ALABAMA CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY QUICK SAFETY TIPS
• RIGHT SEAT: Check the label on your car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height. • RIGHT PLACE: Keep all children in the back seat until they are 13. • RIGHT DIRECTION: Keep your child in a rear facing position for as long as possible! When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat. • INCH TEST: Once your car seat is installed, use your non-dominate hand and shake the seat at the belt path. A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch. • PINCH TEST: Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots. Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go!
DID YOU KNOW? • Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the US.
ALABAMA CHILD RESTRAINTS LAW REQUIRES CHILDREN UNDER 6 TO BE PROPERLY BUCKLED IN AN APPROPRIATE CAR SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT. CAR SEAT RECOMMENDATIONS: • Infant only seats and convertible seats used in the rear facing position for infants until at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds. • Convertible seats in the forward position or forward-facing seats until the child is at least 5 years of age or 40 pounds. • Booster seats until the child is 6 years of age. • Seat belts until 15 years of age. *American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children remain in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat.
FREE CAR SEAT CHECK Still have questions or concerns? For help (or to even double check your work), contact:
• Car seat use reduces the risk for injury in a crash by 71-82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone.
Michelle Richardson (Perry, Walker, Lamar counties): (205) 554-4529
• An estimated 46% of car seats and booster seats are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness.
Anna Odom (Washington, Clarke, Baldwin counties): (251) 946-8012
Penny Roney (Madison, Marshall, Morgan counties): (256) 533-8712 Sharon Franklin (Macon, Elmore, Bullock counties): (334) 322-8431 Elizabeth Payne (St. Clair, Etowah, Calhoun counties): (256) 533-8712 1
www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
Volume 22, Issue 5
Feature Articles
AU G U ST 20 2 0 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 8
Jason Watson
Faith @ Work: Robert “BJ” Nave Best known for spreading joy to children, former Marine and now character performer BJ Nave shares how he strives to live out his faith in all areas of life.
page 4
Pastor's Perspective Kyle Searcy, Fresh Anointing House of Worship
page 10
Moments with Kym Kym Klass
page 15
Women Arising
page 12
Pastor Kemi Searcy
Ministry Spotlight:
Montgomery Area Food Bank
page 16
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 24
by Katie Blair
Hunger is a greater epidemic in the state of Alabama than many may realize. Discover how one ministry, working since 1986, is bringing food and hope to the hungry and what you can do to assist their mission.
Counselor’s Corner Avery Berry M.Ed., ALC, NCC
page 28
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
page 20
Four Barriers We Create That Keep People From Jesus by Scott Sauls
Could it be that we “Christians” are sometimes to blame for giving non-believers a bad taste about our faith? Learn how the barriers of smugness, pride, condemnation and separation can show up in our lives and affect our ability to share Christ properly with others. 1
In Every Issue page 6
Books to Read page 8
Faith @ Work page 26
Support Groups August 2020
River Region’s Journey
Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Community Coordinator Savannah Bowden
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Avery Berry M.Ed., ALC, NCC Katie Blair Bob Crittenden Kym Klass Dave Ramsey Scott Sauls Kemi Searcy Pastor Kyle Searcy Dr. David Steele
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 702
Digital Manager Scott Davis
From the Publisher Hollywood Jesus Have you already watched The Chosen, the recent hit television series about Jesus? My friends were all raving about it, but honestly, I was skeptical. I get a little nervous about any Hollywood Jesus. I’ve seen a couple of good portrayals of Jesus over the years, but so many falsely turn Him into some pale and spooky character who just popped a quaalude and is stuck talking at .05x speed. Clearly, that’s not the Jesus of the Scriptures. Hollywood isn’t alone in the struggle to get Jesus right. Even though the Bible reveals the true Jesus who saves and sustains us, we can all struggle to turn a blind eye to what is true and make a Jesus that better fits our false “independent of God” narrative. How dangerous! Because fake Jesus is simply worthless and is really Satan in sheep’s clothing. Watch Out! The real Jesus, and the real you, are revealed in Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden (YOU), and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart (JESUS), and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The true Jesus found in the Bible is a Receiver and Redeemer of those tired from their heavy burdens of trying to do life outside of their Creator’s will. Foolish rebellion is back-breaking and wearisome. Jesus doesn’t shame you or wag His finger in disappointment. When you surrender, He’s there to hold you up with His free grace and unconditional love. What a Savior we have in Jesus! I think the reason for so many bad Hollywood Jesus’s is our pride and unwillingness to look in the mirror. We don’t want to believe we need His help, much less His redemption. So, we would rather watch a tame and toothless Jesus that is closer to a Santa than a Savior. Father God, open our eyes to see the greatest gift comes from our Savior Jesus. P.S. I’m three episodes in on The Chosen and I can say it’s one of the best portrayals of Jesus I’ve ever seen. Catch the first 4 episodes on Youtube or download The Chosen App to watch them all.
