Chapter Thirty-Three
The Holiday Inn was packed with women from various parts of the city, all seeking God and desiring to reach for a new level. As a member of the women’s retreat committee, Taylor was busy checking that everything ran smoothly. Thus far, the conference had been a success.
Saturday night was the last night of the conference. Before the final sermon was to take place, the women had an opportunity to dress up and attend an awards banquet. At Taylor’s request, this year the banquet included a fashion show. When she decided to wait on the second store, Taylor busied herself by creating new clothing designs. The fashion show would be the first time a large number of people viewed them.
In between the presentation of awards, a new collection of clothes was presented to the audience. Taylor was in the back helping the models get ready for the runway. She was applying a new eye shadow on one of the models when she heard someone announce her name. “Taylor, that’s you!” several people shouted at once. “You won an award!”
Shocked, Taylor smoothed her hair into place and left the dressing room. As she approached the stage, she was met by a round of applause. Taylor had no idea she had even been nominated. She walked faster when she saw her best friends waiting for her at the podium.
“C’mon, Tay,” Sherry said, inviting her up to the podium. She placed a huge bouquet of flowers in her hand.
“Taylor Belle,” Kara said, “please accept this award for all of the work you’ve done with the women in the church and in the community. We don’t get to say it often, but we truly appreciate all that you do. Continue to bless the world with your very special gift.” Kara handed Taylor a plaque, and before she could speak, Sherry took the mic.
“For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity of meeting this wonderful lady, she is the owner of Second Chance in Chestnut Hill. The clothes that you are seeing this evening have all been designed by her hands. Taylor has also donated a wealth of items to various women’s shelters in the city, and she provides a number of women each year with clothes for interviews, and teenagers their dresses for the senior prom.”
Several people stood to their feet when Sherry was finished, and Taylor blushed. This was all unexpected. Taylor kissed her friends and made her way to the forefront. “You have no idea how blessed I feel today. Just when you think God has forgotten about you, something wonderful and special happens.” Taylor noticed Gizelle in the crowd and was moved to speak from her heart. “For almost a year, I prayed the same prayer day and night, and for months things in my life seemed to get worse. It’s funny that I’m receiving this award. Since my store opened, I’ve always donated items, but when I couldn’t get money to open a second store, I started doing more. As I look out into the crowd, I’m encouraged to keep doing more, because in the end, only what’s done for Christ will last. Follow Him and He will reward you. Thank you.”
More applause filled the room, and as Taylor made her way back to the dressing room, one of the members tugged at her arm. “I remember the struggle, Sister Belle,” the woman said and placed a check in Taylor’s hand. “Continue to do God’s work. What you’re doing for the community means a lot to a number of people.”
Taylor had managed to keep from crying, but she could feel tears forming. “Thank you,” she said and kissed the lady on the cheek.
As she continued down the aisle, another woman jumped in front of her and placed a hundred-dollar bill in her hand. “I appreciate what you did for my niece,” she said and reclaimed her seat.
Taylor was crying now. She walked slower than before, and again she was stopped by a group of women, all stuffing monetary gifts into her hands. She could barely hold everything at once.
As women across the room gathered around Taylor, the choir director played a few verses of Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It.”
Overcome with emotion, Taylor dropped to the floor and cried out to God. Her increase had finally arrived. Life at home was better, and her business was moving in a new direction. All she needed was for her in-laws to accept her for who she was, a child of God.