Tacoma

Tacoma is a staple member of Group.



She told her story last year at a fundraiser and this is what she wrote and spoke:

I am a strong woman.
I am a woman who has survived.
I am a woman who loves her children.
I am a woman who has been hurt beyond words.

My story began August 2007 when through a domestic violence situation, I lost everything in one day and became homeless not only me but my daughter also. We went from living in a house to living in a shelter and I felt hopeless and blind to how I didn't see this coming. That's when my faith was tested. Not being from here, someone told me about the Church of the Reconciler.

I remember pulling up behind a blue van and an older gentleman I'll call Pops told me the Church of the Reconciler was a good church and it could help my daughter and I.

Once I came through the doors, I was greeted by Rev. Higgs and it was then that I knew I was home and through time I have found an extended family and met many wonderful people.

I remember Rev. Higgs giving my daughter Christmas gifts when I couldn't afford them. I remember Mr. Lee helping me get furniture for our apartment and Ms. Bertha helping us with the referrals for the things we needed, but through it all I knew God would bring me out of the darkness.

I have seen this church grow into a blessing for so many as well as for myself.  I now have a sense of purpose by volunteering my time at the Church of the Reconciler whenever I can for Women's Meeting on Tuesdays and a Housing Meeting on Thursdays and being a Case Manager for Shelter Plus.

I was to thank Mr. Adam Burns for this opportunity to tell my story but for also being the first to realize that the women of the church need a meeting once a week not just once a month and for that I can't thank him enough.  I have learned through my experience that through God all things are possible.

I have learned that I am a woman who can use my story to help other women.

I will use my strength to love my God, myself and my children for I was once blind but now I see.

Thank you for letting me tell my story and thank you for all of you who have helped me on my journey, for once I was blind and now I see.

I asked Tacoma what she would do if she had an entire day to herself and money was not an issue, what would she do?
She said, "I don't know...I guess pamper myself at a spa and read a book. I have a simple life, my friend."
How many of us can relate???

Thank you Group for shrinking bridges...