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2020 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.
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Worship with Us!
Founded Upon God’s Word
Liturgically Joyful
Warm and Loving
Committed to Mission
Sunday Worship with Communion, 8:00am Join us for an outdoor service or via live-stream Wednesday Evening Worship, 7:00pm Join us for an outdoor service or via live-stream Please find our YouTube page (search for Christchurch Montgomery), which is full of sermons, teachings, and many full services!
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Pastor’s Perspective by Pastor Kyle Searcy, Fresh Anointing House of Worship
Joseph’s Coat: A Prophetic Picture for our Day Now Israel loved Joseph… and he made him a coat of many colors. Genesis 37:3 Joseph is an intriguing character in the word of God. His life gives us prophetic insight on how our heart should be postured in these difficult times. His mother Rachael gave birth to Joseph while her husband Jacob was old. Joseph became his favorite. The youngest of his 11 brothers, Joseph was no doubt a child of destiny. His dreams proclaimed it. Joseph had two dreams that foretold his family would bow down to him, something unheard of in that day, as the youngest would never be bowed down to. Joseph, as the favorite, was given a special gift by his father—a multicolored coat. This gift enraged his brothers and led to intense suffering in Joseph’s life. His brothers threw him into a pit, planning to assassinate him later but instead sold him as a slave to a band of Ishmaelites. The Ishmaelites took him to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, the captain of Pharoah’s guard, where he found some success. Just when it seemed life was getting better, Poitifer’s wife betrayed him as punishment for not sleeping with her, and Potiphar sentenced him to prison. While in prison, Joseph is interpreting dreams and asks to be remembered to the king. Joseph is betrayed again by the butler who never took his message to the king. Joseph’s breakthrough finally came when Pharoah had dreams that were unsolvable riddles to him. Joseph was rushed from prison to interpret the dreams. Having successfully interpreted the dreams about famine coming to the land he was instantly promoted to second in command in Egypt. I think Joseph’s qualification to lead in the midst of difficulty is typified by the coat of many colors. As a young man, River Region’s Journey
August 2020
he wore this many-colored tunic. As an adult, his spirit was donned by the grace to joyfully serve a multitude of cultures. His brothers, out of jealousy, stripped him of his coat - tore it and stained it with the blood of animals, but Joseph still wore what that coat represented as he served in Egypt. No one had more reason to be bitter and divisive than Joseph. His life was one of suffering, pain and injustice, but God was able to use him as a deliverer because he didn’t allow his heart to be stained as his coat was. In the midst of the worst famine in history Joseph was able to unite people and save lives. He fed every race, color and creed. When Ishmaelites came to him for food, He fed them. When members of Photiphar’s house were hungry they were taken care of. And when his brothers came, they were ultimately forgiven and cared for. I shudder to think what would have happened if Joseph embraced an opposite spirit and lived in hatred, bitterness and revenge. Many lives would have been lost. We are living in difficult times. Covid 19 has introduced a new plague to the world. Racial tension is at a boiling point. The political division in our country seems insurmountable. There are many more ills I lack time to name. In light of such uncertainty, God needs Josephs. He needs deliverers. Joseph is a type of Jesus biblically. We are to be the light in the middle of this darkness. We are to unite when others are dividing. We are to advocate for justice and equality. We are to serve all humanity and cause them to know the Savior. To do so we must wear the same coat Joseph wore, one where every color fits together in unity and harmony. There is no place for bigotry and bias in the light. Ironically, light is made up of seven colors. 4
Times are tough right now and if Matthew chapters 24 and 25 are true they may get tougher. Believers must be mantled as Joseph was. Here are a few things we must do to keep that coat on.
