HUSH Magazine, Winter 2016

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

John 15:5 KJV

Magazine

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Magazine

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Celebrating Jesus Christmas: A Special Time for Family

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NEW HOPE BAPTIST: Heeding Call to Racial Unity

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College Students: Best Xmas Ever!

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BOOK REVIEW: Dr. John Perkins’ Memoirs

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NEW: A Numbers Puzzle: Can You Solve It?

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LOOKING FOR A MIRACLE...

MY 41 REMEMBERING BABY BROTHER

Fairhope Tea Plantation: Sowing Seeds...

SPECIAL SECTION: Veterans’ Benefits

WORDS4LIFE

The Editor reflects on life of deceased brother

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HUSH Locations: Where the Magazine is available

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HUSH Magazine:

Magazine

✔✔promotes unity among all people

–– believers in Christ in particular –– blurring the cultural and racial lines that tend to oppose us;

✔✔offers real-life stories of people making a positive difference as encouragement to others to do the same;

Photographers in this issue

In a nutshell, HUSH Magazine is about Impacting People Positively and Powerfully.

HUSH Magazine started with three issues in 2015. Four quarterly issues (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter are scheduled in 2016. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of all content. However, we do not guarantee that every article, column or story is free of error. No responsibility can be or is assumed.

Opinions presented in columns do not necessarily reflect the sentiments of HUSH Magazine, its editor/publisher or others beyond the particular columnist. All Rights Reserved. © Rapha Communications, LLC, P. O. Box 12635, Jackson, MS 39236; 601.506.1847.

Subscribe online at www.hush-be-still. com or www.hushzine.com for periodic updates about upcoming magazine issues, as well as other information.

Errol Dillon | Florence, MS Amanda Patterson | Mandilay, Inc. | Ridgeland, MS

✔✔spotlights success stories of care and

concern for the development of youth –– the source of the nation’s next generation of leaders.

Victor Calhoun | Mobile, AL

Contributing Editor / Writer

Eleanor Reynolds | Mobile, AL

Contributing Writers

Charlotte Graham | Laurel, MS China Lee | Jackson, MS

Guest Columnists

Dr. E. Harold Fisher | Jackson, MS Jacqueline Mack |Jackson, MS

Scripture Consultant

Jacqueline Mack | Jackson, MS

Proofing Consultant

Elise J. Ballard | Clinton, MS

Christian Education Director

Design Consultant

Amanda Patterson | Mandilay, Inc. Photography, Graphic / Web Design

Editor / Publisher

Linda Buford-Burks | Jackson, MS

Visit us online for a number of resources, including a search engine for farmer’s markets and organic farms, college scholarship searches and archive issues of HUSH Magazine.

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Celebrating Jesus Christ at Christmas

ackson, Mississippi resident Dorothy Davis has decorated five to seven Christmas trees in the rooms of her home for “at least seven years” now. She doesn’t do it just to have “a bunch of trees” in the couple’s home. She does it as “an act of praise.”

The praise is inspired by Psalm 148: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass. Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 148:1-14 KJV Davis has collected as many as 900 Christmas ornaments, conservatively speaking, she says, during the past 30 years.

She started the huge collection while her husband, Roosevelt, served in the military in Germany in the mid 1970s.

“Some of the first ones that I purchased were bought in Germany,” she notes.

Even before she began the multi-tree decorations of praise, the Davis couple HUSH HUSH | 5 | 2016 WINTER

always had at least one Christmas tree each year, which included an ornament engraved in praise for the couple’s daughter Chasity’s birth.

“I’ve always been captivated

by Christmas,” Davis says.

“It’s a time of worship when I decorate. I’m praising the Lord as I decorate each tree.

It’s about praising Him.” She incorporates ornaments depicting “the heavenly host” and those symbolic of the

nativity for each tree.

Davis collected the ‘12 days of Christmas’ ornaments when she discovered the Christian story behind the lyrics. “Bird in a Peartree is representative of Christ,” she said, and the other objects have Biblical significance as well. She said the 12 days ornaments were “my last collection.”

This article does not mention Davis’ collection of nativity scenes, which also are included as part of her praise of The Lord!

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Photo by Mandilay, Inc.

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by Dr. E. Harold Fisher, Guest Columnist hristmas has always been a special time for me and my family, a tradition started by my parents. My mother took care of the logistics of making sure we had a family Christmas together every year. There was not much money, but somehow she managed to save to be certain that there were gifts at Christmas and something under the tree for me and my

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sister.

It was always happytime timeto to which which we sister.

It was always a ahappy looked forward.

My father gave me the money we looked forward. My father gave me the to purchase a gift a forgift myfor sister forand several money to purchase myand sister special friends.

He insisted that I save for several special friends. He insisted my that own money for a gift for him and my mother.

I save my own money for a gift for him and year,One I soldyear, newspapers and saved for my One mother.

I sold newspapers their gifts –– socks for him and an Evening in and saved for their gifts –– socks for him Paris perfume set for my mother. Each year, and an Evening in Paris perfume set for my father would take me to a drug store and my neighboring mother. Each year, mystore father department onwould Christmas Eve takeand melet tome a drug store and neighboring select and purchase the gifts for the department store two of them.

Heon didChristmas this until IEve wasand old enough let me select purchase the gifts for but to go aloneand for my Christmas shopping the always two of with them.

He didmoney. this until I was my own old enough to go alone for my Christmas shopping but always with mychanged, own money.

As the years wore on, things but never the tradition familychanged, being together, As the years wore on,ofthings but the exchanging of gifts, and remembering the basic never the tradition of family being together, of Christmas: the birth of Jesus and the the purpose exchanging of gifts, and remembering love that came into the world.

I missed the basic purpose of Christmas: the birthbeing of with my family at Christmas only one time Jesus and the love that came into the world.

–– when I was in the stationed in Japan.

I missed being with myArmy, family at Christmas That year, the box of gifts from home came, and only one time –– when I was in the Army, I opened them on Christmas day, but the family stationed in Japan. That year, the box of gifts was missing. from home came, and I opened them on Christmas day,discharged but the family was missing.

After I was from the Army and After I was discharged from the Army and got married, the size of my family increased. got Although married, my the parents size of are myno family increased. longer with us, we Although my parents are no longer with us, continue the tradition that they started. First, we itcontinue the tradition that they started. was Christmas with my parents, me and my First, it was Christmas with mymy parents, sister.

It expanded to include sister and her and then,Itmy own family. me family and my sister. expanded to include my sister and her family and then, my own My wife –– two family.

My and wifeI have and Ithree havechildren three children daughters and a son –– all married, with –– two daughters and a son –– all married, their own families.

Our Christmas tradition with their own families. Our Christmas of everyone being together has not changed. tradition of everyone being together has When our oldest daughter announced her not changed. When our oldest daughter plans to get married, our other daughter asked announced her plans to get married, our her if her fiancé understood about Christmas other daughter asked her ifhave her the fiancé with our family.

We now children, understood about Christmas with our their spouses, the seven grandchildren and family.

We now have the children, their home one great grandchild.

All of them come spouses, the seven grandchildren and one for Christmas –– eighteen and counting –– great grandchild.

All of them come home from North Carolina, Texas, Michigan, and for Mississippi.

Christmas –– eighteen and counting

“We shall always remember that Christ is the reason for Christmas and the greatest gift of all...”

–– from North Carolina, Texas, Michigan, and Mississippi. Our celebration always includes a Christmas tree, either fresh or permanent, that has varied in size Our celebration a Christmas depending on thealways size ofincludes the apartment or tree, either fresh or permanent, that has varied house where we gather. Stockings hung in size depending on the size of the apartment with great care and presents for all are a or house where we gather. Stockings hung part of what we do. Attending a Christmas with great care and presents for all are a part of Eve service together also is a tradition, after what we do.

