"A Mother's Legacy: A Conversation with My Sons

This Mother’s Day, I’m sharing one of the most meaningful conversations of my life.

For this special episode of Mom of Sons, I’m joined by my sons, Brandon Ammons and Jaeden Wells, for an honest and heartfelt conversation about motherhood, faith, love, and legacy.

Together, we reflect on the different seasons of raising sons, the early years, the growing years, the teen years, and now the adult years, and how each season shaped not only them, but me as a mother.

We also honor the legacy of my mother, Beatrice Brown Taylor, whose faith, prayers, and unwavering love helped lay the foundation for the men my sons are becoming today.

This episode is a testimony of God’s grace through every season… the challenges, the growth, the healing, and the power of a praying mother.

If you are a mother in any season, this conversation will remind you that your prayers matter, your presence matters, and your legacy is still being written.

Happy Mother’s Day 

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:21

Welcome to Mom of Sons podcast, Faith Conversations, where we are raising sons with prayer, purpose, and faith. I'm your host, Beverly Taylor Wells, and today's episode is deeply special to me because I'm not just speaking about motherhood, I'm sitting with the two men who made me a mother. Today is Mother's Day, and I am joined by my sons Brandon and Jaden. And the topic of our podcast today is the title A Mother's Legacy: A Conversation with My Sons. Brandon and Jaden, welcome. It means everything to have you here with me today.

SPEAKER_02 1:19

I was about to bust out a flow, Mom, on your intro beat.

SPEAKER_00 1:38

Your brother got jokes, Jay.

SPEAKER_06 1:41

Yeah, they better drop a new son. Right.

SPEAKER_00 1:46

Thanks, Mom, for having us, though. Oh man, special. This is very, very special. You guys, you know, you already know how I feel about you. So, moms. Love you, Ma. I love you. So, moms, um, I've walked through many seasons as a mother. The early years, the growing years, the teen years, and now the adult years. The harvest season. And if I'm being transparent, every season stretched me, shaped me, and brought me closer to the Lord. Today isn't about perfection. It's about love, healing, and truth. So before we go any further, I want to take a moment to honor someone who is not physically here, but whose presence is deeply felt in today's conversation. My mother, Beatrice Brown Taylor. She was a woman of deep faith, a prayer warrior, a woman of integrity, and she played a huge part in my son's upbringing. She made a huge impact in all of our lives and left a beautiful legacy of prayer and faith in the Lord.

SPEAKER_01 3:27

Amen.

SPEAKER_00 3:29

She cared for them, prayed over them, and poured into them in ways that helped shape the men they are today. And I want to acknowledge her, especially today. I miss her very, very much, and I hate that she is not here to see the fruition of a lot of her prayers. She would be so proud of both of you guys. So Brandon, um, I'm gonna start with you. What's your favorite memory of Graham?

SPEAKER_02 4:07

Man, that's difficult. I bet Jay probably feels the same way. It's like Graham, you know, it's so special. It's like especially because she's not here, like everything is my favorite now. You know? Like I don't have one favorite thing because it's like you begin to cherish, you know, somebody, especially when you realize like you don't have the privilege to like, you know, go see them or talk to them. So like I don't have one specific, you know, favorite thing. I've I believe what comes to my mind the most though, of course, is Graham's little glass Christmas tree. And that Christmas every year. Right. And that Christmas where uh, you know, Bob, we was laughing where we was taking out the uh ornaments. Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 5:03

Grandpa's ornaments had took a little bit of a beating. And we were just laughing because how the bird was all messed up and like, you know, that was on the reef. Like, you know, nobody that's one of those, that's one of those things that I I think about because it makes me laugh, you know.

SPEAKER_02 5:24

Yeah, that is funny. Everything Graham did is just you know, for us and everything. You you just can't even put it in one memory. So just you know, that's one thing that makes me laugh when I think about Graham.

SPEAKER_00 5:38

Oh yeah. Okay, Jay.

SPEAKER_06 5:42

Uh, kind of like what Brandon said, it is real hard to really pinpoint one specific favorite memory. Uh, when I did see or when I was asked this question, one that just flashed in my mind. A lot of time when I was over at Graham's, we were outside uh doing a whole lot of yard work, and not to to the extent of uh like I was being worked or anything like that, but it was it was fun for me because I was around, I think I was like six or maybe seven. Yeah, and we were outside, we'd be watering the plants. I had my little green elephant watering can. I think that's actually we still have that somewhere around here. But I remember I'd be out there, we'd be watering the plants together, and then sometimes sometimes I got to use the hose. And for at six years old or seven years old, you know, when I get to use the hose, half of the water not going on the plants. So did you spray Graham, bro? Yeah. I'll admit it. But it was it was a fun time. I'd be playing with the water, we'd be outside together just enjoying those uh beautiful days back then. Uh, I don't know what we got going on in the climate nowadays, but the days just don't seem to be as as bright now, and I think part of that is is Graham really just lit up my life around her. Yeah, uh, she really there's a lot of memories. Uh, another one I think of it's not really a specific memory, but it was a recurring thing. Uh, for the majority of my school, I would be at Graham's house before I went to go and get on the bus. So she would always make sure that I was fed. She'd always make sure that I was on time for the bus. And then sometimes I really kind of attribute uh Graham to partially why why I love my technology and computers so much, because a lot of my interactions online or on a computer were at Graham's house. Actually, she would let me get on her laptop in between uh on the slow days or before I went to school. So I'd be able to play games or or knock out some work or just mess around her laptop for a little bit before school. So that really stuck with me. And then and then one more thing I think of, it's it's not really a specific memory either. But one thing is that whenever I'd be going to the store with Grim, we would we would be out a lot. We would be leaving the house. A lot of the time I was with Graham, we weren't always in the house. That's why I brought up that memory about us watering the plants. We were usually doing something outside, or we were going somewhere, or we were doing something else. But every time we went to travel somewhere on the radio, it was always some sermon or some scripture on the radio. And that's really what just speaks to me. Graham really carried her faith everywhere she went, she wore it on her sleeve, and she just had unshakable faith, and and that really stuck with me. I really influenced my life and how I handle myself today.

