← The Determined Society with Shawn French | Mindset, Adversity & Growth
The Determined Society with Shawn French | Mindset, Adversity & Growth
Shark attack survivor: Tiffany Johnson on shifting perspectives for “Be An Overcomer Ministries”
00:55:47
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- [00:00]
A
Once you saw your arm in the shark's mouth, was there any point where you're like, yeah, man, like, this might be it.
- [00:07]
B
You can feel, like, the tooth mark of where he first latched on there to give you perspective. That's how close we were when he first latched on. We were face to face.
- [00:17]
A
Wow.
- [00:17]
B
I ended up having, like, visions of my kids playing in the backyard with my husband. Like, memories of my life started to kind of populate, like a movie reel, like my body was giving up. But then I felt the strength of the Lord just come out from inside of me and give me the strength to fight back. And the new thought, the form was, no, you are not going to take my life. I am not going to die here.
- [00:43]
A
So, Tiffany Johnson, you know, a few years ago, you're on this amazing cruise with your husband and having the time of your lives, and you get to the last stop, which was Nassau, right in the Bahamas. And you guys were snorkeling, I believe, correct?
- [00:58]
B
Yep.
- [00:59]
A
Snorkeling. And your husband gets in the water and he gets out and kind of feels like, I'm just not feeling good. You get in the water, you go and do the snorkeling experience and walk the audience through what happened there.
- [01:15]
B
Yeah. So once my husband left, I just kind of put my head back under the water. Just got lost in that world because it's. It's like a whole different vantage point when you're watching from that perspective. And we think it had only been about 10 minutes or so from the time he left to when I, all of a sudden, I felt like I had slammed into something. And that actually was the thought that went through my mind was, oh, what did I bump into? So I turned to my right casually to see, you know, what I had bumped into. And I was face to face with a shark. And he had my whole arm in his mouth. That was. The bump I felt was him grabbing onto my arm. I have a. A scar. It's. You can't really see it very well now, like, through there, but it's.
- [01:58]
A
It's a. I can see the indentation a little bit.
- [02:01]
B
Yeah. So that you can feel like the tooth mark of where he first latched on there. So that's kind of to give you perspective. That's how close we were. Like, he. When he first latched on, we were face to face.
- [02:12]
A
Wow.
- [02:13]
B
And of course, you know, it felt like time stood still and yet was all a blur all at once. Like, it just. It was very distorted. I. I ended up having like visions of my. My kids playing in the backyard with my husband. Like memories of my life started to kind of populate like a movie reel. And I felt almost like a giving up, like a releasing, like my body was giving up. But then I felt the strength of the Lord just come out from inside of me and give me the strength to fight back. And I remember, like, pushing those thoughts back and the new thought, the form was, no, you are not going to take my life. I am not going to die here. And it was like that fight came back in me. And so at that point, we were just kind of sitting there. He had me pinned, but his eyes were darting everywhere and then staring and then darting everywhere and then staring. It was just evil, eerie face off. But then once I yanked my arm, that's when it began to be he. It was like, game on for him, right? So he's fighting, thrashing. I'm screaming through my snorkel tube. You know, everybody asked me, what'd you do with your left hand? I don't remember. It was just so. So much commotion, so much thoughts and things going on that I can't recall what I did with my left hand. But I was yanking, trying to get free from him. But of course, he had me pinned. There was nowhere to go. And that snorkel tube is, you know, in my mouth still. So I'm screaming, but you can't really hear it from, you know, out, like, everybody. All you can hear is that, you know, sound. It's not loud enough to draw attention. So unbeknownst to me, my husband had. Was. Had actually gotten sick three times in a row on the boat. And so the captain was distracted, trying to, you know, clean that up. My husband jumps back in the water to clean himself off. So all that's happening while I'm fighting for my life. So nobody knew what was going on. And so when I finally got free from him, I was just yanking, and his jaws kind of opened on one of those yanks, and my arm just came flying out, and it was. It was completely severed. Like just a mangled stump. Not hanging there, just gone. So, of course, you know, you just. I'm just in shock at that point. Like, my arm's gone, you know, But God gave me the. The strength and the capacity to keep moving because I was already at the surface of the water. So I just threw off my snorkel mask. I screamed out, help. Help me, Jesus. And I began to make my way back to the boat. That was my dominant arm. So I had my Non dominant arm. Just swimming as quickly as I can. I took a few strokes and I remember thinking, you gotta get the injured arm out of your. Out of the water. And so I just kind of like lifted my injured arm up and that then began to, like, spray everywhere. Like, it was like. I remember seeing it. Yeah. From my peripheral vision. Like, it was literally just like Old Faithful. And that's the sight my husband saw when he was coming out of the water to wash himself off. He heard me scream, and then he saw me scream, swimming back with my arm just spewing blood everywhere. And I remember locking eyes with him, and the terror in his eyes are like nothing I'll ever see it again. It's just. It's an eerie terror in his eyes. And he screamed out, baby. And he jumped in the water. And then I'm thinking, okay, he's coming for me, but that shark's right behind me. You know, like, you think about all the facts about sharks, you know, it's all going through my head at that point. Like.
- [05:58]
A
Yeah.
- [05:59]
B
Makes them go crazy. You know, where there's one, there's usually more. So all I could think about is he's right behind me, gonna grab my leg, grab my side, you know, grab my other arm. And so I'm just, literally just swimming as quickly as I can to get to that boat. And I made it most of the way before my husband even met me in the water. And he said as he, like, got closer, he heard me praying. And that was just coming out of me.
- [06:26]
A
Of course. Yeah.
- [06:27]
B
Just even right now, just thinking about that just makes me emotional because I'm thinking what you put in comes out, you know, like just. It was literally. I had. It was like involuntary, you know, it was just coming out of me. That was my lifeline. And so we finally got to the ladder of the boat, and my husband, kind of just before I could even like, touch it, really, he was launch me out from the water. And once I got in the boat, I felt a peace around me. Like, I can't really explain it. It was a cloud of peace. I knew that the Lord was there. And I just. I was very urgent, but I wasn't panicked, you know, And I just told him, you got to get something to stop the bleeding. And we found out there's no med kit, no tourniquet. So we use the beach towels that the cruise line gives us.
- [07:25]
A
Yeah.
- [07:26]
B
And use that to kind of tourniquet my arm. And then it was a 30 minute, ish boat ride back. We made a stop At Paradise Island. But there's no hospital there, so we had to back the boat out, go an additional 20 minutes from there. So altogether it was about a 30 minute boat ride to the main port. And once out of surgery, the, the surgeons told my husband that, you know, I was in critical condition, but the miracle of it all was that I didn't require a blood transfusion. They said I didn't lose enough blood.
- [08:00]
A
So that's wild to me, right? Like just, just from the, the, the, the sheer description of your injured limb out, like you said, old faithful. Like, yeah, obviously you would, you know, it begs the question, like, yeah, absolutely, you would need a blood transfusion. That, that's incredible to me. I have a couple questions surrounding that. Like, once you saw, you know, your arm in the shark's mouth, and when you finally were able to rip your arm out of the shark's jaws, was there any thought, like, okay, like, the worst part is over, Like, I'm, I'm gonna get through this. Like, you know, because I, I know your faith, right? I've done background and I, and I know that, you know, that if it were to happen, you know, where you were going, you're. And you'd be at peace with that, right? But was there any point where you're like, yeah, man, like, this might be it. Like, this really, truly might be it. Even after that that spirit came over you, right?
- [09:06]
B
I think that I was very concerned once we got to paradise island, we beached the boat, we tried to get help there. And then when we had to back the boat out and go the additional 20 minutes, because I knew what that ride was because we had just did it, you know, like a couple hours before. That's when I had that sinking feeling, like, oh gosh, this is not good. But I tried not to let my mind go there because I knew, I knew the Lord was there. I could feel his presence. So I was like, I can't focus on what may happen. I just, I literally did the only thing I knew to do and I just began to pray. I just started praying all these crazy prayers and that's, that's where I tried to focus my, my mind and attention during that time. 20 minute boat ride.
- [09:59]
A
What was your husband like at that point when? Because like, look, it's one thing to be in it, right? Like for you, physically, right? And you're going through your own spiritual thing at that point, feeling the Lord's presence, but your husband's going through another, right? He's watching his best friend, the mother of his children, his wife, his love go through this. And the, The. The desperation he must have felt to hurry the heck up and get to somewhere that he could, you know, so you can get medical attention. Like, how did you view his energy and what. And again, also, how did he communicate it to you after? Like, how was he truly feeling?