Attending a Christmas Eve service which we also haveisthe annual after Christmas together a tradition, which Eve we dinner in our home.

Presents are not opened have the annual Christmas Eve dinner in our until Christmas Christmas has home.

Presents morning. are not opened until Christmas been commercialized so much that it has morning. lost its meaning and significance in a lot has beenalways commercialized sothat much ofChristmas places. We shall remember that itishas its meaning and significance Christ thelost reason for Christmas and the in a lot of places.

We shall always remember greatest gift of all. He is truly the reason for that Christfor is the reason Christmas and the the season which ourfor family is grateful. greatest gift of all.

He is truly the reason It is with grateful hearts that we look for the season for which family is grateful.

It is forward to our familyour celebrating Christmas with grateful hearts that we look forward to our together!

Merry Christmas to all! family celebrating Christmas together! Merry Christmas to all!

Dr. Emeritusof Blue Dr.E.E.Harold HaroldFisher, Fisher, President President Emeritus of Mountain Blue Mountain Blue Mountain, CollegeCollege, in Blue Mountain, MS, is a MS, is a deacon at First Baptist in deacon at First Baptist Church inChurch downtown Jackson downtown Jackson.

He continues to be and continues to be active in religious andactive inprofessiona religious and professional organizations.

His l organizations. His wife Martha wife Marthataught formerly taught at Blue College Mountain formerly at Blue Mountain and is College and is his “right in thework consultant his “right hand” in thehand” consultant that he work that he does. does.

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BEST CHRISTMAS EVER! HUSH Magazine wanted to hear from college students about their “Best Christmas Ever.� We also wanted to know about any traditions that their families observe at Christmas. So,writer China Lee went to her alma mater, Mississippi College, and to Tougaloo College to see what students had to say.

Photographer Amanda Patterson, owner of Mandilay Studio, Inc., accompanied her.

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Andrew Jetzel

Mississippi College Christian Studies Major, Freshman “MeeMee and mom always cook the best sweet potato pie, sweet potato casserole, and ham.

Usually we watch a Christmas movie or two and just spend time with family. We go out and look at Christmas lights around the neighborhood...So many inside jokes and corny jokes. We think we’re funny but we’re really not. It’s just a time of laughter and a good time to slow down and reflect on just expressing our love for our family and just spending time with each other….”

Mary Elizabeth Stringer

Mississippi College Business Administration Major, Senior “It started in second grade. I always have a group of just girls come over during Christmas, and we would just make a craft and eat and play around. So, as we have grown up, I’ve continued that tradition… and even now in college we’ve kept the [tradition]. We usually meet when everyone is done with finals. It’s been a lot of fun for me and my high school friends to get back together, since everyone is so spread out. At Christmas, we get another chance to enjoy each other’s company, and we still make a craft!”

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Laneshia Black

Savannah Carpenter

Mississippi College Nursing Major, Senior

Mississippi College Nursing Major, Senior

“I think I was 9 years old, and there was a doll that was like the only thing I wanted that year, and I got it. I also got a radio and hooked that up and just started playing with the doll. Every year, we go to my mom’s house with all the kids and grandkids. All of us get together, and we open one gift on Christmas eve and then after dinner, we open all the gifts.”

“I think my best Christmas was when my older sister and I walked into the living room, and we both wanted a basketball goal and it was up against the wall. Also I got a doctor’s costume with a medical bag. I worked on people the rest of the day. That was a lot of fun. Generally, we always go to my grandmother’s house, and every Christmas eve night, we read the Christmas story out of the bible and talk about what we’re thankful for.”

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Akire Harris

John Johnson

Tougaloo College Biology Major, Freshman

Tougaloo College Biology Major, Sophomore

“I always go out of town with my parents and the rest of my family. We pretty much just hang out and eat. When I was nine or ten, I got a PSP. That was great.”

“My family cooks dressing, macaroni, really everything. I help with the dressing sometimes.

When I was two, I got a big truck and helmet, and they tooke me riding through the snow in Greenville.”

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Andraya Roberts

Mississippi College Nursing Major, Senior “My family lives in Hawaii. One Christmas morning, we just decided to go surfing.

It was a pretty unique situation. What we usually do is watch movies like Elf and the Grinch. My dad makes egg casserole, and we always have stockings. Stockings are a big thing in our family. There’s something special about opening up tiny gifts. That’s my favorite.”

Kayla Nolden

Tougaloo College Mass Communications Major, Freshman “I feel like this year is going to be my best Christmas. I have a little leeway now since I’m older. I get to choose where I’m going to spend Christmas. So instead of spending it with my mom and all of my siblings, I’m going to spend it with my grandmother.

No one lives with her; so, it’s quiet and peaceful, and I need that right now. Every year we hang up our stockings. My parents used to let us open a gift on Christmas eve, but they stopped that.

When I got older, I got to play Santa with my parents, and we would stay up late and put out gifts –– put together bikes and roller things and whatever they needed. That was really exciting for me.”

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Magazine

Impacting People Positively & Powerfully!

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HUSH Magazine is Published by

Linda Buford-Burks, Owner & Editor / Publisher of HUSH Magazine

Book Review

...he suggests that if the Christian church is not striving to become an integrated body of believers, it is ignoring the Great Commission of the church as outlined by Jesus in Matthew 28: 19-20.

Perkins’ Dream with Me challenges church to lead to the next level

By Charlotte Graham, Contributing Writer ohn M. Perkins, affectionately known as “Dr. Perkins” by those of us who have followed his ministry of Christian Community Development and Racial Reconciliation, has shared his life of poverty, oppression and injustice in the pages of books and at lecture podiums, in church pulpits, and college classrooms across the nation and abroad across the years.

In Dream with Me, Perkins revisits a lot of the experiences that have shaped his theological concepts and, at the same time, introduces readers to a more passionate side of the man who adamantly condemns the injustices that are embedded into the fabric of society.

At a time when the United States of America is experiencing racial tension, violence, and hate-filled language not experienced since the Civil Rights era, Perkins uses his book, Dream with Me, to challenge the Christian Church to move beyond denominational, cultural, and personal differences to unite in the fight for justice and peace.

While Perkins’ fervent passion for justice and peace is spotlighted throughout this book, he also emphasizes the importance of upholding the “dignity of every person,” ascribed by God Himself. He recalls times of his life where he personally stepped in to be a catalyst, from trying to rescue college students jailed in Mississippi, to stepping in the middle of a situation where a woman was being beaten in public by her husband in a foreign country.

He emphasizes the importance of unity in the body of Christ, involving all ethnicities as one body. He applauds individuals, churches, and nonprofits that have taken deliberate, successful steps to do just that.

The fight for justice and peace is a battle that cannot be won by violence and weapons.

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Perkins posits that the key to winning this battle is love. This is a genuine love that only comes from God: “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5).

It’s the kind of love that allows you to befriend the relative of the sheriff who killed your brother. It’s the kind of love that enables you to call “brother” a man who once was a prominent member of the Ku Klux Klan. This love allows you to freely and earnestly worship and fellowship with people of different ethnicities, nationalities, denominations, and social-economic backgrounds. It should be prevalent among those who say they are disciples of Jesus Christ, Perkins notes.

Yet Perkins argues that this type of love is absent from many of those who deem themselves followers of Christ. The absence of what biblical scholars define as agape love is considered one of the reasons most Christian churches are segregated bodies of believers.