SPEAKER_00 8:32

Amen. That's beautiful. I, you know, I I thought you were going to uh get into because I'm telling you, I know Graham had y'all both out and about because uh she went to say she took uh your brother Jay to safety time. So she was out there. Yeah, I mean my safety time with that. And uh, you know, Graham was she she was the same down through the years because then I cracked up about how I would go up in marks and how you were so little, but the people all knew you, and that blew my mind because I was like, How do these people know my kid? And then one lady told me, she goes, Oh, he's in here with his grandma all the time.

SPEAKER_03 9:23

I said, Oh man, that's that's super cool.

SPEAKER_00 9:27

Yes, so Jaden just really kind of um answered, you know, my next question about how you know Graham has impacted your life. So Brandon, um how had how did Graham impact your life?

SPEAKER_02 9:45

So um, man, so really just cracking open, you know, me and Graham's relationship. I have memories that go all the way to where I was small enough, grandma used to walk me on her feet. And it's hard to like explain how that looks, but I remember she used to hold my hands and she would let me put her feet on her, she would let me put my feet on her feet, and she would walk me like that. I remember I had to be real small, but that was like something that I still remember today at my age, you know, and I know that I was really young. Graham impacted my life a lot because she was like a second mother, you know, like she was my grandma, but it really felt like you know a second mother, you know, because she was just hands-on like you were, mom. You know, like Graham would teach so much. I remember she taught me like math, you know, like when I really was struggling in math before in school. And, you know, she would sit down at the table, and she would she was um one of the um you know influences of where she was just like, you gotta work your math out, you gotta write it out. You know, you can't just get the answer, you know, like you gotta know how to get the answer. It ain't about just you know having the right answer, it's about how to get the right answer. And that stuck with me because like that's something that I even teach my kids. Like, it's not about just getting the answer right, it's about how did you answer or how did you figure out the answer?

SPEAKER_05 11:41

Yes, how did you get it?

SPEAKER_02 11:43

And um in the earlier years, I feel like it was just like a lot of life experiences, you know. I remember I had some friends, and I remember I forgot how it all happened, but somehow I had left some money somewhere outside, just being a kid, not thinking. And I came back and my dollar was gone. And I'm like, and then and then the kid, he was gone too. And I remember, you know, my grandma was just like, you just can't, you know, trust people like that. You can't just leave your money with anyone, you know. Like I know you guys were playing, but you know, just just little life lessons like that, you know, where grandma would just be teaching me life experiences.

SPEAKER_03 12:31

True.

SPEAKER_02 12:31

And um I can remember, you know, she used to always be on me about, you know, um being a man of my word. Yeah, you know, and and I feel like even today, you know, that's something that I'm really still trying to reel in. Um, and I understand the significance of how important that is, is trying to be a man of your word. But I think like in the later years of like when I became a young man, um the way that Graham used to just get in the word with me, you know. She would get she would have her Bible open and she would show me things and she always was watching, like Jade was saying, you know, on the radio, she was always listening. But every time you go to her house, she's always watching, you know, a faith-based, you know, sermon or show. And um Graham just really getting hands-on in the word, and I would go over there and she would just be, you know, feeding me the word. And um, it really shaped and molded my faith. And um the first the first scripture I really memorized, it was because it was one of Graham's, you know, favorite scriptures. Um, trust in the Lord, you know, with your whole heart and lean out on your own understanding.

SPEAKER_05 13:56

Amen.

SPEAKER_02 13:57

And he knows God in all your ways, and he shall direct your path, you know. Proverbs. Um I think that's Proverbs 4 and 5. But um that became uh a pillar in my faith, that scripture. But that was like the first scripture I I remember Graham just really trying to help me understand about like faith is when it comes to God, you're not gonna always have all the answers, but you're gonna have to learn how to trust him.

SPEAKER_05 14:31

Yes.

SPEAKER_02 14:32

You know, and I think what it is for me that created a whole different kind of like perspective in me being able to, you know, believe big and have a big faith, is because I understand that everything that God can do and that he's capable of is not gonna make human logical sense.

SPEAKER_01 15:01

True.

SPEAKER_02 15:02

But you gotta have the courage enough to know and believe that he's gonna do it. So I believe that Graham deposited and contributed to the gift of faith that God has given me because I do believe that I do have a gift of faith.

SPEAKER_05 15:18

Amen.

SPEAKER_02 15:18

And it started with Graham helping me understand like you can't be the type of Christian that needs all the answers before you believe or trust and start moving according to God's obedience.