- [10:39]
B
Yeah. And that boat ride, I remember him tapping my cheek a few times because I had closed my eyes because I couldn't be looking at the scene because it looked like a murder scene. You know, my blood was everywhere.
- [10:51]
A
Yeah, I bet.
- [10:52]
B
So I literally just closed my eyes and just focused on, like, deep breathing and, you know, praying. And so a few times he, like, would. Was tapping me and I'd open my eyes and look at him. He's like, okay, just, just checking. And he told me later, like, he was just nervous because I look so still, you know, he's like, did I lose her? You know, like, so he. So that's where his mind was. Like, he, he was very desperate. So that, that word desperation is. It's very indicative of where he was at mentally. His eyes were as big as golf balls, you know, like frantic. And even just afterwards, when I was in the. The surgery for the five hours, you know, he's. He had. They had to take him to the cruise line to get all of our stuff off the cruise before it departed. And then he had to make all the calls to, you know, my family, his family. And he's like, I. I felt like I was a shell. Like I couldn't really think or feel emotionally. It was like everything was just, you know, like, gone. And there was a part of him that was just so angry because he's like, why is this happening? Like, why is this happening to, you know, my wife, my best friend? Like you said, like, there's a part of him that wanted to be so mad. But then there was this other part of him was like, but I know who God is, and, you know, I have to trust that he's in this. And he saved her from the shark. So, like, you know, while she's in surgery, like, he's got her there, you know, like, he. It was just like this wrestling back and forth and. And he told me that later he. He had gone to Burger King in the inner. In the. In between. The Minister of tourism had taken them to get his stuff, and then he was at Burger King with them, and he could barely eat, but he hadn't ate since, like, breakfast. And, you know, it's going on like five o' clock. @ that point. So she's like, you gotta eat something. And he. He was just one word answers, you know, not being able to really communicate well. And she's like, Mr. Johnson, are you okay? And he looked at her and was like, I'm not okay. You know, like, I'm not, you know. And she said, I can't even imagine what you're going through right now, but just know, like, when your wife gets out of surgery, she's going to need you. She's going to need you to be strong for her. And that was just like the thing that snapped him kind of out of that, like, weird scenario he was in. And from then on, he was just like, okay, we're doing this. Like, I, you know, like, for everything. I've never seen him so, like, methodical. Usually I'm the one that deals with all the logistics and whatever, but, like, to watch him, like, you know, he. He was on it and it was miraculous, honestly. So I don't mean that in a demeaning way, but he would say the same thing.
- [13:54]
A
But listen, to your point and to his defense, most marriages are honestly like that, right? My wife handles all the logistics, but when it's time for me to step up in certain areas, like, it's locked in. Right. And we all have our gifts. But, man, I can tell you, you know, I'm sitting here thinking and listening to that story, and obviously I have a ton of empathy for. For your situation, but I'm also putting myself in your husband's position, right?
- [14:24]
B
Yeah.
- [14:24]
A
To a point where he's going around and they're. They're telling him, like, hey, you gotta eat.
- [14:29]
B
Yeah.
- [14:30]
A
Like, I. Here's the thing. Like, someone. If someone takes me to Burger King, at that point, I'm thinking, like, how in the world am I gonna have a Whopper with cheese when my wife's fighting for her life and surgery right now, like, who gives a crap if I'm hungry or not? But also, if he doesn't eat, then he can't be there for you. So I understand what she was doing. Like, hey, you know, this ain't the greatest food, but you need to eat it because when your wife wakes up, she needs you.
- [14:56]
B
Right?
- [14:56]
A
Oh, man.
- [14:57]
B
Yeah.
- [14:57]
A
This is. This is just, you know, real quick, what kind of shark was it? Do you. Do, you know.
- [15:03]
B
Well, so they. The Shark Attack Institute narrowed it down to either a Caribbean reef shark or a tiger shark. I 100% think it's a tiger shark. The eyes are very aggressive. Yeah. For me, because, you know, I Showed you how close we were. Like the feature that I can remember the most are the eyes. And it was dark and beady. Caribbean reef sharks eyes are iridescent. They're not even close to what I remember. So when I finally like looked at images I was like that, that's it, the tiger shark. I will go to my grave saying it's a tiger shark. But they can't say for sure.
- [15:36]
A
Expert wise, I don't think anybody would contest that point. Right. They're very aggressive. So at any point, like when you're, when you're on the deck of the boat, right, and you're, and you're calm, you're at peace, are you? Because I think a lot of people are probably thinking right now, listen, this episode, like how much pain was she in? Were you in? Obviously probably shock, but what were your pain levels at at that point?
- [15:59]
B
Yeah, actually I didn't feel any pain until they got me in the ambulance and they started unwrapping the beach towel. So by then it's 35, 40 minutes, you know, because from the time the attack happened all the way to when they finally get me into the ambulance, then the pain went from zero to like a million. You know, it doesn't register me under, you know, little pain scale at the doctor doesn't do it any kind of justice. Like it was, yeah, it made me involuntarily scream out like it radiated through my whole body. It was the worst pain I can even imagine or describe. It was just awful. And the thing about the Bahamas is they're, they're great, they were amazing people, but they're very limited in their resources. So all they had was morphine. So I did that was great for an hour. But then the in between where I had to wait, you know, four to five hours between doses, they had nothing. So those were the times where it was just. Oh, it was the. I remember telling my husband on Saturday. So this happened on a Friday. On Saturday, mid morning they told us that we probably wouldn't get back to the US until Tuesday because we didn't have passports. It's a whole like other side of the story. But basically when she left because of the pain, I looked at my husband. I was like, I don't know if I can make it till Tuesday. Like we need to leave now. Like it was that bad. It was just horrendous.
- [17:34]
A
So walk me through that. Right? So no, no passports. I'm assuming they got lost in the attack or you know, in the, in the getting the stuff from the ship to. To where were you? What. What happened there?
- [17:47]
B
Yeah. So you can actually cruise without passports. So because we're on a cruise, we didn't have to have our passport. So my passport had expired. I never renewed it for the cruise. My husband had never even had a passport. So psa. Don't do that. Just don't.
- [18:03]
A
I didn't know you could cruise without a passport. Didn't know that.
- [18:06]
B
Yeah, you can. You can cruise with a birth certificate and driver's license. So that's what we had. Which would have been okay if the US Embassy was open, but because it was a national holiday for them, they were closed. And then they're never open on the weekends, and they said they had an extended holiday on Monday. So. So that's why on Saturday when she came in, she was like, listen, there's no way to get you anywhere until Tuesday. And I'm thinking, that's not going to work. Like, I can't stay here till Tuesday. So it was a miraculous turn of events that happened from there. But long story short, there was a guy that we were put in contact with that was a med back guy, and he knew he had contacts in Charlotte because he had a fiance that lived in Charlotte. And so two months before this all happened, he had made contacts with the Charlotte med back people and they worked together to team up to figure out a way to get me back. And I went from the Bahamas to Charlotte, which apparently was a big ordeal because if it's a medvec situation, you have to go into the closest port of entry. And that's usually Miami for NASA, of course.
- [19:27]
A
Yeah.
- [19:28]
B
But he told me in his 15 years of doing this, he's never seen a medvac flight go anywhere but Miami. But somehow I was able to go from Nassau all the way to Charlotte. I don't know who did what. And I said, God did it. That's what, you know, Like, I'm like, we didn't pray. So, um, so we ended up being able to get back on the flight. 6am, wheels down Sunday morning. Um, and then I was discharged from Charlotte's hospital on Tuesday. So I wasn't even supposed to be back by Tuesday and I was already back home. So.
- [20:03]
A
So this is what's wild to me, right? Like, this happened on a Friday, right?
- [20:06]
B
Yep.
- [20:08]
A
Shark attack Friday, arm gone. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, you're out of the hospital by Tuesday. It's like. Yeah, I mean, like, it's a whirlwind.
- [20:18]
B
Have you.
- [20:22]
A
You. You know what I mean? Like, there's. There's there's people that get hip surgeries, replacement hip replacement surgeries that are in the hospital longer. Like, that's just. I listen, I. This is so interesting to me because like I'm g. Tell you a story.
- [20:37]
B
Yeah.
