Like the central character in the Book of Job, who, as he faced numerous calamities – the loss of his seven sons and three daughters, as well as all his possessions – continued to praise God, Gwen Adams Harris has also remained faithful throughout life’s challenges.

    “Because I serve a Mighty God, He has instilled in me, a Spirit of a sound mind, and not of fear,” said Harris, who, through faith, has endured both physical and mental pain after undergoing knee replacement – and has done so with a smile.

    As she healed from the surgery, Harris noticed that the operated knee was an inch longer than her other one.

    “I had to have ‘special’ shoes made to accommodate this disability,” she said. “This obstacle affected my back, the way I walked and my shoulders. It also had a great, adverse impact on my family.”

    Still, Harris remained steadfast in her faith.

    “As I began to heal, I held on to my faith, belief and trust in God. During this trying time, God began to speak to me. He said if I continued to keep the faith, this would be my greatest testimony ever,” she said.

    Her pastor confirmed this by prophesizing during a Sunday service that God said He had a medical miracle for someone.

    “I immediately started fasting and praying that God would release His blessings upon his anointed,” Harris said.

    As she slept one night, Harris began to feel what she describes as “excruciating pain.” No medicine seemed to help. But as the days went by, she began to notice that she wasn’t walking as unbalanced as before.     

    “Therefore, I didn’t need my special shoes,” she said. “God did it for me! He healed me; I have a reason to praise Him!’

    Asked how she continued to smile throughout her ordeal, Harris said God gave a reason to praise Him and smile every day.

    “I must share with others what He did,” she said. “I’m no exception to the rule; God is for everyone.”

    As Easter approaches, Harris said what she has endured throughout her illness has given her new meaning to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, as well as her dedication to serving God.

    “God gave His only Son for our sins,” she said. “He rose three days later. Who wouldn’t want to serve a God like that? I thank Him daily through prayer and supplication for this selfless act.”

    A Meridian native, Harris is employed at Greater Meridian Health Clinic, where she serves as front desk supervisor.

    “My job duties include, but are not limited to, supervising eight employees, ensuring that the medical needs of patients are carried out in a timely manner, creating a warm and loving atmosphere so patients can feel welcome and safe,” she said. “I take my job to heart and our patients play a big part in this. They need to know that they matter just as much as anyone else. Each and every day, I make an effort to exemplify such characteristics.”

    The mother of four – who is currently raising one of her grandchildren – enjoys spending time with family and loved ones and traveling. Dedicated to helping abused women “to realize their worth and value,” Harris is a noted motivational speaker in the community. She is an active member of New Freedom Tabernacle of Praise, where she presides over the Women’s Ministry, serves as a Pastor’s Aid and is a member of the Intercessory Prayer Group.

    For others who may find themselves faced with life’s challenges, Harris advises, “Tap into the promises of God, believe on these promises. He is NOT a man, that He should lie. He said it, He will do it. He loves us just that much.”