With God's Grace

By Carmen Taylor

This memoir explains how God delivered a shy introverted woman to change society.. Growing up in a large family and living very modestly she was blessed to overcome trails and tribulations as an adult , Her story has become an inspiration to many.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carmen Taylor
• Release date: May 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370759521

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

This memoir illustrates how God delivered me to inspire others. I came from a large family and we were not well off. But I had loving parents who enriched me with spiritual gifts that shaped me into the woman I am to write this book

As I entered womanhood, I thought my future would be like the status quo. It was my goal to earn a college degree, a career, get married and have a family. But God had another plan for me.

Before I reached my destiny, I was considered a loner, weird and rejected by some people and faced with incredible trials and tribulations. I prayed to God for survival. Not only do I thank Him for my life, I appreciate Him for all he has done. By my lifestyle alone I have inspired many and it is my destiny to continue doing so.

It is my hope to bring forth inspiration to everyone reading this book. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we can all make a difference with God’s guidance. I especially want young people to make a positive mark in society We need their God given talents and abilities to build a better world. Enjoy reading.

Thank you.

Chapter 1

In The Beginning

I was born during the civil rights era feeling full of love and happiness. My loving parents George and Laurice Taylor married relatively young and had seven children. I was the fifth child, first daughter and the exact image of my mother. Most of my siblings and I were born with lifetime illnesses. Two of my brothers died from their illnesses. That was a sad time in my life. But in spite of the tragic events growing up was a loving memorable experience When I was a little girl I felt blessed, gifted and fortunate. I was born and grew up in Harlem. I perceived the environment as a place where race had no barriers to what you really wanted to achieve. Although there were people hanging out in the street with criminal mentalities. I always avoided them. I paid attention to the positive influences such as black own businesses and I admired and respected our African American leaders who influence the world, such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and Thurgood Marshall. They forever set a pace that inspired me to grow with pride, dignity. love and responsibility for myself and others. They paved the way for a better future for generations. Their philosophies became part of my upbringing. These leaders influence me my entire life,

The Harlem experience created an atmosphere of respect and kinship for my people. People of African descent are often taught to hate each other because of the lies taught to them for generations. But I love my race. I love it because of our rich history. I also admire the strivers who lived in Harlem who also paved the way for future generations. Some of them were Maya Angelo, James Baldwin, Tupac Shakur, Sammy Davis Jr, Robert Haggins and many, many more. They each exhibited a level of respect for us all to emulate.

When I lived in Harlem people had pride in the community There were more black businesses. There were historical landmarks that are just as prominent today as they were yesterday such as The Schomberg Center for Research and Black Culture, the Abyssinian Baptist Church and the Apollo Theater. There was a more order in the communities as well. It was highly unlikely for children to drop out of school to hang out in the street Women were treated with much more respect and dignity than they are today. They were not called derogatory names in public places by strange men, women and children. I never knew of anyone homeless back then. There were more marriages. And the community would watch over each other’s children. Children had more respect for their elders. And most men would be too ashamed to even talk to a woman without having a job. Most fathers took care of their children. And catching a STD didn’t mean a death sentence. We are still fighting for injustice as we were back then. But our leaders made it possible for more blacks to become successful and prosperous today. Harlem was a place where you could get ahead if you wanted to. It was all up to you.

We lived in a three-bedroom railroad apartment on the top floor. My five brothers had the largest bedroom, my sister and I took the medium size and my parents shared the smallest.