Perkins dreams of a day when people of different backgrounds can worship and serve God together. He dreams of a day when

Christians will not only talk the talk, but walk the walk, realizing that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new!” (2 Cor. 5:17 NKJV), and “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

Perkins is not saying that every church that has a one race or one ethnic congregation is not a real church. Instead, he suggests that if the Christian church is not striving to become an integrated body of believers, it is ignoring the Great Commission of the church as outlined

by Jesus in Matthew 28: 19-20. Perkins makes a beckon call to the people of God to be a place of worship that reflects our heavenly home.

According to the Book of Revelations, people from the four corners of the earth (people of various ethnicities) will enter Heaven where they will praise and worship God together.

Perkins appeals to readers to share his dream of a united church, a dream of God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.

Look for the book’s release early next year.

You can buy it in bookstores and online.

If you like this puzzle, email us and let us know.

We'll publish more! Email hush@hush-be-still.com or comment on the website, "Behind The Theme Message" www.hush-be-still.com.

Christians Elevating Lovable Endeavors Bringing Righteousness Around Testimonies In Needing Gracious See the correct answer on CHRIST Applying Thoughtfulness page 22.

CELEBRATING CHRIST AT CHRISTMAS Creating Holiness Revealing Individual’s Spirituality Manifesting Agape Services

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Take the word ” Christmas”

Instructions: Add each letter forward and backward to get the total of that letter. (Vertically) Add each total to get the grand total. (Horizontally) Add the "Forward" and " Backward" numbers for each letter. (Horizontally) The "Forward Total" plus "The Backward Total" will equal the Letter Grand Total.

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Your total will be the page of your Bible Chapter for the month

DRAKE: Looking for a Miracle

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by Linda Buford-Burks t age 78, Vivan Verlean Drake looks back on life with gratitude for the blessings of family most of all.

Her husband Walter passed away in 1994, “right at his retirement age.” He never got a chance to enjoy retirement benefits. Her mother, Mrs. Ora Austin, still lives mostly by herself at age 100. Drake says that her mom’s mind continues to be sharp.

Drake cherishes her grown daughters Kimberly, Cheryl and Faye — two of which are married with children. Her six grandchildren give her great joy as well: Chad, Jerrel, Jared, Skylar, Toni, and Drake. She mentions them and smiles.

For Christmas this year, Drake is hoping for “a miracle” to survive her latest battle with cancer. Her first encounter with the disease was in 2011, when Dr. Reginald Martin successfully performed surgery and supervised treatment for breast cancer that went into remission that same year.

Earlier this year, after being hospitalized for issues with her GI tract, it was discovered that the underlying problem was cancer. Again. This time, it is in her intestinal system.

A former seamstress for Mississippi Stage Equipment Company, she remembers her work of more than 35 years sewing professional drapes for movie theaters and other places with stages. She looks

at hands that now are often riddled with arthritic pain and notes that it’s “just one of those things” that happens with repetitive sewing over the years.

Drapes that she has helped sew adorn movie theaters at Northpark, Grandview, HUSH | 18 | 2016 WINTER

Clinton and Tinseltown in the Jackson, MS metro area.

School stages quietly boast her work as well, along with New Stage Theater and Jackson, Mississippi’s city auditorium, Thalia Mara Hall. Drake says she enjoyed sewing during her years of employment. She

A well-worn sign in the foyer of the home owned by Drake’s daughter Kimberly and son-in-law Toney declares the family’s priorities.

was part of a team where she and others did the sewing and a different crew took care of getting the drapes to the sites and hung in place.

“We did a lot of work, and sewed thousands of drapes” over the years, she said.

Grand openings of movie theaters and other events brought good business, and the company was particularly busy around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

When she had time, Drake also sewed curtains at home for herself and for neighbors and friends.

She was always meticulous about how curtains were sewn and automatically does a visual sizing up of any curtains on stage — how well they are sewn and hung –– when she attends events or goes to movie theaters where drapes are hung.

These days, Drake has “sick spells.” Her hair is falling. Her gratitude is still growing.

“I do believe a miracle is coming out of this,” she says.

She is not anxious, but prayerful. “It’s by God’s grace,” she says, adding that “We have to accept the things we can’t change, and do the things that we can to make a difference. God is wonderful and wonderful to be praised.”

“I’m just grateful,” Drake smiles. “So many people are praying for me.”

Among the things for which Drake is most grateful is that she and her husband Walter took time to travel to a number of places before he died. She had to convince him to try traveling out of HUSH | 19 | 2016 WINTER

state. But once they traveled to another state to a family reunion, Walter Drake “was hooked” on traveling. Those memories are precious.

“So, what did your children say about your illness,” this writer asked. “They didn’t say anything.”

Kim Crisler and her husband, Pastor Toney had Drake in mind when they built their new home in Terry, MS, with a room built just for her. She lives with them now.

Drake speaks positively, a trait that she says did not come naturally, but is one that she “grew into” by being around positive people.

“I like sharing myself,” she notes. “Being able to share your love, thoughts and well-being” is important. She gives away “little happies,” “especially at Christmas.”

And not just to her family members, but also to various other people.

“I do what I can to help my fellow man,” she says matterof-factly. She is well known for doing just that. Her children will tell you that they grew up seeing Drake give up money, clothing and even her own bed when she felt that she should.

As a member of the Forward Lookers Club for more than 25 years, Drake enjoys the social group’s activities. Members meet every second weekend of the month for fellowship. She also is a member of the choir at her church (Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church), and a prayer group.

Christmas is approaching fast. Miracles do happen.

Local Church Heeds Call, Challenge to Embrace Racial Unity

by Jacqueline L. Mack

Director of Christian Education Ministry, New Hope Baptist Church, Jackson, MS

O

ver the years, New Hope Baptist Church has sought to teach, train and equip our members in Christian discipleship and to proactively encourage each one to live out the tenets of the Gospel of Christ. Personal involvement in the community and culture is a part of membership preparation. The Godly call and charge of Reconciliation, especially within the Body of Christ, is not an option. It requires that we equip our members to put godly principles into practice, just as we do concerning any must heed what ‘She’ sees in our communities other lofty and orthodox tenants of faith that and nation and follow God’s response (for the church embraces. there is a Word from God) to forgiving, healing and reconciling within His Church.

The National Conversation on Racial Unity The Church’s response affects our community, in America was truly a God-moment in our country and world. state on November 4, 2015. Convened under the banner of Mission Mississippi, this special With prayer, planning and the sanction summit brought together the leadership of of Pastor Jerry Young, New Hope Baptist is the two largest Baptist denominations in our exhorting its members to respond to “The nation, The Southern Baptist Convention and Godly Call to Racial Reconciliation: Bridging The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. It the Barriers of Color, Culture & Class.” This was a refreshing, hopeful renewal of Christian thematic approach to discipleship helps us kinship across racial and cultural lines. In respond to the Word of God to grow, glow and view of the divisive and destructive elements go in a state where citizens carry the ancestral that exist in our public square these days, the and generational burdens of discriminating summit was timely preparation that perhaps and being discriminated against, based on broadened the perspective of many attendees color, class and culture. who witnessed through traditional and social media the negative events that ensued in 2016.

The Word of God declares what the citizenry of Heaven should be about: As a member of the Mission Mississippi Board of Directors and director of Christian “For Christ himself has brought peace to us.

Education at New Hope, I personally felt the He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, hand of God to return to our church after the in his own body on the cross, he broke down the 2015 summit more motivated and determined wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by to assist in readying our people through ending the system of law with its commandments discipleship development. We are called to be and regulations. He made peace between Jews and in sync with the moving of God’s Spirit. By His Gentiles by creating in himself one new people grace and enablement, the Church of Christ from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ HUSH | 20 | 2016 WINTER

reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.” Ephesians 2:14-15 New Living

• trust God to embrace His will for our church and for the larger Body of Christ.

