Cover Girl
COVER STORY
Genia Harrell - The Woman in the Mirror
As I looked back at the reflection in the mirror, I realized at that moment I’ve lost my identity. I no longer recognized the reflection in the mirror. I had to ask myself, how did I get here? I was considered the cover girl. Not the Maybelline cover girl, but the mask wearing lady. It all started with my marriage in 2006.
In 2011 God gave me a title to my first book “Don’t Breakdown…Breakthrough” at that time I was finally living the life of my dreams, the husband, the kids, the house, the cars, my own home daycare, life was good. I didn’t feel like I was going through anything to write that book…then life happened.
My health began to fail, I could not work, my child was going through emotional problems, I was going through church hurt, and then my marriage failed. My husband kept telling me that he didn’t love me like I loved him. I was trying to make a marriage work that was over years ago. It was a lot going on at that time. I kept myself busy to keep from dealing with my issues. I didn’t recognize that I was going through secret depression. That was explaining all of my mood swings, change of appetite, weight gain and weight loss from stress, fatigue, and feeling worthless. I didn’t realize that until one day it all came crashing down on me. In October 2015 I had a mini stroke. I cried until my eyes was swollen shut, I was spaced out, I was not aware of my surroundings.
I was no longer the person everyone thought I was; I was acting on autopilot for a while. Then my book became a reality to write. It was bitter sweet when I published it, I didn’t have no one to celebrate with. This was the first time I felt like this Lion needed a shoulder to cry on. Loneliness took over and that’s when I met who I thought was the love of my life. He became my comforter, my listener, my nurturer. I fell in love with him. I could not give myself completely to him. I couldn’t understand why. I began to pray and God started taking off my blinders. Even though he showed me some things, I still did not listen the first time. That enemy came in and robbed me, and I still took him back. Ignoring the fact that he had a problem. Things became worst, the physical and emotional abuse started. I couldn’t believe the same man that told me he loves me, that he is my husband, would ever hurt me like this. The addiction had a stronghold over him. I allowed that addiction to steal from me again, then my eyes came open. I realized that I fell in love with a man who loved me back, but his addiction overlooked the love he had for me. My feelings were hurt but it made me stronger than before.
The enemy was attacking my character, trying to take what he could from me. I realize that it was not the man that I was angry with, it was his addiction. Forgiveness was the key to get my power back. It made me look in the mirror to see a beautiful, courageous, creative, loving, forgiving, Virtuous Diva for God. Just like my women social group I started…I am a Sister of Splendor. When I look at the mirror now, I know that I am a veteran of my struggles with the scars to prove it. I am that Diamond that shines daily in everything that I do. I am Incredible in God, I am invincible in Christ, I am immovable by the Holy Spirit, I am Insured by my faith to Pursue the Purpose that God has called me to. I am setting the B.A.R. in my faith. I believe that with God all things are possible, I will achieve the task at hand, and receive that it’s already mine. I understand that my going through was not for me, but it is bigger than me. I was bruised not broken, I could not get mad at what shaped me into the Diamond that I am today. Thank God for being the first part taker of my ministry. Now it’s time to Live, Laugh and Love.
Thank You Sheleta Renee owner of Diamonddivamagazine.com!
