Interview by: Gillian Fraser
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Every now and again you meet someone whose life story truly touches you, inspires you, and brings you to tears. This was my recent experience meeting Brittany McCormick, powerful woman of God with an incredible story of faith, perseverance, and determination. Despite being a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy, Brittany completed a 100 km walk to raise funds for wheelchairs for the less fortunate, driven by her unwavering faith in God and the support of her loving family. Her journey is a testament to the power of faith and the impact of a strong support system.
Q. What inspired you to undertake the 100 km walk challenge?
My inspiration began when my wheelchair broke, and I had to rely on assisted walking for errands. This experience made me realise the challenges faced by those who cannot afford a wheelchair or repairs. During the repair process, my faith played a crucial role. While praying, the Holy Spirit guided me to make an impact in others’ lives. Unsure of how to proceed, I continued to pray and was inspired to contact a friend who had run a campaign through BackaBuddy (a fundraising platform). After meeting with their media director and explaining my vision, I received support for my initiative. I shared my plan with my parents, who, despite their concerns about my cerebral palsy and limited walking experience, supported me. This journey of faith led me to undertake the challenge, with the goal of helping those in need.
Q. Can you share more about the physical preparation and challenges involved in completing the walk?
Preparing for the 100 km walk involved overcoming significant physical challenges. My family, especially my dad, created a training plan, starting with 1 km daily and gradually increasing. My mum provided emotional and spiritual support. The journey was painful; I experienced sore arms and blisters, but prayer and faith kept me going. Despite illnesses, I remained committed, knowing I had to obey God’s plan. Weekly massages from my therapist eased the pain. As I grew stronger, the campaign gained traction. On the final day, my family joined me, and I managed to complete the 100 km in three months. Encouraged by my progress, I continued to walk, ultimately covering 200 km and raising R57 500. The journey tested my physical limits but strengthened my resolve and faith.
Q. What role has your belief in God played in helping you overcome challenges you’ve faced?
My faith has been instrumental in overcoming physical and emotional challenges. Growing up with a disability, I faced bullying and public stares, but my faith provided courage and strength. My family’s support was crucial; my mum prayed for me, my dad explained things kindly, and my sister made me smile. In school, I struggled, but homeschooling and IT courses, suggested by a lecturer, helped. My faith guided me through a nerve-wracking presentation, sparking my passion for public speaking. Encouraged by God’s guidance, I organised my first event, sharing my story with 100 attendees. Holding onto Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, and prayer, I focus on God’s purpose rather than my failures. My faith allows me to look ahead and trust God’s timing.
“My parents raised me to adapt easily to various environments. At home, I crawl around and manage my hygiene independently … I maintain mental and emotional resilience by focusing on my strengths and acknowledging areas for improvement.“
Q. How has your parents’ support influenced you?
My parents’ faith and support have profoundly influenced my life and achievements. Born 25 weeks premature, doctors gave me a 50/50 chance of survival. Despite uncertainties, my parents chose to raise me to be as independent as possible, encouraging me through every struggle. They taught me to focus on my abilities rather than limitations. Their unwavering support and faith in God shaped my resilience and independence. My family is my pillar of strength; my parents’ wisdom and my sister and brother-in-law’s kindness and patience have guided me. As a family, we were born again and Spirit-filled later in our lives – the pillar of strength on which we based our future. Finding our intimate relationship with God grew from strength to strength, allowing us to testify to God’s greatness. Their influence and prayers have been crucial in my journey, helping me overcome challenges and achieve my goals.
“My sister and brother-in-law’s kindness and patience have guided me.”
Q. Can you share a particular moment when you felt God’s presence vividly?
One vivid moment of feeling God’s presence was during a recent training session. My trainer and I were working on stability, strength, and balance. While practicing standing on my own, leaning slightly against a chair, I managed to take steps independently. As my mum and I prayed, I felt God’s assurance that He is making me whole on earth. He showed me that I am to stand and praise His Name, and that my disability is just a chapter, not a definition of who I am in His Kingdom. This moment reaffirmed my faith and God’s ongoing work in my life.
