Sucker Punched

Meet Marissa, a mom and writer, who was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a type of breast cancer. Understandably, she experienced an incredible amount of shock and fear after diagnosis. Would treatment work? Would her family have to learn to live without her? In the midst of the uncertainty, Marissa went to Houston for treatments, surgery, and clinical trials while her family stayed at home. Now that Marissa is in remission, she chooses to continue to trust in God's character and his faithfulness. It has not been an easy journey, but Marissa chooses to be brave by encouraging others with her story through her writing.

You can find Marissa's book 'Loving Your Friend Through Cancer' on Amazon or win a copy on Becky's Instagram or Facebook pages. (GIVEAWAY OVER)

Marissa's Answers to the Fun Questions:
• What are you loving right now? Flip flop weather
• What's your favorite meal right now? Teriyaki Salmon (recipe: http://damndelicious.net/2012/05/30/teriyaki-salmon-with-sriracha-cream-sauce/)
• What are you doing to take care of yourself? Playing the piano regularly
• What are you doing to be brave? Writing a weekly devotional

Connect with Marissa:
BLOG: marissahenley.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/marissalhenley
TWITTER: twitter.com/marissahenley
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/marissa.henley

Connect with Becky:
BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy
TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy
NEWSLETTER: BeckyLMcCoy.com/email 

Share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/Submissions Please subscribe to and rate this podcast to help others find Sucker Punched.

NOTE: Sucker Punched is the podcast formerly known as Stories of Unfolding Grace

Meet Jamie, a blogger, podcaster, speaker, and writer, who dreamed of being a radio DJ. When her kids were younger, she won a contest that gave her a morning show DJ hosting job. She left her role of stay at home mom for the full time, Monday through Friday job at the radio station. Even though she was so happy to be working at her dream job, she saw that her marriage and family were suffering. Jamie says it was one of the hardest decisions she had made because she knew she was doing well and felt like she was letting people down. It was also an incredibly easy decision because she says she would always choose her family over a career and over something that provides momentary fun. Jamie and her husband Aaron supported each other through the decision-making and transition when Jamie left her job. She says she's proud of herself for deciding that her family was worth the sacrifice and as a result of that difficult season, she says now she can remember that she can trust God. Jamie gave up her dream job at the radio station and now hosts the wildly popular podcast: The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey.

Jamie's Answers to the Fun Questions:
• What are you loving right now? LuLaRoe leggings
• What's your favorite meal right now? Empanadas and husband Aaron's cooking
• What are you doing to take care of yourself? Going for walks
• What are you doing to be brave? Parenting and writing a book

Connect with Jamie:
BLOG: JamieIvey.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/JamieIvey5678
TWITTER: twitter.com/Jamie_Ivey
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/JamieIvey

Connect with Becky:
BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy
TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy
NEWSLETTER: BeckyLMcCoy.com/email 

Share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/Submissions Please subscribe to and rate this podcast to help others find Sucker Punched.

NOTE: Sucker Punched is the podcast formerly known as Stories of Unfolding Grace

Meet Robin, a mom of four who experienced a miscarriage and was surprised by the grief that resulted. Robin said she knew the numbers and likelihood of miscarriage, but she expected it to happen to other people, not to her. She expected to feel mad, angry, and confused, but instead she felt numb. Robin didn't know how to grieve and fell into depression; she struggled, feeling like her grief made her lazy and unable to live. Eventually, Robin learned how to be vulnerable with others and honest with herself. She encourages people who are grieving that "it's okay to hurt," and to know that, "God is still good, no matter the outcome."

Robin's Answers to the Fun Questions:
• What are you loving right now? Warmer weather in Alaska
• What's your favorite meal right now? Jalapeno burger and baked brie leftovers
• What are you doing to take care of yourself? Get up before the kids
• What are you doing to be brave? Choosing to share weaknesses and wins

Connect with Robin:
BLOG: GraceEnoughForUs.wordpress.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/Robin.Chapman

Connect with Becky:
BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy
TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy
NEWSLETTER: BeckyLMcCoy.com/email 

Share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/Submissions Please subscribe to and rate this podcast to help others find Sucker Punched.

NOTE: Sucker Punched is the podcast formerly known as Stories of Unfolding Grace

This episode is a unique one in that I'm not sharing a story of unfolding grace, but encouraging you to be brave in the challenges you're facing right now. Have you ever felt intimidated by how brave other people are? Do you feel like you're not strong enough to be brave? Take 20 minutes to listen to this episode and I hope you'll feel encouraged that you can live bravely, too.

