Since the message forum has been flavored with our faiths, why don't we talk about our memories of churches in Belle Glade that may have had influence on our lives.

For instance, my parents brough my sisters and I up in the episcopal church - St. John's the Apostle.  It was across the street from the football field. I had a great many classmates in church with my family 0 the Lovells, the Zumphs, the Kinlaws, the Paynes, the Jones, the Painters, the Ayers.  Mother would make us attend the 7 am service so daddy could get to the golf course for his Sunday round of golf.  Oh how we hated to get up that early.  But looking back, I am now grateful for the discipline and sense of community the church has brought to my life.  I have had several great church homes throughout the years and am grateful for the spiritual growth each has contributed to my life.

Do you remember the day JFK was shot.  It was St. John's bell the rang through the school campuses in reverence to his death.  I remember running down the hallway and getting caught by one of the teachers and having to stay after school that day.

I was always envious of the MFW as they always had great youth groups and get togethers.  What about you?

Dolly

Dolly, I was telling Dickie and Karen  that I really didn't attend church much when I was in Belle Glade. My Mom went to a little holiness church there in Chosen, but we seldom went with her. As a child we didn't go to church regularly either. We went to VBS at local churches growing up with neighborhood kids.  I was actually baptized in a Mormon church when I was 12. Thankfully, my Dad forbid us to go there anymore when we told him they didn't believe in drinking tea. My teen years were spent in a Country church here in NC. I suppose I was a bit  of a rebel and ran from any faith except when times were tuff and I'd cry to God for help. I think alot of people rely on God during life's storms and forget  about Him when there's smooth sailing. 

There have been times in my life that I became very angry with God. My mom's death when I was 19. and again when he took my friend Buddy at such a young age and just when we had finally gotten together. But as I have aged and grown closer, I now realize more than ever that every thing happens for a reason. I love and trust the Lord in all things. Sure I'm human and I make mistakes. I often try to take things into my own hands  and boy doesn't  that end up in a huge mess.   I read this the other day and it was very meaningful to me Especially after the recent breakup I experienced. :   WHEN GOD TAKES SOMETHING FROM YOUR GRASP, HE'S NOT PUNISHING YOU, BUT MERELY OPENING YOUR HANDS TO RECEIVE SOMETHING BETTER.

Sherry, thanks for sharing your journey in faith.  The one thing God does is give us the time for find our way. He doesn't judge and he doesn't forsake us in our times of despair or anger.  He never leaves us alone although we might feel abandoned.  Our faith is what sustains us through the life lessons and mistakes we each experience - I'm am lucky my parents instill the discipline although I've wandered in/out of church throughout my adult life.  Having loss my dad last year, my nephew in January and a brother in law currently dying of lung cancer at this time, I've rely on reading about faith to get me through the sadness.  ANd, to help me keep life in perspective.  My dad was a Morman in his early years.  When he and mother married they found the Episcopal Church to raise us girls.  It was the one staple of our upbringing.  Thanks goodness for old fashion values. I love your honesty and transparency.  Keep the faith.  Dolly