Everyone know who Magic Johnson is and what he is “famous” for but my respect and love for Magic and Cookie Johnson came when they were interviewed by Oprah Winfrey last year. Their story is definitely a TESTimony that many can be inspired from.
The Johnsons, who have been married for 22 years and dated 14 years prior, are also a couple with proven longevity. I cannot wait to read the latest issue of Ebony where they are open and transparent about love, business, the Donald Sterling controversy, and living with HIV.
Just like us, people look into a person marriage and life and assume whatever they want based on “outward” looks. I was too young to have a thought about Magic and Cookie marriage when he announced he had HIV but I’m sure there were people that doomed their marriage & thought Cookie was crazy for staying. But God had something else planned for them and their marriage.
“We had our ups and downs,” admitted Cookie. “We had a period where we were about to separate. There was a point where I was home all the time; he was working,” she continued. “Sometimes you start growing apart a little because he’s seeing new adventurous stuff. He’s out in the world. He’s growing. [But] I’m stagnant.”
“If I had kept going [that way] and the kids left, we would probably be divorced,” says Magic. “Now we’re so connected to each other, but it took that situation to bring us back.” He also added, “I’ve always told Cookie, ‘The only thing I wanted was to grow old with you.’ [Now] we just look at each other and say how blessed we are.”
Marriage isn’t easier because you are famous or you have money. Marriage takes the same amount of work regardless of your economic status. Magic and Cookie Johnson story shows us that no one exempt from trials, challenges, and even thoughts of divorce. Oh but God! They kept God first and remember why they got married. It wasn’t for the money, it wasn’t for the fame, it was because of their love and respect for each other.
Through the storm, they had to learn to rely on each other. The world was against them so who else but each other could they count on. Now they are 22 years in and growing and loving each other more.
[pullquote]“They’re really a power couple,” added Holly Robinson Peete, a longtime friend of both Magic and Cookie. “And yet you still see how in love they are. With grace, forgiveness and love, they represent everything that is real and authentic about Black love.”[/pullquote]
I know you wouldn’t think of Magic Johnson as being a role model but if you stop judging and really look at how God has worked in their marriage, yes Magic and Cookie Johnson marriage is a role model. They are now business owners, grandparents, and empty nesters that are embracing, growing together and loving each day.
Check out their complete story the July issue of EBONY on newsstands June 10.
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