1. Realize the bigger picture and purpose. In the midst of pain there is always a bigger purpose. In all that has happened to you and in the world, step back for a moment and ask God questions. He will answer and show you there is a cause.
2. Remember the past and learn from it, but release it. We never win by holding on to the hurts from the past. We must learn from them and let them go. Keeping bitterness and anger is like washing your coat of many colors in Clorox. The result is not good. Let stuff go.
3. Treat other differently than they treat you. Don’t give evil for evil. Jesus didn’t. Joseph didn’t and we shouldn’t.
4. Ask WWJD. What would Jesus do? Or if Jesus is too holy and intimidating for you, then ask what would Joseph do? The result is the same. Unify. Don’t divide. Be the light so all can see your beautiful coat.
Kyle Searcy is pastor of Fresh Anointing House of Worship, 6000 Monticello Drive, in Montgomery.
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God on the Brain
Why Is My Teenager Feeling Like This?
Bradley L. Sickler
A Guide for Helping Teens Through Anxiety and Depression David Murray
I have always been fascinated with the brain. Weighing in at an average of three pounds, the brain is the subject of much study and speculation. Bradley L. Sickler makes his contribution to this growing field of study in God on the Brain. Sickler’s work is distinct in that he addresses the topic at hand from a distinctly Christian perspective. Specifically, the author is committed to the Christian worldview. As such, his treatment is viewed through the lens of Scripture. Yet, he is also committed to a scientific approach that results in a fascinating array of insights. God on the Brain addresses cognitive science and sets out on a voyage to learn what it can tell us about faith, human nature, and the divine. As a trained theologian, not a scientist, much of the material was “above my paid grade,” personally. One lesson that comes through, however, is that humans were made to know God and commune with him. Much to the chagrin of the humanist (or the dialectical materialist) who asserts that matter is all that exists in the universe, God on the Brain argues strenuously for a worldview that embraces the grand story of a Creator who made people in his image; creatures who are made to glorify him. One section of special interest to me concerns the matter of free will. Sickler sets forth the debate between the libertarian and the compabatibalist and teases out the implications of these views. All in all, a fascinating book that will answer some questions and invite readers to a lifetime of continuing study.
The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed a corresponding mental health crisis, especially among young people. Many of the struggles existed prior to the pandemic but simply lay dormant. COVID-19 merely surfaced the mental and spiritual battles that exist in teenagers. Anyone familiar with David Murray knows that he is a thoughtful and caring writer. What is more, his books are always saturated with biblical wisdom and encouragement. This book is no exception. The introduction of Murray’s work helps readers understand the root causes of anxiety and depression. He provides an assurance upfront that there is help for anyone who struggles with a wide range of ailments. The book addresses a myriad of mental health issues that utilize a case study approach. After describing an example of a person who is struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, workaholism, negativity, rebellion, etc. the author provides a brief prescription for offering help. Each chapter concludes with a section that offers real-life application. Generally, there is a verse to memorize, some practical questions, and a prayer. In addition, David Murray has written a second book specifically designed for teens. I recommend these fantastic resources for both parents and teens and trust that God will use them to encourage young people during these troubling times.