SPEAKER_00 15:35

Yes, and this is why I said I had to honor her because and I never take for granted, and I never forget, and my heart is always grateful. You guys do not know what it's like to be in a daycare. I was blessed to have a mother that took care of you both while I had to work. And I never worried about either one of you because being with her was just like being with me. So if she had got on y'all's case about something, I was like, well, what you do? Because, you know, I knew that she loved you guys very, very much, and I knew my mother and I knew her character, and I knew the woman of God that she was. So I value that I you guys spent a lot of time at her house five days a week while I was at work, and I'm grateful and thankful that I had a mother that loved and took care of my boys just like I did. Amen. That's a blessing, and you it's very rare, and you can't say that, you know. There's a lot of people, there's a lot of my friends, you know, that their kids had to go to daycare, you know, go to the babysitter. But I was blessed that my sons went right to my mom's house. So that that is something that is very uh, very precious and very, very special to me. Um that, you know, your your dads and I and I, we didn't have to worry and go through that with the child care thing and you know, uh daycare and all that type of stuff. It was a blessing and a peace of mind that I was dropping my boys off to their grandmother every day. So okay, is there anything else you guys want to say about Graham?

SPEAKER_06 18:04

Just thankful that she was in our lives.

SPEAKER_02 18:12

I agree 100% with that.

SPEAKER_05 18:15

Yes.

SPEAKER_02 18:16

Um I'm I'm grateful for that Graham did get to meet at the beginning of my family. Yeah, and she did get to see me preach at least a few times. And I I'm really grateful for that. I I am because I I hope it blessed her that she got to see um, you know, some of her fruit.

SPEAKER_00 18:41

It did, it blessed her immensely. Um one thing about mom, you could look at her face and know when something had touched her heart deeply and or when she felt something very deeply. Um sometimes she didn't say a lot of words, and this is something as I've gotten older, I realize, come to realize about her, but that she was a a woman who she did feel things deeply, and when things touched her heart and her soul, you could see it on her face. Amen. So praise God's God, yes, and I just thank God that you know as we get older and we get wisdom, God gives us understanding about people and situations and things that maybe in our younger days we, you know, we didn't understand it or we misinterpret it. But when God wants something to be straightened out, he's gonna straighten it out and he's gonna make it plain, and he's going to make sure that the understanding is there. And I, you know, I guess that's why it's in his word, and all you're getting, get understanding. Amen. Amen. Amen. So um I would like to um move on, and um, I'm going to ask Jaden um this question. So, Jay, what is something that you see and understand now at 20 years old? We still we still think you still a little you're still a little sapling. You you didn't you didn't come on out there. I don't know. Mother's vocabulary ever. A little sapling. That's a little young, young growth, you know, a young um maybe plant that's you know, it's some got some roots and you know, and it's growing. So, yes, that's a down south type thing. Y'all wouldn't know nothing about that. So something your grandpa, your great grandpa would have said, David.

SPEAKER_03 21:08

He said he'd take your word on it.

SPEAKER_00 21:14

So, Jay, but you have arrived at 20 years old. And um, just wanting to know, is there something that you see and understand now that you are a young man that maybe you didn't understand when you were younger?

SPEAKER_06 21:35

That's a good question. Um, there's a few things, but one that just came to mind when you were asking that question is really who I am around and who I associate myself with. Uh, as a little kid, or at least when I was younger, I wanted to be friends with pretty much everybody. Um but being out there by myself especially it's it's real. Important for me to know who I can hang around and who I probably shouldn't be hanging around. Because in an environment when I'm by myself, and not to say that I don't have people in my corner, because I definitely do, but when I'm by myself, I'm making my own decisions. I'm making my own choices. So it's really integral for me to surround myself with people that mean good for me. And that I'm not just throwing myself into relationships that aren't fruitful for me, or they aren't they're not improving me any kind of way, or they're not uplifting me, or they're not helping me any kind of way. So I think that's really one thing. Uh choosing who I surround myself with. Another thing is uh definitely uh I'm still getting some support, obviously, uh from people around me, but being out there just uh especially now, just just how much things are like as a as a kid, especially now, this is this is lighter note, but especially now uh in today. I remember I asked uh mom vividly when I was like probably like nine or ten. I was like, why do people keep complaining about the gas prices? I was like, you only gotta pay two dollars for the gas. I didn't understand that you had to pay per gallon, but I would certainly take that two dollar gas right now per gallon or however much they want to charge it by over whatever in the world is going on right now in a gas station. But I say that to say it's just a lot of it's a lot of uh of money. Money is money matters a lot, but we we can't put it above other things in our life. But I think that's just some economic wise that I understand now that I didn't quite understand before, and I understand why uh we couldn't always get everything that we asked for, especially since changing so amen.

SPEAKER_00 23:57

That is really good, Jay. Oh my god, that is really good. Um, so Brandon, uh, what is one thing you remember most about how I raised you?

SPEAKER_01 24:15

Um I feel that it's so funny.

SPEAKER_02 24:26

Just thinking about some of these things, it just lets me know, like I still in some places I still haven't arrived. It's like I need to do better. Like, but I I remember like you used to always like whenever I go with my friends, you used to always be like, make sure you let me know, you know, um, when I make it. Um so I feel like communication was something that you always um was something that you pushed for me. And I feel like um when when you know I was growing up, there was a safe space for me to share um how I felt. And and I I really appreciate that because I feel like that allowed me to embrace who I who I was at an early age. Like I really kind of never really struggled with like being who I am, you know, because like and in the sense of when I say like who I am, I'm talking about like in the sense of where I feel comfortable enough to share how I feel.

SPEAKER_05 25:48

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 25:49

Cause I feel like a lot of times people nowadays they're like they're so reserved, you know, or you know, kind of even timid to like release how they really feel. And I feel like because of the safe space that was created um through your raising, I don't have a problem telling people how I feel about them.

SPEAKER_00 26:19

So it's easy for you to express love.

SPEAKER_01 26:23

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 26:24

So let me ask you guys naturally for me. Do you guys did you guys feel loved by me or or was I overly too much?

SPEAKER_01 26:38

Um, yeah. I mean, I feel loved by you, mom. Yeah, of course. Yeah. Okay.