Q. How important is it for you to share your testimony?
Sharing my testimony is crucial because it demonstrates what God can do if you have faith and trust in His will. I gave my life to Jesus at 12, and my healing began with my heart. Understanding that healing is a process, I continue to experience God’s work daily. I want others to see that God is in the finer details of life and that by asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, we can see His plan unfold. Through my testimony, I hope to inspire others to trust in God’s love and power, knowing that He can transform their lives just as He has mine.
Q. Where do you see your motivational speaking and advocacy going in the next few years?
My mission is to exemplify that anything is possible with faith, drive, and determination. I aim to show people that they are perfectly imperfect overcomers with a purpose in God’s Kingdom. My vision is to highlight that we can either find a way or an excuse. I plan to continue motivational speaking and advocacy, guided by my faith, to inspire others to recognise their potential and the strength that comes from trusting in God. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).
“Preparing for the 100 km walk involved overcoming significant physical challenges. My family, especially my dad, created a training plan … My mum provided emotional and spiritual support.”
Q. How have your trials and your campaign to help others contributed to your spiritual growth?
The 100 km walk campaign significantly contributed to my spiritual growth. It pushed me physically, developing muscles and joints, and spiritually, increasing my faith and reliance on prayer. Despite the pain, God strengthened my resolve and confidence. The campaign allowed me to see how far I could push myself and lean on God’s support. It helped me understand the importance of perseverance and faith in overcoming challenges, ultimately strengthening my relationship with God.
Q. What message do you want to communicate?
Everyone’s journey is unique and beautiful. Challenges, tears, and obstacles are part of life, but they build us up rather than break us down. I encourage others to look ahead, trust the process, and understand that each step is part of God’s plan. By focusing on strengths and relying on God’s presence, we can overcome any challenge.
Q. Could you describe a typical day for you and the adaptations you’ve made?
My parents raised me to adapt easily to various environments. At home, I crawl around and manage my hygiene independently. My dad assists me in getting onto the chair for dinner, and he put rails in my bathroom to assist me. We have a little step that allows me to get into cars that are higher than normal. When I swim, we have a life jacket which keeps me afloat so that I can enjoy the pool and swim, swimming being one of the activities that I am able to do freely. I walk three times a week, twice with my trainer. These adaptations help me maintain independence and manage daily activities effectively.
“The most incredible moment. Meeting a man [Nick Vujicic] that lives every motivational word he speaks; this was one of the greatest moments.”
Q. What are some common misconceptions about cerebral palsy?
One common misconception about cerebral palsy is that it severely limits capabilities. For me and my condition, it’s about how you accomplish something, not how others perceive it. Understanding and researching cerebral palsy (there are different levels of CP) can help others feel less awkward and more supportive. It’s important to educate and raise awareness about the condition to foster understanding and inclusivity.
Q. What do you believe is the most important aspect of educating the public about disabilities?
Educating the public about disabilities is crucial. Sharing information about my condition helps others understand and feel comfortable around people with disabilities. It promotes inclusivity and reduces awkwardness or nervousness. By raising awareness, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.
Q. How do you maintain resilience in the face of ongoing challenges?
I maintain mental and emotional resilience by focusing on my strengths and acknowledging areas for improvement. When overwhelmed, I remember that God is by my side every step of the way. Trusting in God’s presence and plan helps me stay resilient in the face of ongoing physical challenges.
Q. Besides the 100 km walk, what is another personal achievement you are particularly proud of?
A recent personal achievement was walking 5 km on the road with my trainer, a target I had been praying about. Despite the pain, I felt God’s presence throughout the journey, and we successfully completed it. This achievement, along with the 100 km walk, highlights the power of faith and determination.
Q. What is one thing you would like every reader to know about living a life of faith through adversity?
Living a life of faith through adversity means recognising your worth and success in God’s eyes. You are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. Give your desires to Him, praise Him in all circumstances, and trust that His plan for your life is for a greater purpose.
*I would like to mention that all of this is based on my experience and condition, and I do understand that there are others with severe limitations. My journey as an overcomer is to give hope to all, not negating the fact that others may have to deal with their circumstances differently.
Brittany is available as a public speaker / for ministry opportunities. Reach out to her, she’d love to hear from you!
Instagram: brittanymccormickofficial | Facebook: Brittany McCormick
brittanymccormick.co.za
This article is featured in the August 2024 issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 18/08/2024
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