"Pink Umbrella Attitude" Sarah Price - Breast Cancer Survivor

Author Sarah Price with Pink Umbrella

Sarah Price, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.  

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated with my father’s family history. Both my paternal grandfather and my grandmother have histories that can be traced back to the 1500s.  In the early 1700s, they emigrated from Europe to escape persecution for their religious beliefs. I cannot imagine how they felt standing on the deck of a ship, watching as Europe disappeared as they sailed to the New World. 

I have a great admiration their determination to overcome their fears and stand by their beliefs, not matter what the cost. That motivates me. When I think about all of those people who left everything behind for religious freedom, I know that I, too, can overcome anything as long as I have God in my life.  

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? 

I’ve had several situations that have been difficult to overcome so it’s hard to answer with just one particular difficulty. However, dealing with breast cancer has been one of the toughest challenges in my life, not because of the cancer or the treatment but because I have been determined to avoid letting cancer impact my life. From the moment that I heard those words “We found cancer…”, I have faced cancer with the strength of my faith behind me. To this day, I believe that having cancer was a gift, a way of proving to myself (and to others) that there is nothing in this life that we cannot face if God is at the core of our lives.  

My nurses and doctors have all remarked about my attitude during the past eighteen months. My oncologist was amazed during my first months of chemotherapy that I was not ill or tired. From day one of my diagnosis, I have refused to let cancer dictate to me how I am supposed to feel. Instead, I let God guide me. He wants me to be happy, regardless of what happens today, tomorrow, or further in the future. And part of being happy is thinking happy:Keep your heart with all due diligence, for out of it are the issues of life(Proverbs 4:23 MEV). 

Another way of looking at it is by applying what I call my Pink Umbrella attitude. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was given these yucky, chalky drinks to take before certain medical tests (translation: barium sulfate suspension aka the CT Smoothie). I told the doctor and nurses that I wouldn’t drink them unless I had a pink umbrella to put in the drink. My husband went to countless stores to find me the little pink umbrellas, a fancy glass, and straws with pink flamingos on them! That’s a Pink Umbrella attitude. 

A more sophisticated way to look at it is a quote that I saw on the wall of the hospital as I was leaving my oncologist’s office. I loved the quote so much that I’ve adopted it as my personal philosophy: 

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s about learning to dance in the rain. 

The only thing that I like to add to that quote is to dance in the rain with a pink umbrella. You see, life isn’t about waiting for things to happen but it’s about living life…it’s about making things happen and, if they don’t happen, accepting it! 

I accept that I have no control over what happens. But I do have control over my efforts to contribute to my happiness by trying! And, remember, with God, all things are possible. Since He has a plan for me, if it doesn’t happen, there’s a reason. Who am I to question it? 

What passages in the Bible have been most helpful to you in those times?

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

I always say “Who am I to question what God wants?” During tumultuous times in my life, I don’t ask “Why me?” The answer to that question would be Why not you? I’m not different than anyone else so why should I be exempt from issues related to hardship, heartache, or health? 

While I enjoy the good times in life, I have also learned to accept the bad times. I know that God has a plan for me. That doesn’t mean we should just sit around and wait for God’s gifts. I believe in hard work: physically, mentally, and spiritually. I make time to read Scripture every day. Most recently, I have been reading a new version of the Bible, the Modern English Version (MEV), and I have become even more convinced that God’s purpose for all of us is known only to Him. It’s a wonderful translation (I highly recommend it!). 

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?  

My latest book, An Amish Buggy Ride, is available in audio format. I’m very excited about this. Many of my readers have requested audio books and this is my first book that has been professionally recorded. I was at the studio at Brilliance Audio in Grand Haven, Michigan when Amy McFadden recorded it. What an amazing experience! To see the professional equipment and all of the technicians supporting her, including a dedicated director…it was a humbling experience, for sure and certain! Being a visual learner, I never thought that I would personally be able to sit through an audio book. Now, I am hooked. It’s a wonderful way to listen to my favorite books such as classics as well as historical biographies. 

CFP: That is so cool, Sarah! I love audiobooks and that must have been so amazing to watch and listen!

Sarah Price at the Brilliance Audio recording studio

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

This is a fantastic question and I’m very pleased to respond with a loud (all capitals) YES! Several years ago, I had a most unfortunate experience with cyber-bullying that eventually involved police, lawyers, detectives, and the FBI. I realized that bullying is not something that is limited to the hallways of a school. Bullying can be done by grown adults (and professed Christians, at that) to the point of criminal conduct! Yet, most states do not have laws protecting adults from bullying. In fact, bullying across state lines requires that the proof of burden (and the expense, as well!) is the responsibility of the victim…thus victimized twice! Using this experience, I managed to write a series of novellas about bullying within the Amish community and I have been a guest speaker at numerous schools and organizations about bullying. 

Additionally, my two upcoming books published by Waterfall Press, An Amish Buggy Ride (November 2014) and An Empty Cup (April 2015) deal with two other issues: emotional abuse and depression. These books are unlike any of my others. They incorporate elements of my own personal life in the hopes that the readers will realize that they are not alone when dealing with such tough issues. 

Emotional abuse is a very serious problem that is often unaddressed. It can come from family members, professional colleagues, and, of course, spouses. In some cases, it can even come from strangers. The psychological damage, however, does not go away easily. How does a person deal with that? The result can often lead to depression. 

I’m not a psychologist, nor a psychiatrist. But I do know that the public stigma (whether real or imaginary) that goes along with being emotionally abused or having depression hinders women from seeking help. These two books help address the healing process and, I hope, will assist my readers to recognize the signs, whether in their own lives or in someone else’s. 

CFP: I was a psychologist for 25 years. The first intervention we were taught was the use of books, or bibliotherapy, to help clients cope with issues! Thank you for tackling these tough topics and I'm sure they will help many people out there!

Question you’d like to ask readers:

I’m going to address my question to readers of Amish fiction. For over twenty-five years, I have had the privilege to stay on Amish farms and in their homes. Through my writing, I share my first-hand experiences with my readers. My first question to my readers is whether they are more curious in the culture or the religion of the Amish (and why)? My second question is, if given to chance to meet an Amish person, what are two questions they would ask them? 

Bio and links:

Sarah Price, Best-Selling Author of Amish Christian Romances

ECPA Christian Fiction Bestselling Author & Amazon Top 100 Author

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fansofsarahprice

Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr

Amazon

YouTube: SarahPriceAuthor

Giveaway: OWG has a trio of pretty pink nail polishes, a decorative umbrella, pink containers, and a pink floral quilted car strap cover as part of our PINK giveaway celebrating breast cancer recovery this week! (USA only) We're also giving away a copy of any of Sarah's ebooks on Amazon - winner's choice of one for this interview.