“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” ― Fred Rogers

This famous quote from Mister Rodgers feels particularly pertinent as we search for goodness, and look for ways to thank and support those who are serving society during the travesty of COVID-19.

This week we wanted to feature, and thank, one of our own, Brook Hill alumna, Brittney Lindberg ‘03 as she serves on the front lines against COVID-19 in a New York City hospital. Brittney graciously spent time sharing with us a bit of what she’s currently doing, what the past few years have looked like for her as a professional, and how we can serve as citizens living during a global pandemic.

BH: Brittney, we want to start off by saying thank you for your service, and for taking the time to share with us! Can you give us a quick snapshot of what your time at Brook Hill looked like and where you went to college? 

Brittney: I attended Brook Hill for 10th-12th grade and played basketball and volleyball. I was a cheerleader and a member of the honor society. Following graduation, I received my BSN from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

BH: Before we dive into what life looks like for you serving in New York City, could you share about where you’ve been and what you’ve been up to the past few years since college?

Brittney: I currently live in Memphis, TN with my husband of 7 years who is a pilot with the TN Air National Guard and American Airlines. I just finished my Active Duty time with the Navy and am currently mobilized as a critical care nurse in support of the Covid-19 relief. I am 35 years old and have been serving in the Navy for 10 years.

BH: Can you tell us what your time in the military has been like?

Brittney: I have enjoyed my time immensely. I have two deployments under my belt now, the first of which was to Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2013. The Navy has enabled me to train in very unique environments and experience things that I would never have had the opportunity to do otherwise. The relationships I have built are equally unique and I feel so honored to be a part of something greater than myself. I have had the opportunity to train other branches in Combat Life Support and I get to bring my knowledge with me to the civilian sector.

BH: Can you share about what it’s like serving on the front lines of COVID-19 and what the Lord is revealing to you through your experience?

Brittney: I firmly believe God has placed me here for a reason and I feel His arms around me constantly. While I cannot reveal the details of my mission specifically I can tell you that I have been embedded in a local hospital to help augment their staff who are just so incredibly exhausted at this point.

“The horrors I have seen here have no comparison. But I am here for God’s glory and I believe our presence has made a big difference in so many lives. While we can’t save them all, we can at least give a passionate touch during such a scary, tragic time in our history. No one dies alone on our watch.”

BH: Brittney, our hearts are breaking for those who are going through this. Hearing about the horror, and the way you are serving with hope in the midst of that reality, for the glory of God is so moving. What part can we do as citizens and Christians to join in the fight against COVID-19?

Brittney: Pray! Pray for our country’s leaders that they would make good decisions. Please stay home. Stay home for us! That is the best way you can support us.

BH: We’re thankful for that reminder and for a picture of how hope in Christ and small acts of service to others even when things feel overwhelming or insurmountable bring those around us glimpses of goodness. 

BH: As we wrap up, what wisdom would you share with current BH students?

Brittney: Go on an adventure! Life is what you make it. Don’t be afraid to take chances. Don’t stay stagnant, do what scares you! Don’t take the easy way out and above all else, stick to your convictions! God will not let you down.

BH: We’re grateful to hear that. Catching up with you and getting a little glimpse of your journey Brittney has made us so thankful for the relationships we get to have as a result of being a part of the Brook Hill family. Seeing the mission of Brook Hill realized in the lives of former (and current) students is such a testimony to the Lord, and we are so encouraged and challenged to hear about where you’re at and how the Lord is using you! 

BH: Last question! What is your go-to meal or snack while on rotation? 

Brittney: It very difficult to get a break and the risk of infection is quite high. But on a normal day, my guilty pleasure is Reese’s cups and my healthy choice is a protein shake!

We are humbled by the way you’re serving our country, especially during this time. We hope that in communicating what you’ve shared, our students (and Brook Hill families) will know how to better support those serving, and will be reminded to keep dreaming big as they think about what they want to do, and who they want to be as believers and members of society. 

We are so proud of our alumni and hope that in the days and weeks (and possibly months) to come, you will join us in praying for our nurses, doctors, healthcare workers, military, and all of those who are serving others during this pandemic. This is such a historic time, and though it’s most certainly tragic, we are thankful for glimmers of light and hope through conversations and people like Brittney.