The membership is actively participating in the instructional teachings of our Pastor, Dr. “And all of this is a gift from God, who brought Young, and in discussions within discipleship and Bible study groups. Exhortations by guest us back to himself through Christ. And God has speakers like Rev. Neddie Winters, president given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, of Mission Mississippi, offer additional no longer counting people’s sins against them. And enlightenment for our membership. Interactive he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. prayer and cross-cultural engagement further prepare the congregation as God So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his propels our church forward in the Ministry of appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, Reconciliation for His Namesake. who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, Last November 2015, God summoned two so that we could be made right with God through great mega-church institutions to engage in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (NLT) discussion at the National Conversation on Racial “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a fellow Unity in America summit. Dr. Jerry Young and Dr. Ronnie Floyd challenged their leadership believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love and churches with several directives to move people we can see, how can we love God, whom we the conversation into action and reality within cannot see? And he has given us this command: their common Baptist tradition. From the local Those who love God must also love their fellow context, New Hope Baptist Church is heeding believers.” 1 John 4:20-21 (NLT) that summons to demonstrate the Biblical Call to Godly Reconciliation.

With this mandate of Biblical Reconciliation, we are moving forward We are starting within the walls of our in learning to live and practice what God church, with the goal of nurturing and declares. For some, this may mean starting equipping our members through discipleship with personal forgiveness of others because development. We trust God to lead us forward the hurts and scars are real, some of them and outward in proactively demonstrating deeply seated. Yet in time, healing will come. the ministry of reconciliation in our homes, For others, it may mean forgiving ourselves, repenting of the sin and shame of the past that community, and beyond. This will be done by intentionally building relationships with still haunts us. We are called upon to trust the persons who are not exactly like us.

Lord and lean on Him to help us let go of the past so that we can move forward into the Is this challenging? Will there be setbacks? future.

Yes. One expects new paradigm shifts to roughly rub our traditions, common habits and New Hope Baptist Church, a predominant ways of doing things. Yet, in order to be free, African-American cultural church, is seeking experience and demonstrate reconciliation God to • transform our thinking about race relations within the Body of Christ, we must move forward. After all, having personally been in Mississippi and in America; reconciled to God through the sacrificial work • submit to the Word of God’s charge in the of our Savior and Lord, Jesus, the Christ, now Ministry of Reconciliation as we study, requires us to do the same among others as share and discuss the Scriptures and our ambassadors of Christ. The world needs to experiences; and,

Translation (NLT)

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ForwardChristians visibly see and know that “we are In the end, as a 22local church which heeds 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 Backward 13N 7T 12O 11P 10Q 9R 8S 6U 5V 4W 3X 2Y 1Z by our love.” So, we are learning to trust the the call and challenge to embrace racial unity, ************************************************************************************************************* Lord, to believe His Word, to forgive, to cross it Take is now our response to actively take both the the word ” Christmas” new thresholds of race relations (thanks in message and ministry of reconciliation forward Instructions: Add each letter forward and backward to get the total of that letter. (Vertically) part to Mission Mississippi), and to beAdd open bygrand relating and being relational with one each total to get the total. (Horizontally) to whomever God graciously sends usAddout to andanother.

To God Glory! the "Forward" " Backward" numbers for eachBe letter.the (Horizontally) The "Forward Total" plus "The Backward Total" will equal the Letter Grand Total. encounter — regardless of the ethnicity.

Your total will be the page of your Bible Chapter for the month What is the Bible Book Chapter’s page?

Puzzle Answer ANSWER

3 8 18 9 19 20 13 1 19 =119 124 24C 19H 9R 18I 8S 7T 14M 26A 8S

27 27 27 27 27 27 . Find

27 27 27

= 243

243

the Bible Chapter of the month on page 243 in the King James Bible

If you liked this puzzle, email us and letreserved us know.

We'll publish more! Email hush@hush-be-still.com or Copyrights to Yo’Sweet Dreams LLC comment on the website, www.hush-be-still.com. The answer here is for the puzzle on page 17.

PRACTICALITY:

44 STICKY? Need to get the price sticker off a picture frame or other item without a struggle? First, remove as much as the sticker as you can. Use a drop or two of olive oil with a dry cloth or cotton ball to get the residue.

44 STUBBORN? Ever find yourself frustrated trying to open one of those thin perforated plastic bags in the produce aisle?

You pull down a bag to put in your greens, rutabaga or whatever. No matter how hard you try to open it, it’s not happening. Next time, literally pick up one of the bunches of greens (or other produce you’re buying) first.

Chances are, your fingers will become damp, allowing you to easily open the plastic bag.

44 Got a practical tip to share? Email us at hush@hush-be-still.com or info@ raphacommunications.com. Your tip and your name may appear in an upcoming issue.

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by Eleanor Reynolds

INGREDIENTS Shortening or Butter to Lightly Grease Casserole Dish 2 cups raw whole cranberries 3 cups raw chopped unpeeled Granny Smith Apples 1 cup sugar ½ cup quick oats ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup chopped pecans ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease your Casserole Dish with Shortening or Butter. Mix 2 cups raw whole cranberries and 3 cups raw chopped unpeeled Granny Smith Apples. Place the fruit mixture into your favorite greased casserole dish.

Sprinkle with one cup of sugar. Layer in order the following ingredients on top of the apples, cranberries and one cup sugar mixture already in your casserole dish.

THE TOPPING ½ cup quick oats

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup chopped pecans

½ cup (1 stick) melted butter

BAKE

Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes. This dish is versatile: Serve warm with your poultry. For dessert serve the Cranberry-Apple Casserole over ice cream, cake, or all by itself topped with a dollop of whipping cream.

Yum! Enjoy!!

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PHOTOS for this article by Victor Calhoun HUSH | 25 | 2016 WINTER

Fairhope Tea Plantation: Sowing Seeds for the Love of Tea

I

by Eleanor Reynolds f you have never seen a tea plant before, you may be quite surprised to find out that some of the lovely landscaping at the Fairhope Museum of History in Fairhope, Alabama is in fact tea. It looks like shrubs dotted with bright little white flowers hosting a yellow floral center. Holding the tray of home grown tea is Fairhope Museum of History Executive Director Donnie Barrett.

“The formal name of the tea plant is Camillia sinenis. From this one plant you get your black, white, and green teas.

The only difference between those teas is in how one processes the teas,” he says.

Barrett should know, as this tea has quite a history of its own in Fairhope –– one which led to the development of the second largest tea farm in America: the Fairhope Tea Plantation. According to Barrett, in 1970 The Lipton Tea Company and Auburn University launched an experimental tea station in Fairhope. It was one of many sites in the south as Lipton Tea wanted to assess the practicality of growing tea in the United States.

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Donnie Barrett, executive director, Fairhope (AL) Museum of History

Barret’s father worked on that experiment as the station supervisor. But the project was terminated in 1979 when Hurricane Frederick ripped through and destroyed the work.

“The tea plants were gathered, put into 6-foot high piles, diesel fuel was poured over the stacks, then burned,” he said.

That blaze further ignited his curiosity about tea.

“After the fire died down, I was able to dig out and save three plants.”

Those three plants gave birth to his 61,000 tea bushes and new titles: Fairhope Tea Plantation Owner, Processor, and Tea Consultant.

“I took my camera and went to China three times to study how tea is made in the Chinese Tea Factories. It took

me 10 years practicing before I knew how best to make tea as it is a family and industrial secret never to be put in writing.”

