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"Walk Out of Worry": Deb Hogan Speaks Out
Often times, people are unaware of the life-long impact they have on someone else and the subsequent impact that someone will have on others. Such is the case when one looks at the life of Deb Hogan (85, BS Biology) who attributes the foundation of her Christianity to students at ENC. Her life, despite the difficult turn it took just five years ago, has since proven to affect a large number of people.
People see her every day helping others as a physical therapist at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, but they would never know that she simultaneously struggles with chronic pain. Hogan had a seizure at home in 1998, and found out soon after that she has inherited the disease (von Hippel-Lindau) that had taken the life of her mother at 37. Hogan, only 34 herself, thought by that time that she had escaped the illness as she was too worried to ever get tested. Instead of escaping, however, Hogan found she had developed eight tumors and kidney cancer. Since then, she has suffered from anxiety attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the constant worry of new tumors growing. While most people in this situation might give up hope or battle the pain secretly, Hogan chose a different route: speaking about it. One day at her church in Hanover, Hogan spoke about her struggle and her decision to beat worry by giving it all over to God. "To beat worry," advised Hogan, "you have to take a three-legged stool approach. You should have a good medical team, faith in God, and a strong support system of people. Without one of the legs, you can't sit on the stool." Singing was also a gift of hers, and as the worship leader, she chose songs that helped her stay strong. The surprise came when a tape was made of her testimony and copies "went everywhere." She had no idea that by giving her an incredible testimony, God was preparing her for speaking to many. From there, Hogan developed her "Walk Out of Worry" ministry. She began speaking to area churches on Sunday mornings, retreats and special engagements. Still, because of her illness and being the mother of two girls, Jessica and Grace, Hogan could not leave her home much to minister. But she didn't let that stop her. Through fundraisers, she raised enough money to purchase airtime on WEZE-AM 590 to speak to people on the radio about how to beat worry. In her "Walk Out of Worry Minutes" she advised people how to battle pain and anxiety so they would not take over their lives. The airwaves reached many. But that is not the end of the story. This past summer, Hogan faced perhaps the biggest scare yet. A tumor grew on her spinal cord and no doctor promised hope. Still, she knew that God was in charge and felt like He still wanted to use her. Following her own advice, she walked out of worry by choosing to "be content in (her) circumstances even when they never change." Finally, a doctor performed the surgery without damaging her spinal cord and once again, Hogan survived. She later thanked her church, South Weymouth Church of the Nazarene, for their prayers, knowing that it was only God's faithfulness that brought her through. Hogan still continues to battle pain and illness, but is thankful to learn that her daughters have not inherited VHL. Recently, she recorded her first CD called "Forever In His Care, featuring praise choruses like "My Redeemer Lives." (For more information, visit www.walkoutofworry.com) She was also just accepted into the Vision New England's Speakers Directory and will begin traveling around the area. Hogan believes that her purpose is to encourage people to spend less time trying to get out of their suffering and more time accepting their trials for the good of others. "God can use anyone and He often uses trials as His tools."
"Thank you for sending me your "Walk out of Worry" cassette.
I listen to it everyday. It has truly helped me." "Thank you for your tapes "Overcoming Faith" and "Walk
Out of Worry." I was so moved by you and your voice. I gave them
to a friend who is going through a hard time. You are gifted with an
ability to help people on many different levels. "When you spoke at our bible study, your message "God is
in control" truly gripped me and I couldn't do anything but cry.
Thank you for being a beacon and an arrow along my journey." "Just wanted to thank you for speaking at our support group. You
are an incredible speaker and you inspired me and touched my heart." |
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After
her mother died, Hogan came to ENC, searching for God. She found Him
in the students. She also found she had a gift for the stage, starring
in The Odyssey her junior year. She was involved in other shows on campus
and began to gain confidence in singing. "More than anything, though,"
said Hogan, "it was the students at ENC who helped me find God,
and I don't know what I would do without Him now." 