SPEAKER_02 26:47

Is that like, so we spin it on you? Did you feel like you didn't show us enough love? Or like, is that a question you have in your, you know, in the back of your mind?

SPEAKER_00 26:57

Like no, for me, um, because when someone reads Searching for Love, my newest devotional, they will see and experience that for me, I always it was so important to me to give you and Jaden things that I felt that I wanted as a child growing up that I did not get. So it was very important to me to make sure that I supported you guys, that I encouraged you guys, that I affirmed you, that you know, you always knew that you were special, that you were loved, um, that your safety was like, I know I could be a little uh over the top, like, well, don't go over there because I I I know, I know, and sometimes I could be, but that was just the mother's love and the concern for your safety. Yeah, but um, I just wanted to always make sure that you guys knew that I loved you and that you were important to me, that you were a priority, and that it was very it was my responsibility to take good care of you.

SPEAKER_02 28:29

Yeah, yeah, no, I and I think you did a great job, um. And just going back to the point of what what I was saying about creating a safe space for me to express love, like I feel that even has contributed to me being like a husband and a father. You know, that's wonderful. Like, I don't feel less masculine um expressing love.

SPEAKER_00 28:56

That's good. That is really good. That's good, that makes my heart happy. So uh let's lighten it up a little bit. Okay. What's the funniest memory of me?

SPEAKER_01 29:19

My memory, my favorite memory ain't never gonna change, mom. You already know what it is, but I'm gonna let JD go first.

SPEAKER_06 29:28

There's a there's a lot of favorite memories. Um just for sake of time. Um I'll pick one recent, one of the April Fool's pranks. Um I won't I won't pick the most recent one because uh I remember vividly this one popped in my mind. I was thinking the other day, uh, I had been sat like it was this was like during I think COVID or it might have been like maybe 2023 or whatever. I got back from school after after the day and I had called her and I said I said I had forgotten to park the car and check my phone. I just went into the garage door with my car. What? Hey and and at the time iPhone didn't have a recording feature for the phone call, but I sure wish I did because it was it's very it was hysterical when she reacted. But another it's not really a specific memory, but sometimes I'll be in the car with mom, or we'll be going somewhere, and just out of nowhere, she'll just say something out of pocket about somebody we passed. It's not even anything specific, but it just comes out of nowhere, and it's just so imprompted, it just makes me laugh because I'll be like, What I'll be like, why did you say that? But yeah, uh it's it's a lot of memories, but yeah, that's just there's just two two favorite ones I can think of.

SPEAKER_00 31:00

Yeah, that garage door was something. I was like, oh my god.

SPEAKER_01 31:06

See, I wish I would have see, I wish I'd have been there to see how you would.

SPEAKER_00 31:10

Oh Lord, it was just it was it was something. Brandon, let's hear yours.

SPEAKER_01 31:19

Oh man, Bob, you already know what I'm gonna say. So one time when we when I was very young and a kid, we were playing tag in a house. And I don't know how, but I never see this. Is mom young, so she was just letting the house rules be a little bit different, Jay.

SPEAKER_02 31:43

So we played tag, and I don't know what mom was thinking, how our living room was set up at the time, um, it was like an L shape, and there was these couches. So I don't know what mom had in her mind, but she ran and jumped over the couch, right, Jay? Like Superman. I was like, whoa! Like it was looking amazing, Jay, until her foot got caught and bam.

SPEAKER_03 32:20

She slammed and hit the ground so hard. Lord, I was like, what? I was like, oh my gosh. She would thank the Lord she was okay, but that was crazy. Mom literally did a superman jump. Oh my god. She would have cleared if her if that pinky toad just form and everything coming up. It just caught at the last minute.

SPEAKER_00 32:55

Oh my goodness. I can't believe Brandon. I cannot believe that that is your favorite. I still remember getting slammed down on that cord, getting the wind knocked out of me. Oh my goodness. But it was so funny because I could see it in my I could see myself in my own mind and how funny it looked. I was laughing myself, I couldn't hardly breathe, but it was so funny. So I mean, I wasn't mad or anything, and like Brandon said, Thank goodness I wasn't hurt. Yeah, it's amazing what the body can take in your youth.

SPEAKER_02 33:36

Let me see. Man, there's a funny one, but I'm like, hey, is that appropriate? Yeah. Okay. Wait, you didn't do nothing wrong. So, okay, one time me and mom was at dots.

SPEAKER_03 33:55

I remember anybody is, you know. That's not around no more. Right.

SPEAKER_02 34:00

I don't know if anybody is uh, you know, listening that remember dots, but um me and mom, mom was coming out of there. That was her store back in the day. So I remember me and her coming out of there, and I was a kid, and I remember there was a lady that just was kept trying to talk to mom. And I know mom's energy when she ain't like feeling somebody ain't trying to talk to them. So the lady was trying to talk to her in the store, and mom already had that energy, like, man, I am not trying to talk to you, but you know, I'ma be friendly. So, man, I remember we get to the parking lot, and that same lady keep trying to just talk to mom. But this time she's gonna try to she showed mom a bag and she had like a whole bunch of stolen money. Man, mom was like, get away from me.

SPEAKER_03 34:53

Like she was like, I do not want anybody to think I'm with you. Like the fucking lady. I didn't want to do her.

SPEAKER_00 35:10

I'm remembering that too, but I was like, I'm trying to get you in the car because I'm like, you can pick up. I'm like, I want the police to pull up and think I'm with her. And then we went with the thing with I knew that I saw her do that in the store. So I didn't want to talk to her.