The Cross in Four Words Kevin DeYoung, Richard Coekin, and Yannic Christos-Wahab Kevin DeYoung, Richard Coekin, and Yannic Christos-Wahab join forces in their recent book, The Cross in Four Words. With this recent publication, The Good Book Company proves once again how committed they are to putting solid resources into the hands of God’s people. The book is a summation of the gospel that is centered around the themes of freedom, forgiveness, justice, and purpose. Each author makes a unique contribution and accurately portrays the gospel by unpacking these crucial words. The Cross in Four Words is not polemical in nature, but does defend the veracity of the gospel. Newcomers to the Christian faith would be especially encouraged to pour over these short chapters that exalt God and glory in his gospel. River Region’s Journey
August 2020
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Our Statement of Faith In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians. The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday. We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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BJ as Yo is e wa lov se the fro try mo Je ity events to raise support for numerous causes. I’ve portrayed several characters over the past seven years, but I most often portray Spider-Man. Spidey’s life motto is “With great power, comes great responsibility.” I realize that God has placed me in the position to be able to reach children in a unique way while being a “hero” for kids. I always take the opportunity to speak about God’s love for them. I encourage each child to use the abilities God has given them to help others and do what’s right. My most memorable time came when I received a request to visit Children’s Hospital as Darth Vader. Unfortunately, I knew that character might scare some of the other kids so I offered to come visit this brave kid at home before his treatment. God opened the door for Vader to not only share the Gospel, but also pray with this family. It’s all about letting the Holy Spirit guide and use you. If God can use Vader to share the Gospel, He can certainly use you! RRJ: For most of us, family plays an important role in our lives. In what ways has your family been instrumental in your faith journey? RRJ: Thank you so much for taking the time to share how your faith is at work out in the community. To begin with, how long have you been a follower of Christ? BJ: I made the decision to follow Christ when I was seven while attending VBS. After everyone left the sanctuary, I prayed asking Jesus to be my Savior. That decision forever changed my life in the most incredible way! RRJ: As Christians, our primary purpose in life is to glorify God. In what ways are you able to glorify Him in your occupation or while at work? BJ: I work with a character entertainment company called The Party Palace. We are the largest character company in the state of Alabama, and our purpose is to create magical memories for children and families. We also have done several charRiver Region’s Journey
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BJ: My grandfather was vital to me coming to know Jesus. Growing up, my Papa Joe would always read the Bible with me and explain how those truths apply to our lives. Every time I had a problem, he would guide me to the perfect Scripture that had the answer I needed. My other grandfather, Papa Tom, always modeled the importance of sharing the Gospel with everyone. He would always ask, “If you were to die tonight, do you know beyond a doubt you would be with Jesus?” That question sparked many conversations that led to many people coming to Christ. His boldness was an example of faith that inspired me to always share Christ at every opportunity. RRJ: Why do you believe it’s important to get connected with a church and use your talents there? 8
BJ: We have all been given gifts and abilities by God to be used for His glory. All that we have truly belongs to Him anyway. We tend to forget that sometimes. So, since everything belongs to Him, we ought to use what He’s given us to serve Him. The best way to do that is to get connected with a Gospel-centered church and serve where you feel God is calling you to serve. My years with The Party Palace working with kids has helped equip me to serve in the Children’s Ministry where I get to be several different characters to help drive home truths from the Bible stories we teach the kids. There is no greater joy than when I’m with God’s amazing kids. RRJ: It’s clear that you’ve taken your faith beyond the church walls and a Sunday service. How would you encourage our Christian readers to do the same, and are there any particular practices that have helped you? BJ: Being a Christian is FUN! Many people don’t realize that life with Jesus is more than following rules. So many view Jesus as this entity that can’t relate to us or that thinks He is too good for us. The truth is Jesus chose to become human and walk in our shoes. He knows what it’s like down here. He laughed, cried, and probably danced at some point. While I was serving in the Marines, I was connected with the Navigators Ministry. We got together at least twice weekly to fellowship, share a meal, and dive into the Word together. We walked together with Christ. My mentor, Todd Mathisen, showed us the importance of living out our faith daily. He would always say, “Give ‘em Heaven.” Paul said it best “...to live is Christ…” My best memories from military service was living out the faith with these Christian brothers and sisters in the Lord. Surround yourself with godly people who will encourage you and who you can also encourage. RRJ: Faith @ Work is about living your faith wherever God has placed you. In your work at church and with children, how does being a Christ follower fuel your actions each day?
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BJ: We are ambassadors for Christ, and as such I want to represent Jesus well. You never know who is watching you. This is especially true with children, so you always want to act in a way that reflects the love of Christ. In my position at church, I seek to listen and encourage others with the same encouragement I have received from the Lord. With the kids, I always try to take the time to build them up and motivate them to be the best they can for Jesus.
