Ann
Ann Taylor
Although I was born in lil ol’ Mt. Vernon, Ohio, we moved to Kansas before I turned 5, resulting in my immediate and ongoing love affair with all things Kansas (Ad Astra per Aspera!). Seriously, there is nothing in the world like driving across the border into Kansas, seeing the rolling plains and watching the sunset spill out onto the prairie land- it’s truly one of the most beautiful things in the world. My parents are both musicians and music teachers, so my younger best-friend-sister and I grew up at outdoor orchestra concerts and peering out into the audience from behind stage curtains. Growing up is a blur of church, music, and the occasional uncoordinated sports or dance experience.
I graduated from Anderson University with degrees in Arts Administration and Voice, and after a short stint with Indianapolis Opera, landed in Louisville, Kentucky working for the Louisville Orchestra. It was there I started volunteering with the kids program at church (what what Southeast Christian!) and before I knew it, the majority of my non-work non-friends time was spent there. I felt God calling me to use the gifts He gave me in a different way, and *poof* months and months later I came to Little Rock to be the Creative Ministries Intern for FellowShip Kids. This has definitely been a season of learning to trust the Lord- a stressful season, but a blessed one too.
I was really, really, really blessed to grow up with parents who loved the Lord, and I became a Christian at the age of 5. I understood Jesus as a living Savior at the beginning of 6th grade, and I was totally (what’s the word- oh yes) blessed to have incredible Christian people pouring into my life from that age on. Even with all of the crazy moves, God has always provided a group of friends to live in genuine community with, and one older, wiser person to learn from. I’ve always thought that maybe He takes care of me in this way because I have so much to learn and I’m super stubborn so it takes me a long time to actually hear and respond to all that wisdom. (thanks, God).
Pop Quiz:
1. Favorite Jr. High fashion statement you wish you could resurrect
Now that I work with kids, I live out my Jr. High fashion memories daily. Huge 80s hair? Yes. Fluorescent pink shoes? Yes. Now, if I can just figure out some way to bring slap bracelets back, my life will be complete.
2. Top moment of personal glory or achievement
Winning 8 medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics… wait, that was Michael Phelps.
3. Aspect of God’s character most endearing to you
Infinitude: he knows no boundaries. His love is infinite. His faithfulness is infinite. His plan is infinite. He doesn’t know time, or gravity, or distance. I find so much comfort in thatJ
4. All time greatest jam for a High School Dance
Dancing is for sinners. But for all of you sinners out there (okay, and me), I’d say anything by MC Hammer or SNAP! Tell me you’re not singing “I’ve got the Power” right now…
5. Chief aspiration for the rest of this decade
I mean, please, there are a million, but if I can just hit these two I’ll claim success: Know and love my family and friends better than I do right now. Know and love my Savior better than I do right now.
Can You See Me Now?