Faith @ Work:
Kesha Shaw, Mary Kay Consultant and Administrative Assistant for Women Impacting and Lifting Lives

You live by one of the most powerful Bible verses, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” How has that scripture influenced your life?

Well, I have always been taught this principle by my parents. As a girl, I always stayed close to my mom, and she taught me to love people through my actions, not just with words. She has a giving heart and has groomed me to do the same no matter how people treat me. I strive to be kind so that I will receive kindness in return. I strive to show mercy so that I will be shown mercy in return.

As a Mary Kay Consultant, administrative assistant for a women’s organization, and founder and administrative assistant of a new non-profit organization, your work is undoubtedly a ministry. What is most rewarding about your acts of service?

I believe through servicing, people will see the heart of God through our acts. Serving others is rewarding because you allow yourself to become a vessel of God’s grace and loving-kindness. I love to see people smile, especially children. Serving helps to put the focus on others and not on myself.

RRC: It’s refreshing to start your day with an open heart… a heart ready to receive. What is a part of your morning routine that helps you accomplish this?

I have to be honest. I never had a consistent morning routine. I would thank God for the day, say a prayer, and keep it moving. For the past year or so, however, I have been more intentional. I am a part of a prayer group that meets Monday through Friday on a conference call to pray. During the call, someone will provide a song of the day and another will read a passage of scripture. Then we share our prayer requests, give praise reports, and someone, if not all, will pray over prayer requests.

RRC: You are still battling Papillary Thyroid Cancer that has metastasized. Understandably, it comes with challenges. How does your strength within your faith help you overcome those obstacles?

When I was diagnosed almost 11 years ago, I was devastated. I had the moment of tears I needed to shed, and I still do from time to time, but I would look in the faces of my daughters and husband, realizing I desire to live for years to come. I do have to admit I am shocked how this cancer has affected my body, going through all the procedures and surgeries I have endured. I take oral chemotherapy pills daily that keep cancer from spreading. By the grace of God, I’m still here to tell the story.

What advice, from your own experience, would you give to someone else diagnosed with thyroid cancer?

I would tell them first to acknowledge the diagnosis and don’t be in denial. Secondly, I would say cry. Cry to grieve the diagnosis, but remember, cancer is not necessarily a death sentence. Next, I would say encourage yourself with the Word of God and listen to music that feeds your soul. Remain as positive as you can, knowing that God has your life in His hands.

How do you maintain your faith walk, even when adversity strikes and first-world problems are all around us?

I am part of a Bible study group of friends, Berean Bible Fellowship. We have been meeting for at least 17 or 18 years now. We meet once a week, and I gain more understanding of God’s Word to apply to my life. We don’t just talk about the scriptures. We want to understand how to incorporate them into our daily lives.

What devotionals or books would you recommend to someone looking to strengthen their faith beyond the church walls?

There are so many books out there to purchase. I believe a great start is to download the Bible App (YouVersion) on your devices. A daily scripture is posted and there are hundreds of devotionals on their site to study. You choose the topic, and there should be at least one article that provides scriptures, commentary, and a daily devotional.

Kesha Shaw is a native of Birmingham and moved to Montgomery in 1995. She’s married to Isaac Shaw, Jr. of nearly 20 years. They have two children; Kourtney Shaw (16) and Eden Shaw (14).