One fall day, I was strolling down the street on my way to the doctor’s office. It was a cool sixty degrees, but my light jacket kept me warm.  Though it was early in the morning, the busy multi-lane roadway was quiet.

Construction had taken place the previous day; therefore, walking on the sidewalk was like maneuvering a corn maze. First, I tried near the corner store, but then my path was blocked by hazard cones. Detouring around, I then found myself having to get past a car parked halfway in its driveway.

Had my appointment not been on the same block, I surely would have crossed to the other side. A gust of wind shook the trees nearby once I passed the obstacles.  A rain of brown and gold leaves fell on top of me.

For a split second, it seemed like it was raining, except without the rain. Nature gave me a giant hug, which was truly needed. Heading to get a biopsy was scary, but God saw fit to envelop me in his warm embrace.

In this month of Breast Cancer Awareness, let us all remember that someone somewhere is being affected by it. They can be the patient or someone close to them. Having to be tested and waiting on the results is nerve-racking, to say the least.

Some people will never have to experience this or anything like it. For others like me, a cancer survivor, it is life. It’s surviving each and every day to ensure something profound and yet simple. Survival.

Life can be as easy as one, two, and three for certain individuals. Others struggle on a daily basis. Whether it’s their health, job, finances, or a multitude of issues, it’s not always simple. Not to mention, added stress will make the problems significantly worse.

An outlet is needed to release the tension and explore options to better the situation. So let the tears fall where they may. Get yourself a good cry, then get up and make a way out of no way, as my late mother would say.

A weight was instantly lifted off my shoulders as the leaves landed on me. It was the hug I needed. My biopsy test results came back great. I’m still a cancer survivor.

A tight squeeze won’t erase your challenges, but it surely will help ease them. Knowing that someone cares enough to reach out to you. In my case, it was God shaking the trees that calmed my burdens.

Isaiah 43:2 ESV  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.