SPEAKER_03 35:29

I literally was like, get away from me. I do not want nobody to think I'm with you. Oh my god. That's that's just well, you know I didn't roll like that.

SPEAKER_00 35:45

I I definitely grab never raised me to be up in the store stealing.

SPEAKER_01 35:51

No, not at all. They told two, so I'm just telling two mom.

SPEAKER_00 35:59

I can't believe you remember that because I do remember that situation. And I know who it was, too.

SPEAKER_03 36:07

I know you're gonna probably need to remind me later who it was.

SPEAKER_00 36:11

Yeah, I will. We can't talk about it all. Oh, so motherhood isn't always easy. Um, there's moments that I know I didn't get everything right, fumbled the ball, if you will. Um can you guys name a time that you saw me struggle with something and how it made you feel? And um was there a lesson in it for you?

SPEAKER_01 36:54

That's tough, Ma.

SPEAKER_06 36:59

Did you want to go ahead and uh go first?

SPEAKER_02 37:03

No, you can go. I just was running my mouth. Go ahead, you can go. Okay.

SPEAKER_06 37:07

Um most recently, not gonna uh name specifically where it was, but when you were working for the high school, um that was a time I've seen you struggle, and that was over uh a period of years, so it wasn't just a one-and-done type thing. And the stories that you would tell me after you'd pick me up from school or after you got home, just about your day, and then just the wild things you had experienced, and and and how that really just impacted your emotional state, and how that impacted like how you you felt about where you were at, and it really just uh is understandable where you were at and how you were struggling there, but despite you being in the environment, that emotionally taxing environment, I s I saw you stick that out, and and I saw that you waited for me to go ahead and get out of that district until you went ahead and got your retirement done and you did you fully earned that. And and that really spoke to me because even when you were in that environment, you still persevered, you still showed up, and you didn't just show up to where you were at, and you really put on 100. You were you were pleasant to everybody, the kids knew you. You really you really put effort into that place that was still so emotionally draining, and that place that still put so much stress on you, and I really disrespect that. But I think that really just it really taught me about perseverance because to be able to stick through that situation for so long, you gotta have a persevering spirit. I consider myself to be someone that's someone that really values perseverance, somebody's a determined person. So if I set my mind to something, or if I have to get through something, I might not like it, but I I do my best to go ahead and and stick that out and make it through, and I put my effort into it, and I think I really got that from you, and that really inspired me to be that way in my life.

SPEAKER_01 39:09

Thank you.

SPEAKER_00 39:13

And I see I said I was not gonna get emotional on here, but thank you. That time at my during that time, it was really hard, and it was so many days that I just felt invisible and unseen, like um I wasn't valued. So to know that you were observing and that you saw me keep getting up every day, five days a week, and going, and still caring about the kids, and still um caring about the staff that I made friends with and the teachers and everybody that really that really touched my heart to know that you observed that um and all that you absorbed Man for me like how our our relationship is arranged.

SPEAKER_02 40:34

I try not to get too deep or too revealing, you know, but God has blessed us to be so close and I know so many different things about you that you have let me in to know about you, but um through the years of learning how to love through often learning how to love and forgive um through often disappointment you know not trying to you know say nothing about anyone but even loving through betrayal and um I think that is one of the most things that I admire that you still show people love and you still are kind and patient, like the Bible says, with people that have really, really hurt you and I've seen you struggle because you had to endure this three different times through your relationships. But how you still are able to muster up the love that you have for me and Jay and your grandchildren, it's just it's inspiring because most people check out and most people just shrivel up and become very bitter. Everybody that has been through similar situations as yours, they wouldn't have came out like you have. Just like I said, a lot of people would have shriveled up in bitterness. But to your best ability, I believe that you show love and that even through all the hurt that you felt, you really, really care about me and Kiana's marriage.

SPEAKER_05 43:03

Yes, I do.

SPEAKER_02 43:04

I want to see you guys make it you support our marriage and and you make time and be there for us, and and you know, your relationship with the grandchildren is important to you. You know. I guess what what like just trying to put it into perspective of what I'm saying is like how you have l how you still have the ability to love through so much disappointment. You know, like most people wouldn't be able to exude the kind of love that you still have. You know, most people's lights would have been burnt out. But you just keep going and you keep choosing love instead of bitterness and anger. And you continue to let go. And I know it's hard because it's a process and it and it's a it's a it's a thing that I've seen you throughout your journey. You know, you've been in different places with it and that's what I say about struggling. Because I've seen when it it hurt and you were upset. But just seeing where you are now and seeing how you're able to forgive. It's a different kind of a different kind of inspiration. I know it's the kind of humility that only can come from the Holy Spirit that you're able to forgive everyone who has disappointed you or offended you.

SPEAKER_05 44:50

Amen.