Becky's Answers to the Fun Questions:
• What are you loving right now? Being home after vacation and The Newsroom on Amazon Prime
• What's your favorite meal right now? Cinnamon rolls, last night's BLT, and anything with cilantro
• What are you doing to take care of yourself? Surrounding myself with things I enjoy
• What are you doing to be brave? Preparing for a writers' conference

Connect with Becky:
BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy
TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy
NEWSLETTER: eepurl.com/bBOHH1 

Share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/Submissions Please subscribe to and rate this podcast to help others find Sucker Punched.

NOTE: Sucker Punched is the podcast formerly known as Stories of Unfolding Grace

Meet Andy, founder and owner of Plum Deluxe, a loose leaf tea company with specialty blends and a tea of the month club. Andy's professional career began in Europe as an IT specialist for an American company based abroad. Through a series of events, he was hired by a different company and relocated to Scotland. His work environment in the new job was difficult, even hostile. The stress he was experiencing at work manifested itself as migraines and other physical symptoms and Andy began to withdraw into himself. He started meeting with a group of entrepreneurs who helped him to create space and find perspective. He ended up quitting his job and, eventually, moved back to the United States. Several years later and he is running a successful tea company. He has also created a community that is a safe harbor for learning what it means to live a life you love. Andy has developed an awareness of his emotional wellbeing through the difficult years of uncertainty. He encourages people in difficult work environments to create some space, to take care of yourself, and to be confident that you can choose to make a change.

Order yourself some tea and join Andy's tea of the month club at PlumDeluxe.com

Andy's Answers to the Fun Questions:
• What are you loving right now? The hot tub at his new house
• What's your favorite meal right now? Scones, shortcakes, and other baked goods
• What are you doing to take care of yourself? Pilates
• What are you doing to be brave? Taking risks and trying new things as inspired by Brene Brown's book Rising Strong

Connect with Andy:
BLOG: PlumDeluxe.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/PlumDeluxe
TWITTER: twitter.com/PlumDeluxe
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/PlumDeluxe
PINTEREST: pinterest.com/plumdeluxe/

Connect with Becky:
BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy
TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy
NEWSLETTER: eepurl.com/bBOHH1 

Share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/Submissions Please subscribe to and rate this podcast to help others find Sucker Punched.

NOTE: Sucker Punched is the podcast formerly known as Stories of Unfolding Grace

Meet Maretha, a writer and mom, who competed in Junior Wimbledon as a teenager. Maretha was born with ectrodactyly, a genetic condition that means her left hand only has a thumb and pinkie finger. The disability is often called a "lobster hand" and also affects her heart. Since her right hand seemed to be unaffected, she became a successful tennis player and qualified for Junior Wimbledon. Not long into competition, however, she had trouble with her right hand. She discovered that, even though it didn't look affected by ectrodctyly, her right hand couldn't keep up with the demands of her tennis career because of her disability. She began to question why God would allow her tennis career to end when she was so successful. She felt angry and lost and wondered if she had worth without tennis. In an attempt to achieve a new standard of perfection, she became bulimic. Eventually, Maretha says she realized that God had made her to be more than just a professional tennis player and the grace, she says, is that he let her figure it out in her own time.

Download Maretha's free book Seasons With Christ at SeasonsWithChrist.com

Maretha's Answers To The Fun Questions:
• What are you loving right now? Her two month old and getting sleep
• What's your favorite meal right now? White chocolate
• What are you doing to take care of yourself? Prioritizing time with God and taking time to write
• What are you doing to be brave? Enjoying time with her husband and choosing to be social even when it makes her uncomfortable

Connect with Maretha:
BLOG: SeasonsWithChrist.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/SeasonsWithChrist
TWITTER: twitter.com/MR2603
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/Maretha_Retief

Connect with Becky:
BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy
TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy
NEWSLETTER: eepurl.com/bBOHH1 

Share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/Submissions Please subscribe to and rate this podcast to help others find Sucker Punched.

NOTE: Sucker Punched is the podcast formerly known as Stories of Unfolding Grace

Meet Monica, a mother of three, whose son Mason was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer. She shares the struggle of being caregiver for one child while still parenting her other children. Monica describes the challenges of being a primary caregiver and how that role changes when your loved one passes away. After Mason went to heaven, Monica said it was a challenge to allow herself, her husband, her son, and her daughter to grieve in their own, unique ways. Monica and her husband started the Mason Green Foundation, which raises money and awareness for pediatric brain cancer.

Find the On Coming Alive Project, at OnComingAlive.com.