- [20:38]
A
Okay. My business partners was also one of my closest friends is like, hey, I'm gonna, I'm gonna get you to surf. I'm like, yo, dude, you're not gonna get me to surf. Like, I'm just gonna be straight up with you. You're not gonna get it done. And like, I don't like to take extra risks. And you know, even when we go to the beach here, because I'm in southwest Florida and I, I feel as though Tiffany, these shark attacks are happening much more often. In fact, earlier this month when I was out in California, a nine year old girl, I think it was, I think it was Boca Grande or somewhere around there in, in southwest Florida area, got her hand bit off by a shark. But then, you know, enough to reattach. But like a nine year old, like these things are happening and, and I always tell them like, nah man, like, you know, you're not gonna get me to do these type of adventurous things. So I don't even like going to the beach and when my kids are in the water, I'm like, I look at my wife and go, babe, like they're too far. Like, they are way too far. I've fished on this beach before. Right. And of course they're nurse sharks that, you know, usually that far in. But, but I just feel like it's happening more and more often. Have you noticed that lately?
- [21:48]
B
Yeah, absolutely. It's. Well, I think also because I am, I'm a shark attack survivor. It's like when you drive a brand new car and then you start seeing your car on the road, you know, like that's so. Know they might be as frequent as normal, but it feels. I don't know, but I do believe that it, it's definitely been happening a lot more. Like there was just two in Hilton Head just this last week.
- [22:14]
A
Oh, really?
- [22:15]
B
Yeah. So it's, it's kind of crazy how close they're coming to the shores. I think that's the thing that's a little scary about it because where mine was, it was out in the middle of the ocean, you know, like I'm in their territory kind of, you know, it was, it wasn't a reef, so it was 10ft of water. You probably shouldn't have been there, but I was still out. Whereas these other Ones attacked. Having rate beach level. That's like. Yeah, that makes me super nervous.
- [22:44]
A
Yeah, me too. You know, it's like I said, it's just one of those things that I think it's when you, when you live in this area that we live in it. I'm sorry. Everybody says it's so rare. I'm like, well if it's so rare. Yeah then why does I feel like it's happening more and more? It's like maybe in my opinion, like maybe overall the percentages are low. Like they're saying you have a better chance of getting struck by lightning twice before you get, you know, attacked by a shark. It's like I think we're, I think we're closing the gap here.
- [23:12]
B
Yeah.
- [23:12]
A
You know, and, and I don't know what it is. Tiffany is there so. And I don't, you know, I was, I was only asking that because, or even implying because I didn't know if like you were a part of a community of people that, you know, support that have gone through the same thing as you. If there's any theories from, you know, what are they? A marine biology, marine biologists, like, hey, these are the reasons why they're coming closer, why they're happening more. But I mean, I guess if it's not a thing.
- [23:40]
B
Yeah, I mean I was on a segment for the Discovery Channel and the, the segment that they had me featured in was to kind of dissect that, that like why, why is this happening more frequently? I guess in Nassau specifically in that greater area, there was like, they were like bing, bing, bing. And I was like the start of it. So they had kind of threw out some suggestions and theories during when I was, they actually asked me all these questions pre interview to see if it would like fit. But nothing that they threw out was really made. I didn't at least notice. Like they're like, was there trash, more trash in the water? Was, you know, the water, did it feel warmer? Did it, you know, like all these different like scenarios. And I couldn't really say that any of those really fit with what happened to me. But that doesn't mean that maybe that's why some of those attacks are happening. The chumming of the waters is a huge thing like for tourism, which is one of the things they kind of figured might be happening with the Nassau stuff is because not too far away from where the attacks are happening, they're chumming for like nurse sharks and things to come in. Well, that's going to draw not just nurse sharks. So Drawing them in, just in that general area. So that's something I've definitely heard thrown out. I'm on a Facebook group with some Australian survivors and that's big. Like, they're really big on, like, the tourism aspect, like, trying to keep that in check because cage diving is huge there and they just feel like that's it's just mixing what doesn't need to be mixed. So. Yeah, so I think that does play some of into it, but I don't know how much, you know, I'm not an expert in that, so I don't know. But definitely something to consider.
- [25:40]
A
Yeah, it's just, it's just a, just a question, right? Like, there's got to be, I, I don't know. There's got to be some reason. Right? But then like you said just now, you said something very specific and it triggered a thought and you said, you know, mixing things where you know they shouldn't be. How about that new documentary on Netflix that just came out, the lady that gets in the water and swims with the sharks. And like, what is what I mean, like, like, like, dude, like I, I, I almost watched it last night because I was like, okay, I just don't know if I can. But like, she's literally like, yeah, I just keep my elbow locked and just turn them away with pressure. I'm like, dude, that's a great white shark. Like, what? Like what. How do you get into something like that when you see that, right? Are you, what kind of initial thought. I know you're not speaking ill of anybody. I'm not asking you for that. But just like the initial, like the, you know, the, the knee jerk reaction to that.
- [26:37]
B
Yeah, well, it's just, to me, it's just not worth it. It's the same thing as like, you know, jaws just celebrated 50 years, you know, and so, yeah, everybody was like, you know, they're putting it back in the theater. And one actually my, @ the amputee clinic that I, I volunteer at, one of the guys was joking with me. He's like, are you going to go see it in theaters? I was like, I lived Jaws. I, I don't need to see it on the movie screen, you know, like, I don't have any appetite for that. Yeah, no, I think that's my knee jerk. Like any, actually afterwards, even, like, I would start noticing there's so, there's such a fascination with sharks that we have, like, as a society that like, even in little kids, like there was a chair at the, at the pool that we went to, like, shortly after. And it's like this big mouth of a shark, you know, and it's a little kid's chair, you know, And I'm like, that's morbid. You know, like. But I guess I never would have, like, thought of that before, but, like, I guess being that I've gone through what I have, it's just there's so much shark stuff. Like, even when I buy, like, swim trunks for my. My son, a lot of them have shark references on them, you know, like, so it's just like.
- [27:50]
A
No, baby shark. It's a whole song. Right. Like my pingfong baby shark. I mean, like, there is a fascination with it and I, I don't. I don't understand it because I. I respect it so much, like, everything that you've gone through. And I want to dig into more of obviously, the. What, you know, you know, the show. You know, I always ask this question and because it's called a determined society, and it's almost feels silly asking you, what does true determination mean to you? But I'm going to, because I want to hear your perspective on. On you overcoming, you know, the days and the months in the years, because I'm sure your life has changed drastically from a standpoint of things that you were able to freely do that you may not be able to now, obviously, maybe even optic, you know, public opinion and, you know, you. You've dealt with so much. So. So walk me through what true determination means to you.
- [28:46]
B
Oh, it's a loaded question, but I.
- [28:50]
A
Would say that's by design, by the way.
- [28:52]
B
Yes. I think it's a lot of question for anybody.
- [28:56]
A
Yes.
- [28:57]
B
But for me, I think the thing I had to wrestle with at the very beginning, and still to this day, every day, I get to choose. I get to choose how I'm going to respond. I didn't choose what happened to me. And a lot of people are in that scenario in life where sometimes something happened, it was tragic, it's a loss, and it wasn't something of their own doing. It just happened. Right, right. And sometimes we don't have a control of that, but what we can control is how we're going to respond. So when I got a hold of that mentality of, like, I have that choice, I can choose whether I choose joy today or I choose to be frustrated at the things I can't do. I get to choose whether I'm at peace or I'm stressed out because we can't pay the thousands of medical bills that keep Piling up. I get to choose whether I'm going to overcome or I'm just going to hold myself up in my room and play the why is me? Card. There's a choice there every single day now. Is it easy? No. But it is a choice every day. And so that revelation really changed things for me. And obviously, you know, I'm rooted in my faith. And so that really, any time where I struggled with that choice of, like, I don't want to choose Joy today because this sucks, you know, like, you have those days, and I still have those days.
- [30:22]
A
I don't want to overcome right now. I just don't want to.
- [30:25]
B
Right.
- [30:26]
A
Yeah.
- [30:26]
B
And when I get to that point, that's when I have to just open up the Bible and dig into God's word and let that speak life into me when I don't feel like I have the life right now, you know, and that's usually what refreshes me and gets me back on, you know, track. And sometimes I just have to, like, you know, Tiffany, wake up like, you're a miracle. You know, like, it's not. It's okay that you're feeling this way, but yet, you know, don't waste the second chance, you know, so it's like, it's that understanding that we're gonna have the lows and it's okay not to be okay, but not to stay there. So that's really the process that I've gone through since the attack happened.
- [31:14]
A
So on that loaded question, I. Masterful answer. Because, look, you know, your situation or, or the circumstances that happen to you may not be directly parallel to me or to somebody else, but the overall idea is we get to choose every day.
- [31:34]
B
Yep.