SPEAKER_00 44:52

Wow. You guys really bless my heart. I'm sorry, I just you really bless my heart because I just we weren't gonna really get into this, but um it is so much through moms of sons, and through the past 10 months that God gave me this assignment, that He has revealed so many things to me, and He's answered so many questions about things in my life that I didn't understand, and I didn't understand why I had to go through some of the things that I went through, and that I had to feel the way that I felt, but he has definitely let me know that it is all for a time such as this and for this assignment. Because when you step out and you're obedient to God, he told me uh to do moms of sons. This is his project. All the things that he has put together with this, I would never think to do. This is his baby, and I'm just so honored and humbled that he would trust me with it. But through the obedience of doing what he's told me to do, he has healed my heart in places that I didn't even realize I still hurt or that I still needed healing. You know, he has explained to me why things in my childhood happened the way that they did, and why I felt the way that I did. And he has shown me so many things, he's given me understanding about so many things that I didn't understand just by being obedient and stepping out and doing what he's he told me to do with Mom of Sons. Because I I couldn't put the dots together, but he showed me how when you were born, Brandon, that was my first example of what unconditional love is. Because I just looked at you and I knew I had to be better, and that I had to protect you, and that I just loved you instantly. Nothing you did, nothing, just you were my son, and I loved you. And then, you know, the mystery of can your heart hold any more love? And then little Jaden comes along, and I look at his little face, and I have the same love and adoration for him, and you guys just loved me back. It wasn't anything that I did, you guys just loved me, and God has shown me that the love that we have for our children and the love that they have for us represents how He loves us. And I'm sure that's very basic to some people because you know, are so obvious, but when you've gone through the things that I've gone through, and you've experienced rejection and hurt and made to feel invisible and um just just things that don't feel good. That is a profound revelation to me. So that is when God first introduced unconditional love was through you guys, and so in my heart, it was just I had to be the best I could be for you, not perfect, but just give you all the love, all the love and the support and the care and the um the attention. So it has always been very important to me that you guys knew that I loved you, that I would lay down my life if it came to that for you. Because God blessed me with two very special things in two of the hardest times of my life. He blessed me with two wonderful baby boys. So I'm grateful, very grateful. And I'm grateful for this assignment, Mom of Sons, because God makes me feel seen. He sees me, He I'm His daughter, he loves me, he trusts me. These are all the wonderful things that God has blessed me to experience over these months with Mom of Sons. And, you know, Jaden, I'm sure, can attest to during the Christmas season. Shoot, I would be up in here working, and he would be waking up to go to the bathroom. He'd be like, Mom, you still up? It's four o'clock. But when God gives you an assignment and you know it, and you feel it in your spirit, you feel it in your soul, and you know what he wants you to do, you can't stop. So everything with this, everything with this time is is so precious and so profound. And I tell you guys all the time, God is the greatest chess player ever. Ever.

SPEAKER_01 51:55

That's your favorite quote.

SPEAKER_00 51:57

I'm never gonna stop saying it now because I'm telling you. He his moves are so strategic. Every move that he makes has a reason, has a result, has a purpose. It's just he's so amazing. Amen. He's so amazing. So for you guys, um, being raised with um around so much faith, especially with your grandmother, and you know, um, with me. How how is your faith? What would what does faith mean to you in God?

SPEAKER_02 52:54

Faith is a lifestyle for me. Um other option for me. And not because it was forced down my throat either. Faith is Faith is the I feel like for me is the part of my story where I know that success resides. That without faith there will not be any success. I mean it could be worldly success, but it won't be fruit. Okay. And um I feel like for me, faith is such a big part of my life because everything that I'm invested in, there's no guarantee. Everything that I'm invested in, there's no guarantee, and I have to literally trust God every step and give my full effort for things to be pulled into fruition. So like my the whole arrangement of my life is through faith. My career, my talents, my gifts, marriage, my children's future.

SPEAKER_05 54:30

Yes.

SPEAKER_02 54:31

It all is held within the deposit of the faith that God gave me. So faith is everything for me.

SPEAKER_05 54:38

Amen. Amen.

SPEAKER_06 54:40

JD. Uh to me, faith, it kind of goes into what I had said previously, really about perseverance, especially in my setting where I'm at, in an academic setting. Uh faith is really necessary with how I operate day to day. I kind of I have to put my my faith in the Lord. I put my actions into place to do what I'm able to do, but I know that it's a two two-part thing where I have to put my work in and then leave it up to the Lord because I can't do everything by myself. I have to put my faith in the Lord in order for Him to carry out what needs to be done in my life. And it's really important for me to understand that because I've I'm definitely in a lot of situations where it's definitely important for me to have that faith. Not like faith isn't important in any other aspect of my life, but especially so in my academic setting where I have to trust that the knowledge will flow into my brain from the Lord, and I have to trust that I'll be able to retain what I'm understanding and retain what I'm learning, and I have to trust that he's gonna be able to bless me with the knowledge to continue growing my mind mentally. So I trust in faith is really a strong aspect of my life. Uh, my favorite scripture is uh about faith without works is dead. It really you can't just have empty faith, you have to put that action into place as well. So I really live by that, I believe.

SPEAKER_00 56:08

Amen. That is just I'm so proud of you both, and it's it's just amazing to me because uh moms, for those of you that don't know, there is almost 20 years difference between Jaden and Brandon. So, of course, they're in different seasons, you know, of their life right now. Brandon is um full-blown husband, father, he's in leadership, he's going to be ordained in the ministry here soon. And, you know, so he God has blessed him that he's walked a little while. He he's walked and he's experienced some things. Whereas Jaden is just starting on his young man journey. So to hear their different um perspectives on faith and what faith means to them um in their season of life where they are right now. It just blesses my heart, though, to hear them both say how important their faith in God is.

SPEAKER_02 57:20

I love what I just heard Jay say. That was pretty cool. He said that he has to have the faith to trust God that the intelligence or that the answers or the knowledge is gonna flow to him. Yes. That was very interesting. One day I'm gonna I'm gonna pick his brain about that a little bit more. But I like that, bro. I I never really heard it put in that kind of perspective, you know, trusting God to the point of that his knowledge is gonna flow to your mind, you know?

