Carol Boseman Taylor is the author of I Promise. Rejoice!, a devotional/life guide published by Nurturing Faith, the publishing imprint of Good Faith Media.
Growing up in the Episcopal Church, she has been active in the Baptist tradition since her marriage to Charles E. (Chuck) Taylor Jr. in 1968.
They live in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and have three adult daughters – Mary Blythe Taylor (an ordained minister), Anna Taylor Freeman and Erin Taylor Rice – and five grandchildren.
- What story, verse or passage from your faith tradition’s sacred texts has significantly influenced / shaped your life?
Jeremiah 29:10-14.
I first received this verse when my husband was contemplating a change of job to a new place. I truly was not thrilled about going, but God gave me this verse and has been faithful to be true to these promises in my life.
- Who are three people (other than your family) who have shaped your life and worldview? And why?
Ruth Britton Hundley. She was from Conway, North Carolina, and my grandfather’s youngest sister as well as being one of the most serene and godly women I have ever known. Life was difficult for her in many ways (her husband was an abusive man), but she always had a smile on her face and a good word for everyone who visited her. You left her presence feeling better every time you saw her.
Elaine Kirkman. I met Elaine at Wingate Baptist Church. She and her husband, Jerry, stayed in touch with everyone and ministered from their home and car with food, flowers, prayers, visits and phone calls. When I started a prayer shawl ministry at Wingate Baptist, though she did not knit or crochet, she offered to be the administrator of the ministry. All our meetings were held in her home. She delivered or mailed all the shawls to the recipients and kept a scrapbook of thank-you notes and information about the ministry. She is one of the most selfless people I know.
Sue Collins Taylor. She was my aunt by marriage and was gentle and humble in spirit. She never sought recognition or notice, but quietly went her way doing what God called her to do. When my husband wanted me to meet his larger family before we were married, we went to her home where she made me feel welcome and wanted from the first moment I set eyes on her. She always said “thank you” for every single thing you may have done for her. Her kindness and unassuming spirit was unparalleled among all my acquaintances.
- List three of your “desert island” books, movies or TV shows.
Onion Ring Theology by Charles E. Taylor Jr., published by Nurturing Faith Publishing.
God Calling written by two listeners and edited by A.J. Russell. This was my inspiration for “listening to God” and the reason my book was published.
All books by Agatha Christie. What can I say? I love mysteries and love to watch these on BritBox.
- What is one of the most critical issues people are facing today?
Failure to love their neighbor. There is so much lying, untruth and selfishness in politics that it has bled into everyday life. My heart breaks daily with what I read, hear and observe.
- What are a few of your hobbies?
Knitting: I love to knit and have started prayer shawl ministries at Wingate Baptist Church, Forest Hills Baptist Church in Raleigh and Lakeside Baptist Church in Rocky Mount.
Reading: I am not happy unless there is a book or Kindle in my hand. I just love reading and have loved it my entire life.
Watercolor: Though I am far from accomplished, I love to lose myself in painting. I first took lessons with Louise Napier at Wingate University and found a peace in painting.
- If you could freeze your life into an already-lived 10 seconds, what would they be?
The first view of the Amalfi Coast.
My husband, Chuck, and I have been blessed to be able to travel with students and also with friends to many countries (France, Croatia, China, India, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Tunisia, Italy, Greece, Malta, Mexico and so on) but in 2018 we took a 50th anniversary trip with three couples who had been our prayer partners for 35 years. It was a trip of a lifetime, and the highlight for me was the beauty of the Amalfi Coast.
- Our tagline at Good Faith Media is, “There’s more to tell.” What’s your “more to tell”?
On March 27, 2021, I was suddenly struck down with a stroke – a brain bleed on both sides of my brain. It was in an inoperable location.
I was transported from our local hospital to a hospital in Raleigh that had a neurological unit where I was a visitor in the ICU for five days. It could have been deadly. In fact, I was told that most people who had what I experienced die; the rest get better.
During that week (and since), I experienced a peace from God unlike any I have ever had. Never once was I afraid. Never once was I depressed. I even felt “happy.”
It was a miracle. My recovery is a miracle. I am grateful and blessed.
Note: Because of this stroke and my continued recovery process, I resigned from serving on the Good Faith Media strategic advisory board. I love these folks and will follow GFM with a great deal of interest and love.
Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