- [31:35]
A
And that was so eloquently put because it doesn't matter what the circumstance is. Right. Like you. We are all here. We are all going through things. And again, you know, the adversity that, that you went through with your arm and, and your attack is a lot more than certain things that I've had to overcome in my life. Yeah, I had a blood clot, but I have both my limbs. Right. Like, I, I. There's many things that I've gone through on a personal level that aren't the same, but the overall underlying theme is you get to choose, man. Like you, you get to choose how you operate right now. Because for the audience that's listening. Right. You said something else, too. You said how you respond. And I think a lot of people are stuck in a reactive mode.
- [32:21]
B
Yeah.
- [32:21]
A
Right. And so when you get that. Make that choice of like, I'm going to choose Joy.
- [32:26]
B
I'm going to.
- [32:26]
A
I'm not going to sit here and waste the second chance. I'm a miracle. And I'm going to. And I'm going to. I'm going to live life and I'm going to speak life and I'm going to serve others. We all have those choices. They're not easy, but they're simple.
- [32:41]
B
Yeah.
- [32:42]
A
And being able to be so rooted in your faith and be the overcomer and to be an inspiration to folks that, you know, a lot of times there might be people in their. In their life like, hey, I'm going through a lot of stuff. And then you come into their life and they go, oh, wow.
- [33:01]
B
Yeah, wow.
- [33:02]
A
And here I am worried about a credit card bill.
- [33:04]
B
Right.
- [33:05]
A
Or a hospital bill or something. And you're. You're that testament to truly what, overcoming, you know, and fighting for your life.
- [33:16]
B
Yeah, absolutely.
- [33:18]
A
Wow.
- [33:19]
B
And you honestly don't know who's watching? Like, I get the privilege of hearing some of these stories of people. Because of what I've gone through, people feel a little more free to, like, share. Like, hey, you know, you really are inspiring me to xyz. Or like you just said, like, I was struggling with this and I see you up there, you know, no, it looks like you don't have a care in the world. And it just, it makes me have a reality check. Like, you know, this is. Okay. So. So I get the privilege of hearing some of that just because of the nature of my story and the platform that has come in result of that. But I will say that I think this has opened my eyes to see that people watch you. They do. You don't know the impact you have on people by just your smile on your face or just by greeting somebody and complimenting somebody or, you know, like. And a lot of people, especially if you know somebody's story and then you see them do something, you know, that really speaks volumes to people and they may never, ever tell you, but they're watching and you have an impact, whether you know it or not. And I think that has also resonated with me in this whole journey. It's like, gosh, we have more. There's just so much possibility to be able to be a blessing to people.
- [34:41]
A
Yeah.
- [34:41]
B
That I think we don't. We just take for granted.
- [34:43]
A
So that's what I'm. That's what I honestly do admire about you because, you know, everything that you do is, is. Is serving others right. And you know, your, your organization being overcomer like you, that is a platform that was created out of this. Right. It wasn't there prior to that. Right. So walk the audience through that. Because I think also too, and I don't want to speak for you, but from outside looking in, you know, that's part of the healing process. Right? You, by you serving others and focused on them, not you, that has also helped you heal, which allows you to make that, that, that great impact in society and in, in your ministry. So walk us, walk us through that.
- [35:27]
B
Yeah, the organization kind of developed just as things progressed from the attack. So, you know, obviously the media storm was huge at the very beginning. I had all kinds of different interviews, all, you know, Today Show, Inside Edition and like all these crazy interviews. And of course that opened up doors then to speak. And you're right, every time I get to share about the story about what God has done, there's a piece of me that gets the healing needed. And it takes a lot because I usually get emotional at some point because it's just, it's a lot, It's a lot to even remember, you know, to like go back and relive it every time. But doing that has just reminded me just how much this life. I'm just so grateful to be here. I'm just so grateful that I have this second chance, you know, and it's just a reminder every time, like, that's my story. Are you kidding me? That's crazy. You know, like, makes me in awe. And it's my story, you know, so, so just being able to share it in all the different ways and that's kind of how the ministry came about is that I was sharing so often. I was getting invites from a lot of churches, but even corporate events and, and lots of options to speak and share. Some in a faith aspect and some just to be inspiring or to show people what overcoming looks like. And I just was like, okay, what do we do with this? Like, this is crazy. Like, I didn't ask to be the poster girl for shark attacks. You know.
- [37:19]
A
That wasn't on my resume. That wasn't on my wish list.
- [37:21]
B
Yeah, it wasn't in my five year plan. You know, like, that wasn't something on my horizon at all. And so it, but because it was kind of organically happening, you know, my husband and I just submitted it before the Lord, we're like, okay, God, do you want, should we do something with this? Like, you know, I feel like there's this opportunity, but I, I didn't Want to just make it into something that. For my benefit, like, it wasn't. This wasn't about me. Like, I wanted to be able to share it, to help others. And so we decided to go ahead and put a name on it after a year of kind of going and speaking and came up with Be an Overcomer Ministries. And really, the aim is just to spread joy to others, you know, to shift your perspective. Like I was talking about, you know, you may be in a funk because of situations, but you get to choose. And what does that look like? What are the practical steps for that? You know, and that's turned into all kinds of different avenues. I speak at public assemblies for schools. Like I said, I still volunteer with my doctors in the amputee clinic once a month and get to one firsthand, you know, be able to sit down with amputees. Some of them days, they. They're, you know, this is two days in, you know, and they're just in this shock mode.
- [38:46]
A
Yeah.
- [38:47]
B
So it's been really cool to watch all the different opportunities come about for me just to say, you know what? I might as well use it, you know, so it's been cool to see that. Just bless others.
- [39:01]
A
That's awesome. You know, when you talk about all these things, you know, we don't know why the path that we're living is the path that he chose.
- [39:12]
B
Yeah.
- [39:12]
A
Right. This is all by his design. And for some reason, this needed to happen for you to make the impact that he had for you.
- [39:21]
B
Yeah.
- [39:21]
A
And one day you'll know.
- [39:22]
B
Yeah.
- [39:23]
A
You know, he'll tell you when you're up there with him. Hopefully, good Lord willing, won't be for a while.
- [39:27]
B
Yeah.
- [39:27]
A
But when it's time, you will have that clarity. And I just. I just want to commend you because there's so many different people in this world that some bad things can happen to them, and they. And they turn in from a. A marginally good person to a bad person and. And decide to be selfish. And because they have this massive void inside of them. Right. They go on and hurt others. I mean, I did it as a young, young, you know, athlete transitioning out of Division 1 college baseball, and I had an identity crisis. Well, you know, like, I hurt people because I had this massive gaping void inside of me that it cost me all my relationships.
- [40:06]
B
Yeah.
- [40:07]
A
Until I figured out, like, hey, yo, man, this isn't how you're supposed to be. You need to serve people. You need to be a better person. You know, all of these. All of these things that happened to you were there so you could be stronger, so you can impact somebody.
- [40:22]
B
Yeah.
- [40:23]
A
And so I just. I appreciate your. Your perspective. Not even just your perspective, just how you're living. You're being it. And I can see it in your eyes. Right. Because I. I do this enough to where when I'm talking to somebody, someone can tell me I feel joy. And I know if they're telling me the truth or not. Like, I just. Your children. How old are your children, if you don't mind me?
- [40:43]
B
Yeah. Now they're 13, 12, and 10. So.
- [40:52]
A
Eight maybe. Right. Was the oldest one eight when it happened?
- [40:55]
B
The oldest one was five, about to be six, because I'm going on.
- [40:59]
A
Oh, okay.
- [41:00]
B
Yeah. So I. I celebrated eight years this June 2nd.
- [41:07]
A
Okay. Oh, wow.
- [41:08]
B
Yeah.
- [41:08]
A
Oh, wow. Eight years.
- [41:10]
B
Yeah, it's.
- [41:11]
A
I don't know if that's a happy anniversary, but, you know, it's some type of anniversary.
- [41:16]
B
It is. Because I'm here, you're here, you know, so.
- [41:19]
A
Exactly.
- [41:19]
B
Yeah. Every June 2nd, I try to take some time to really just reflect on, like, the goodness of God, because I shouldn't be here. And I am, so. I'm thankful for that.
- [41:31]
A
Amazing. And so I have a question for you. Do you. Do you think. Do you truly feel that your kids know that they live with a superhero? Like. Like. Like, do they. Like. Like, they're. Look, I mean, like, they're superheroes on the screen, but they're. They have a mom that literally went through hell and back in this, and they get to learn from you. They get to see who you are. And. And you got to think, too. It's like, what greater impact am I playing on my children because of this?
