Today we’d like to introduce you to KK Bodiford.
Hi KK, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Honestly, the only way I can answer that question is with one word…God. It took me many years to figure it out, but now I see it was all Him. There was suffering I endured, but every bit of pain was turned into a purpose. As a child, I was a victim of bullying. Later in adulthood, I used that growth to write a children’s book, “Anything About You,” and create an anti-bully program, “Bully-Proof Dream.” I have done many speaking events to youth groups, schools, and organizations. I am a singer/songwriter and enjoy using the gift of music to bring hope to others. Some examples are through leading worship at Watershed of Godley, being a part of the worship team at Stonewater Church, touring as a member of the country duo, “Highway Sisters,” and bringing the healing power of music to patients at the children’s hospitals for “Musicians On Call.” Although I have been blessed by every opportunity, of all the jobs I’ve had in the world, my favorite is being a mother. I have a 13-year-old daughter, Cam, 4-year-old son, Levi, and 2 years ago, we were blessed with our last and final baby, Gibson. He was born with multiple brain abnormalities, and he/we have quite the testimony wrapped around his journey. I have become an advocate for our son through a lot of hard work, research, and prayer. Through his journey, God has revealed to me what my calling is, which is ministering through music and studying the Word
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am originally from Kansas; so after I graduated from Kansas State University, I moved down to Austin, Texas to pursue a music career. The biggest challenge I had was my oblivious, self-seeking dream of becoming “famous.” In my mind, I thought if I was “famous,” I would “show them,” so to speak; (Speaking of the childhood bullies of my past). The problem with that is my heart wasn’t in the right place, and every open door to opportunity would soon close. I auditioned for the 1st season of Nashville Star, alongside of Miranda Lambert, and was 1 of 12 finalists. I had my “15 minutes of fame,” but as soon as the show came to a close, I was lost and even more broken, spiraling into a pretty dark depression. In between that season of my life and today, there is so much clarity in how God carried me through, without even realizing.
Fast forward to 1-11-21, marking the beginning of the biggest heart-changing, eye-opening, faith-driven, God-seeking moment, the birth of our youngest son, Gibson (named after my favorite guitar). Our little boy came into this world fighting. After a couple days in the NICU, the neonatal specialist ordered an ultrasound for his brain due to suspected seizures, as well as an MRI. The results showed multiple birth defects, all within his brain. He was diagnosed with Septo Optic Dysplasia (SOD), Bilateral Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH), Agenesis of the Corpus Collosum, Hypothyroidism, Cerebral Palsy, Hypotonia, Ectopic Neurohypophysis, midline fusion anomaly of the hypothalamus, neonatal subclinical seizures, and grey matter heterotopia. What this diagnosis basically means is his brain didn’t form in utero the way a “typical” brain is formed. The diagnosis was presented as devastating and hopeless, delivered to us by this one particular physician. He told us to be prepared for Gibson to never eat on his own, sit, stand, talk, and have a very limiting life. I told him that my God is bigger than any diagnosis. He said that he hopes I can prove him wrong.
I prayed. I researched. I prayed. I cried. I surrendered all to Jesus. He was in control, and I was just there for the ride and to be obedient to His words. He put the perfect people in our lives, blessing us with specialists and doctors that have become family. After a rollercoaster of being in the NICU, 40 days and 40 nights later, Gibson was discharged to go home, and so his incredible journey continued. We found out that there is only ONE procedure in Thailand for Optic Nerve Hypoplasia that has shown any sort of positive improvement. ONH is one of the leading causes of blindness in children, and there just aren’t any options in the U.S. It’s a “wait and see” diagnosis. When they told me there’s nothing they can do, I refused to listen. After a lot of prayers, and with help from so many Gibson supporters, we were able to make the trip to Thailand in July 2022.
Well, just after Gibson’s 2-year birthday, guess who has proven that NICU doctor wrong?! Gibson is eating just about anything we put on his plate, still breastfeeding like a champ, saying multiple words, sitting, standing, side-to-side walking, crawling, laughing, loving, connecting, and blessing every human that is in his presence. Gibson is a musician. He plays the piano, specifically and purposefully selecting melodies. He loves to play drumbeats and will repeat them back and forth. Gibson will hum a melody, especially “Jesus Loves Me.” I will start singing a line of one of his favorite songs, and he will finish it by humming the exact melody in perfect pitch. He is a miracle. He is God’s miracle that has changed my life forever.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
All my life, I’ve always believed in Jesus, but 1-11-21, was that moment when I realized how much I wanted (and needed) a deep relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit gave me confidence, strength, and hope. I give ALL glory to God. He has shown me recently what my calling is. It has nothing to do with the false dreams I once had for my life. It does, however, have everything to do with sharing the Good News, using the gifts He’s given to me. I have started writing a book that will document the 40-day/40-night journey that began in the hospital. I have heard so many mothers share their story about how their child’s diagnosis was given as hopeless. So, if a mama of a child with special needs is reading this, I want you to know that there is hope. There is so much hope wrapped in Jesus, and I am praying that you can feel that. I pray for the NICU mama that is fighting and struggling to process whatever news they’ve received. I’m also praying for the doctors that deliver that news. There can be honesty and transparency without stealing every piece of hope from a mama’s soul. If you want to see Gibson’s journey of faith and hope, please go to his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/gibsonstrong111. You will find many videos and posts that show it isn’t hopeless.
I am now back in school studying Worship Leadership and on the path to getting a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership. I have no idea where this will lead. I don’t have a plan of my own. I am embracing this beautiful life God has blessed me with. My husband, Chris, is beyond supportive, so my job is to also support and encourage him. He owns a roofing company, Burly Roofing (www.burlyroofing.com), and truly is a man that wears multiple hats who loves me and our babies to no end. Between Chris and our 3 children, that I still can’t believe I get to call mine, I would say that I have everything and more that I could ever ask for. As for “My Story,” I am just listening to Jesus, and I’m excited for whatever He has planned.
What were you like growing up?
I was awkward and silly, but always had a passion for the arts and anything creative. I wrote stories, songs, and anything in between all the time. I was a bit of a black sheep and just wanted to be understood. I carried a social anxiety that was masked by an outward personality of being the comedian, in hopes that the world would translate that into actual confidence. I have always felt a gift of being an empath and felt others’ emotions so deeply that by the end of the day, I was exhausted. That has not changed. I loved hard and just wanted love in return.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amomspurposeis.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gibsonstrong111
- Other: www.burlyroofing.com; www.highwaysistersmusic.com
