Warrior in Pink: A Story of Cancer, Community, and the God Who Comforts

Besides J. Todd Billing's wonderful book on the theology of lament in the midst of his cancer treatment, I don't traffic much in reading books on stories of people who have overcome cancer. So when I picked up Vivian Mabuni's book on her journey with cancer discovery and treatment I was excited to venture into her story. The read is simple yet profound. It took me a few days to read about her journey but it will probably take the rest of my life to unpack her insight.Skillfully Vivian takes us on her journey of the shock of cancer discovery, the extreme pain of treatment, and the hope of remission. It's not everyone's story but it's her's and she tells it well. Interspersed through the chapters are nuggets that point to good news that leads to shalom or rest in the midst of the struggle. Yet, there's a raw honesty that the journey through cancer treatment is filled with both valleys, emotional outbursts and disappointment. Yet, through it all was a hope that had the ability to strengthen her as a warrior.It shouldnt' seem strange hopefully when I recommend that men read this book as well. Not only is it helpful to understand the extreme pain that any person who is treating cancer has to go through but particularly to understand the pain women have to endure. It is such a private and personal subject (and area) that it's good for men to understand in order to be more sympathetic. Men, take special note of the last few chapters and the spiritual lessons that Vivian offers as well as the appendix with words of encouragement from Darrin her husband.All in all, a wonderfully written book that is timely and insightful!

I have run from every book about cancer. The title caught me off guard because it gives the idea of strength. Strength and cancer just don't seem agreeable. Then I read the introduction. And within a few short paragraphs the author captures the reader Hook, Line, and Sinker. You can’t put it down. This book is about everything your mind and body are telling you to run from and forcing you, the reader, to consider a different approach to your natural instinct of flight and withdrawal. I so wish this had been written 8 years ago, and that I had read and applied it to my life. If you take Vivian Mabuni’s approach to cancer, instead of the path of isolation, the chances are great you will make it through this battle. It transcends the boundaries of cancer and her idea of community can be applied where any of life's challenges might be thrown your way. Huge thank you to the author. I find this will be the perfect book to give to anyone who is facing a difficulty in life.

I sent this to a friend who is battling cancer. Within a short time, she wrote to tell me that she enjoyed it. I commented on how quickly she read. She said she couldn't put it down; she kept wanting to know what the author experienced next. I think it was of comfort to her.

This book isn't for just those battling cancer. I love Vivian and the way she invites you into her story with such ease. It's almost as if she shared her story with me over dinner. It's such a honor to be invited into such an intimate story. She knows the power of her story and she shares it confidently knowing her purpose and knowing the impact it will have on people from all walks of life.I'm not battling cancer and have not been profoundly impacted by it. thankfully -- but still this story -- a story of cancer -- It was about so much more. I learned many new insights and nuggets of wisdom that have challenged me, walked me through healing, and sprung up so much HOPE!

I downloaded a sample out of curiosity, but quickly found the very unvarnished story, told at point-blank range, so compelling that I had to force myself to put it down so as not to read it all at once. The story of trusting God - in the darkest of times and revealing to us - and how He revealed Himself to Viv - is amazing. Just unequaled. Whether or not you're a cancer survivor (I'm not), you've got to be able to relate to the way Viv perseveres - even as everyday life events (the ones we take for granted) try and intrude. I found myself rooting (and praying) for Viv, Darin and their kids. Just wish that Darin would have received as much love (a simple I love him) and recognition as the "Awesome Threesome".

Though the gorgeous cover may imply this book is for women, this book is NOT just for women and NOT just for those battling breast cancer. YES ... it will certainly be a tremendous encouragement for women facing breast cancer but Vivian Mabuni's book will absolutely encourage men and women alike, whether or not you are personally fighting cancer. I love how she uses honesty and humor at the right times to help me feel like I was right there alongside her as she describes her cancer journey. As I read her story, my faith in God's goodness was deepened. I also loved her appendixes targeted towards spouses/friends who are caring for a cancer patient as well as her appendix addressing cancer patients with young kids. Both had very wise & practical advice. Highly recommend this book!

I purchased 5 books to give to those I know, or may later know, are diagnosed with breast cancer. I am personally always at a loss for words when I find out someone has cancer. I recently gave this book to an acquaintance who was saddened because her daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, similar to the author's. She then confessed she also was being treated for breast cancer. Though her cancer was not as bad as her daughter's, she went through the same emotional roller coaster as the author did. She cried tears of happiness when she received the book. Reading it brought her to tears again. And yes, she is passing it along to her daughter. It is well written and easy to follow.