- [42:06]
B
Yeah. Honestly, they're one of the reasons why it didn't take me long to. To get out of the funk, because they still needed me, you know, and they were young. Like, my youngest was one about to be two, so she had no comprehension of what was going on. So, man, you know, she still needed me to change diapers. And I didn't know how. You know, it was like, those things that, like, as a mom, I was like, that doesn't go away just because this happened. So they're really a good reason why I was, like, determined. Like, I am not going to let what happened to me impact them. Them. Like, I can deal with me, but that it cannot touch them, you know, like, so we were really careful even on how we talked. Like, we didn't share with them the details of what happened right away because they were so Young. So we waited two years, and in that two years, they did exactly what you just said. They watched me. Right. And. And so when we did tell them the shocking story of everything, it wasn't so shocking anymore because they had watched me for two years. Live life. And I'm good. They're good. You know, like, they're just like, wow. Yeah, that makes sense. You know, like, just. It wasn't as, like, traumatizing as it could have been in the initial stages. And so that, again, was, I think, just a plan from God on how to, you know, protect their minds properly in all of this. But they. It's really funny because they treat me like a show and tell piece a lot of times because I have this really cool, you know, prosthetic, and, you know, I can move it all around. And they get like. They're like, mom, do this. You know, show them this. Show them that you can do this. And when you do this and, you know, like, they'll go. And so I'm like a little show and tell piece. And my youngest one time, I think it was a couple of years ago, she was like, mama, are you famous? And, like, I mean, kind of, I guess. I mean, I've been on tv. And she's like, I think you're famous. Like, okay, do you think I'm famous? That's great.
- [44:14]
A
So isn't that great? It's. Kids are. Kids are funny because, you know, with. With everything I do, it's, you know, it's turned into a really big platform, and I'm grateful for it, but my kids are like, oh, you're. You're a celebrity. Like, guys. No, I'm not.
- [44:28]
B
Right?
- [44:29]
A
No, I'm not. I'm. I'm. I'm dad. And I'm. But clearly, definitely not a celebrity. Right, Right. But, like, we. We do good work. We bring great conversations to the audience, and the audience respects us because of that. Because, you know, there's one thing to have a platform and. And spread untruths or toxicity.
- [44:51]
B
Yeah.
- [44:52]
A
I like to bring stories like. Like yours to the listener. So, yeah, they can have that epiphany. Like, there's someone listening right now. Right. And if you think I'm talking to you, I am listener, watcher, viewer. Is. They have been going through something today that they don't know how to get out of.
- [45:11]
B
Yeah.
- [45:12]
A
And it can seem like Mount Everest for them to overcome it. And it's almost like when they get to the. They feel they get to the peak of the mountain, the finish line changes and it gets bigger and bigger. They just, it's like a treadmill. They never stop. What I'm hoping that they take from this is that they get to choose. They respond and they get to choose how they give back. And they get to make the choice on how they're going to live their life moving forward and not let any type of obstacle or adversity dictate how they live and how they operate. Yeah, and, and that, you know, wow. I, I, I tell you what, I, you know, what's your, what's your relationship with water? Now, this episode is brought to you by LifeLock. Between two factor authentication, strong passwords and a VPN, you try to be in control of how your info is protected. But many other places also have it and they might not be as careful. That's why LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats. If your identity is stolen, they'll fix it, guaranteed, or your money back. Save up to 40% your first year. Visit lifelong lock.com podcast for 40% off. Terms apply.
- [46:26]
B
Well, so they, the Shark Attack Institute narrowed it down to either a Caribbean reef shark or a tiger shark. I 100% think it's a tiger shark. The eyes, they're very aggressive way. Yeah, for me, because, you know, I showed you how close we were. Like, the feature that I can remember the most are the eyes. And it was dark and beady. Caribbean reef sharks. I eyes are iridescent. They're not even close to what I remember. So when I finally, like looked at images, I was like that, that's it, the tiger shirt. I will go to my grave saying it's a tiger shark. But they can't say for sure.
- [46:59]
A
Expert wise, I don't think anybody would contest that point.
- [47:03]
B
Right.
- [47:04]
A
They're very aggressive. So at any point, like when you're, when you're on the deck of the boat, right, and you're, and you're calm, you're at peace, are you? Because I think a lot of people are probably thinking right now, listen to this episode, like, how much pain was she in? Were you in? Obviously, probably shock. But what were your pain levels at at that point?
- [47:22]
B
Yeah, actually I didn't feel any pain until they got me in the ambulance and they started unwrapping the beach towel. So by then it's 35, 40 minutes, you know, because from the time the attack happened all the way to when they finally get me into the ambulance, then the pain went from zero to like a million. You know, it doesn't register on any.
- [47:45]
A
Little put me under that little pain.
- [47:48]
B
Scale at the doctor doesn't do it any kind of justice. Like it was. Yeah, it made me involuntarily scream out. Like it radiated through my whole body. It was the worst pain I can even imagine or describe. It was just awful. And the thing about the Bahamas is they're, they're great, they were amazing people, but they're very limited in their resources. So all they had was morphine. So I did that was great for an hour, but then the in between where I had to wait, you know, four to five hours between doses, they had nothing. So those were the times where it was just. Oh, it was the. I remember telling my husband on Saturday. So this happened on a Friday. On Saturday, mid morning they told us that we probably wouldn't get back to the US until Tuesday because we didn't have passports. It's a whole like other side of the story. But basically when she left because of the pain, I looked at my husband. I was like, I don't know if I can make it till Tuesday. Like we need to leave now. Like it was that bad. It was just horrendous.
- [48:57]
A
So walk me through that. Right, so no, no passports. I'm assuming they got lost in the attack or, you know, in the, in the getting the stuff from the ship to, to where were you? What, what, what happened there?
- [49:09]
B
Yeah, so you can actually cruise without passports. So because we're on a cruise, we didn't have to have our passport. So my passport had expired. I never renewed it for the cruise. My husband had never even had a passport. So psa. Don't do that. Just don't.
- [49:25]
A
I didn't know you could cruise without a passport. You didn't know that?
- [49:28]
B
Yeah, you can, you can cruise with a birth certificate and driver's license. So that's what we had. Which would have been okay if the US Embassy was open, but because it was a national holiday for them, they were closed. And then they're never open on the weekends and they said they had an extended holiday on Monday. So that's why on Saturday when she came in, she was like, listen, there's no way to get you anywhere until Tuesday. And I'm thinking that's not going to work. Like I can't stay here till Tuesday. So it was a miraculous turn of events that happened from there. But long story short, there was a guy that we were put in contact with that was a med back guy and he knew he had contacts in Charlotte because he had a fiance that lived in Charlotte. And so two months before this all happened, he had made contacts with the Charlotte med back people and they worked together to team up to figure out a way to get me back. And I went from the Bahamas to Charlotte, which apparently was a big ordeal because if it's a med back situation, you have to go into the closest port of entry and that's usually Miami for NASA, of course.
- [50:50]
A
Yeah.
- [50:51]
B
But he told me in his 15 years of doing this, he's never seen a med back flight go anywhere but Miami. But somehow I was able to go from Nassau all the way to Charlotte. I don't know who did what. And I said, God did it. That's what, you know, like I'm like, we've been praying. So, um, so we ended up being able to get back on the flight 6am, wheels down Sunday morning. And then I was discharged from Charlotte's hospital on Tuesday. So I wasn't even supposed to be back by Tuesday and I was already back home. So.
- [51:25]
A
So this is what's wild to me, right? Like this happened on a Friday, right?
- [51:29]
B
Yep.
- [51:31]
A
Shark attack Friday, arm gone Friday, Saturday, Sunday, you're out of the hospital by Tuesday. It's like, yeah, I mean, like, it's a whirlwind.
- [51:41]
B
Have you.
- [51:44]
A
You, you know what I mean? Like there's, there's, there's people that get hip surgeries, replacement. Hip replacement surgeries that are in the hospital longer. Like, that's just. I. Listen, I. This is so interesting to me because like I'm g. Tell you a story.
- [52:00]
B
Yeah.
- [52:01]
A
Okay. My business partners was also one of my closest friends is like, hey, I'm gonna, I'm gonna get you to surf. I'm like, yo, dude, you're not gonna get me to surf. Like, I'm just gonna be straight up with you. You're not gonna get it done. And like, I don't like to take extra risks. And you know, even when we go to the beach here, because I'm in southwest Florida and I, I feel as though Tiffany, these shark attacks are happening much more often. In fact, earlier this month when I was out in California, a nine year old girl, I think it was, I think it was Boca Grande or somewhere around there in, in southwest Florida area, got her hand bit off by a shark. But then, you know, enough to reattach. But like a nine year old, like these things are happening and, and I always tell them like, nah, man. Like, you know, you're not gonna get me to do these type of adventurous things. So I don't even like going to the beach. And when my kids are in the water, I'm like, I look at my wife and go, babe. Like they're too far. Like they are way too far. I've fished on this beach before. Right. And of course they're nurse sharks that, you know, usually that far in. But. But I just feel like it's happening more and more often. Have you noticed that lately?
