Stronger …

You know that saying about what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger? Being stronger isn’t just about physical strength but also mental, emotional, and spiritual strength.

There was a time when I felt like I was standing in the middle of a WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) ring, wrestling with words that shook me not only mentally but also emotionally. I was clueless about why I had been invited to this smackdown. Being in a mental and emotional smackdown is exhausting.

Before you go thinking this is a poor Janet column, read the rest of this story.

The giants of discouragement are fierce. Truly, the mind is a battlefield.

The ugly actions of others have taught me that not only is it true that pretty is as pretty does, but ugly is as ugly does. I vowed never to make anyone feel the way I had been made to feel.

One of my favorite go-to songs to listen to when I feel like life has thrown me into that WWE ring is Mandisa’s “Stronger.” I suggest you take the time to read the lyrics.

There was a time when I wondered whether things would ever get better. I clung to the Scriptures for dear life. I read about the men and women in the Bible who struggled. I have never faced a real lion, a flood, or a nine-foot-tall giant, but I have faced some scary things.

Here’s the thing … What I have faced in my life has made me stronger.

If I had not faced adversity, hurt, and discouragement, I would not be the writer I am today. I write with the determination to let my readers know that things will get better. An ounce of hope can outweigh a pound of pompous poo hurled at you.

I know what it feels like to hold on and believe when you dread another day with the enemy, whose ‘wham-bam’ plan sucks the hope right out of you. God is there in the midst, even when you cannot see him.

Here’s one of my favorite verses in the Bible…

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome. Genesis 50:20. AMP

There will come a day when you see how the enemy meant to harm you, but … God meant for your good.

Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son. Jacob gave him the coat of many colors. His brothers were jealous (duh). They threw him into a pit and sold him into slavery. Potiphar’s wife lied about Joseph, and he was sent to prison.

But God …

From his prison cell, Joseph interpreted dreams that led to him being favored by Pharaoh. Joseph became the second most powerful man in Egypt. During the famine, Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt. They did not recognize their brother until he spoke the words in Genesis 50.

What you intended for evil, God meant for my good.

You see, Joseph was able to forgive his brothers even though their jealousy had forced him into slavery and prison. Because of what he went through, he was able to rely on God and eventually became stronger, making a difference not only in his family but also in the lives of those whom God placed in his life.

Stories like Joseph’s are still being written today. If you are in what seems to be a WWE ring, just know that God has a plan for your life. You will become stronger as you fight battles you never imagined. God will redeem your story.

Perhaps you need to listen to “Stronger” by Mandisa. I just might have the volume turned up as I dance in my kitchen. I remember how God has been faithful to complete my story for His Glory.

There were moments when I begged for him to jump into my situation and fix it, and He didn’t. There were times when I cried out and told God, “This isn’t fair!” There were lonely nights when I felt so alone. He was there.

I am stronger today because of what I’ve been through. My Faith has helped me fight the fiercest battles. I know more battles will be fought. I trust in my God to be there even when I do not see Him. He will be there for you as well. Trust His Plan as He makes you stronger.

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Spring 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. Visit janethartleonard.com.