Article November 4, 1996 Issue

Well-guarded thought and a new life

William B. Schlismann

My life seemed very stable and satisfying—a happy family, a successful business, many of the "good things" of life. Then, because of some completely unexpected circumstances, everything was suddenly in jeopardy. My future seemed swept away.

I was developing a residential subdivision, building homes for buyers. About a year from reaching a financial break-even point, the town board, because of abuses by two large developers, without notice declared a moratorium on all building permits while they developed a new building code—at least a one-year delay. Though our plans had been approved and were well above all codes, the board was adamant. I was out of business and deep in debt.

I felt paralyzed by helplessness, fear, and a shapeless future. At this low point in my life, my mother suggested that I could still turn to God and find help.

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