- [53:11]
B
Yeah, absolutely. It's. Well, I think also because I am. I'm a shark attack survivor. It's like when you drive a brand new car and then you start seeing your car on the road, you know, like that's, you know, they might be as frequent as normal, but it feels. I don't know. But I do believe that it's definitely been happening a lot more. Like there was just two in Hilton Head just this last week.
- [53:37]
A
Oh, really?
- [53:38]
B
Yeah. So it's. It's kind of crazy how close they're coming to the shores. I think that's the thing that's a little scary about it because where mine was, it was out in the middle of the ocean, you know, like I'm in their territory kind of. You know, it was, it wasn't a reef, so it was 10ft of water. You probably shouldn't have been there, but I was still out. Whereas these other ones attacked having. Right beach level. That's like. Yeah, that makes me super nervous.
- [54:06]
A
Yeah, me too. You know, it's like I said, it's just one of those things that I think it's when you, when you live in this area that we live in it. I'm sorry. Everybody says it's so rare. I'm like, well, if it's so rare.
- [54:18]
B
Yeah.
- [54:19]
A
Then why does I feel like it's happening more and more? It's like maybe in my opinion, like, maybe overall the percentages are low. Like, they're saying you have a better chance of getting struck by lightning twice before you get, you know, attacked by a shark. It's like I think we're. I think we're closing the gap here.
- [54:34]
B
Yeah.
- [54:35]
A
You know, and, and I don't know what it is. Tiffany is there, so. And I don't, you know, I was, I was only asking that because. Or even implying because I didn't know if, like you were a part of a community of people that, you know, support that have gone through the same thing as you. If there's any theories from, you know, what are they? A marine biology, Marine biologists. Like, hey, these are the reasons why they're coming closer, why they're happening more But I mean, I guess if it's not a thing.
- [55:02]
B
Yeah, I mean I was on a segment for the Discovery Channel and the, the segment that they had me featured in was to kind of dissect that, that like why, why is this happening more frequently? I guess in Nassau specifically in that greater area, there was like, they were like bing, bing, bing. And I was like the start of it. So they had kind of threw out some suggestions and theories during when I was, they actually asked me all these questions pre interview to see if it would like fit. But nothing that they threw out was really made. I didn't at least notice. Like they're like, was there trash, more trash in the water? Was, you know, the water, did it feel warmer? Did it, you know, like all these different like scenarios. And I couldn't really say that any of those really fit with what happened to me. But that doesn't mean that maybe that's why some of those attacks are happening. The chumming of the waters is a huge thing, like for tourism, which is one of the things they kind of figured might be happening with the Nassau stuff is because not too far away from where the attacks are happening, they're chumming for like nurse sharks and things to come in. Well, that's going to draw not just nurse sharks, so drawing them in, just in that general area. So that's something I've definitely heard thrown out. I'm on a Facebook group with some Australian survivors and that's big. Like they're really big on like the tourism aspect, like trying to keep that in check because cage diving is huge there and they just feel like that's, it's just mixing what doesn't need to be mixed. So yeah, so I think that does play some of into it, but I don't know how much, you know, I'm not an expert in that. So I, I don't know. But definitely something to consider.
- [57:03]
A
Yeah, it's just, it's just a, just a question, right? Like there's got to be, I, I don't know, there's got to be some reason. Right. But then like you said just now you said something very specific and it triggered a thought and you said, you know, mixing things where you know they shouldn't be. Or how about that new documentary on Netflix that just came out, the lady that gets in the water and swims with the sharks. And like what is what I mean, like, like, like dude, like I, I, I almost watched it last night because I was like, okay, I just don't know if I can but like, she's literally. Yeah, I just keep my elbow locked and just turn them away with pressure. I'm like, dude, that's a great white shark. Like what? Like what. How do you get into something like that when you see that, right? Are you. What kind of initial thought. I know you're not speaking ill of anybody, I'm not asking you for that. But just like the initial, like the, you know, the, the knee jerk reaction to that.
- [58:00]
B
Yeah. Well, it's just, to me, it's just not worth it. It's the same thing as like, you know, jaws just celebrated 50 years, you know, and so, yeah, everybody was like, you know, they're putting it back in the theater. And one actually my, at the amputee clinic that I, I volunteer at, one of the guys was joking with me. He's like, are you going to go see it in theaters? I was like, I lived Jaws. I, I don't need to see it on the movie screen, you know, Like, I don't have any appetite for that. Yeah, no, I think that's my knee jerk. Like, any. Actually afterwards, even, like, I would start noticing there's so, there's such a fascination with sharks that we have, like, as a society that like, even in little kids, like there was a chair at the, at the pool that we went to like shortly after. And it's like this big mouth of a shark, you know, and it's a little kid's chair, you know, and I'm like, that's morbid, you know, like, But I guess I never would have, like, thought of that before. But like, I guess being that I've gone through what I have, it's just there's so much shark stuff. Like, even when I buy like swim trunks for my, my son, a lot of them have shark references on them, you know, like, so it's just like.
- [59:13]
A
Now baby shark, that whole song, right? Like my pingfong baby shark. I mean, like, there is a fascination with it and I, I don't, I don't understand it because I, I respect it so much, like everything that you've gone through. And I want to dig into more of obviously the. What, you know, you know, the show. You know, I always ask this question and because it's called a determined society and it's almost feels silly asking you what does true determination mean to you. But I'm going to, because I want to hear your perspective on you overcoming, you know, the days and the months and the years, because I'm sure your life has changed drastically from a standpoint of things that you were able to freely do that you may not be able to now, obviously, maybe even optic, you know, public opinion and, you know, you. You've dealt with so much. So. So walk me through what true determination means to you.
- [60:08]
B
Oh, it's a loaded question, but I.
- [60:12]
A
Would say that's by design, by the way.
- [60:15]
B
Yes. I think it's a loaded question for anybody.
- [60:19]
A
Yes.
- [60:20]
B
But for me, I think the thing I had to wrestle with at the very beginning, and still to this day, every day, I get to choose. I get to choose how I'm going to respond. I didn't choose what happened to me. And a lot of people are in that scenario in life where sometimes something happened, it was tragic, it's a loss, and it wasn't something of their own doing. It just happened. Right. And sometimes we don't have a control of that, but what we can control is how we're going to respond. So when I got a hold of that mentality of, like, I have that choice, I can choose whether I choose Joy today or I choose to be frustrated at the things I can't do. I get to choose whether I'm at peace or I'm stressed out because we can't pay the thousands of medical bills that keep piling up. I get to choose whether I'm going to overcome or I'm just going to hold myself up in my room and play the why is me? Card. There's a choice there every single day. Now, is it easy? No. But it is a choice every day. And so that revelation really changed things for me. And obviously, you know, I'm rooted in my faith. And so that really, any time where I struggled with that choice of, like, I don't want to choose Joy today because this sucks, you know, like, you have those days, and I still have those days.
- [61:44]
A
I don't want to overcome right now. I just don't want to.
- [61:48]
B
Right?
- [61:48]
A
Yeah.
- [61:49]
B
And when I get to that point, that's when I have to just open up the Bible and dig into God's word and let that speak life into me when I don't feel like I have the life right now, you know, and that's usually what refreshes me and gets me back on, you know, track. And sometimes I just have to, like, you know, Tiffany, wake up like you're a miracle, you know, like it's not. It's okay that you're feeling this way, but yet, you know, don't waste the second chance, you know, so it's like, it's that understanding that we're gonna have the lows and it's okay not to be okay, but not to stay there. So that's really the process that I've gone through since the attack happened.
- [62:37]
A
So on that loaded question. Masterful answer. Because, look, you know, your situation or the circumstances that happen to you may not be directly parallel to me or to somebody else, but the overall idea is we get to choose every day.
- [62:57]
B
Yep.
- [62:58]
A
And that was so eloquently put because it doesn't matter what the circumstance is. Right. Like you. We are all here. We are all going through things. And again, you know, the adversity that, that you went through with your arm and, and your attack is a lot more than certain things that I've had to overcome in my life. Yeah, I had a blood clot, but I have both my limbs. Right. Like, I, I. There's many things that I've gone through on a personal level that aren't the same, but the overall underlying theme is you get to choose, man. Like you. You get to choose how you operate right now. Because for the audience that's listening. Right. You said something else, too. You said how you respond. And I think a lot of people are stuck in a reactive mode.
