My wife Lori and I were on the adventure of being proprietors of a bowling center in Ohio. We were living the dream. We were making great money. We bought a new house along with a new car. We were happy. We were living it up. Then the economy crashed, and it all went away. We lost our house and cars. Mostly, I lost my pride. I let my family down. I was in a deep depression. I worked my tail off to try to make things work, but it was not working.
One day I decided that I should move away and get a fresh start. So I investigated moving to the Carolinas. The Lowes store in Knightdale wanted me down there. We actually were in the Knightdale store and I told the Store Manager that I was not really excited about the areas we were looking at. So I asked him to tell me where the biggest area of hillbillies lived. He told me to head up highway 15-501 towards Roxboro. We ended up falling in love with Person County. It is pretty funny that we looked in the Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs areas and ended up in Person County. But Person County is special. Unlike any area I have ever been, the people are warm and happy. We were hooked that fast.
So anyway, we found a place and made the move. We struggled for a little bit when we made the move, but we were paying our bills. I was getting frustrated. I worked as hard as I could and it seemed like we were just making it. I was still disappointed. I thought to myself, let’s find a church and change our way of life. I have always believed in the Lord but did not put him near my priority list.
We visited several churches in the area and could not get one to click for the entire family. I would find one that fit me but not the kids and then find one that fit the kids and not me. Lori was taking Rachael (our youngest daughter) to soccer and was approached by Pastor Philip. He invited us to Warren’s Grove. We did attend, and fell in love. The kids were excited and Lori and I were excited. We have not been involved in anything like it. There is something about the pastor of the church sitting up at the altar singing a song about peanut butter and jelly. And there is something about the praise band leader wearing a teenage mutant ninja turtle’s shirt. But mostly, the amazingly warm welcome from the church. Everyone made us feel like members the first day. We knew the Lord brought us to Warren’s Grove.
I was still battling the Truth. I was saying I was a Christian, but not living Him out. I was not faithful to God. Until one day during Sunday school, Anita was telling us a little about Buddhism. Buddhists believe they are their own gods. She also indicated that Buddhists believe it is their own responsibility to make good things happen. I realized I was in that category. That one conversation on that one Sunday, the Lord got through to me. I was excited. I now pray and let God guide my decisions. I have found myself depending on God and “Wow!” what a difference.
Knowing that I am not alone is an awesome feeling. Things are improving in my life. Unlike before I am living it up with God. His inspiration is a huge confidence booster. The influence directing me is guiding me to be a better husband and father. God has a plan for everyone. As I look at my life, I had it all and lost it all. But was that the plan? I believe so. If I did not lose everything, maybe I would still be content. Since I did, I moved to Person County, where I found Warren’s Grove. Was that his plan? Absolutely. Thanks to God’s direction I found his unbelievable Love within our church. Now I can live on and move to Ohio with the confidence that God is behind me every step of the way. I want to thank Warren’s Grove for being such an amazing church. The congregation is supportive and I can really feel the Holy Spirit throughout the church. Thank you so much for being there for my family. I will miss everyone and especially miss the potluck dinners. The southern cooking is awesome. I love you all! Rick Taylor
