Today I have the privilege of sharing some of Brenda McGraw’s story through a video interview. Please watch so you can hear Brenda’s heart. Here are some of my favorite moments from the interview, to whet your appetite:
I was 24 years old, which is very young to be diagnosed with breast cancer. I had been married five years, and things were not going so well. I’m in the prime of my life. This isn’t supposed to be happening to me.
People don’t know how to handle someone who is diagnosed with something serious. We actually lost some friends through the breast cancer diagnosis.
People feel sorry for you, but so many really don’t know what to do. This is true even in my family. My own mom didn’t know how to handle it. My momma couldn’t even stay at the hospital with me because she didn’t want to see her own daughter go through this. But my sister was my hero.
Even if you’ve been through cancer, you don’t know exactly how someone else feels. It’s best not to say, “I know how you feel”. Instead of saying, “How can I help,” just do something. Instead of asking how you can pray for someone, stop right then and pray for them.
I’ve had cancer, I’ve been divorced, and now I have a heart attack. Come on God!
The doctor said if you’re conscious enough to take an aspirin, you should seriously go to the hospital.
You get so overwhelmed with life, trying to deal with all the pressures we put on ourselves and others put on us. We just have to watch the signs in our lives and listen to our bodies more. We have to learn to ask this question–What can I do to rise above the circumstances in our lives?
I kept asking God the question WHY? Do you love me? Why are you allowing this to happen? I learned that He doesn’t cause these things, but He does use the things that happen in our life to refine or sharpen us.
Because of His love, no matter what comes our way, He will be with us.
Brenda McGraw is the author of, “Joy Beyond, 28 Days to Finding Joy Beyond the Clutter of Life,” which includes a BONUS section with 28 stories of those who found joy through Christ and beyond their trials. You can find her book on Amazon.
Thank you Chris for sharing my story in your series. I pray that God will continue to bless you as you enlighten others on chronic illness. Have a joy-filled day! Brenda
This is such a powerful series. Thanks Chris and Brenda.
Brenda, thank you for being courageous and sharing your story with us
Beautiful interview. Brenda, you did a great job of conveying exactly what you went through with both the heart attack and the cancer. Thank you for the practical suggestions of how people can help others when they are given a cancer diagnosis. And thank you for talking about some of the things people say which are not really helpful.
I am sorry for the people who subtracted themselves from your life. But I’m glad we tribe writers get to know you. May your book touch many lives.
Great job Chris, but no surprise here.
Great interview with an inspiring, vibrant and gorgeous woman!