Ephren Taylor’s expertise in the business and religious environments can give you some direction on how to position yourself on the road toward prosperity.
Who/what contributed to your inner strength?
I will have to definitely say my faith in God. It is even more now considering the nature of
our business. In addition, I strongly believe that my success is due to the time my parents
took in raising me, and investing such values into me. I come from a tight family unit. I
also have several mentors who have placed their reputation on the line to back me, and have
invested time and energy into mentoring me. The time they have invested into my success has
allowed me to accomplish great success at such a young age. They provided guidance from their
countless years of experience, enabling me to have some of the same wisdom and knowledge and
avoiding many pitfalls. My wife, MeShelle, also contributes heavily as a source of inner
strength. She is a comforter, supporter, head cheerleader and also a source of accountability,
always holding me to the fire and my word.
When in your life was your inner strength particularly tested and how did you deal with the incident?
I believe this year has been my greatest test. I have learned that some people really want to
bring you down, rather than help you. Many people this year have taken advantage and abused my
generosity. Personally and financially, it has taken its toll, however it has made me
stronger. Every warrior must fight his battles, but the more we sweat in training, the less we
bleed in combat. This year has prepared me for the responsibilities I will bear going into
2005 and the future.
What suggestions do you have to help people realize their capabilities?
Allow your disadvantage to become your advantage and strength point. Another good point is to
KNOW what you DON'T KNOW and find the resources to fill that void. The approach that has saved
me the most is surrounding myself with good, honest people with a vested interest in me versus
money. The people you surround yourself with will make or break you. I encourage you to choose
wisely.
Why is it important to focus on inner strength?
The inner strength is the part of you that will move you in either a positive or negative
direction. It is a mindset. If one truly wants to be blessed and move forward in life, then
you will need to be able to carry the responsibilities. To whom much is given, much is
required. The more we train and condition ourselves the more ready we will be for the race in
life. Mental and emotional training is the same as physical training, and they all work
together. To really win at life, we have to be always striving to improve and strengthen
ourselves. Even in my youth and innocence, I have came to realize only the strong survive, and
even the weak who make it have strong leaders and warriors to protect them.
What are your next goals and what positive thoughts or activities keep you striving toward your goals?
My next goal is to raise another $10 million in capital for our Christian Capital Group fund.
I am also looking to be in the position for our organization to contribute a million dollars a
year to new church plants, missions, community development projects and evangelism. I am
striving to successfully create 10 millionaires next year by mentoring and training others what
I have learned throughout the years. While at the same time we hope to reach more than 100
families and start the process of helping them overcome debt. We want to start their financial
independence, while creating a vision-driven wealth plan. We are looking forward to taking one
of our holdings public, as well, and creating another option for families to take control of
what Satan has stolen from us.
I am really excited about the opportunity to engage myself and our
organization even more into missions and urban evangelism. We hope to start our first round of
church plant funding in 2005.
The factor that keeps me moving is that I know God has blessed me with a
certain set of talents. The way I use them today and tomorrow is the way I will be held
accountable for them on judgment day. I pray that He will say, "Well done, my good and
faithful servant."