- [63:44]
B
Yeah.
- [63:44]
A
Right. And so when you get that, make that choice of, like, I'm going to choose Joy.
- [63:48]
B
I'm going to.
- [63:49]
A
I'm not going to sit here and waste the second chance. I'm a miracle. And I'm going to. And I'm going to. I'm going to live life and I'm going to speak life, and I'm going to serve others. We all have those choices. They're not easy, but they're simple.
- [64:04]
B
Yeah.
- [64:05]
A
And being able to be so rooted in your faith and be the overcomer and to be an inspiration to folks that, you know, a lot of times there might be people in their. In their life like, hey, I'm going through a lot of stuff. And then you come into their life and they go, oh, wow.
- [64:24]
B
Yeah, wow.
- [64:25]
A
And here I am worried about a credit card bill.
- [64:27]
B
Right.
- [64:28]
A
Or a hospital bill or something. And you're. You're that testament to truly, what, overcoming, you know, and fighting for your life.
- [64:39]
B
Yeah, absolutely.
- [64:40]
A
Wow.
- [64:41]
B
And you honestly don't know who's watching? Like, I get the privilege of hearing some of these stories of people. Because of what I've gone through, people feel a little more free to, like, share. Like, hey, you know, you really are inspiring me to xyz. Or like, you just said, like, I was struggling with this and I see you up there, you know, no, it looks like you don't have a care in the world. And it just. It makes me have a reality check. Like, you know, this is. Okay. So. So I get the privilege of hearing some of that just because of the nature of my story and the platform that has come and result of that. But I will say that I think this has opened my eyes to see that people watch you. They do. You don't know the impact you have on people by just your smile on your face or just by greeting somebody and complimenting somebody or, you know, like. And a lot of people, especially if you know somebody's story and then you see them do something, you know, that really speaks volumes to people and they may never, ever tell you, but they're watching and you have an impact, whether you know it or not. And I think that has also resonated with me in this whole journey. It's like, gosh, we have more. There's just so much possibility to be able to be a blessing to people.
- [66:04]
A
Yeah.
- [66:04]
B
That I think we don't. We just take for granted.
- [66:06]
A
So that's what I'm. That's what I honestly do admire about you because, you know, everything that you do is. Is. Is serving others. Right. And, you know, your. Your organization being overcomer like that is a platform that was created out of this. Right. It wasn't there prior to that. Right. So walk the audience through that. Because I think also too, and I don't want to speak for you, but from outside looking in, you know, that's part of the healing process. Right. You, by you serving others and focused on them, not you, that has also helped you heal, which allows you to make that, that, that great impact in society and in. In your ministry. So walk us, walk us through that.
- [66:50]
B
Yeah. The organization kind of developed just as things progressed from the attack. So, you know, obviously the media storm was huge at the very beginning. I had all kinds of different interviews, all, you know, Today Show, Inside Edition and like, all these crazy interviews. And of course that opened up doors then to speak. And you're right. Every time I get to share about the story about what God has done, there's a piece of me that gets the healing needed. And it takes a lot because I usually get emotional at some point because it's just. It's a lot. It's a lot to even remember, you know, to like, go back and relive it every time. But doing that has just reminded me just how much this life, I'm just so grateful to Be here. I'm just so grateful that I have this second chance, you know, and it's just a reminder every time, like, that's my story. Are you kidding me? That's crazy. You know, like, makes me in awe. And it's my story, you know, so, so just being able to share it in all the different ways and that's kind of how the ministry came about, is that I was sharing it. So so often I was getting invites from a lot of churches, but even corporate events and, and lots of options to speak and share, some in a faith aspect and some just to be inspiring or to show people what overcoming looks like. And I just was like, okay, what do we do with this? Like, this is crazy. Like, I didn't ask to be the poster girl for shark attacks, you know.
- [68:42]
A
That wasn't on my resume. That wasn't on my wish list.
- [68:44]
B
Yeah, it wasn't in my five year plan, you know, like, that was something on my horizon at all. And so it. But because it was kind of organically happening, you know, my husband and I just submitted it before the Lord. We're like, okay, God, do you want, should we do something with this? Like, you know, I feel like there's this opportunity, but I, I didn't want to just make it into something that, for my benefit, like, it wasn't, this wasn't about me. Like, I wanted to be able to share it to help others. And so we decided to go ahead and put a name on it after a year of kind of going and speaking and came up with Be an Overcomer Ministries. And really the aim is just to spread joy to others, you know, to share, shift your perspective. Like I was talking about, you know, you may be in a funk because of situations, but you get to choose. And what does that look like? What are the practical steps for that? You know, and that's turned into all kinds of different avenues. I speak at public assemblies for schools. Like I said, I still volunteer with my doctors in the amputee clinic once a month and get one firsthand, you know, being able to sit down with amputees. Some of them days, they, they're, you know, this is two days in, you know, and they're just in this shock mode.
- [70:09]
A
Yeah.
- [70:10]
B
So it's been really cool to watch all the different opportunities come about for me just to say, you know what, I might as well use it, you know, so it's been cool to see that just bless others.
- [70:24]
A
That's awesome. You know, when you talk about all, all these things, you know, we don't know why. The path that we're living is the path that he chose.
- [70:35]
B
Yeah.
- [70:35]
A
Right. This is all by his design. And for some reason, this needed to happen for you to make the impact that he had for you.
- [70:43]
B
Yeah.
- [70:44]
A
And one day you'll know.
- [70:45]
B
Yeah.
- [70:46]
A
You know, he'll tell you when you're up there with him. Hopefully, good Lord willing, won't be for a while.
- [70:50]
B
Yeah.
- [70:50]
A
But when it's time, you will have that clarity. And I just. I just want to commend you because there's so many different people in this world that some bad things can happen to them, and they. And they turn in from a marginally good person to a bad person and. And decide to be selfish. And because they have this massive void inside of them. Right. They go on and hurt others. I mean, I did it as a young, young, you know, athlete transitioning out of Division 1 college baseball, and I had an identity crisis. Well, you know, like, I hurt people because I had this massive, gaping void inside of me that it cost me all my relationships.
- [71:29]
B
Yeah.
- [71:30]
A
Until I figured out, like, hey, yo, man, this isn't how you're supposed to be. You need to serve people. You need to be a better person. You know, all of these. All of these things that happened to you were there so you could be stronger, so you can impact somebody.
- [71:45]
B
Yeah.
- [71:45]
A
And so I just. I appreciate your. Your perspective. Not even just your perspective, just how you're living. You're being it. And I can see it in your eyes. Right. Because I. I do this enough to where when I'm talking to somebody, someone can tell me I feel joy, and I know if they're telling me the truth or.
- [72:01]
B
Yeah.
- [72:02]
A
Like, I just. Your children. How old are your children, if you don't mind me.
- [72:06]
B
Yeah. Now they're 13, 12, and 10. So.
- [72:14]
A
Eight maybe. Right. Was the oldest one eight when it happened?
- [72:18]
B
The oldest one was five, about to be six. Because I'm going on here.
- [72:22]
A
Okay.
- [72:22]
B
Yeah. So I. I celebrated eight years this June 2nd.
- [72:29]
A
Okay. Oh, wow.
- [72:31]
B
Yeah.
- [72:31]
A
Oh, wow. Eight years.
- [72:33]
B
Yeah, it's.
- [72:34]
A
I don't know if that's a happy anniversary, but, you know, it's some type of anniversary.
- [72:38]
B
It is. Because I'm here, you're here, you know. No, so.
- [72:42]
A
Exactly.
- [72:42]
B
Yeah. Every June 2nd, I. I try to take some time to really just reflect on, like, the goodness of God, because I shouldn't be here, and I am. So I'm thankful for that.
- [72:54]
A
Amazing. And. And so I have a question for you. Do you. Do you think. Do you truly feel that your kids know that they live with a superhero. Like, like, like, do they get. I mean, like, like they're look, I mean, like they're superheroes on the screen, but they're. They have a mom that literally went through hell and back in this. And they get to learn from you. They get to see who you are. And. And you got to think, too. It's like, what greater impact am I playing on my children because of this?