(Still) Serving Children Safely
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RRJ: The Scriptures say that if we want to bear fruit we must remain in Christ. What are specific things you do to remain in Christ? BJ: This one is a tough one for me. I struggle to be in the Word as much as I need to in order to best remain in Him. Thankfully, He gives us grace. We are called to pray without ceasing, and that means to be in a continuous state of prayer throughout each day. I take time to pray with others when I hear of a need. I know we have good intentions, but if we don’t stop to pray immediately we most often forget later. Bearing one another’s burdens in prayer is one way that helps me remain in Christ. Realizing my dependence on Christ is another way I try to remain in Him. He gives us the very breath of life that sustains us. We have to keep coming to Him for renewal that gives us the spiritual recharge to keep going. RRJ: What are some key things that have sustained your faith on the tough days? BJ: I look back and remember how God has brought me through tough times in the past, and I remember He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Since He got me through those past times, I know He will bring me through the hard days ahead. Also, I reflect on how God delivered His people in the Bible. If God can part the Red Sea and let His people walk (on dry ground) safely to freedom, how much more can He help me today? Lastly, I think about how my current hardship will one day help me encourage someone else going through hard times. That’s how God can be glorified through my pain.
ChildrensAL.org
It has always been our priority to ensure the safety and well-being of each child in our care — and that remains our commitment as we continue our mission during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here’s how we have redesigned our operations to keep our patients and their families as safe as possible: q q q q q q
All visitors are screened immediately for signs of illness and fever. We follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting our facilities. Our staff practices safe hand hygiene. We are wearing masks for your safety. Thank you for wearing your face covering. All visitors to campus are required to wear masks. Waiting rooms have been reconfigured to accommodate social distancing guidelines.
Robert “BJ” Nave is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. After serving in active duty as a Marine for five years, BJ serves in local ministry at Frazer Church. Nave also performs as numerous characters for The Party Palace. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and most things related to Disney, Marvel, and DC Comics.
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Living by Faith, Trusting God When I was a single mom and renting a house, I decided it was time my daughter and I solidify our place in the River Region and buy a home. I had a strict cap on what I could afford and still put food on the table, but I knew I wanted to invest in the Prattville community, where we have lived since 2007. I walked through several houses in my price range, but nothing felt like home. It wasn’t until I saw a home $40,000 above my cap that I knew I had found our place. Every few days, I would look back at the house online, and see the price drop... by $5,000, then an additional $10,000... another $5,000. When it dropped a total of $40,000 – what?! – I sent a link to my realtor. She asked, “How did you find this?” And I said I had been watching it, and just knew it was ours. An offer had already been placed on the house when we walked through, and my realtor asked if I was sure we wanted to see the house. I said, “Yes, it’s our house.” I made my own offer that evening. And the next day, we were approved.
“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 It was a God moment that relied heavily on faith that I was making the right decision to purchase a home, and that the home I knew was meant to be ours would somehow work out. I pray over this home every single day. River Region’s Journey
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Faith can move mountains. It can take us to places we only dream of being. It can not only put a roof over our heads, but a family into our home, and a calmness in our hearts that God has us right where we belong.
“When I called out to you, you answered me. You made me strong and brave.” Psalm 138:3 Here, a few stories of faith from women – and stories you might recognize as your own:
If you had told me 30-plus years ago that I’d be a first-time mom to three boys at 55, I’d have laughed very much like Sarah and Rebecca. And I prayed. Fervent prayers like Hannah and Elizabeth. The wait? Hard! Did I want to give up? Yes. I did. Several times. Not going to lie, our walk with Him over those years wasn’t always strong on our part, but God has always been faithful to let us know how much He truly loved and loves us. Fortunately, God’s timing is perfect and He continually creates opportunities for us to lean fully onto and into Him. I know I wouldn’t have been mature enough to understand this promise if we had had children when we were younger. As perpetually exhausted as I seem to be these days, I am continually humbled and awed that He chose us to be their forever parents. How amazing and gracious He was to carry me through all.those.years of waiting, longing, heartache. – Marie My mom passed away unexpectedly three years ago. We were all completely blindsided and devastated by her sudden passing. But very quickly we were re-
minded that although we didn’t expect her to go, God knew the day and the time. We were able to look back over the previous six to nine months and see how God had put things in place to help prepare us for her passing. Then the first time I got on Facebook after receiving the call from my dad, the very first thing I saw in my newsfeed was John 11:26 which says, “Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die — ever. Do you believe this?” It was just one more affirmation from God that everything was going to be okay. I still have the screenshot of that verse saved on my phone to remind me that with God on our side we have nothing to fear. – Grace My faith grew when my Dad was diagnosed with ALS in 2012 because he never stopped believing that God would heal him. Even when he had dementia, he never stopped praying for people or helping those in need. I have to admit that there were times I was angry with God for taking my Dad from me, but I also know our time here is temporary so I will be with him again. There are so many things that I understand about him now that I am further into my walk with God, like why he collected peace symbols and loved his quiet time in the woods. – Rebecca Let us live with faith that God will see us through, that He will keep His promises to us, and that we will hold on to those promises and seek His will and timing.
