Belinda Taylor--

God has been so faithful in my journey, although I have not always allowed Him the opportunity to lead my life.

For several years Gary and I were just existing and distant from one another ---- but no one else knew. All of our activities revolved about his friends and his activities or large planned family activities --- we were always great hosts. Things didn’t improve after our children left home and we were empty nesters. For the first time, I felt the need for a change. I had been a stay at home mom, had finally completed my degree and landed a good job — however, it was contractual with no benefits. After 4 years, my job became permanent with benefits and I could now support myself without any help from Gary and could make it on my own. He was aware of my new found independence, freedom, and confidence that I demonstrated.

About this time, our daughter Tiffani was married by Hope’s former paster Bill Shereos. Bill had a heart for the lost, not so unlike Blake. Tiffani had been very active in Hope’s Youth Ministry and the Singles Group — that is where she met the love of her life Josh. (We think he’s OK too) .

Dialog began between Gary, Tiffani and Pastor Bill. Although I was not a part of this dialog, I could see small changes taking place. We began attending Hope regularly and joined in a small group which was not at all what we felt comfortable with and dropped out. Later we tried another small group and it has been a good match ever since. I have taken part in some of the women’s bible studies including Beth Moore and also joined the Spectrum team which offered me a creative outlet without a lot of pressure. All have been an important part of my spiritual and community growth ---- Being somewhat of a private person I have been able to share some of my spiritual visions creatively, including a very special poem. I find myself sharing with others and Gary more openly than ever before. God has slowly been working in both of us and thinning the walls that divided us for so long. We always loved each other ---- now we like each too.

I had the opportunity to participate on the team that brought the Beth Moore simulcast to Hope’s new facility. I thought I would have just a small part in preparation for event, but from the start I had a sense that God wanted me to do more. Out of the blue, I volunteered to be the MC for the simulcast — something that I would normally never do. We were so busy preparing for the event that I did not prepare anything ahead of time — I had a calmness over me and was ready for the task ---- God was there as I have never experienced him before ---- he gave me the right words, at the right time, to say to the right audience — all with a sense of grace and peace. The oneness with Him that I felt when I allowed Him to be in control was awesome. ---- As I shared with the team afterward — "I was a one hit wonder." Several who attended the event from other churches, I see are now attending Hope.

The last year and a half has been difficult with the sudden death of my brother, life threatening and recurring health issues for my mother, a job change, divorce and rehab for my son, and temporarily sharing our home with our daughter son-in-law and 2 grandsons. This is our life ---- it was not our plan, but it was all in God’s plan. He had a purpose and He has given us what we need to go forward — there is Hope.

Others impacted by our faith include countless others that we may not know about and others including, our son & granddaughter, former daughter-in-law and 2 sons, my brother-in-law Tom who only asks questions, a nephew, and Gary’s brother who is considering attending.

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