Q&A with Shelly Genovese Calhoun
Author of
“Twice Blessed: A Journey of Hope through 9/11”
Q: Why did you decide to write this book after all these years?
A: I never aspired be a writer. I was definitely not qualified to write a book, but on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in 2011, God really started tugging at my heart to tell my story. So honestly, it was out of obedience to God. But through the long process of writing this book, God was continuing to heal my heart and grow me into the woman I was created to be.
Q: When your husband died on 9/11, you became a widow and a single mom. What did you learn about God during those darkest days?
A: That He is my all and all. I knew all along as I watched others go through 9/11 that I had something not everyone had. I had hope!! I knew God was going to take care of my daughter and me. And He did. God was faithful through it all.
Q: You talk about refusing to believe that your husband was dead even though you saw his tower collapse, as did many family members of 9/11 victims. What kind of emotions did you go through during those first few days and weeks?
A: I was absolutely in shock and denial, but I also believe that God placed me in a protective cocoon. My spiritual gift has always been faith. So even though it seemed humanly impossible for anyone to survive the towers crumbling to the ground, my faith kicked in. I knew that my God was bigger than what I could see. I hid myself in the Lord and I refused to lose faith. In return, my faith grew stronger.
Q: You talk about your reluctance to love again after your husband died. What would your advice be to widows about dating after loss?
A: I think if you’ve ever truly loved someone, you want that love back in your life. I was so afraid to allow myself to love again that I almost lost my chance at finding happiness. I would say completely give it to the Lord and stay under the umbrella of His protection by being in His will. Loving someone again doesn’t mean that you ever have to stop loving the other person. God will give you a big enough heart to love both.
A: I never aspired be a writer. I was definitely not qualified to write a book, but on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in 2011, God really started tugging at my heart to tell my story. So honestly, it was out of obedience to God. But through the long process of writing this book, God was continuing to heal my heart and grow me into the woman I was created to be.
Q: When your husband died on 9/11, you became a widow and a single mom. What did you learn about God during those darkest days?
A: That He is my all and all. I knew all along as I watched others go through 9/11 that I had something not everyone had. I had hope!! I knew God was going to take care of my daughter and me. And He did. God was faithful through it all.
Q: You talk about refusing to believe that your husband was dead even though you saw his tower collapse, as did many family members of 9/11 victims. What kind of emotions did you go through during those first few days and weeks?
A: I was absolutely in shock and denial, but I also believe that God placed me in a protective cocoon. My spiritual gift has always been faith. So even though it seemed humanly impossible for anyone to survive the towers crumbling to the ground, my faith kicked in. I knew that my God was bigger than what I could see. I hid myself in the Lord and I refused to lose faith. In return, my faith grew stronger.
Q: You talk about your reluctance to love again after your husband died. What would your advice be to widows about dating after loss?
A: I think if you’ve ever truly loved someone, you want that love back in your life. I was so afraid to allow myself to love again that I almost lost my chance at finding happiness. I would say completely give it to the Lord and stay under the umbrella of His protection by being in His will. Loving someone again doesn’t mean that you ever have to stop loving the other person. God will give you a big enough heart to love both.
Q: How can the body of Christ be more helpful to widows and single moms?
A: Most of all by praying for them. I would not have survived everything I went through without prayer. The body of Christ was so unbelievable to me, and prayed me through my darkest days. We also need to offer help with the ordinary, day-to-day tasks of life such as food, money, housing, etc. Helping them do simple tasks like babysitting, picking up their kids from school, or grocery shopping—things we take for granted— can be such a blessing to a widow or single mom.
Q: 9/11 was an emotional experience for the entire country, but obviously, it was thoroughly traumatic for the families of the victims. What was the worst moment(s) for you during the aftermath?
I would definitely say waking up each morning and realizing that your life will never be the same. It was very difficult for me to watch life go on as normal, when nothing in my life was normal. I thought I would never be happy again. But my God is a Redeemer and made all things new.
Q: If you had to offer 3 pieces of advice to people experiencing tragedy, what would you say?
A: Realize that you’re not alone. God is always there. He is there to offer comfort in times of trouble and to give us hope when we feel hopeless. He is honestly our only hope. Secondly, surround yourself with the family, friends, and the body of Christ. They want to help you. In return, you will feel the love of Christ wrapping His arms around you by the precious people He places in your life. And lastly, take one day at a time. God will give you just enough light to take the next step toward your journey of healing. Unfortunately, there are so many tragic events in this fallen world today. I personally do not know how anybody goes through a tragedy without knowing Christ.
A: Most of all by praying for them. I would not have survived everything I went through without prayer. The body of Christ was so unbelievable to me, and prayed me through my darkest days. We also need to offer help with the ordinary, day-to-day tasks of life such as food, money, housing, etc. Helping them do simple tasks like babysitting, picking up their kids from school, or grocery shopping—things we take for granted— can be such a blessing to a widow or single mom.
Q: 9/11 was an emotional experience for the entire country, but obviously, it was thoroughly traumatic for the families of the victims. What was the worst moment(s) for you during the aftermath?
I would definitely say waking up each morning and realizing that your life will never be the same. It was very difficult for me to watch life go on as normal, when nothing in my life was normal. I thought I would never be happy again. But my God is a Redeemer and made all things new.
Q: If you had to offer 3 pieces of advice to people experiencing tragedy, what would you say?
A: Realize that you’re not alone. God is always there. He is there to offer comfort in times of trouble and to give us hope when we feel hopeless. He is honestly our only hope. Secondly, surround yourself with the family, friends, and the body of Christ. They want to help you. In return, you will feel the love of Christ wrapping His arms around you by the precious people He places in your life. And lastly, take one day at a time. God will give you just enough light to take the next step toward your journey of healing. Unfortunately, there are so many tragic events in this fallen world today. I personally do not know how anybody goes through a tragedy without knowing Christ.
About the author:
Shelly Genovese-Calhoun is an author, speaker, wife and mother. A former fashion model, she represented East Texas in the Miss Texas USA pageant. During her modeling career, she worked for Anne Klein, Neiman Marcus, JCPenney, Panhandle Slim, Dillard and many other notable companies. She resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is married to her best friend, Heath, and their two children. Daughter, Jacqueline, is a senior at Texas A&M University, and son, Cash, is a freshman in high school. For more information, visit www.TwiceBlessed911.com.