Behind the Mask

By Shirlene Graham

This is a true story about the extraordinary personal journey as a single mother who,
at one time felt ashamed because she was a single mother, humiliated, not worthy and useless at one point in her life. Her struggles as a single parent were boisterous. Nevertheless, against all odds, she was determined to be a role model for her children, single moms and other people who may find themselves in diverse situations and think their life is over.

Graham tells the story of how her charade begins with the initial scenario about how she became a victim at an early age by wearing a mask this book show how a victim who has concealed so much guilt has the ability to overcome all obstacles by forgiving and then move forward in life with no regrets.


Poignant, heartfelt, humorous, and profound, this is the story of a single mom's dream and determination to fight for a better future for her family. God gave her zest for life. She rose to become a mentor, motivator, encourager and successful independent person.

To God be the Glory

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 22, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463427597

Shirlene Graham

S. Graham Shirlene Graham is a single mother of three and a one grandson. She is a competent, hard working, and a committed woman. As a product if humble beginnings, her faith in God helped bring her to this point in her life. Her initiative and creativity are marked by her spirit of compassion to help other is endless. She has an innate ability to encourage and empower single mothers. With kindness and integrity she guides you along the process through her learning tools as a single parent by helping you focus on the important aspects of your life and helping you discover within yourself your inner strength and value along with a clear idea of the values and goals you believe are important. She empowers other to believe dream and achieve their goals in life. She challenges single mothers not to give up on their dreams and goals but, to have faith in God. Graham holds an Associate of Science in Criminals Justice, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and currently working on her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in General Marriage and Family Therapy. She was awarded the Persistence Award 2003-2004 from South Georgia College.

Book preview

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1

Unveiling the Pain of Losing a Loved One

Chapter 2

Unveiling the Mask of Single Parenting

Chapter 3

Unveiling Children’s Masks

Chapter 4

Unveiling the Mask of Low Self-Esteem

Chapter 5

Unveiling the Mask of Verbal Abuse

Chapter 6

A Test at the End

Renewing Your Mind

Summary

Kudos From

Chakena King

Kudos from

Ronald (Kee) King

Kudos from

Brittini Graham

Kudos from

Travaski (Bockee) Adams

About the Author

missing image file

With God’s help, I became strong and powerful enough to unveil the masks of pain that I was concealing. Now I am a strong and confident woman of God.

Shirlene Graham

What pain are you concealing behind the mask?

1.jpg

Looking into my soul, confronting the very things that hurt me the most, and finding positive ways to turn humiliating, doubtful, painful, depressing, embarrassing, and chaotic experiences into something meaningful so I can help someone else is the point at which I took off the mask and began the healing process.

Foreword

by Lerishea A. Ellison

The traditional work of an author gives its readers a window through which to see how he or she views a specific topic. In this particular work, the intrigue is centered around how and why people wear masks. According to Shirlene Graham, people wear masks to hide their real identities from others. It is very difficult to identify someone when you can only see a small part of this or her face. Shirlene reaches down into her soul to explore and rationalize the give and take of how it feels to wear a mask. She describes how she was victimized at an early age and put on a mask to shield her true self.

As we are lured into the caverns of Shirlene’s life, we begin to see the gripping effect of how internal and external factors affect our personalities and the people around us. It has been noted that the authenticity opens up everyone who reads the text into the same realm of shame and remorse by concealing hidden innuendoes in our own lives. This book shows how a victim who has concealed so much guilt still has the ability to overcome all obstacles and move forward in life. As you venture into the soul of the author, you will find that there is hope beyond your wildest dreams if you take the advice given to help you unveil whatever mask you are wearing. Similar to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Minister’s Black Veil, this real-life narrative will reinvigorate your spirit and you will, like the author, be able to unveil the mask and live a life full of joy and hope for tomorrow.

Behind the Mask contains factual evidence of an individual who has suffered through much turmoil but has risen from the ashes like a phoenix and now soars like an eagle because of all she was able to overcome. From her story of concealment, you too will be able to mature and grow and understand life doesn’t end behind the mask. What the mask conceals is just temporary. Like the author, we have all experienced obstacles that have caused us to withdraw from society. By relating to what the author describes in her life, we can become wiser and stronger in dealing with things in life that seems almost impossible to bear. We all wear masks that often shield our true feelings. I encourage you to take this journey with the Shirlene and see how you fare as you learn how to unveil the mask.

Preface

There is a story in all of us. This one is mine. My story reflects the struggles of my formative years and spans from my childhood to the present. It is about issues that concern growth and development in our society today. My story deals with coping as a single mother, surviving problems, and still prevailing amidst the struggle of an unfriendly world. Through my faith in God and strong determination, I can attest that you can make it if you do not give up or give in to life’s woes. For single mothers who face daily challenges, I give you a prospectus on how God is a strong deliverer if you only put your trust in Him and follow His instruction.

Before sitting down to write, I took inventory of my life and decided that I would take time to share with the world a reflection of how survival can be fruitful if you stay focused and dedicated and how you can win if you only stay in the race. I have done my best to describe my personal story in a way that will be beneficial for others who need a guide to help them unveil the hidden secrets behind masks that often distorts one’s personality, future, family, and outlook on life as a whole.

My journey has been different. I was never expected to last as long as I have under such demanding pressure and turn out to be the person I am.