SPEAKER_00 57:56

Amen. Amen. That is that I I just enjoyed hearing that too. But you know, he's a full-time college student, so to know that that is where his faith is, you know, his total faith in God, that God, I need you to help me get these A's, this knowledge. Um, you know, and that's what I was speaking to. That, you know, you guys are at two different seasons in your life. You know, yours, you spoke about your children and you know, your marriage, and you know, your adult life things that you've got going on right now, the responsibilities that Jay has not arrived at some of those responsibilities yet. But to see faith actively at work in each of your lives is truly a blessing to me, and it blesses my heart. And I know your grandmother would just be beyond the moon to hear you both speak about your relationship with the Lord and your faith in him, because one of the biggest things she used to always be telling me when I would be talking to her or I would be distressed about something, and even if things were going on at work, she would always tell me, Beverly, you gotta put it in God's hands and leave it there, and trust him to take care of it. You gotta trust him to take care of it, but put it in his hands and leave it there. I bet she said that to me a thousand times easily. Easily said it a thousand times. Put it in God's hands and leave it there and trust him. Amen. Amen. Amen. I received that today. Amen. Amen. There are so many things we can say about how Graham still blesses us, even with her physical body not here, but definitely her teachings, her spirit, her faith, her legacy is still here, you know? Yeah. Praise God.

SPEAKER_02 1:00:20

The legacy is real. Yes, it is. The legacy is widespread, you know? Yes. Like when it's when it's a legacy from God, it hits all different angles. Like, legacy isn't just monetary, right? It's like, you know, it's monetary, it's culture, it's standards, it's faith, yes, you know, it's wisdom. Yes, you know, it's assets, is man, it just the list goes on.

SPEAKER_00 1:00:51

Yes. And and this is part of what mom of sons is about, which is legacy. So when you raise your sons, you know, because the message is from the Lord Himself, it is never too early to introduce your son to my son. That's the core message. That's what he gave me probably two months ago. And I mean, it hit me, and I just sat here with that. Like, wow, God. And it just kept ringing in my head. It is never too early to introduce your son to my son. That's his core message to moms, and then when he told me that, it made sense why he organized mom of sons the way that he did, and he broke it down by seasons, like the first devotional, the early years for baby boys zero to six, then the second devotional, the growing years, the training ground, boys ages seven to eleven, then the third devotional, the teen years, foundation focus. That's where your the your faith is being um grown and um stretched and strengthened, and identity is really coming into play. Whereas in the second book, the growing years, 7 to 11, you're starting to learn about character and obedience. So that's why it's the training ground, and then the final devotional, the adult years, is the harvest season, living out your legacy, living out your faith, and this is where moms like me get to look at her sons step into that adulthood, walking in that adulthood, living out your legacy, living out your faith. And it's a harvest because it's a blessing, it's a blessing to see what you have nurtured, loved, cared for, hollered over to see the fruition of all of your hard work, and to see it walking around, thriving, being productive, caring for others, having a heart for others. It's a feeling I can't even explain how you both are such men of integrity, and not that I'm trying to say that you're perfect. What I'm saying is that I have seen God keep his hands on both of you and keep you close to him. And you know, Brandon, I've told you you don't ever be ashamed of your journey, the things that you've been through, the things that you've seen, the where you were at different times in your life. It is all for the purpose that God has for you now. And look it where he has you and look what he is doing with you. Amen. And Jaden, yours is definitely coming because for you to be as young as you are and have the wisdom and understanding that you do, I just I can't wait to see where God takes you. Amen. And I received what Pastor Gauz spoke over you both years ago. That you all would carry God's word to the nations. And I'm standing on that and I'm believing that. Because God has equipped you, He has called you, He's given you talents, He's given you wisdom. It's I'm just thankful for all that God has done for you. So my last question that I think I want to ask each one of you is um what what type of man do you desire to be? Um what do you what do you want? Um what do you want God to see when he looks at you?

SPEAKER_01 1:06:01

You want to go first, Jay, or you want me to go? I can go. Okay.

SPEAKER_06 1:06:06

Um I want to be someone that's dependable. I want to be someone that is able to support people around. My my biggest dream is someone that can support other people. If I were to theoretically, if I ever were to get a large amount of money or anything substantial, my first idea would be trying to uplift the people around me with that. I think my my language of love is giving. So I really I I want to help other people out. So I want to I want to be looked at as a provider, somebody that's able to be dependent on. I want to be someone that's strong, somebody that has influence over people's lives in a good way. And that doesn't necessarily have to be through through my words, but through my actions or other things that I'm able to be involved in. So I just want to be an influence over people for good. And that's what I want to be seen as in the future. That's the person I want to grow into.

SPEAKER_05 1:07:06

Amen.

SPEAKER_02 1:07:09

I love that, bro. I'm I'm so proud of you, man. Amen. I love this young man that God is molding and shaping. Amen.

SPEAKER_00 1:07:20

Amen.

SPEAKER_02 1:07:21

For me, I want to be a man that stands before the Lord and God knows that and says that I'm a humble servant.

SPEAKER_00 1:07:40

Amen.

SPEAKER_02 1:07:41

When when I think about the type of humility that I know comes with that, it's kind of already what Jay's saying, you know, is um I desire to grow to be more selfless. Um in the sense of where I can take care of everything in my house and I have enough to bless even those that aren't in my immediate house. And I want to be able to create opportunities for people who normally don't have opportunities. And however that looks, um you know, I I want to be able to of course continue to lead people to Christ. Um that's something definitely that that's a priority to me is helping people believe and receive Christ. Um But I just really when it's all said and done I want people to be able to say and know that I truly do love people. Um I want to hear that I'm an authentic person. Um I don't want to be a cookie cutter personality or a cookie cutter Christian. Um I want people to know that the things that I do um I do it because it is really out of the the kindness of my heart and I have no intentions or motives behind the things that I do. Um I want to be a person that sees the potential in people and don't just use them up for what they have. Um going back to what I was saying about um giving people opportunity, I want to be able to put people in place to operate in their gifts. Um you know, I I want to see people reach um the potential that God has for them. I really want to um I want to hear that people say, you know, that I really contributed to their faith and really contributed to um the prosperity in their lives. Um and I did it because, you know, for no other reason but out of love.

