Sherry Wright
People Matter. God has surrounded me with amazing people throughout my life, and I’m eternally grateful. Who knew that a much-dreaded family move the summer after 7th grade would land me in Mrs. Cassada’s English class with the love of my life – my future husband Andy. We parted ways for college – VCU for me, and ODU for Andy – then married in 1989 after graduating. 1991 – 1996 was a crazy blur of baby daughters – Rachel, Lauren and Savannah – who continue to amaze, amuse and inspire me. My family is the center of my life. So far as how I came to know Jesus, I recall that, “Life is a journey, not a destination …” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. My parents brought me up in church, and I have fond memories of ice cream socials, youth group retreats and rock-a-thons. I loved the fellowship, and I knew the words & rituals, but I didn’t really understand God being actively involved in my life. Our youth group grew up and went our separate ways. I stopped going to church. My thoughts changed when our daughters were born. I wanted to attend church as a family, so we tried my home church. But with no younger families joining over the years, the congregation had aged and there were few programs for young children. My husband and I were invited to a young adult group, so we went and learned of our pastor’s vision to start a new church. I’ll never forget the “Mission Impossible” theme song playing on a cassette tape as the few families that would start New Song Church gathered around the boom box and took a leap of faith together. What a journey! Now, years later, I understand who God is, and what he is capable of. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of His big plan!