Changed LivesSaved Lives

Cathy Tidwell

By February 5, 2012No Comments

My first day at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home is one I’ll always remember.  My brothers, sister, and chocolate milk.

We couldn’t remember having such a wonderful meal, especially in the middle of the day.  My parents were not your typical parents, and sent us there.  Our mother died three years later.

I can now see God’s hand won’t hurt you is a gift from God.

Christmas at the Children’s Home could have been a very lonely and I will never forget them for that.

The Children’s Homes is where I learned about Christ. We had never been to church, so this was all new to us.  I learned that there was a Father who loved me, wouldn’t hurt me and one that I have passed down to my children.

Because of the Children’s Homes, my children have grown up never knowing abuse, hunger, or loneliness. They love the Lord and my son is a teacher at a middle school.

I have been married 34 years to a wonderful man and teaching me about Christ, my life would have been very different.

Your gift, whatever it might be, makes a huge difference in the life of a child. Believe me, I know firsthand won’t have Christmas without someone like you making it happen.  People like you can make a difference in the life of a child.  That’s what God calls us all to do, make a difference, one life at a time.    

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story. I also want to say thank you to all those who supported the Children’s Homes when I was a child. I am alive and blessed beyond all measure, because you cared.  Merry Christmas!

In Christ,

Cathy Tidwell
Former Resident of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes
Lakeland Campus

Cathy Tidwell today wtih her family. Clockwise from top left: Toby (Cathy's husband Austin (Cathy's son).