Make Lemonade

We have all heard the addage that when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. This is meant to to be both inspirational and sobering. Sometimes, life sucks. Get over it. But, the practice of making lemonade is easier said than done. Your  tire blows out on your way to work, lemon. While waiting for the tow truck, you catch up on some reading, lemonade. Smaller lemons are easier to deal with than bigger lemons like, say, cancer. 

In October of last year, I found out that my best friend of twelve years was diagnosed with breast cancer. Major lemon. Huge, huge lemon. Quite hard to swallow. First there was the heart-rending diagnosis, then the ravaging chemotherapy, followed by the traumatic surgery, and then more ravaging by radiation. Finally, she is cancer free, but the fight is far from over. 

This past Tuesday, I had the pleasure of watching my best friend rip the runway at the Heroes in Heels Fashion Show in Cool Springs Mall in Franklin, Tennessee. Heroes in Heels is a fashion show that raises awareness and funds for the After Breast Cancer Program through the Middle Tennessee YMCA. I was so proud of my friend for not only surviving breast cancer, but continually making the best out each round of bad news she received.  She, like the other women who strutted down that runway, are master lemonade makers. They inspire me. 

When life gives you lemons, no matter the size, use the following recipe:

1. Cut each lemon in half. God is bigger than all of your problems, especially, if you dissect them into smaller parts. 

2. Squeeze your lemons. Remember, you cannot control everything that happens, but you can control your reaction. Show those lemons who's boss!

3. Add water. Embrace the love and support of your family and friends. Let their kind words water your heart. 

4. Sweeten to taste. God will never put more on you than you can bear. This test will only make you stronger and more dependent on Him. 

5. Serve. Once you have passed your test, share your story with others. You never know who you may inspire.