"In Christ Alone" by Mary Taylor

I was born into a home where faith was not just something we talked about—it was something we lived. My parents and grandparents were active in the Presbyterian Church, and from my earliest memories, faith was interwoven into the rhythm of our daily lives. One of my first church memories is playing Mary in the Christmas pageant at the Presbyterian Church in Sandusky, Michigan. It seemed fitting, after all, as my name was Mary. But one year, I decided I wanted to be an angel instead. Looking back, that moment reminds me of how faith has shaped my journey—not just standing in one role, but growing, learning, and embracing new ways to serve God.

My family moved from Michigan to Pennsylvania when I was in fourth grade. The world was changing around us—assassinations, wars, protests—but my home was a place of love and stability. My father was a hard worker who provided for us, and my mother was endlessly creative, sewing my clothes, gardening, and making our house a home. My brother, John, was a wrestler in high school and college, and I was his number one fan. We had a wonderful childhood, but like any family, there were bumps along the way. The world beyond our home seemed turbulent.  While still in Michigan, I remember hearing nightly radio reports about the Korean War, always hopeful when the announcer said the war would end soon, only to be disappointed when the conflict continued. Later, as I grew older, I witnessed the assassinations of President Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert Kennedy. There were the Vietnam War, race riots, and the killings at Kent State University in Ohio. These moments shaped my understanding of the world and deepened my belief that we all needed God’s peace and love more than ever.

Through every season of life, my faith remained my foundation. I never remember not being a Christian, but I do know that my faith has been, and continues to be, a work in progress. In eighth grade, during a school career exploration project, I even considered becoming a minister. Though I didn’t follow that path, I learned that I loved the Lord deeply. That love led me to a life of serving in the church—leading Bible studies, teaching adult Sunday school, guiding youth, serving as an elder, and even leading baptism and new membership classes. Church has never been just a place I go; it has been a part of who I am.

One of the most defining moments of my life was meeting Chuck. We worked on the same floor at Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh, but in different departments. A sorority sister of mine dragged me down the hall one day to introduce me to him—in front of his entire office! I thought he would never ask me out, but eventually, he did. On our first date, I glanced over at him during the movie and thought;  I could spend the rest of my life with him. I didn’t tell him that right away, of course, but here we are, 56 years later, still best friends and partners in faith.

Marriage, like life, has its ups and downs, but love and faith has been our anchor. We have depended on God in every season, and He has been faithful. There was one particularly tragic time we faced in our lives together. Through the support of our pastor, Christian friends, and family, God led us through this desperate time together. We learned what it truly means to trust in God. There are moments in life when the road ahead seems uncertain, but in those times, faith is what carries us forward.

Our biggest leap of faith came when we moved to Maine to be near our family after a lifetime in Pennsylvania. Leaving behind decades of friendships was not easy, but God led us here. I am constantly reminded that God places us where we need to be at just the right time. My first friend in Houlton was Shirley, our town’s unofficial historian. She nurtured us in the "Houlton way" of life. More recently, I have found a deep and meaningful friendship with Angela, who has become both a close friend and a Christian companion. Through Bible studies and heartfelt conversations, we have grown together in faith.  As couples, we enjoy spending time together too.

Faith has shaped every part of my life—my marriage, my friendships, and even my physical challenges. I have undergone a hip replacement and having both knees replaced. Now I struggle with a very painful back. There are days when patience wears thin, and I wonder if a solution will come. But through it all, I trust that God is with me. Some challenges are physical, but others are emotional and spiritual. There are times of waiting, times of healing, and times of simply resting in God’s presence. Each trial has strengthened my faith, teaching me perseverance and trust.

If I could pass one message on to my family, it would be this: I love you with all my heart, and I am proud of you and all your accomplishments. I pray that my daughter, Molly, and my granddaughter, Taylor, have a personal relationship with the Lord. I know that faith is a journey, and each person must come to know God in their own way and time. I continue to pray that they experience His presence in their lives.

Throughout my life, I have tried to live my faith every day. I will never forget a dear friend, Tahirah, who was Muslim. One day, she said to me, “I want what you have,” and she eventually converted to Christianity.  That moment reminded me of something powerful: we don’t just share our faith through words—we share it through how we live. People see Christ in our kindness, our patience, our forgiveness, and our love. Sometimes our actions speak louder than our words.

Hymns have been important in my faith journey. My favorite hymns, In Christ Alone and Spirit of the Living God, deeply resonate with me. In Christ Alone reminds me of what Christ has done for us and what He means to me, while Spirit of the Living God speaks to how God continues to shape and mold me each day. These hymns have been anthems of my spiritual walk, bringing me peace and strength through every season of life.

I have also found great joy in reading. Though I do not have a favorite book, I enjoy historical novels, especially during the summer when I can sit outside on the patio and soak in the sunshine. Books have a way of transporting me to different times and places, and they remind me of the beauty and complexity of God's creation throughout history.

If I could be remembered for one thing, it would be as someone who lived out my faith daily, offering kindness, love, and encouragement to those around me. Life is a journey, full of joys and struggles, but through it all, God has been faithful. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

I have learned that life is best lived one day at a time. Some days are joyful, some are challenging, but each is a gift. I hope that my life has been a testimony of God’s goodness, and I trust that He will continue to lead me in the days ahead. My story is not just about where I’ve been, but about where I am going—always trusting, always believing, and always grateful for the journey.