In the late 1960s, when Gloria was expecting their third child, it was a particularly traumatic time for the Gaithers. Bill was having some physical problems, and they were both experiencing anxiety and fear from the change being experienced at the time in society. Drug abuse and racism were on the rise, for example, and the educational system, that they were both part of, was being infiltrated by the then current theology that "God is Dead." In their words, the world was filled with so much "craziness."
Was this any world in which to bring another child? They fretted and anguished over this.
But then one night, suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, they were filled with a gentle, calming peace. It was as if God, like an attentive mother, was bending over her child, loving, caring, protecting. Their anxiety gave way to a calmness and assurance that only God can provide. They were assured that, left in God's hands, the future would be just fine.
