My name is Taylor Beaver and this is my story:

"I’m 26 years  old. I’m a wife to my amazing husband and mom to two precious little girls, Oaklyn, almost 3 years old, and Brinley, 2 months old. I’ve been going to Henderson for almost 9 years, but I haven’t attended very regularly until about year and a half ago.

I grew up in an very unstable non-religious home and when I was 11 years old, both of my parents left my four other siblings and me for their addictions. Fortunately, my best friends parents became my guardians and raised me as their own. Until I had met them, I had never heard of Christ and His love. They took me to church very regularly, Henderson in fact, but it was hard for me to let go of my life and give it over to Christ after everything I had been through. 

Years passed and as I got older, I became angry at my biological parents for the choices they made. I was anxious to control my life so I could be sure that I would never end up like them. I became so focused on giving myself a better life that I found hope and security in how much money I was making, my career, friendships, parties, and materialism with hopes that it would make me happy and I learned pretty quickly that putting my hope into worldly things feels like a marathon with no finish line. 

After carrying all of this weight for many years, I finally broke down. I was tired of being angry, anxious, and trying to control things that were completely out of my control. I knew in that moment that God was talking to me and telling me to repent and give all my fears to him, so I did. 

Since then I recognize His love and presence everywhere. I don’t trust in my own efforts anymore because I know that God will take care of me. My troubles are not mine, they are His and that has given me the greatest peace. 

I am not perfect, but in my new life, I am truly thankful to my guardians for their discipleship and that I have a Heavenly Father who will not abandon me, who loves me, and who carries my fears and burdens and casts them away.

One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:6-7 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”