#201: Army Amputee & Kickboxer Puts Prayer First To Heal Vets, Marriages, Himself

Run The Race

On this National Day of Prayer, Retired Army Corporal Josh McCart is talking about how faith in Jesus helped save and heal him after a bomb in Iraq left him without part of his arm, angry at God for years. He opens up about the darkness and what changed his life/marriage for the better. He also talks about losing a lot of weight and competing in big kickboxing competitions (yes, with one hand). Go right now and subscribe to "Run The Race" for inspiring conversations like this one about faith and fitness, (3:33) Hear the scary story about the IED blast in Baghdad in 2007 that led to his amputation and turned him into a man with no hope, after thinking he was following God's will into the Army. Why me? One chaplain told him: Why not you? (15:05) Losing his mom a decade after that bombing in Iraq prompted Josh, 275 pounds at the time, to lose at least 50 pounds. Learn how the Covid pandemic helped him find a passion for martial arts, especially Muay Thai and kickboxing. He explains those disciplines. The 39-year-old is competing against guys half his age in MMA-style matches. I asked about the disadvantages as an amputee. He also wants to live life to the fullest, to honor friends he lost in war. (24:08) Not talking to God for years after losing his arm...his prayer life came back in 2015. Josh tells the story of what happened on a solo hunt that helped him make the switch. (29:22) Now, he and his wife help other disable service couples through Samaritans Purse and "Operation Heal Our Patriots" retreats. And (37:57) how did he lose all the weight. It was moving more, but especially changing how he saw food, eating more intentionally. (41:27) Next up for Josh in the ring is the IKF (International Kickboxing federation) World Classic in Las Vegas this summer, for which he's already visualizing victory. It's to inspire others, especially his sons, but most importantly, to honor God! (45:45) Our guest this week closes us out in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.