As a consultant, just last year Barrett says he helped start 11 tea farms. The farms on his roster are in Montana, Idaho, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and even Canada, to name a few. Experts say tea farms are on the rise in the United States. According to the World of Tea website, there are 30 tea farms in the U.S. By law, as director of the Fairhope Museum of History, Barrett cannot profit from his tea farm. “I haven’t sold tea for 10 years now.” So he allows his labor of love to bless the museum. He invites the museum docents to clip the tea leaves.

“They sell the tea to guests in the museum gift shop. It generates about $6,000 to go back to the museum.”

A native of Fairhope and a University of South Alabama History graduate, Barrett enjoys keeping the citizens and visitors of Fairhope connected about history, current events, and a slew of different stories from their remarkable guest speakers.

He does so through his Tea for Two series, held 2:00 p.m. every Tuesday in the Museum Council Chamber. That’s where folks recently learned how the elderly can best stay safe in Fairhope from Fairhope Police Chief Joseph Petties. However, you can also stop by sometimes and hear his lecture on teas. His retirement dream? Sell tea and consult on what else, tea.

Fairhope Tea is sold in the gift shop at the Fairhope Museum of History.

Fairhope Police Chief Joseph Petties provides safety tips during a recent Tea for Two series at the Fairhope Museum of History.

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You may not know about...

This special section was compiled in honor of Veterans, as a special resource following the celebration of Veterans Day on November 11, 2016.

In President Abraham Lincoln’s second Inaugural Address, he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to “care for him who shall have borne the battle.” We owe the men and women who have taken an oath to protect our country and the freedoms we all enjoy a great debt of gratitude. Because of their service and sacrifice this Country has not wavered in its commitment, and today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has the most comprehensive system of assistance for Veterans of any nation in the world.

VA is comprised of three administrations: 1) Veterans Benefits Administration 2) Veterans Cemetery Administration, and 3) Veterans Health Administration.

General information has been compiled from www.va.gov to assist readers in understanding VA benefits and how to apply for them. It is important to note the information is general and there may be complexities in individual cases that require discussion with a VA Benefits Counselor located at VA Regional (Benefits) Offices and VA Medical Centers across the country.

The VA Regional (Benefits) Office for Mississippi is located in Jackson and VA Medical Centers are located in both Jackson and Biloxi.

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Veterans Benefits Administration

Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are determined by VA to be disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. These disabilities are considered to be service connected. To be eligible for compensation, the Veteran must have been separated or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Monthly disability compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of eligible dependents, and is not subject to federal or state income tax. Disability ratings are made in increments of 10 percent, ranging from 0 percent to 100 percent. Detailed compensation rate information can be found at www.benefits.va.gov/ COMPENSATION/resources_comp02.asp.

Veterans with disability ratings of at least 30 percent are eligible for additional allowances for dependents, including spouses, minor children, children between the ages of 18 and 23 who are attending school, children who are permanently incapable of self-support because of a disability arising before age 18, and dependent parents. The additional amount depends on the disability rating and the number of dependents.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monetary benefit generally payable to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of military service members who died while on active duty, or survivors of Veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities. DIC for parents is an income based benefit. For more detailed information, visit http:// www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/types-dependency_ and_indemnity_parents.asp.

The following are ways you can apply for VA compensation: • Online using an eBenefits account • Complete and mail your claim form to your nearest VA regional office • Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. To find the VA regional office nearest you, use the Veterans Affairs National Facilities Locator or call VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000 • Work with an accredited representative or agent.

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Education and Training The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) was a post-WWII program meant to help returning vets transition back to civilian life through education. It consisted of monthly payments direct to the Veteran while the Veteran was in an accredited college. The VA educational benefits may be used while the Servicemember is on active duty or after the Servicemember’s separation from active duty with a fully honorable military discharge. Eligibility generally expires 10 years after the Servicemember’s discharge.

However, there are exceptions for disability, re-entering active duty, and upgraded discharges. All participants must have a high school diploma, equivalency certificate, or have completed 12 hours toward a college degree before applying for benefits.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill was enacted in 2008 to update the MGIB and track more closely with the cost of education. It is an education benefit program for Servicemembers and Veterans who served on active duty after Sept.10, 2001. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after Aug. 1, 2009.

To be eligible, the Servicemember or Veteran must serve at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, and remain on active duty or be honorably discharged. Eligibility for benefits expires 15 years from the last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days. Eligible children are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100 percent level, have 15 years to use the benefit beginning on their 18th birthday and may use the benefit until their 33rd birthday. Learn more about VA Education and Training Benefits as follows: • Explore VA education and training benefits • Download the Post-9/11 GI Bill® informational pamphlet • Learn more about transferring education benefits to family members • Explore VA vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits • Learn about the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) • Learn about the VetSuccess on campus program.

Additional information can be found at www.benefits. va.gov/gibill/ or by calling 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

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VA Pension VA Pension is a needs-based benefit paid to wartime Veterans who are at least 65 years old, and his/her survivor(s). A Veteran may generally be eligible if discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions AND served 90 days or more of active military duty and served at least one (1) day during a period of war. Aid and Attendance (A&A) is an increased monthly pension amount paid to a Veteran or surviving spouse if 1) eligible for basic pension benefits, and 2) require the aid of another person in order to perform activities of daily living; or 1) is bedridden, or 2) a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity, or 3) is blind.

Housebound is an increased monthly pension amount paid to a Veteran or surviving spouse who is substantially confined to his or her home because of permanent disability. You may be eligible if 1) you are eligible for basic pension benefits, and you have a single permanent disability evaluated as 100-percent disabling, or 2) due to a disability or disabilities, you are permanently and substantially confined to your immediate premises, or 3) you have a single permanent disability evaluated as 100-percent disabling and another disability or disabilities, independently evaluated as 60-percent or more disabling.

VA National Cemeteries

134 VA national cemeteries are located in 39 states, three (3) of them in Mississippi –– Biloxi, Corinth, and Natchez.

A Mississippi state Veterans Cemetery is located in Newton.

Burial in a VA national cemetery is available for eligible Veterans, spouses and dependents at no cost and includes the grave site, grave-liner, opening and closing of the grave, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care as part of a national shrine. For Veterans, benefits may also include a burial flag, Presidential Memorial Certificate and military funeral honors provided by the Department of Defense. Veterans discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable; service members who die while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training; and spouses and dependent children of Veterans and active duty service members, may be eligible for VA burial and memorial benefits. The Veteran HUSH | 31 | 2016 WINTER

does not have to die before a spouse or dependent child can be eligible for burial or memorial benefits. National Guard and reservists who serve the full period for which they are called to active duty, their spouses and dependent children may also be eligible.

How to Apply Upon the death of the Veteran or his or her spouse or dependent, also called the time of need, family members should locate the Veteran’s DD-214 or other discharge papers and then make arrangements with a funeral home, National Cemetery Scheduling Office or directly with a VA national cemetery.

For more information about burial and memorial benefits, contact the nearest national cemetery (www.va.gov/directory/ guide/division.asp?dnum=4&isFlash=0 ), call 1-202-632-8035, or visit website at www.cem.va.gov/.

VA Health Administration

VHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the world and includes 152 VA hospitals, 800 community based outpatient clinics and 126 nursing home care units. The full spectrum of medical and mental health services is available, as well as complex surgical procedures such as open heart surgery and neuro surgery, organ transplantation, spinal cord injury care, and blind rehabilitation. For more information visit the Health benefits page.

A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members.

Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty in order to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply to Veterans discharged for hardship, early out or a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

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Veterans may apply and submit their applications for health care benefits at https://www.vets.gov/healthcare/apply/. If assistance is needed for the online enrollment form, an online chat representative is available to answer questions. Veterans can also enroll by calling 1-877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, or going to any VA health care facility or VA regional office. Once enrolled, Veterans can receive health care at VA health care facilities anywhere in the country.

