Christina King, a mother of twins and brain cancer survivor, shares her inspiring story with Erica today. Six years ago she was diagnosed with brain cancer. During her recovery, she returned to baking, which led to the creation of Bonnie’s Buns (named after her mother). Christina loves being able to do what she does, and sharing her baked goods and creating a sense of home and love for everyone who walks through her door brings her the greatest joy.
Catch hope & encouragement with Erica on weekday mornings from 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM, and Sundays from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
TRANSCRIPTION:
Erica:
Spirit 105.3. Hi, it’s Erica.
Christina King:
Hi Erica. This is Christina.
Erica:
It is so nice to meet you over the phone. How are you doing today?
Christina King:
I’m doing good. I’m doing good.
Erica:
Well, I am just so inspired by the story I read about you, and I want to start by asking you who taught you how to make cinnamon buns?
Christina King:
Oh, my mom.
Erica:
And what was that experience like when you were little or maybe when you were not so little?
Christina King:
Well, actually it kind of started when I had become a mom of twins and she would help in taking care of them. And I always was the one that says, No, I can’t learn that yeast stuff. And she says, you need to because if you ever had to cook for your babies, you could get ’em bread, and do this. So, she taught me and I did learn, not because I wanted to, but I’m glad I did.
Erica:
Yeah, looking back. Right, exactly. I mean, I don’t know if there is a better aroma in the world than cinnamon rolls baking. And I’m sure that every time you bake, you remember your mom.
Christina King:
I do. And this is how it all started. If you think back about everything you ever learned. We always come back to that one thing that reminds us of home.
Erica:
Yes. And what else did your mom teach you when you were growing up, Christina? Besides baking?
Christina King:
Besides baking, I think stamina not to give up, and to close your chapter. You can’t go forward without closing that chapter.
Erica:
And you would need that in the future, wouldn’t you? Because you have quite a story. What happened?
Christina King:
Well, I’d say probably six years ago I was diagnosed with brain cancer, and it just rocked our world. And our twins at that time were in high school. So, it’s just like cancer does take everything. It robs your family of just different things. But we were fortunate enough to have a good support system and it just seemed like it lingered on. And thank God it did, because they did finally find something that worked, besides prayer. And I think honestly, that’s where I fell to my knees and I just said, you know what? If this is a cruel joke, if you want me to ask you if your gospel is true, then darn it, then I’m going to ask you. And that was the beginning, and I never gave up. I was sarcastically asking, God, what the heck?
Erica:
You know What doesn’t he so want us to be real with him, Christina?
Christina King:
Oh yeah. I mean, every day. I mean, I haven’t looked back at all.
Erica:
Wow.
Christina King:
I totally believed that he was going to grant it. I just had to climb that mountain. And I heard a song the other day too. It made me laugh. I don’t care. You can roll down the mountain if you have to.
Erica:
That’s awesome. I love that. So, how did God help you during that time? How did he show up for you when you were suffering?
Christina King:
It was music, honestly. It really was. I could tell you that the characters have played throughout the five years. I think the first one was Micah Tyler, one of his songs just kind of reached out and touched me. And then my daughter left for bootcamp while I was ill. And our song was Down by the River. Whenever I got sad, we listened to that song and that got us through that. And it just seems like it was the milestones. And then we went through a really bad situation with my son and his kids. And once again, I fell to my knees. And I have to honestly say that’s the first time I heard God speak to me in a loud voice that said, “Consider it done. Get up. And you go.” And I got up and I went and it was considered done.
Erica:
Oh, wow. I’m getting emotional now. It’s such a beautiful story. And how did baking cinnamon rolls enter this incredible time in your life?
Christina King:
Well, the tumor took, I just forgot how to walk. I forgot a lot of things, but they think I probably had a mild little stroke at that point. So, basically they got me in the water and got me basically floating. And I love my physical therapist. He said, if you could get in the water and you could stand, you’re going to remember. It is like a baby. Once they learn that crawling, they want to do more. And I’ve had that success where they even built me one of those walker things out of PCB vibe.
Erica:
No way.
Christina King:
So I could stand in the water. And then pretty soon they start getting to know me. What do you like to do? So I used to to bake. Everything was “I used to.” And then it was, well, what’s stopping you? So they got me a motorized chair. I mean, they got me up, they got me out of that wheelchair, got me up, and my son-in-law ordered me one of those things that hooked to your regular wheelchair that got me going 13 miles an hour. So, it was a journey that we did together, but forefront, my best friend is Jesus. And that’s how I walk my life. And I don’t know if it’s the cancer that took that. I hate hating. I just want to love. And Bonnie’s buns is out of love, and I love people who come through the door and just want to stay. Just that feeling.
Erica:
You want them to feel like because of home. Yeah, they’ve come home. So how would you describe that feeling to somebody who’s never walked through Bonnie’s Buns yet?
Christina King:
You know your love. Just soon as you come through that door, I don’t care who you are, one day you’re going to be my friend. You may not be my friend now, but you’re going to be. You can’t buy happiness, but you can have a Bonnie’s Bun. And I’m going to tell you, you’re not going to leave without a smile.
Erica:
I think you’re fantastic. What do you say to somebody today who is in a tight spot? They are in that, I used to do this. They’re looking backward instead of looking forward. What’s your best advice for that person today?
Christina King:
Go to your knees. I have to lock out the world. I don’t listen to society. There’s only Voice that tells me if I’m worried about tomorrow, then I’m taking back what I’ve asked him to take.
Erica:
Wow. Praise God. You’re amazing. I have to ask you this, even though it’s not very deep… How many cinnamon buns do you eat per week? I mean, how can you smell the aroma of those buns cooking?
Christina King:
Want to know a little secret? I can’t eat them. I can’t have the sugar.
Erica:
Oh, Bonnie. I mean, I’m sorry. Oh, Christina! yYour mom’s name is Bonnie. Is that right?
Christina King:
My mom is Bonnie.
Erica:
Oh my goodness.
Christina King:
But yeah, so I got a skinny husband, so he gets to taste everything, anything. Not to my relatives. They’re my test bunnies.
Erica:
Your test bunnies. I love it so much. Christina King from Bonnie’s Buns in Buckley. Thank you so much for hanging out with us and sharing your beautiful story today.
Christina King:
Thank you. God bless you.
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