How Did The Pandemic Affect You?

~ TRIBUTE TO MASCULINITY EPISODE (WEEK 3)~

When COVID-19 swept the world, it left countless stories of heartbreak, resilience, and transformation. Among these narratives, Jo'mel Powell's experience is a powerful testament to faith, perseverance, and unconditional love during life's darkest moments.

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WHAT'S DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE?

• Growing up on the west side of Detroit, Jo'mel was surrounded by negative influences and was drawn into that lifestyle by age 19. But a pivotal moment occurred when, fearing for his life and on the run, he took only a Bible with him. Through reading Proverbs and developing a relationship with God, Jo'mel experienced a profound spiritual transformation that set him on a different path.
• Years later, he met his future wife at church. Their relationship blossomed from friendship into romance and eventually marriage. Like many couples, they experienced challenges navigating finances, blended family dynamics, and communication issues. These struggles intensified during the pandemic's early days when they spent more time at home together, leading to a separation intended to give them space to work on their relationship.
• During this separation period, they began rebuilding their connection, dating again, and working toward reconciliation. Then came the surprising news that would change everything – his wife was pregnant. This joyful revelation gave them even more motivation to strengthen their marriage. However, tragedy struck when she contracted COVID-19 during her third trimester.
• What followed was a nightmare scenario that few can imagine. His wife's condition deteriorated rapidly, necessitating an emergency C-section while she was placed in a medically induced coma. Jo'mel suddenly found himself a first-time father without his partner by his side, facing the terrifying possibility that she might not survive. The hospital restrictions during the pandemic meant he couldn't even see his newborn daughter for two days.

• With no experience in childcare, Jo'mel was thrust into solo parenting while simultaneously dealing with the emotional trauma of his wife's critical condition. He recalls the anxiety, the sleepless nights, and the crash course in parenting he underwent. A friend's profound yet straightforward advice guided him: "If you care, you will figure out everything just by caring." This philosophy became his north star as he navigated feeding schedules, diaper changes, and the emotional needs of his infant daughter.
• The situation grew even more challenging when his wife eventually emerged from the coma with severe disabilities. Unable to move her arms or legs, and initially unable to speak, she required 24-hour skilled nursing care. This wasn't the happily-ever-after ending they had hoped for, but it began a different love story – one defined by commitment, faith, and finding joy amid suffering.
• Through this ordeal, Jo'mel discovered profound spiritual truths that transformed his perspective. His pastor wisely noted, "If God doesn't change your situation, He uses the situation to change you." Despite the heartbreak of watching his wife struggle with her new limitations, Jo'mel witnessed the miraculous ways her spirit remained unbroken. Though physically constrained, she regained her ability to speak, reclaimed her sense of humor, and developed a deeper relationship with her husband and their daughter.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Today, Jo'mel brings their three-year-old daughter to see her mother almost daily. These visits are filled with conversation, love, and moments that remind them all of what truly matters. Their faith remains central to their journey, with Jo'mel maintaining hope that complete healing remains possible while finding peace in the present reality.

His story offers powerful lessons about appreciating our time with loved ones, resolving conflicts quickly, and recognizing that our breath is a gift that can be withdrawn at any moment. His experience during COVID serves as both a cautionary tale about taking relationships for granted and an inspiring example of how faith can sustain us through seemingly impossible circumstances.

Jo'mel's testimony shows that darkness doesn't have the final word for anyone who lost hope during the pandemic or faces seemingly insurmountable challenges. His commitment to his wife and daughter reflects the kind of masculine strength that isn't about dominance or control, but rather about sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering presence when it matters most.