The Portion of my Inheritance

God’s timing proved to be perfect in every aspect of this journey. Kory had several things going on that the Lord allowed him to complete before the day of his surgery. One of those was that Kory had been preparing to test for his second-degree black belt. He had spent months training: learning katas, perfecting kicks and jumps, and practicing his stances–spit and polish down to every last detail. Several of the instructors spent countless hours helping him to get ready, training with him day after day. Mrs Perez, a sixth-degree black belt and a quiet, mild man filled with compassion and a heart for the kids that he trained, worked with Kory until his kicks were flawless, building up his endurance to withstand the hours of testing he would endure. He pushed him hard, encouraging him at every turn.   

—-Mr. Perez—

Knowing that his days of activity were limited, Kory took full advantage of every opportunity he could to work out at karate and spent a lot of his time at home training as well. We would be at the studio five to six days a week, arriving as early as possible and staying as late as he was allowed. He pressed hard in preparation for this important event, knowing that he would not be able to participate in karate for a least a year. Something that had been such a consistent part of his everyday life was going to be gone for a significant amount of time.  

Kory tested for his second-degree black belt on May 27, 2006, four days before his surgery. The test seemed to be brutal but proved to be an incredible example of Hebrews 10:24 NIV: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”  

His fellow karate friends came to support him and tested with him. We could hear them yelling his name and cheering him on, encouraging him to keep going. Mr. McHorse, another instructor, would rub his shoulders, give him water, and coach him between sparring rounds. I could tell that Kory was struggling to breathe because the testing was so strenuous, but he pressed on. I remember thinking, ‘This is what the body of Christ looks like!’ I saw 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV in a whole new light: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact your are doing.” What an encouragement they were for Kory.   

—Mr. McHorse—   

In the end, he earned that second-degree black belt. Here is a portion of the speech Kory gave at the graduation ceremony:

      “Last Friday was one of the toughest things I have had to do so far. I could never have done           it without the love and encouragement of everyone here and the people that came to help me test.

Thank you, Mr. Brannan, because you made this test possible for me. Thank you, board members–you all helped me so much during this time. It’s been a joy to work with you. Jacob Brannan, I want to thank you for all your help, not only for being a teacher but a friend too.  

Mr. Perez, I especially want to thank you for cheering me on from the very start. You have believed in me and encouraged me to do things that I would never have dreamed of doing. you have been like a father to me. 

Through these past years, this school has taught me courage, respect, self-discipline, and self-control. My behavior reflects the AAMA School, and I feel it’s my duty to honor the school and the instructors at all times, but above all, I must honor God.”   

—Mr. Jacob Brannan—  

How blessed we were by the wonderful people that our Lord had put in Kory’s life. For Kory, the studio was more than a place to learn karate and to work out. These amazing men invested in Kory as a person, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. They supported him through the hospital stay with prayers, visits, and encouragement. They still, to this day, are a part of Kory’s life. I thank God for these godly men of integrity who shape so many lives.   

—Mr. Brannan—   

—Mr. Benfield—

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact your are doing.           1 Thessalonians 5:11