Monica's Answers To The Fun Questions:
• What are you loving right now? Being part of the On Coming Alive Project
• What's your favorite meal right now? Mexican and Italian. And Starbucks' Chai Latte
• What are you doing to take care of yourself? Eat better. Go for walks. Spend time alone and with each member of the family individually
• What are you doing to be brave? Sharing her story and Mason's life

Connect with Monica:
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/masongreenfoundation
CARINGBRIDGE: caringbridge.org/visit/masongreen
TWITTER: twitter.com/mason_memories

Connect with Becky:
BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy
TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy
NEWSLETTER: eepurl.com/bBOHH1 

Share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/Submissions Please subscribe to and rate this podcast to help others find Sucker Punched.

NOTE: Sucker Punched is the podcast formerly known as Stories of Unfolding Grace

Meet Catherine, an AP psychology teacher, who cycled through public school, private school, and homeschooling so often as a child that she only spent one year in one educational setting. By the time she got to high school, she had an education about the level of 5th or 6th grade. Catherine didn't know how to be a successful student, but she found that popularity was easy, so she invested her energy into friendships. Upon graduating, she swore to never step foot in a school again. She got married and started a family. Several years later, she found herself pursing a college degree and then graduate school. Now a high school teacher, Catherine encourages her students to pursue their passions and work hard to achieve their goals.

References from Catherine's episode:
The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey (podcast) and Year Without God by Rob Bell (book).

Catherine's Answers To The Fun Questions:
• What are you loving right now? Podcasts (especially The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey)
• What's your favorite meal right now? Roasted vegetables and coffee (all day!)
• What are you doing to take care of yourself? Getting enough sleep each day
• What are you doing to be brave? Figuring out the best ways to use her story and what her writing journey looks like

Connect with Catherine:
BLOG: abeautifullymessylife.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/abeautifullymessylife
TWITTER: twitter.com/abmessylife
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/abeautifullymessylife
PINTEREST: pinterest.com/abmessylife

Connect with Becky: BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy
TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy
NEWSLETTER: eepurl.com/bBOHH1 

Share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/Submissions Please subscribe to and rate this podcast to help others find Sucker Punched.

NOTE: Sucker Punched is the podcast formerly known as Stories of Unfolding Grace

Meet Laura, a high achiever and writer at Seeking The Still. She was always able to meet every challenge and had a reputation of being super woman. She had such a high capacity for stress that she was able to get it all done without asking for help. Two years ago, she was chairing a school fundraiser when she experienced her first panic attack, quickly followed by a deep depression. Since then, Laura has found hope through counseling and learning to ask for help. She encourages people to ask for help, too, and reminds others who struggle with anxiety and depression that "there is always hope." Laura encourages the other "wonder women" out there to look closely at their priorities and reevaluate how they are using their time and energy.

"My brokenness is a better bridge for people than my pretend wholeness ever was." – Sheila Walsh -

Laura's Answers To The Fun Questions:
• What are you loving right now? Goodwill and thrift shopping
• What's your favorite meal right now? Avocado with salt and pepper
• What are you doing to take care of yourself? Ultra relay race
• What are you doing to be brave? Being sensitive and obedient to how she feels God is leading her

Connect with Laura:
BLOG: SeekingTheStill.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/SeekTheStill
TWITTER: twitter.com/seekingthestill
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/seekingthestill

Connect with Becky:
BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy
TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy
NEWSLETTER: eepurl.com/bBOHH1 

Share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/Submissions Please subscribe to and rate this podcast to help others find Sucker Punched.

NOTE: Sucker Punched is the podcast formerly known as Stories of Unfolding Grace

Meet Mary Kate, a mother of twin two-year-olds, was a good girl. She went to church and did all the right things. Three months before she was planning on marrying her college sweetheart, she found out she was pregnant. Immediately, Mary Kate panicked and felt an overwhelming sense of shame about disappointing everyone's expectations for her. A few weeks later, Mary Kate and her fiancé found out the twins were mono-mono, which a very rare and potentially dangerous situation where the twins share an amniotic sac. The girls were born early and spent the first three months of life in the ICU. Now that the girls are two, Mary Kate is amazed at how many wonderful things came out of such a difficult season.

Mary Kate's Answers To The Fun Questions:
• What are you loving right now? Her new FitBit
• What's your favorite meal right now? Homemade Alice Springs Chicken Quesadillas
• What are you doing to take care of yourself? Setting aside time to rest and prepare well for each day
• What are you doing to be brave? Living in Wisconsin

Connect with Mary Kate:
BLOG: TheSimplyDevineBlog.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/marykate_white

Connect with Becky:
BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy
TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy
NEWSLETTER: eepurl.com/bBOHH1 

Share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/Submissions Please subscribe to and rate this podcast to help others find Sucker Punched.

NOTE: Sucker Punched is the podcast formerly known as Stories of Unfolding Grace