Faith @ Work: Desiree Taylor, Baptist Health

RRC: What is the best thing about being a believer?

DT: Having an inner knowing and confidence that all things will work out for my good (Romans 8:28) and that the pages of my life are already written by God (Psalm 139:15-16)!

RRC: Why were you passionate about becoming the Marketing Coordinator at Baptist Health in Montgomery?

DT: I have a servant’s heart, so I want to help others in any way I can. I’ve always loved to inspire and encourage others through two-way communication and storytelling. This job allows me to inspire and help others with their various projects, whether collaborating with our graphic designer to create a winning design for a flier or working with a printer to print a banner design for a specific event. I want our team members to be pleased. I want them to have confidence in the work our marketing team performs. I work with amazing people, and I enjoy making others happy!

RRC: You believe in divine connections. How has this helped in your personal and professional life?

DT: Every person I’ve met, personally or professionally, has been God-ordained. I am grateful for every positive deposit made and for others’ belief in me. Those interactions, big or small, have impacted my life.

RRC: Being the oldest of six girls, how was your faith instrumental in your sisters’ lives growing up?

DT: As the eldest, I believe I was the guinea pig for my parents. I wanted to set an example for my sisters and show them it was okay to be “set apart” and not like the crowd. I wanted them to see it was okay to be young and on fire for God while working hard to achieve great things. I was the first in our family to graduate from college, receive an advanced degree, and leave home to live in another state. Most of my siblings have degrees; one recently completed a Master’s degree. My siblings have also traveled all over the country and abroad. We’ve had some ups and downs, but our faith has kept us strong as a family.

RRC: How has God and religion helped you get through tough times?

DT: I have experienced bad relationships and even bouts of poverty growing up, and my relationship with Jesus kept me strong and determined to be successful. I did not finish undergraduate school in four years due to having to start and stop and work most of the time to pay for tuition. God helped me to overcome obstacles. I wrote a book titled I AM by Des Taylor, which is a compilation of positive affirmations that encouraged me through tough times. I hope it will encourage other women, too.

RRC: How do you participate in the spiritual life within your community?

DT: I try to be a mentor to the young adult women at my House of Worship. Many will come to me for educational, career, and relationship advice. I feel honored that they believe my advice is significant. My parents were leaders in the church, and my dad was instrumental and adamant about keeping his kids in church. It shaped my trajectory in life to pour my faith into my community.

RRC: What advice would you give someone who has difficulty believing and trusting in God?

DT: It is natural to have doubts or questions. Faith is key. (Hebrews 11) You trust when you can’t see or feel Him and believe God is real and with you. If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you! Life is challenging, but knowing God is there helps you cope a little bit better. (John 16:33) He gives a peace that is beyond understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

RRC: How do you live out your faith in a way that exemplifies God’s love?

DT: I am intentional about showing love to others and making sure that I am consistently demonstrating God’s love in every situation. I am deliberate about ensuring my walk is the same as my talk – not hypocritical or judgmental. The Bible says, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and truth.” (1 John 3:18) “I am a firm believer that love is what love does.” (John 13:35)

---

Desiree Taylor is a proud aunt to ten nieces and nephews who positively impact her life. She was born in Spain and lived in various places exposing her to different backgrounds. She currently resides in Montgomery, AL.