During enrollment, each Veteran is assigned to a priority group. VA uses priority groups to balance demand for VA health care enrollment with resources. Changes in available resources may reduce the number of priority groups VA can enroll. If this occurs, VA will publicize the changes and notify affected enrollees. A description of priority groups follows:

Group 1: • Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 percent or more and/or Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable due to service-connected conditions.

Group 2: • Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30 or 40 percent.

Group 3: • Veterans who are former prisoners of war (POWs).

• Veterans awarded the Purple Heart medal.

• Veterans awarded the Medal of Honor.

• Veterans whose discharge was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

• Veterans with VA service-connected disabilities rated 10 percent or 20 percent.

• Veterans awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, U.S.C., § 1151, “benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation.”

Group 4: • Veterans receiving increased compensation or pension based on their need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound.

• Veterans determined by VA to be catastrophically disabled.

Group 5: • Nonservice-connected Veterans and noncompensable service-connected Veterans rated 0 percent, whose annual income and/or net worth are not greater than VA financial thresholds.

• Veterans receiving VA Pension benefits.

• Veterans eligible for Medicaid benefits.

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Group 6: Compensable 0 percent service-connected Veterans.

• Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Project 112/SHAD participants.

• Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975.

• Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations from Aug. 2, 1990, through Nov. 11, 1998.

• Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998.

• Veterans discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003, for five years after discharge.

• Veterans who served on active duty at Camp Lejeune, N.C., for no fewer than 30 days beginning Jan. 1, 1957, and ending Dec. 31, 1987.

Group 7: • Veterans with incomes below the geographic means test income thresholds and who agree to pay the applicable copayment.

Group 8: • Veterans with gross household incomes above VA national income threshold and the geographically-adjusted income threshold for their resident location and who agree to pay copayments. Veterans eligible for enrollment.

VA’s income thresholds change annually and current levels can be located at: http://nationalincomelimits.vaftl.us/.

For additional information on VA health care, visit www. va.gov/health as well as review a copy of VHA’s 2015 Health Care Benefits Overview, a guide designed to provide Veterans and their families the information they need for understanding VA’s health care system.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Pension Benefits

VA offers two broad categories of Pension benefit programs.

Veterans Pension: Tax-free monetary benefit payable to low-income wartime Veterans.

Survivors Pension: Tax-free monetary benefit payable to a low-income, un-remarried surviving spouse and/or unmarried child(ren) of a deceased Veteran with wartime service.

Veterans and survivors who are eligible for Pension benefits and are housebound or require the aid and attendance of another person may be eligible to receive additional monetary amounts.

Learn more about what Veterans and their families should know when applying for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Pension Benefits by clicking on this topic on the HUSH website, www.hush-be-still.com.

Life Insurance: provides financial security for Service members (SGLI), Veterans (VGLI), and their families (FSGLI).

Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance: (VMLI), which can provide mortgage protection for families of severely disabled Service members or Veterans.

Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance: (S-DVI) a life insurance benefit for Veterans who have service-connected disabilities but who are otherwise in good health.

Learn More About Insurance Benefits on the HUSH website, www.hush-be-still.com.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment: (VR&E) provides services to eligible military service members and Veterans with service-connected disabilities to help them prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment or

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achieve independence in daily living. A Veteran must have a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 20 percent with an employment handicap, or rated 10 percent with a serious employment handicap, and be discharged or released from military service under other than dishonorable conditions.

The basic period of eligibility in which VR&E benefits may be used is 12 years from the later of the following: 1. a Veteran’s date of separation from active military service, or 2. the date VA first notified a Veteran that he/she has a compensable service-connected disability.

Veterans may be provided up to 48 months of full-time services or the part-time equivalent. Rehabilitation plans that only provide services to improve independence in daily living are limited to 30 months. More information regarding VR&E benefits is available at www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab.

Preventing Veteran Homelessness: Veterans who are homeless or feel they may be facing homelessness as a result of losing their home can call 1-8774AID VET (877-424-3838) or go to www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ index.asp to receive assistance from VA. Dependents & Survivors Health Care: Contact the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). www.va.gov PURCHASEDCARE/programs/dependents/champva/index. asp.

Under CHAMPVA, certain dependents and survivors can receive reimbursement for most medical expenses – inpatient, outpatient, mental health, prescription medication, skilled nursing care and durable medical equipment.

To be eligible for CHAMPVA, an individual cannot be eligible for TRICARE (the medical program for civilian dependents provided by DoD) and must be one of the following: • The spouse or child of a Veteran whom VA has rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.

• The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died from a VA-rated service-connected disability, or who, at the time of death, was rated permanently and totally disabled.

• The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died on active duty service and in the line of duty, not due to misconduct. However, in most of these cases, these family members are eligible for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA.

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Death Gratuity Payment: Military services provide payment, called a death gratuity, in the amount of $100,000 to the next of kin of Servicemembers who die while on active duty (including those who die within 120 days of separation) as a result of service-connected injury or illness.

If there is no surviving spouse or child, then parents or siblings designated as next of kin by the Servicemember may be provided the payment. The payment is made by the last military command of the deceased. If the beneficiary is not paid automatically, application may be made to the military service concerned.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/types-dependency and_indemnity.asp.

ELIGIBILITY: Survivor eligibility for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) One of the following must have directly caused or contributed to the Veteran’s death: • A disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on active duty or active duty for training.

• An injury, heart attack, cardiac arrest, or stroke incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on inactive duty for training.

• A service-connected disability or a condition directly related to a service-connected disability.

DIC also may be paid to certain survivors of Veterans who were totally disabled from service-connected conditions at the time of death, even though their service-connected disabilities did not cause their deaths. The survivor qualifies if the Veteran was: • Continuously rated totally disabled for a period of 10 years immediately preceding death; or • Continuously rated totally disabled from the date of military discharge and for at least 5 years immediately preceding death; or • A former POW who was continuously rated totally disabled for a period of at least one year immediately preceding death.

Parents’ DIC: VA provides an income-based monthly benefit to the surviving parent(s) of a Servicemember or Veteran whose death was service-related. When countable income exceeds the limit set by law, no benefits are payable. The spouse’s income must also be included if living with a spouse.

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Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors: Survivors of Veterans who died of service-connected causes incurred or aggravated prior to Aug. 13, 1981, may be eligible for a special benefit payable in addition to any other benefits to which the family may be entitled. The amount of the benefit is based on information provided by the Social Security Administration.

Home Loan Guaranty: VA home loan guaranties are issued to help eligible Servicemembers, Veterans, Reservists, National Guard members, and certain surviving spouses obtain homes, condominiums, and manufactured homes, and to refinance loans. For additional information or to obtain VA loan guaranty forms, visit www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/.

Eligibility In addition to the periods of eligibility and conditions of service requirements, applicants must have a good credit rating, sufficient income, a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and agree to live in the property in order to be approved by a lender for a VA home loan. Lenders can apply for a COE online through the Veterans Information Portal (www.vba.va.gov/ portal/VBAH/Home). Active duty Servicemembers and Veterans can also apply online at www.ebenefits.va.gov.

Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects: www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/ claims-special-birth_defects.asp Biological children of women Veterans who served in Vietnam at any time during the period beginning on Feb. 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, may be eligible for certain benefits because of birth defects associated with the mother’s service in Vietnam that resulted in a permanent physical or mental disability.

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WORDS4LIFE et this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11 KJV

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“Charles Buford was not just a leader on our football team at Samford University. He was THE leader. Whether it be on or off the field, he was the face and the spokesperson of our squad. One of my fondest memories of Charles was listening to him sing Amazing Grace at almost every religious function that our team attended. We are all truly blessed to have had Charles as part of our lives.”

