How Sweet The Sound...

The lives of the Taylor family were deeply affected by the harsh conditions of plantation life in the rural south. They were not to be burdened by circumstances. Families were broken, battered and bruised. Lives and loves were lost. Yet, they believed God would enable them to endure every hardship. Humiliation and degradation was not enough to deter them from their faith. The Taylor family was a well respected family in the Church and community. Out of their own unselfish need to love and be loved, they reached out to others. When it was not always favorable, encouragement and hope was offered during tumultuous and stressful situations. Through determination and conviction they persevered and turned tragedy into triumph.

God's Amazing Grace is a true story of plantation life in the early 1900's. My great-grandmother, grandmother and mother are three of the central characters portrayed in the book. They are three tenacious women who overcame barriers that threatened the core values of family and the sanctity of life. When faced with burdens and opposition, each of them was challenged to remain fortified in their faith. I am blessed to be a fourth generation of these strong and courageous women, who stood the test of time regardless of their circumstances.

I have modeled my character after their beliefs and rock- solid faith in God. I am humbled by their experiences, wisdom and judgment in the best and worst of times. We will never lose sight of where we've been, where we're going and who we're striving to become. Clara O. Barnes is the founder and pastor of Living Waters Church of Worship. She is the mother of two sons, Steven and Ti; and the proud grandmother of six grandchildren. She and her loving husband of thirty-five years reside in Greenwood, South Carolina.