In case one would mistake my running with a shirt off as vain or arrogant…The sun on my skin, the wind whipping around my body – the fire of the eyes of God…breath from his nostrils. In the heat of the summer with sweat dripping on the pavement every step…one foot in front of the other – forward into the heavy, stifling haze – humid and thick. I bear my cross forward for all to see. They don’t see the weight on my shoulders, but I know it’s there. Let them who have ears to hear, hear the message well.I woke up this morning and accepted my daily bread with grace. I forgave the ills against me and hope to also be forgiven. The pain is great but my soul is greater. Let not my will, but yours be done.And today I choose to carry my cross. I stoop with worn hands and stiff back…wrap my arms around the beam…and remember what I am fighting for. A great heave and it is, once again, upon my shoulder – rough, splintery – rubbing callous into my neck and back. This is my burden – and I choose to bear it well. I set my sights upon the hill in front of me and move. One foot in front of the other. The way is narrow and difficult. My lungs burn. My joints ache. My sinew twists, protesting every inch. I watch the path closely because even small stumbling blocks are tragic setbacks while under this much weight. Sometimes I hear the silence of the morning dew resting peacefully on God’s green earth. Sometimes I feel the caress of a breeze easing my salt-soaked brow. Sometimes I see the faces of loved ones and the jeers of my enemies.Let them who have eyes to see, let them see. Not the body I’ve built, but the heavy cross I carry.If you found this article valuable, please share on Twitter, Facebook and InstagramKick Butt. Take Names.#DefiningDadBodThis information is meant to be actionable information to promote health and well-being and not to be used to diagnose or treat medical symptoms or conditions. ——-Support the Show (Monthly)Patreon.com/definingdadbodSupport the Show (One-time, quarterly)definingdadbod.com/innercircleGet Help With Your Program definingdadbod.com/shop/trialweekJoin The Inner Circledefiningdadbod.com/innercircleEhlers Danlos Society Publication:https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/my-awareness-mission/?fbclid=IwAR2Ku-oC-mHjUAHhsefd-7VsZGHUyz5m9fVlO2vdfmwwhZF7LzHPxRc9mJ4