In this week’s episode, I’m honored to introduce you to Kathy Burry. If you live in our area, you probably know Kathy or her husband, Jimbo. Kathy is such a delight, even though she’s endured so much heartache in her life. She lost her mother to suicide when Kathy was only 29 years old, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer and endured chemo and a mastectomy in her 40’s. But her greatest challenge was losing her 20-year-old son to leukemia 16 years ago. Actually, this episode releases on the 16th anniversary of her son, Johnny’s, death. Kathy talks about how good God has been to her even though she’s had to walk such a difficult path. She says, “Only God can give peace to a broken-hearted mama and daddy that have to live without their boy on this earth.” This episode touched my heart so much. Kathy’s story will encourage you and give you hope, especially if you’re walking your own difficult journey. If you don’t already know and love Kathy, you definitely will after this episode.
Quotes From Kathy and her son, Johnny
When Kathy was going through her breast cancer she says, “the Lord just showed up and showed out… I don’t look back at that time in my life with any horror or dismay or sadness. I look back at that and think ‘What a blessing I went through it.’ Because there’s so much that I would not have been able to experience if I had not gone through [cancer]. And each time I would go through things I would just draw closer and closer to the Lord.”
“We’re gonna go through things and if we’re Christians we need to wake up and realize God is right there with us and He wants us to look to Him. He wants us to see Hid hand moving in every part of our stories.”
“Our daughter, Ashley, said it best, “I miss Johnny. But I don’t miss my old heart.””
“The miracle is that we can have peace and live without Johnny.”
“If I live or die, I just want to make a difference in someone’s life.” – Johnny Burry
Resources, Scripture and Kathy’s Contact Information
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
Johnnys’ favorite Bible story was 2 Chronicles 20
In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. – Romans 8:26
The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. -Psalm 91:1
This is the scripture I [Carol] prayed for Johnny August 17, 2005. Kathy told me after she read my note beside this scripture the doctors had said that day they didn’t know if Johnny would make it through the night. He lived eleven more months. He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. – Psalm 91:15-16
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Kathy would love to hear from you if you need someone to encourage you. You can email her at jkburry@yahoo.com
Listen to Learning to Trust God in Our Suffering with Kathy Burry