SPEAKER_00 1:10:36

Amen.

SPEAKER_02 1:10:38

Because um just a couple minutes ago when you were talking about love, I just it just started echoing to me. And you know, unconditional love is loving with no strings attached. Like you love somebody just because you love them, not because they do this well or they say this or they they're really good at this, or like those are the things that are conditional, and those are the things that are gonna die eventually.

SPEAKER_05 1:11:08

Yes.

SPEAKER_02 1:11:10

Like real love is loving someone just because of who they are, amen. And I want to be a leader known as that.

SPEAKER_00 1:11:20

Amen. Amen. Well, Brandon and Jay, I I want you guys to know that being your mom has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Um, my love for you both is unconditional, and I know that you guys know I love you very, very much. And you both have loved me unconditionally and treated me with care and respect. My heart rejoices over you both, and I thank God for the men you are and the men you are becoming as God continues to shape your hearts and your lives, and you continue to trust and walk with Him. So that scripture, Proverbs 31 and 28, her children arise and call her blessed. I don't take that lightly today. I am truly grateful and blessed. Amen. Amen. To every mom listening today, no matter what season of motherhood you are in, God sees you. Whether you are in the early years, the growing years, the teen years, or watching your sons become men, every season of motherhood matters. And God is in every single one. Now, moms, you know, every podcast we always go to the throne. Um, so if you're driving or you're washing dishes or you're um just sitting on the couch chilling and listening, let's settle our hearts and minds and let's turn our thoughts to the Lord. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this moment, for the gift of motherhood, for the blessing of sons, and for every season you have carried us through. Lord, we honor you as the author of our lives and the one who sustains us in every season. Today we thank you for legacy, Father, for the prayers that were prayed before us, for the seeds that were planted, and for the covering that continues even now. We lift up every mother listening, strengthen her where she feels weak, encourage her where she feels weary, and remind her that she is never alone. Father, we place our sons in your hands, guide their steps, guard their hearts, and shape them into the men you have called them to be. Kingdom men. Let them walk in truth, stand in strength, and live with purpose and faith. And Lord, we thank you for those who have gone before us, for mothers and grandmothers whose prayers still speak. We are grateful for the life and legacy of my mom, Beatrice Brown Taylor, and for the love and faith she poured into this family. May her prayers continue to cover and guide generation after generation, Lord. Let our lives reflect your love and let our legacy bring glory to you. We trust you in every season in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Ums, thank you for joining me today on this special Mother's Day. Um, I want to wish you all a happy, blessed Mother's Day. Sons, is there anybody you want to wish a happy Mother's Day to out there?

SPEAKER_02 1:15:49

Definitely want to say happy Mother's Day to Keith. My lovely wife. Amen. And um, I just thank God for how God's growing our marriage. So I definitely just want her to know how special she is and how appreciative I am that God blessed us together to raise a family. So definitely happy Mother's Day to Key and definitely happy Mother's Day to you, Mom. Thank you, son. Thank you.

SPEAKER_06 1:16:21

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Thank you. I want to wish obviously, uh, just as I did, happy Mother's Day to Mom. Uh, happy Mother's Day to Mommy, happy Mother's Day to my friends' mothers as well. And uh, yep, uh happy Mother's Day to Keith as well. Happy Mother's Day to everybody out there, amen.

SPEAKER_00 1:16:44

And I just want to say happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in our family and all my friends. Happy blessed Mother's Day. And um, Brandon, why don't you uh give us a plug real quick about your song, your music? Okay.

SPEAKER_02 1:17:04

Um, I just recently was blessed to have my song nominated to be placed on Holy Culture Radio, Sirius Radio, channel 140. Um plays at 2 p.m. Um, the song that is playing in rotation right now is called Purple Flame. It's definitely uh a good song. I think it's a hot song for the kingdom. It definitely glorifies God, but it also is a reminder for us to move out of God's way and let God do what he does. Amen. So definitely check out Purple Flame on our music platforms, uh Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, um, even Amazon. I saw it on Amazon. So you know, all of my music is under the name of AG2G, which stands for all glory to God. So that is my music ministry. Check it out. Amen.

SPEAKER_00 1:18:05

And you know we proud. So, mom, um, Jay, did you have anything else you want to say? You're good? Uh no, that's all. Okay.

SPEAKER_03 1:18:17

Um we can talk about he's about to graduate early. The bachelor's, the bachelor's in cybersecurity. Come on, Jack.

SPEAKER_06 1:18:38

I got one semester left. And I'm taking it one day at a time.

SPEAKER_00 1:18:43

Amen. God's got you, son. God's got you. Well, mom, um, one last few things I just want to say is I'm always looking for mothers who would like to share their motherhood journey and be a guest here on the Mom of Sons podcast. If that's you, please email me at momsofsons25 at gmail.com. Definitely want to connect with you. And as always, don't forget to visit the blog at momsofsons.blog where we continue these conversations and pour into mothers raising sons through every season. And please follow the mom of sons Facebook page for current announcements, events, and encouraging content. Amen. Until next time, moms, um, this is Beverly Taylor Wells reminding you you were chosen. Keep praying, keep trusting God, and keep raising those sons with faith.