Brian’s Personal Story
Brian’s Personal Story
by Brian Durham
I was born to Steve and Susan Durham, the second of three children. I spent the first two years of my life in Columbia, Maryland and the next nine in Orlando Florida. At age 11 my family moved to Duluth, Georgia. Since then, my time has been spent in the suburbs of Atlanta.
In the fall of 1999 I entered the University of Georgia, graduating four year
s later with a degree in Marketing. Soon after graduation I began my career at BIS Benefits, where I began as a Marketing Assistant and professed towards my current position of Account Executive.
To understand a more about me there are three important events that have taken place in my life; the first one occurred in the spring of 2005 when I married my beautiful wife, Diane. I had heard the term “married up” but didn’t truly understand what this meant until Diane and I committed our lives to one another before God, family, and friends. Since this day she has stood by me as my spouse, friend, and constant encourager.
Less than two years later, Diane and I experienced what has easily been the most difficult and faith building experience of my life. In the summer of 2006 my father was diagnosed with cancer and just 6 short months later he passed away at the young age of 57. While it would be easy for me to continue on about my father and the lessons he taught me while he was here, I instead would like to share—what some may feel is—a unique perspective on my father’s passing. The God whom I have put my life and trust in is a loving God, one who does not cause evil but is able to use events like these for good. Through my father’s passing, God not only used these events to draw me closer to Him, but also helped me build deeper relationships with family and friends. I mention this so that others may know that no matter what they may be going through, God does care and He is there to give you the strength to continue on, as He does for me every day when I think of my dad.
On Valentine’s Day in 2010 I learned what Grace truly means, to receive a gift that is undeserved in spite of any shortcomings I may feel I have. On this day, my wife and I welcomed into this world our little girl, Rory Elise Durham. In the time that we have had with her I feel as though I have learned more about myself, about sacrificial giving and the joy that comes from it.
I hope with these few words you have learned a little more about who I am, my family, and what defines my life.
Peace be with you,
Brian Durham