In The Warmth of His Embrace

“In the Warmth of His Embrace,” is a true story based on the author’s personal experience after diagnosed with advanced (breast) cancer. She reveals her emotional battles with fear, the physical and mental scars, and the triumphant spirit to overcome the vicissitudes of life. In the Warmth of His Embrace is the soul’s quest to seek God’s help for a sense of clarity to the meaning of why we suffer and if our suffering serves a certain purpose in the divine scheme of things.

The title of this book was coined by the author when a revelation of Isaiah 41:10 (include scripture here) gave strength to her weakness in the midst of a depleting faith which could no longer withstand the presence of gloom and fear. While yet in the midst of struggling against the inner voices that tried to conquer her soul, God’s blessed word gave her the reassurance of a resting place in Him where there is peace for the weary soul and rest in the warmth of His Embrace. Thus, In the Warmth of His Embrace, involves the quest of the soul for God’s protective power and provisions during times of uncertainty.

EXCERPT:

In 2016 I decided to make a few changes in my life. At that time, I was a licensed minister having received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Christian Education from Lancaster Bible College in Philadelphia PA, and actively involved in ministry. Teaching proved to be one of my gifts which I fully practiced while instructing the New Members Class and conducting Bible Study Class for the Senior Ushers at my church in Baltimore. After graduation, I had contemplated attending Lancaster Seminary for my masters; however, I felt my life moving towards another direction and believed the push was to become a patient advocate. Why? I work at a Children’s Hospital as a Patient Safety Data Coordinator, and through the years I had become very passionate about Patient Safety and concerned about the silence of the patient’s voice when determining care as an organization and administration. I felt compelled by God to receive the necessary training to become a minister with professional training skills in healthcare administration to function as an informed advocate for the quality care of patients and their safety. Conversely, I realized that the next step of a licensed minister is to enter Seminary, however, I chose to enroll in Saint Joseph's University to pursue my Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration.

During my first semester in school, I pretty much knew that I had stepped into foreign territory and early on began to regret my decision to make the move. Religious studies had become familiar territory for me. I knew what was expected and could have easily made it through the program with no problem. I began to regret my decision to pursue Health and Science. All of the reading material seemed like a foreign language making it very hard to comprehend and successfully complete the assignments. In other words, I was failing my first class because it was very hard for me to comprehend the reading material and make the transition between the MLA to APL writing styles . The nights were very long, but with God’s help, I was able to push myself to the limit until suddenly, everything started to come together and I passed my class with flying colors. In my first year at SJU, I managed to complete 15 credit hours by the end of December 2016. There were six classes left to complete in my degree program, and I was very zealous about achieving my goal.

In addition to choosing a new path for my education, I also joined the YMCA at the bequest of my eldest sister. She took me on a tour of the YMCA at their local facilities and even instructed me on how to use the equipment. It was such a wonderful feeling sharing that space of time with her. I now realize that it was because of her enthusiasm and influence that actually helped me to decide to join the “Y”, and upon doing so, the activities gave my body the strength and endurance needed to physically fight to survive breast cancer. My stamina had increased, and I was able to join the more advanced classes that were offered. Suddenly, I was feeling more confident about school and wonderful about being in great physical condition! Meanwhile, I had no idea of the cancer cells that had invaded the tissues of my body and had become active, nor did I realize that in a couple of months I would be informed of a diagnosis that would rock my world and cause it to come crashing down. And as a result thereof, the life to which I had once been accustomed to living would go through a dramatic unwelcome change.

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”So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:10)
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