Still Standing: Finding Hope, Healing, and the Power of We Matter

“I didn’t choose this journey, but I chose to walk it with faith.” - Cheryl A.S. Hurley

There are moments in life that shift everything—the way we see ourselves, our faith, and our future. My breast cancer diagnosis was one of those moments. It began in what felt like a routine check-up that turned into a whirlwind of appointments, tests, and questions I never thought I’d have to ask. Suddenly, the quiet moments of my life were filled with the sound of uncertainty and the whispers of fear.

The Quiet Moments No One Sees

When you’re first told those words,“It’s cancer”, the world seems to pause. You go from thinking about what’s for dinner to wondering if you’ll see another Christmas. There were nights I lay awake, not because I didn’t trust God, but because I was human. I was afraid. I wondered, “What will happen next?” and “Will I ever feel like myself again?”

But it was in those very moments when the noise stopped, and the tears fell that God reminded me of something my husband shared when we heard the diagnosis, 'He was still there.' In the stillness, I felt His presence like a warm blanket covering the coldness of fear. He whispered, “I am with you.” And somehow, that was enough to breathe again, hope again, and believe again.

When Purpose Met Pain

Before the official diagnosis, while waiting for biopsy results, I was hosting a book signing for Queens Who Defied the Odds in December 2021. There I was, surrounded by beautiful, empowered women, encouraging them to rise, to believe, to overcome while silently wondering what my own future held. No one knew that beneath the smiles and speeches, I was battling my own storm of uncertainty.

That moment taught me something profound: God often calls us to pour into others even while we are waiting on our own healing. And in doing so, He gives strength that surpasses understanding. That day, as I poured into others, He was quietly pouring back into me.

The Power of Faith, Family, and Community

My journey was not one I walked alone. My husband’s unwavering faith anchored me. My family’s love became the hands of God holding me steady when my strength wavered. And my anchor sisters—those beautiful women who accompanied me to office visits and treatments, sat in waiting rooms, shared quiet prayers, and insisted on light lunches afterward—were the living embodiment of grace.

Their laughter broke through heavy silences. Their presence made sterile spaces feel sacred. They reminded me that healing doesn’t only come through medicine—it comes through companionship. God placed each one of them as a tangible reminder that I was never walking this road by myself.

The Scar That I See

Even now, when I look in the mirror and see the scar that marks where healing began, I no longer see loss. I see life. That scar tells a story...a reminder of where pain met perseverance, where fear met faith. It’s not just a mark on my body; it’s a testimony of God’s sustaining power.

Each time my eyes fall upon it, I whisper, “Thank You, Lord.” Because what once represented brokenness now represents survival, surrender, and strength. It is proof that even in the face of uncertainty, His grace never failed.

From Surviving to “Thru-viving”

Somewhere between surgery and recovery, I learned that survival isn’t just about making it through. It’s about growing through. I call it “thru-viving”, the sacred space where pain meets purpose and fear gives birth to faith.

Each scar tells a story of resilience. Each tear waters the seed of gratitude. Each sunrise reminds me that my story didn’t end with diagnosis. It began again with hope.

And now, I live with a deeper awareness: every breath is a gift, every day an opportunity to pour light into someone else’s dark place.

A Soul Threads Reminder: We Matter

Whether you’re in the middle of treatment, ringing the survivor’s bell, or supporting someone on this path, hear me when I say this: You matter.

You matter when your body feels weak.

You matter when you smile through pain.

You matter when you choose faith over fear.

You matter because your journey and your testimony carries power that can inspire healing in others.

We are not defined by the battle but by the courage it takes to keep believing that life after the storm can still be beautiful.

So today, I honor the survivors, the thrivers, and the ones still fighting with fierce faith. May you find peace in the quiet, strength in community, and hope in knowing you are deeply loved and...you matter.

With Grace and Purpose,

Cheryl A.S. Hurley

"Living unapologetically in purpose.

P.S. — Coming Soon... Something Extraordinary Is On the Horizon…

Beginning this November, I’m so excited to officially launch the Soul Threads for Purposeful Living: YOU Matter! Podcast—a monthly journey into inspiration, reflection, and real-life faith-filled conversations that remind you of your worth and calling.

Stay connected, because this is more than a podcast… it’s a movement.

And trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.