A mother's prayers influenced the funding of Shirley's early Christian education. With her guidance, a dutiful daughter learned to love Jesus, and took baptism seriously. To attend a Christian Academy, Shirley's parents agreed she should live with church members near the school. This decision changed her life. Cruel abuses during grades 9 and 10 were indelible stains. Feeling betrayed, and unprotected, Shirley chose to blame God. After meeting her husband Wayne, she learned to trust again. Utilizing his gift in music, and hers for writing lyrics, their music ministry, "Messengers of the Cross" became a mutual passion. His desire to know Jesus motivated Shirley's goal, driven by purpose, to write, Jesus Says, It Is Finished.