The Power of Story When We Courageously Embrace the HARD
How the story of Kim White continues to touch lives and hearts
As someone who is not an avid consumer of social media, I was not intimately acquainted with Kim or her story during the years when she was actively posting. However, I remember stumbling across one video. In it, Kim talked about how she understood where she was going, but she was grieving that she had to leave behind what she treasured most here on earth. I remember my tears joining hers as I viewed this short clip.
A few days later, I still could not “shake” what I had seen. I was completely astonished by this woman who was so transparently sharing her sorrow and struggle for the whole world to witness. As someone who had always run as fast as she could into isolation when faced with hardships, I looked at her and thought - there is NO way I could do that!
Now, five years after her death, Kim’s story is being shared afresh through a documentary, Breaking into Beautiful, produced by Angel Studios. Knowing the outcome of her story, it took me a few weeks to prepare my heart to once again enter into her raw, transparent narrative. Then, one evening while my family was away, I shut myself in my bedroom, relived this woman’s suffering, and once again, was deeply moved by her incredible, resilient message of hope.
Nearly ten years ago, when I first encountered Kim, I would have never imagined that God would also call me to authentically share my own sorrow and struggles with the world. This woman was so brave – so bold. I am nothing like her. I have always been “Much-Afraid,” lame and disfigured by fear. Hiding in the shadows, I sought solace in self-preservation. But the truth is, my isolation did bring me comfort. Instead, it brought on desperation. During some of the most difficult moments of my journey, I felt misunderstood and completely, utterly alone.
Mercifully, God stepped into that deep darkness and called me into the light. There, I discovered a healing I had not thought possible – a mending of my shredded heart. I was not alone. There were others out there, like Kim, who could empathize with my pain, and even greater, there is a loving Father who sees us all right where we are, in the midst of our hurt; in the midst of all the HARD.
In Breaking into Beautiful, Kim shares:
“If you saw me six years ago and you told me all this was about to come, I’d be like, oh, sister this is not happening. There’s no way. But I’ve literally taken my life and I embrace this. This is my journey. And this is exactly what my life is supposed to be like. I’m supposed to be in and out of the hospital all the time fighting this disease, showing people that you can do really hard things, that life can give you the crap hand, and it’s OK to stand up and say: Bring it on I can do this! I can freaking do this! And none of your journeys are gonna look like mine. It’s not, but you can do whatever your battle is, whatever you’re battling I promise you, you’re prepared for it. You’re strong enough for it and you can get through it. Because that’s what this life is about. Life is about grit. It’s about that grit. It’s about standing up and holding on… that’s all you can do. There were so many times when that’s all I could do - just hold on. I don’t even know what I’m holding on for. But I’m just gonna keep holding on, hoping that something’s going to come. And something always comes.”
When we talk about suffering, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Kim’s battle with cancer was horrific, and I can easily feel intimidated by that. Though my family faced the threat of cancer, my husband did not end up with that dreaded disease. Though my daughter faced paralysis and has been diagnosed with an incurable, life-long condition, she is in remission now. Our little family of three (similar to Kim’s family of three) is still intact while she is separated from hers. It almost feels irreverent to draw any connection between her story and mine. However, Kim discovered through her own interactions that we NEED to share our stories with one another. Our pain in this life truly is a shared experience.
“As it (sharing her story on social media) evolved and I kept sharing, I kept connecting with people and realizing the importance of opening your mouth and sharing what you’re going through and being vulnerable. People crave connection; as humans that’s what we crave. We want to connect with one another and that’s why I believe people connect me so much just because I’m not afraid to be like - this is real life. And it doesn’t just help people with cancer. People tell me that all the time: ‘Like I don’t have cancer, but my life is really hard right now. I am really grateful you’re so open about how you get through the hard.”
This is why I not only share pieces of my own journey, but I am passionate about sharing the narratives of others. That is the power of story. It draws us together. It reminds us that we belong.
Like Kim, I have learned that “growth only comes through adversity.” For this is where eternal treasure is forged. This is where true hope is found. Thank you, Kim, for courageously sharing your story. What an incredible legacy you penned with your life. May those of us who struggle behind you, carry on your bravery as we aim to walk in your footsteps one small step at a time.
How has Kim’s story inspired you? How are you seeking to make every moment count in your one, most precious life?
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Life is hard, but God prepares us for it! Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks for sharing Maureen!