Introduction of In & Out of Season

Today I interview Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor, the author of In & Out of Season: Thriving in Life’s Transitions. She offers an honest, humble story of hope and healing after the loss of her husband and her life in & out of season.

What things did you learn by watching your husband suffer In & Out of Season?

Watching my husband suffer taught me profound lessons about faith, resilience, and the strength of love. In & out of season, I learned that life is not always easy and the importance of trusting God’s plan, even when circumstances seem unbearable.

Witnessing his faith through pain:

• showed me the true meaning of perseverance
• deepened my understanding of selflessness as caregiving became an act of love and devotion
• gave me hope in God’s eternal promises
• increased my comfort and strength beyond the present pain
• taught me not to fear death-the passage into the presence of God and fullness of joy

Was there ever a time you wanted to run away from caregiving? If so, why didn’t you?

Yes, there were moments when the weight of caregiving felt overwhelming, and I wanted to run away from the immense responsibility. The physical, emotional, and mental strain at times made me feel like I couldn’t continue. However, I didn’t run away because

• I understood the depth of my commitment to God, to my husband, and our covenant marriage.
• I knew he needed me and often expressed his deep appreciation for my care and support.
• His strength along with my faith gave me the courage to carry on each day.
• The opportunity to walk with him on that journey allowed us to connect in ways that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

How did you train your daughters to stand on their own and be ready for college?

• God graced my husband and me as parents to impart convictions in our daughters.
• We prepared them to stand confidently as they approached college and adulthood.
• I wanted them to understand their value and self-worth.
• I never wanted them to feel the need for a man to complete them but to be whole in themselves.
• If God blessed them with spouses later, the spouses would complement their lives rather than be two needy people who limped to hold each other up.
• My husband and I trained them to be leaders not followers.
• We intentionally taught them how to value themselves as they were often the minority in their school, our community, and among their friends.
• As a women’s mentor, my insight into my daughters’ needs grew.
• I desired that they become the women God called them to be and live lives of purpose.
• I want them to enjoy their lives, put God first, and trust Him with their future.
• My daughters said it best on my 60th birthday, “My mom taught us how to be the only black person in a room and that even if we didn’t see ourselves represented in a space, we should take up all the space possible and never shrink and make ourselves small so that others would feel comfortable.”

How could you move in & out of season and do the things you and your husband had planned to do together?

• That process took time. It didn’t happen overnight.
• I learned to understand and accept the truth that my husband is in “a better place.”
• I miss him dearly but came to terms with the fact that he fulfilled his assignment as a godly husband, father, and man of God.
• His life was completed, but mine continues to fulfill what God has for me and to do the things that would honor the memory of my husband.
• We often spoke about life after he was gone, and he wanted the best for me to be happy, fulfilled, and filled with joy.

Where do you see yourself in one year, three years, five years?

• I am open to and committed to whatever God has in store for me.
• For years, that has centered on empowering, equipping, and encouraging women to thrive in various seasons of their lives.
• I remain receptive to expand this mission or move in a new direction if that is His will.
• I see myself enjoying quality time with my family and children.
• I desire to travel, explore new places, and experience different cultures.
• I hope to remarry as I miss having someone with whom to pray and share my innermost thoughts and secrets.
• These connections are important to me, and I look forward to the possibilities the future holds.
• I focus on living in the moment and embracing the joy each day brings.
• I do set goals, but I place all of my plans in God’s hands.
• I remain willing to shift course whenever He directs.