in The Lord’s Army. You know more about courage, endurance, perseverance, and boldness than any adult I know. Your greatest weapons are: joy, thanksgiving, and praise. I’ve seen you exercise all of these in a way that makes me want to be a warrior just like you. Keep taking stinky thoughts from the enemy captive and keep singing to the top of your lungs like I’ve heard you do so many times! You are fearfully and wonderfully made for such a time as this! The Adorante family loves you kiddo!
Judah we’ve never met face to face but I thank God for you any your TRUE story. Always remember who our Dad says you are. Believe that, hug it and don’t let go. Any other voice that tells you different is false. You’re a REAL hero, keep going forward little brother.
Judah!
I was honored to meet you in Greeneville during Iris Harvest School 32 in 2020.
You are such a testimony of God’s goodness. Seeing the strength and courage in you at such a young age is mind blowing. You are an overcomer & a warrior! You and your story are going to change the world!
– Hannah Cavanaugh
Judah Dustin, Dre and I think you are a precious gift God has plans for you that you can’t even imagine. Keep fighting little man. ❤️
Judah – I unfortunately have never met you face to face. I know you through both of your grandmothers – along with following your parents on FB.
I am ALWAYS blessed to see your sweet smile in pictures that your parents post. You are such a sweet blessing from God.
You are a warrior and you inspire me, (as you read the comments) and so MANY others. God has big plans for you sweet boy. Hold your head high – for you are a warrior and a child of God. You and your story will change the world!! Praying for you and sending lots of love from Livingston, TN.
Keep smiling Lion Man.
Judah , you are brave and you are loved and you are such a inspiration for everyone who meets you and even for those you havent meet…love you buddy !
Judah,
You always light up the room when I see you! You really are a super hero because you bring light and love to all those you encounter ❤️
Grandma’s friend,
DeeDee
Judah! We’ve been so honored to know you since you were born. To watch the miracles, the restoration of people around you and the understanding you have of Jesus is just beautiful. Henri and Oscar are so blessed to call you friend and love you. Thank you for being the example of strength to my boys bud. You will never know how much it means to us! <3
Oh Judah! You are most definitely the best kind of super hero! Your laugh and smile are contagious and they melt my heart so💙 Kirsten and I have loved you from the day we laid eyes on you and we will always love you sweet boy. You are far from a broken toy Judah! You are a child of the most high King so straighten that crown, knock that pesky devil off your shoulder ( we all know he’s lying) and continue to worship and praise our God. YOU ARE A MIRACLE LION MAN!
Love, hugs, and kisses – Lisa and Kirsten
Judah, while you feel like an olive in the press being squished to death. I reassure you that The Lord has heard your cries and He even feels your pain. You might feel like you are forsaken or forgotten, but I reassure you that The Lord Yahweh is making a path of Greatness within you. He only presses the olives that He knows will produce a Holy Anointing Oil! You are of a great lineage and your lineage is full of great Men just like you that said Yes Lord we can do it. Caleb son of Jephunneh, David son of Jesse, Jesus son of Joseph, and Matthew son of Craig. Revelation 12:11 You Judah will win this race by the blood of the Lamb and the Words of your Testimony!
”“And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. In the tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the Lord. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel.“
Exodus 27:20-21 NKJV
Judah,
You are brave, courageous, and all things mighty like a lion! God will see you through anything that crosses your path and you will overcome and conquer great things! You are a might warrior 💪🏼
Love Sam ❤️
Judah, I’m in awe of the strength that you possess at such a young but mighty age. You are moving mountains at your age and it’s beautiful. Your story is a powerful one and you deserve the absolute world. Thank you for being the you that God made.
Judah – two things that I know are that the devil lies and your friends tell you the truth. The devil wants you to believe you are broken because he’s mean and scared of you. All of your friends here tell you how strong and purposely made you are because we know the truth. Jesus is your friend too and He says the same thing and He never lies. I can’t wait to see all of the ways the Lord is going to use you to strengthen others. All I know is that he uses you all the time to strengthen me and teach me things. Thank you buddy!