Confession #202: Dance After War

Dance After War | BLOG | Naima Lett



Today is Veterans Day.

I am grateful and proud of all of our soldiers, including my oldest brother (Army) and one of my best friends from school (Marines). And this week, another veteran landed on my radar: Iraq war veteran J.R. Martinez, who waltzed and jived his way to become the frontrunner with two perfect scores on Dancing with the Stars.

Before attending our Tri-Union Awards (SAG, AEA, AFTRA) on Monday, where J.R. was honored, I had no idea who he was. I don’t watch Dancing with the Stars. You would think that I’d love the show because of my dance background. But whenever I have tried to watch in the past, I was either bored or angered because there would only be one or two couples who could ACTUALLY dance. Why watch a dance show of majority non-dancers? My time is too precious.

But it turns out, J.R. can actually dance.

Thus, he earned the season’s first 2 Perfect Scores: ““J.R. is Perfect” What’s amazing is that J.R. isn’t a professional dancer, but he has natural talent that is easily shaped. He’s is a fighter, having survived severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body when his Humvee hit a landmine in Iraq. He was only 19 at the time. His bio says he spent 34 months in recovery and has undergone 33 different surgeries, including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery. He’s shared his story on Oprah, 60 minutes, CNN and the national circuit.

As I watched the clips of J.R.’s performances, I kept thinking, “So, this is an example of what dance can be after war (physical or otherwise).”

President Obama is bringing the troops home January 1st and many have been injured and will face massive hurdles, but this picture of J.R. pushing through horrible circumstances to still share his gifts… this is what is possible.

I’m inspired in my own life, and I’m reminded of when Jesus told his disciples that they would have trouble in this world, but to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world (John 16: 19-33). On this side of heaven, we will all experience trouble, not necessarily war and burns like J.R.; but we will have on own variety of suffering. But we can be encouraged that our grief can be turned into joy at some point, our mourning into dancing.

I applaud J.R.’s story and the stories of so many veterans who gave their lives for us or survived, all bringing us hope. I can’t promise that I have hours to set aside to watch the rest of Dancing with the Stars’ episodes, but I will find J.R.’s clips online and keep tabs on how he progresses. He seems to be the one to beat. And you know, I really hope he wins.

And I’ll also start practicing my own dance, for when I come out of my next life battle. As a matter of fact, this was a rough week. I think I may go get my character shoes right now and bust a waltz through my living room.

Thanks, J.R.

Naima Lett

Naima loves bringing stories to life, believes everyone should find a reason to dance daily, and savors every bite of her grandmother's bread pudding & sweet potato pie.

• E-bike November 12, 2011 at 1:52 am

  Wonderful! : D, Appreciate it, thanks for posting.

  Reply

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