A Blessed Life (23)
Just prior to ending the second season of ministry at Fisherville we had our third child. Stephen was born on August 12, 1970. I was out of town preaching in a revival meeting, and a dear lady at Fisherville was with Colleen when Stephen came into this world. I now add that mistake on my part to a long list of failures that can only be covered by the grace of God. Such shortcomings serve as reminders that only God can deal with our past and deliver us a future.
Shortly after this time I began working in the insurance and investment business as a representative for Investors Diversified Services. My heart was not in it. I floundered and was failing. Somehow we managed to borrow money and buy a small fifty-five acre farm in Green County near Colleen’s parents. For two years I played at farming and continued pretending to be a financial adviser. Oh, by the way, before we moved to the farm we had another beautiful baby boy. Jonathan was born on September 6, 1972. I needed to rise to the occasion, but I sank into depression. During this difficult time we did find fellowship in the Aetna Grove Baptist Church. I taught Sunday school, and found my best moments when the young pastor allowed me to preach. The joy I felt when preaching and other church activities should have given me a clue, but at the time I felt out of options.
There came a day when a major decision had to be made. We were nearing the breaking point financially, emotionally and spiritually. So it was off to the bank which held our mortgage. More precisely we went to see our banker at home on his off day. After listening to our sad story for about five or ten minutes he interrupted. Speaking directly to me he said, “Terry, are you running away from God? If your are you will never be successful at anything.” Once again I found myself blessed. This time it was a banker who provided far more than financial advice. Through this dear man God was offering a future and hope.
– Terry A. Morrison