-Terry Bowden, Head Football Coach, Akron University; Former Head Football Coach, Samford University (1986-1992) PHOTO COURTESY: Photographer Jerry Harwell, Akron, OH Athletic Department June 2014. Bowden is pictured above in all blue.

Remembering my baby brother

by Linda Buford-Burks, Editor / Publisher The column below ran on the HUSH Magazine website in July 2014 — serving as the “christening” of sorts for the first edition of HUSH Magazine, started as an online publication. University of Akron Coach Terry Bowden was one of many people who impacted the life of my deceased brother Charles. I’ve been thinking a lot about him

lately, concluding that now is a good time to put the online column in print. It’s still applicable. Here it goes.

It’s easy to feel helpless and without power, particularly in our world where so many people seem to have every advantage and that we have none. But, as Christians in particular, we know that we have no power apart from Christ Jesus, and yet in Him, we can accomplish much more than we can imagine.

The first issue of HUSH Magazine is

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dedicated to the memory of my youngest brother, Charles Darrell Buford. Charles passed away into heaven on January 12, 1993 due to an acute onset of diabetes. We were in disbelief and denial when we got the news. Charles had been in Tampa for a job interview, and stayed at my sister Karan’s house.

He was a young fellow going places.

Showered by God with many gifts, Charles wasted no time putting every one of them to the test: great voice, solid academic mind, aggressive football player, loving son, brother, friend, and so on. He was kind, considerate, respectful…and, as I remember vividly, always in motion. He was tender hearted. I remember a time when he bemoaned having a spat with his girlfriend as he was washing the dishes in the kitchen sink. He was concerned about “letting the sun go down” without apologizing. I assured him that God understood and that he still could make amends.

Born March 8, 1970, Charles (or “Bud” as many called him), left a legacy of excellence that is applauded even today, as he is acknowledged annually with a scholarship at his former high school. The scholarship, named in his honor, is presented to a graduating senior of Lafayette High School who “exhibits the qualities” of Charles Buford.

The scholarship qualifications note that “Charles was an excellent student, but he did not graduate with honors or special honors because one grade on his transcript was below 75. He was an outstanding athlete, winning All Conference, All District, and All Area awards.

He was a Tri-Lake Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year. He went on to college where he was also an outstanding football player.”

Charles was an outstanding leader, serving as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, senior class president, Mr. LHS, Exchange Club Student of the Month, member of Mu Alpha Theta, Honor choir and Key Club,” the information continues. “Charles was an outstanding person, well loved by teachers and students. He went out of his way to help others in his community and out of his

community.”

The accomplishments already mentioned do not include his involvement at church, where he was a member of the Steward Board and the church choir.

While in high school, he worked summers at the electric power company and part-time as a supermarket cashier during the school year.

At Samford University in Birmingham, AL, Charles continued to excel with distinctions including Co-Team Most Valuable Player, Defensive Team Captain and recipient of the prestigious Morgan Award. He graduated from Samford with a B.S. degree in Marketing in December 1992. His football coach, Terry Bowden, is now head football coach at the University of Akron in Ohio. He still remembers Charles, providing the quote included at the beginning of this article.

Charles even ended up very prominently pictured in Artist Marianne Stroud’s painting, “Legends –– the New Generation.” That painting features Coach Terry Bowden and his dad, Coach Bobby Bowden.

The fact that Charles made such a mark in a short period of time inspires and encourages me. I hope it encourages you too. After all, he was one of those “at-risk” kids, the youngest of 10 children born into a household of little income or possessions. But he had the most important thing: two parents and siblings who

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loved him and believed in him. His parents, the late Margaret and Johnny C. Buford, taught their children to believe in every good possibility just because God made us in His image. They were right, and Charles took them quite seriously.

Mom and “Pop” modeled what they taught us. Neither had a high school education, initially. We saw both take courses, earn GEDs and Mom went on to earn an associate degree. She went from being a household maid without a GED to a cook at Head Start and later to being a Head Start teacher as she earned an associate degree from Rust College in Holly Springs, MS. Pop went on to take seminary courses after being called to ministry at the age of 39. Both parents demonstrated that they were willing to make sacrifices for the aspirations God placed in their hearts.

As a person closely tied to the education system in the State of Mississippi for more than 30 years (mostly as a public relations professional), I am continually grieved at the poor performance of so many children.

Poverty is often cited as a main reason. I simply will never believe it.

My prayer is that MIA (missing in action) parents will begin to assume their rightful roles as children’s first teachers and protectors.

I’m not talking subject matter here. I am convinced that instilling a strong value and belief system in young children beginning even at birth makes a major difference in their lives. The saying, “if we believe, we can achieve,” is absolutely on target. My parents could not teach us subject area skills, but they accepted no excuses for poor performance. A poor grade meant a meeting with our dad, and no one wanted that. We were motivated to seek out the things we did not know, because the consequences of not doing so were too great.

This does not let teachers or administrators off the hook. High expectations for every child has been publicized widely throughout the years but not always taken to heart. We can’t give up on children, if for no other reason than that they will be in charge one day. I can just hear Pop saying, “Live long enough. You’ll see.” The truth of the matter is that how well we prepare children for life and leadership will determine the quality of our own lives as we get older and move out of the workforce. Live long enough. You’ll see.

Magazine

Impacting People Positively & Powerfully!

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Coach Bobby Bowden: Movie about famous football coach coming Jan. 8

According to promoters, a new film, The Bowden Dynasty: Family, Faith & Football, opens as a “one-night only world premiere film event,” on Sunday, January 8 in downtown St. Petersburg, FL . They note that the event is “on the eve of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game across the bay in Tampa.” Get more information, including a theater near you, at www.

“The Bowden Dynasty film extends beyond football, and shows the world how one man’s commitment to Jesus affected all his decisions. Coach Bowden’s unyielding faith inspired acts of courage and grace while changing the lives of everyone around him.

Get more information and watch the trailer at www.bowdendynasty. com/

Partnering with You to Improve Your Business George Brooks 601-957-0130 George.Brooks@tbs.toshiba.com

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The photos on this page were taken by Editor / Publisher Linda Buford-Burks at a special worship service at First Baptist Church in downtown Jackson, MS in August 2015 (above), and at the home of Dorothy and Roosevelt Davis.

Thank you for Supporting

HUSH Magazine!

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Magazine

Distribution Locations BANKS Community Bank 6158 Old Canton Rd Jackson, MS 39211 BEAUTY & NAIL SALONS, & BARBER SHOPS 360 Barber Shop & Beauty Bar, LLC 5735 I-55 North / Beasley Rd. Jackson, MS 39206 Belinda’s Hair Salon 2570 Bailey Avenue, Suite 5 Jackson, MS 39213 Blessed Hands Barber Shop 1335 Ellis Avenue, Suite 5 Jackson, MS Glamour Palace Hair Salon 1518 Broadway Dr. Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Church of Christ 5225 Hanging Moss Road Jackson, MS

Mt. Nebo Baptist Church 1245 Tunica Street Jackson, MS 39209

First Baptist Church of Ridgeland Ridgeland, MS

Morning Star Baptist Church 2050 Thornton Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501

Fresh Start Christian Church 5210 Manhattan Road Jackson, MS 39206

New Hope Baptist Church 5202 Watkins Drive Jackson, MS 39206

Paul Moak Honda / Volvo Service Waiting Rooms Harding Street Jackson, MS

Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church 305 North Congress Street Jackson, MS 39201