- [73:29]
B
Yeah, honestly, they're one of the reasons why it didn't take me long to. To get out of the funk, because they still needed me, you know, and they were young. Like, my youngest was one, about to be two, so she had no comprehension of what was going on. So, man, you know, she still needed me to change diapers. And I didn't know how. You know, it was like those things that, like, as a mom, I was like, that doesn't go away just because this happened. So they're really a good reason why I was, like, determined. Like, I am not going to let what happened to me impact them. Them. Like, I can deal with me, but that it cannot touch them, you know, like, so we were really careful even on how we talked. Like, we didn't share with them the details of what happened right away because they were so young. So we waited two years, and in that two years, they did exactly what you just said. They watched me. Right? And. And so when we did tell them the shocking story of everything, it wasn't so shocking anymore because they had watched me for two years live life. And I'm good. They're good. You know, like, they're just like, wow. Yeah, that makes sense. You know, like, just. It wasn't as, like, traumatizing as it could have been in the initial stages. And so that, again, was, I think, just a plan from God on how to, you know, protect their minds properly in all of this. But they. It's really funny because they treat me like a show and tell piece a lot of times because I have this really cool, you know, prosthetic, and, you know, I can move it all around. And they get like, they're like, mom, do this. You know, show them this. Show them that you can do this and when you do this and, you know, like, they'll go. And so I'm like a little show and tell piece. And my youngest, one time, I think it was a couple of years ago, she was like, mama, are you famous? And like, I mean, kind of, I guess. I mean, I've been on tv and she's like, I think you're famous. Like, okay, if you think I'm famous, that's great.
- [75:36]
A
So isn't that great? It's, Kids are, kids are funny because, you know, with, with everything I do, it's, you know, it's turned into a really big platform, and I'm grateful for it, but my kids are like, oh, you're, you're a celebrity. Like, guys. No, I'm not.
- [75:51]
B
Right.
- [75:52]
A
No, I'm not. I'm, I'm, I'm dad, and I'm. But clearly, definitely not a celebrity. Right, Right. But, like, we, we do good work. We bring great conversations to the audience, and the audience respects us because of that. Because, you know, there's one thing to have a platform and, and spread untruths or toxicity.
- [76:14]
B
Yeah.
- [76:14]
A
I like to bring stories like, like yours to the listener. So, yeah, they can have that epiphany. Like, there's someone listening right now. Right. And if you think I'm talking to you, I am. Listener watcher. Viewer is. They have been going through something today that they don't know how to get out of.
- [76:34]
B
Yeah.
- [76:34]
A
And it can seem like Mount Everest for them to overcome it. And it's almost like when they get to the, they feel they get to the peak of the mountain, the finish line changes, and it gets bigger and bigger. They just, it's like a treadmill. They never stop. What I'm hoping that they take from this is that they get to choose. They respond, and they get to choose how they give back, and they get to make the choice on how they're going to live their life moving forward and not let any type of obstacle or adversity dictate how they live and how they operate.
- [77:08]
B
Yeah.
- [77:08]
A
And, and that, you know. Wow. I, I, I tell you what, I, you know, what's your, what's your relationship with water now?
- [77:20]
B
I still love it.
- [77:22]
A
It's actually crazy. Girl, you crazy.
- [77:26]
B
Are you serious? I do, I, I'm very careful. I don't do a ton of snorkeling out in the open. I've only done it once, actually, since the attack, but I still snorkel beachside. Actually, Bermuda. We found a spot that was all. It was, like, enclosed in this, like, a cove. And all my kids, my husband, my mom and stepdad, we all snorkeled together last October. And it was incredible. Like, the best snorkeling experience. And then I'm looking around, I'm like, we're all doing this together. Like, how amazing. You know, like, this is awesome.
- [78:07]
A
Yeah. I can't Girl, I can't. Like, oh, my gosh. You know, But. But. But that right there is true, true healing. Okay? Because, you know, I'm. I'm making jokes about it because I know how I would handle it. Like, nah, I'm good.
- [78:22]
B
Yeah.
- [78:23]
A
Kids, out of the water. You're not even going in a lake. You're not even going a swimming pool. Like, water's out. No more baths, just showers. But. But, you know, like, hearing that is the. Is the. Is the. Is the piece. Right? Right. Okay. That happened. It is not connected to this event. Like, when I'm. When I'm here right now with my family in Bermuda in this cove, what happened eight years ago is not connected to this moment. And I. And I. And I want that to be a lesson because, you know, for the audience, like, we always connect things that happened before, like, well, last time that happened, or my last boyfriend or my last girlfriend, like, hey, let's stop making others pay for the tab of somebody else. Yeah, right. Or moments. Right? So I commend you for that. That. That's a tough one.
- [79:14]
B
Yeah, it is.
- [79:15]
A
That's a tough one.
- [79:16]
B
Honestly, it's again, back to my kids. Like, I don't want them to live in fear just because of something that happened to me, you know, And I don't want to live my life that way. Like, I don't want to live in fear. I want to use wisdom. And that's, you know, like I said, we're. We're very cautious and careful and choosy. But I also don't want to live with that fear all the time, because that's no way to live. So.
- [79:44]
A
No, it's not.
- [79:45]
B
It's just, again, going back to, you know, my kids being. They really are a good motivation and help me keep myself in check, you know, because I know they're watching, you know, so it's not just me and my choices that are. Are that matter. It's what I'm doing. It. There's a ripple effect that happens. And yeah, it's. It's direct. Their direct impact on that. So. And I love that, you know, they're very cautious, too. Like, my. My oldest, she told me recently a bucket list for her would be to snorkel in open water. And I said, that's awesome. Like, I would love for you to be able to do that someday. And she's like, but I need to be pretty cautious. And I'm like, absolutely. You know, but, like, so just, like, for her, that's an overcoming side for her. Because she's seen what happened to her mom, you know, so it's, it's not just me that has to overcome that. It's my whole family. You know, my, the people that are closest to me and probably some people that are listening to this podcast right now that are like, I was planning to go snorkeling, you know, like, but don't let it stop you because you can't live in fear.
- [80:50]
A
So no, I, I appreciate all of it and just know, Tiffany, thank you so much for coming on. I know it was eight years ago and you're reliving this to my audience and I'm, I'm truly grateful that you, that you did come and do this. And I, I know after, you know, after the audience listens to this episode or watches it or wherever they're, they're consuming the content, they're going to think a little bit differently about their circumstances. And you know, I, I, for that I really appreciate you, like, truly, because, you know, I look at, I look at everything that, that I do on this show and it is for others, like, if it were just about me, I told my team earlier, I would have quit a long ass time.
- [81:36]
B
Right, right.
- [81:37]
A
But, but I feel it's a purpose that, and it's a gift that, that I was given and I'm gonna use his gift.
- [81:44]
B
That's right.
- [81:44]
A
Right. Because that, that is my, that is the way he's working through me. I don't often talk about it as much as I should, but that's truly how I view things. And I just, again, I just really appreciate you and you know, wow, what a story. And you know, I'm glad to hear that you got back in, you know, in the, in the, in a cove and snorkeled again. And, but more so than anything is your leadership with your children and not allowing your traumas to be their truth.
- [82:16]
B
Yeah.
- [82:16]
A
And that is a real parent. And I don't think there's, I, I'm sorry, I, I, I'm scared to death of roller coasters and I'm not afraid to admit it. And I have zero qualms of putting that fear onto my children. It's partly a joke, but, but, you know, but, but like that, that to me is just, you know, that that to me is leadership at its finest. And, and, and I appreciate you. So thank you.
- [82:41]
B
Well, thank you for the opportunity. It's, it's always a blessing because I know God will use it. He always does. So I love the opportunity to be able to share it again. And see it. Help. Somebody.
- [82:53]
A
Oh, don't worry, my friend. My wheels are already turning. I have so many circles I can put you in.
- [82:58]
B
I can't wait. And I'm.
- [83:00]
A
Yes. And so the website is B. Not BE. Just BE an overcomer. Ministries.com.
- [83:07]
B
Yeah, so actually that. My Instagram handle is BE an overcomer, but.
- [83:13]
A
Got it.
- [83:13]
B
But my website is BE. Just Instagram @BE was already taken, so I had to be creative, so.
- [83:21]
A
Well, there's only one Slim Shady. Come on now.
- [83:25]
B
I should have the rights to it. Really? Maybe I should send that person a message.
- [83:31]
A
You should. Yeah, you should. You should get someone to buy that account from them. That's mine. What have you done? What have you done? No, but again, thank you so much and for the audience. Please share this episode with someone you know love and trust. That would get a ton of value out of. Out of hearing Tiffany's story. Until next time, guys. Stay determined.
- [83:56]
B
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A
But it's more than zero percent.
- [84:14]
B
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