Terri Talley

Thank your for taking the time to check out the gofundme page to support Terri Talley!  

As a former Northwestern student who was blessed by "Mrs. Talley's"  work and ministry, it is always refreshing whenever we have the opportunity to reconnect.  One of those times was about 6 months ago.  In a phone conversation with Terri, she recounted the journey she has been on.  She explored the impact that Lyme disease has had on her life, she talked about discerning God's voice and the calling He has placed on this next season, and she mentioned the financial obstacles that would accompany this endeavor.  

At that moment, I almost interrupted to say,

"Terri! I'd like to make you a gofundme!" 

Surprised, and admittedly reluctant, she listened as I went on. 

"You have invested so deeply, personally, and spiritually in so many leaders of this generation through your time teaching, counseling, and mentoring.  There are people, LOTS of people, who will want to give back by investing in you!!  I know that it would bless me and others as your former students and colleagues, as well as your friends to have the opportunity to partner with you in this way!  You've got a story...a testimony...that is worth sharing!  A story of trust in God, surrender, steadfastness, hope, commitment, obedience, listening, and freedom from hopelessness.  I think you should let people into this journey with you!!" 

She listened graciously, nervously chuckled a few times, and said she would pray about it.   And she did.  A few months later, when we revisited this topic, Terri responded by sharing her heart and ultimately saying, "okay." 

So now, with gladness, love, and a whole lot of hope, I'm reaching out to you and asking for your help.  Would you take a few moments to hear Terri's story below.  Then, would you join me in investing in Terri, a beloved friend, family member, teacher, mentor, and colleague, as she steps out in faith into this new season. 


Terri's Story:  Then and Now

"The summer of 2013 I disappointingly submitted a letter of resignation for a vocation I dearly loved. I invested a couple decades into what I saw as a labor of love teaching and mentoring college students.  After years of struggling with chronic Lyme, I could no longer function well enough to teach and mentor. Lyme tenaciously invaded my body and life, stealing any resemblance of what I knew as ‘normal’. Neurological issues significantly impacted my memory and cognitive functioning; a significant loss to me was the inability to read. I battled several other complications:  digestive issues, muscular issues, vision problems, extreme fatigue, chronic pain and weakness, inability to walk for stretches of time, many doctor appointments, a medicinal PICC line for eight months, doctor orders to not drive… thus a rearranged lifestyle became my new normal. There were so many ‘couch days’ (this was our code language, so my husband had an idea of what to expect when he returned from work). I utilized short-term disability and then was denied long-term disability (the insurance company did not acknowledge Lyme as potentially debilitating). It was a scary, sad, and confusing place to be for nine years. That was then.

Now, in 2019, though I am healthier, a few effects of Lyme linger. I am delighted to say I can read again! I still navigate digestive issues, limits on my energy, and an occasional migraine. This journey has been long, difficult and expensive as we have significantly depleted my retirement funds to pay medical expenses. Yet, this journey has certainly been life enriching! My faith was challenged and deepened through this season of suffering with chronic illness. I discern it was a season of pruning and dormancy where roots grew deep, and now new life is beginning to emerge. One thing that brought life, clarity and hope to me over the past seven years was time spent regularly with a spiritual director. I was able to rest in God’s sovereignty and deep love. Spiritual direction was a life-line inviting me to trust and abide in the Lord through adversity. Over this past year as my health increased, I noticed a desire to engage in vocation again.  At this point the rigor and demands of full-time teaching is not an option. After much prayer and counsel, I have discerned a clear call to be a spiritual director. Now, I desire to be trained as a spiritual director to minister to people as I have been so richly blessed!

I believe there is a great need for spiritual guidance and direction today in a world of much distraction, stress, and consumerism. Many things vie for our hearts and minds. It is a challenge to be still and listen to the Lord, growing deeper in love with Him. Solitude and spiritual practices bring life to weary souls. God is further equipping me to sit with people in these places coming alongside their spiritual journeys. I am excited to announce I have been accepted into a two-year spiritual direction training program starting in September. I’m grateful and hopeful for this next season in my life continuing to trust in the Lord’s provision and guidance. My heart leaps with joy at the possibility of what lies ahead.  I invite your prayers and financial investment toward this next season God is unfolding.