Author: JulieBarbera

Life wasn’t perfect, and it never would be. Still, I was more concerned with righting wrongs than doing what I knew to be right. My vision for the future was clear. But clarity didn’t equate to perfection. The truth be known, there was a crack in my perception.

Through my cracked mirror, I measured truth by what was seen. Circumstances weren’t ideal. Yet, I gave them far more power than deserved. I wanted to move forward, but I chose to wait rather than risk being wrong.

While I dreamed of how life should be, I spent far too many days trying to match my vision with reality. A clear picture was in my mind about the perfect marriage, model family, successful career and ideal life. Once I was able to make the best of my reality, I would find my happy ending.

-Excerpt taken from Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection: Shatter…

My story was already written in time. I just needed to trust. Years of doubt suddenly drifted away as I climbed the staircase with ease.

With only two floors left to climb, I was nearing the catwalk. The higher I climbed, the more I could see. With every step forward, the past drifted further and further away from me.

Negativity followed me through the lighthouse. Positivity met me at the top. While I had encountered many obstacles in my life, I was blessed beyond measure.

Although I had felt alone, I was never on my own. God had been by my side every step of the way. Twists and turns had made the road bumpy. Life’s challenges had made my journey difficult. There was a reason for everything, and nothing would go to waste.

-Excerpt taken from Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection: Shatter an Illusion of Perfection by Julie Barbera (2019)