Faith, Friendship, and CHD with Brandon Lane Phillips

Hello Friends and today I have a wonderful honor guest who is also part of the heart community collection... and author and so much more, please welcome... Brandon

WOG: Hi Brandon, thanks for coming here. How have you been?

B.P: I'm doing well, thanks for asking. It's great to be here on your podcast. How about yourself?

WOG: Can you please tell us when you let God into your heart?

B.P: Undergoing a heart catheterization as a fifth-grader was an intimidating prospect. This medical procedure, which involves threading a catheter into the heart via a blood vessel, was necessary for doctors to understand what was happening inside my heart. Despite being surrounded by a highly skilled medical team, the thought of being in a hospital setting, the complex medical equipment, and the inherent risks of the procedure were quite overwhelming for me at that age.

It was in this backdrop of anxiety and fear that I found myself seeking a deeper source of comfort. The decision to let God into my heart was sparked by the realization that I needed a form of support that transcended the physical realm. It was about seeking a kind of peace that medical science, for all its advancements, couldn't offer on its own. I remember sitting through the sermon that Sunday, listening intently as the message about trust and faith resonated with me more than ever before. As the congregation sang and the call was made for those who wanted to invite God into their lives, something within me stirred. Walking forward, I felt a mix of nerves and relief. There was this profound sense of coming to a crossroads and taking a step that felt more significant than any I'd taken before. I realized I was not just seeking solace from my fears but also a guiding presence in my life that could help me through the challenges I faced.

Inviting faith into my life gave me a new lens through which to view my medical journey. It didn't dispel my fears entirely, but it provided a crucial emotional anchor. I came to see the heart catheterization not just as a trial but as an experience that could strengthen my faith and character.

As I reflect on it now, I recognize how this early confrontation with my own vulnerability and my reliance on both medical expertise and spiritual faith laid a foundation for empathy and understanding in my later practice as a pediatric cardiologist. It's a blend of science and compassion that I strive to offer to my patients and their families every day.

WOG: What was your experience like while writing your book alongside Jeremy Miller?

B.P: Writing a book alongside Jeremy Miller was an extraordinary journey, one that was as much about our shared history and friendship as it was about the words we put on the page. Our connection, which began so serendipitously when I was just 11 years old, has evolved into a profound bond that transcends the typical celebrity-meet-and-greet story.

Meeting Jeremy through the Starlight Children's Foundation was a beacon of light during a challenging time in my life. His character on 'Growing Pains' and his kindness in person gave me a sense of hope and aspiration. It's amazing how a moment of compassion can redirect the course of a young person's life, as it did mine, helping me to excel academically and personally. Reconnecting years later was like rediscovering an old friend with an instant click, as if no time had passed. Our paths crossed again at a pivotal moment, and the role I played in his journey to sobriety is something I hold very dear. It's not every day that life allows you the opportunity to give back to someone who has impacted your life so profoundly. In writing our book, we wanted to capture the essence of this 'God ordained friendship.' It's a story of hope, resilience, and the power of human connection. Working on this project was a reflective process, and as we sifted through our memories, we were reminded of the various ways our lives were intertwined and shaped by our faith and the support we've offered one another. The experience of writing together was not without its challenges, as it required us to delve into sensitive and personal topics. However, it was also incredibly rewarding. The act of sharing our story, with its ups and downs, allowed us to provide a testimony of the strength found in companionship and shared faith, which we hope can inspire and encourage others facing their own struggles.

WOG: Has becoming a part of the heart community brought you closer to God?

B.P: Absolutely, my involvement with the heart community has significantly deepened my faith and brought me closer to God. Working as a pediatric cardiologist, I am privileged to witness the resilience of the human spirit on a daily basis. Observing a patient's heart heal, especially when they can avoid surgery, often feels like witnessing a miracle. These moments are powerful affirmations of both medical expertise and, I believe, divine grace at work. Moreover, the relationships fostered through organizations like the Congenital Heart Connection are a constant source of inspiration. They're a reminder of the shared experiences that bind us together and the collective strength we can draw from one another. Seeing individuals courageously share their medical journeys through writing further reinforces my belief in the power of testimony and the importance of community support in healing and recovery. This intersection of science, spirituality, and human connection continually nurtures my faith. It underscores the notion that while medicine is an art practiced through science, it's the human touch and the shared hope that often guide us to what some might call miraculous outcomes.

WOG: What message would you like to give people who are struggling to let God into their hearts?

B.P: If you're struggling with faith, remember that it's a personal journey that unfolds in its own time. Don't rush it or be hard on yourself for having doubts. Seek out community for support and shared experiences, and allow yourself the space to grow into faith naturally. Your path will be unique to you—embrace it one step at a time.

WOG: God has the power to change lives and form friendships through community. Thank you Brandon for sharing with us your journey.

I hope all of you enjoyed this chat and thanks for being here with us...

Hugs and blessings... Wonder of Grace