New Horizon Church International Ellis Avenue Jackson, MS 39209

CHILDCARE / PRESCHOOL New Hope Christian Preschool 5202 Watkins Drive Jackson, MS

Greater Bethlehem Temple Church 1505 Robinson St. Jackson, MS 39203

New Jerusalem Baptist Church North, Midtown and South Locations Jackson, MS

Nail Gallery & Spa I-55 North Jackson, MS 39211 CAR DEALERSHIPS Herrin - Gear Service Area Waiting Rooms: Infinity, Chevrolet, Lexus 1685 High Street Jackson, MS

Hairtrapreneur Barber Studio 6067 Old Canton Road Jackson, MS

Seeds Educational Enrichment Center 4426 Hanging Moss Road Jackson, MS 39206

LeChic Hair Gallery 863 Centre Street, Suite C Ridgeland, MS

Cade Chapel Preschool Ridgeway Street Jackson, MS

Lucy Nails & Spa 6071 Old Canton Rd. Jackson, MS Personal Touch Hair Salon 4802 North State Street Jackson, MS 39206 Total Package Beauty Salon 6850 Commerce Plaza Jackson, MS 39206 Ultimate Touch Hair Salon 545 Nakoma Drive Jackson, MS 39206

CHURCHES Anderson United Methodist Church 6205 Hanging Moss Road Jackson, MS Beulah Land Baptist Church Yazoo City, MS Cade Chapel Baptist Church Ridgeway Street Jackson, MS

Green Grove Baptist Church Prentiss, MS 39474 Highland Colony Baptist Church 1200 Highland Colony Pkwy Ridgeland, MS House of Peace Worship Church International 1301 Holly Street Vicksburg, MS 39180 Keys Memorial Church of God in Christ 1014 St. Elmo Street Laurel, MS Highland Colony Baptist Church 1200 Highland Colony Pkwy.

Ridgeland, MS 39157 Jordan Chapel CME Church Oxford, MS

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Riverwood Bible Church Old Canton Road Jackson, MS Shady Grove Baptist Church 101 Church St. Petal, MS 39465 Stronger Hope Baptist Church 223 Beasley Rd. Jackson, MS 39206 Shekinah Glory Baptist Church 485 West Northside Drive Jackson, MS 39206 True Faith Inspirational Baptist Church 2526 W. Sligh Avenue Tampa, FL 33614

Magazine

Distribution Locations GROCERIES McDade’s Maywood Mart & Westland Plaza Locations Jackson, MS Food Depot Northside Drive Jackson, MS 39213 NON-PROFITS 100 Black Men of Jackson 5360 Highland Drive Jackson, MS 39206 Mission Mississippi Office 840 E River Place Suite 506 Jackson, MS 39202 REAL Christian Foundation 115 Linda Joe Drive Richland, MS Spencer Perkins Center 1831 Robinson Street Jackson, MS 39209 Southern Christian Services for Children & Youth 860 E River Place Suite 104 Jackson, MS 39202 United Methodist Foundation 581 Highland Colony Ridgeland, MS 39157 RESTAURANTS / BAKERIES Beagle Bagel Highland Village Jackson, MS Broadstreet Baking Co. / Cafe Banner Hall Jackson, MS

Penn’s Restaurant & Catering 587 E. Beasley Road Jackson, MS 39206 Monroe’s Donuts 3820 Hanging Moss Road Jackson, MS NEWK’s 4450 Old Canton Road Jackson, MS Primos Restaurant & Bakery 2323 Lakeland Dr Flowood, MS Quizno’s 101 Johnston Place Clinton, MS 39056 THE ARTS / DANCE Ballet Magnificat 5406 I-55 North Jackson, MS 3921 LAW FIRMS Martin & Associates 821 N Congress St, Jackson, MS 39202 Priester Law Firm Executive Place Jackson, MS The Wade Law Firm Vangela Wade, Esq. 361 Hwy. 51, Suite C Ridgeland, MS MEDICAL Dr. Sheryll Vincent Asthma and Allergy Center 5440 Watkins Dr Ste A Jackson, MS 39206

Dr. Arthur Dampier Ridgeland Eye Care Clinic 8 Professional Pkwy.

Ridgeland, MS

UMC Physicians / Cardiology 5903 Ridgewood Rd # 210 Jackson, MS 39211

Dr. Annyce Campbell, M.D. Perkins Bldg-Hanging Moss Rd. Jackson, MS 39206

SCHOOLS Adhiambo School 3424 Robinson Road Jackson, MS

Dr. Maurice James St. Dominic Medical Plaza West Wing, 5th Floor Suite 563 Jackson, MS 39211

New Hope Christian Elementary 5202 Watkins Drive Jackson, MS 39206

Dr. Teresa M. Perkins Dentistry for Children 4631 Hanging Moss Road Jackson, MS 39206 Capital City Physical Therapy 5888 Ridgewood Road, Suite B Jackson, MS 39211 Capital City Children and Adolescent Clinic 2679 Crane Ridge Drive Jackson, MS 39216 Jackson Medical Mall 350 W Woodrow Wilson Jackson, MS 39213 Kool Smiles Dentistry 989 Ellis Avenue Jackson, MS 39209 MEA 5606 Old Canton Rd Jackson, MS Reddix Medical Group 5903 Ridgewood Rd # 310 Jackson, MS 39211 Select Specialty Hospital 5903 Ridgewood Rd Jackson, MS 39211

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GYMS, FITNESS Anytime Fitness 4924 I-55 North Jackson, MS 39211 Baptist Healthplex 717 Manship Sreet Jackson, MS 39202 Courthouse Racquet & Fitness 46 Northtown Dr Jackson, MS 39216 Planet Fitness Deville Plaza Jackson, Ms 39211 Quest Fitness 1693 Lakeover Drive Jackson, Ms 39213 Downtown YMCA 800 River Place Jackson, MS 39202 theVitamin Shoppe 1220 East Northside Dr. Jackson, MS 39211

Magazine

Distribution Locations HOTELS Residence Inn 855 Centre Street Ridgeland, MS 39157 Homewood Suites 853 Centre Street Ridgeland, MS 39157 Hampton Inn 493 Springridge Rd. Clinton, MS 39056 Holiday Inn Express 495 Springridge Road Clinton, Mississippi 39056 Cabot Lodge Millsaps 2375 N State Street Jackson, MS 39202 MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS M3A Architects 4880 McWillie Circle Jackson, MS 39206

McDowell-Convention Center 120 Old Airport Road Hattiesburg, MS Sanderson Farms, Inc. 127 Flynt Road Laurel, MS Tate’s Furniture 150 Feather Lane Canton, MS 39046 Total Taxx by Tee 4436 N. State Street, Suite A5 Jackson, MS 39206 Walgreens 1583 East County Line Road Jackson, MS 39211 Art Supply Headquarters 707 Monroe Street Jackson, MS 39202 Watkins Shell Station 5492 Watkins Drive Jackson, MS 39206

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MISCELLANEOUS - OTHER JSU e-Center 1230 Raymond Road Jackson, MS 39204 North MS Regional Center 967 Regional Drive Oxford, MS 38655 Zeta Beta Sigma Chapter Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc D’Iberville, MS SHOPPING CENTERS MAYWOOD MART 1220 E Northside Dr. Jackson, MS 39211 Suite 16 - Starbucks Suite 14 - Lost Pizza Co. Pink Blush Boutique & Nail Spa Tracewood Station Shopping Center 500 Hwy. 51 North, Suite L Ridgeland, MS

Next Issue:

Spring 2017

The work of the church is never done. So, what innovations are churches using these days? Find out!

...And there’s much more!

Be sure to pick up a copy at one of our locations or email info@raphacommunications.com.

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