“For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
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Telehealth brings the doctor to you.
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See a primary care physician or specialist on your tablet, laptop or smartphone.
With our Telehealth service, The Jackson Clinic makes it simple and convenient to see a physician from the comfort of your home – or wherever you go. It’s available to the whole community, from Greenville to Prattville. And new and current patients are welcome. Just visit us online and schedule your appointment to talk with a doctor on your video device. Primary care physicians as well as a full range of specialists are available. Whether you prefer to visit us virtually or in person, we’re here to help you and your family stay healthy. To learn more about Telehealth, visit JacksonClinic.org.
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No matter what events are happening in the world, one thing is certain: Hunger doesn’t take a holiday. One Montgomery based organization is seeing that the needs of hungry and food insecure Alabamians are being met not only with food, but with hope. The Montgomery Area Food Bank, which serves 35 out of 67 counties in Alabama has been meeting the needs of Alabama citizens since 1986. “Our mission has not changed. We feed hope across Alabama. We serve wherever there is a need,” said Richard Deem, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery Area Food Bank. River Region’s Journey
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“We are working to battle hunger and food insecurity in 35 of Alabama’s 67 counties through a network of programs,” said Deem. MAFB connects people, food and resources to satisfy emergent hunger needs, while targeting healthier outcomes and self-sufficiency. In a state where 1 in 5 Alabamians live below the poverty line and over 330,000 residents in the service area face food insecurity, the task is anything but small. Relying on a network of local, state, and national collaborative efforts, the MAFB processes more than 20 million pounds of food and serves more than 30,000 residents in need. As the largest food bank in Alabama, the service area crisscrosses the entire state, and includes 11 of 12 rural counties historically referred to as the “Black Belt”, which is a region that is chronically among the most poverty stricken in the nation. The food bank is responsible for four Partner Distribution Organizations that are smaller food banks located in Tuscaloosa, Selma, Auburn, and Dothan. Feeding the hungry is just part of the mission. Addressing the health and nutritional needs of Alabama residents with food insecurity is at the forefront of the work of the food bank. According to the MAFB website,58 percent of households in America have at least one member
with high blood pressure and 33 Some Quick Facts About percent have at least one member with diabetes. Alabama Hunger The website also states that • Alabama is the 4th poorest state in the nation. the cycle of food insecurity and • Nearly 900,000 Alabamians live below the chronic disease begins when an poverty line (including 300,000 children) individual or family cannot afford • 1 in 5 Alabamians live below the poverty line enough nutritious food. The combi• There are 3,970 homeless persons living in nation of stress and poor nutrition Alabama can make disease management • The Montgomery Area Food Bank is the even more challenging. largest of 4 major Food Banks in Alabama, The time and money needed dedicating over 90,000 square feet of wareto respond to these worsening house space to feed the hungry. health crises drains the household • The Montgomery Area Food Bank services budget, leaving little money for es35 of Alabama’s 67 counties, including 3 of sential nutrition and medical care. the nation’s top 15 counties struggling with This causes the cycle to continue. child hunger. Many families experiencing food • There are over 330,000 “food insecure” insecurity often have several, if not Alabamians in the service area. all, compounding factors which makes maintaining good health exPartner Distribution Organizations and tremely difficult. It is a concern that more than 800 local, neighborhood partMAFB strives to address through educatner agencies to distribute food to people ing people of healthier food choices when residing in the 35-county service area. trying to stretch their food budget. The Child Hunger Program addresses With programs in place that network the unique needs of childhood hunger that with other community partners such as 1 out of 6 children in America face. MAFB churches and other non-profits, the MAFB serves the needs of the youngest Alabamprovides valuable assistance to residents ians through three program models: Mobile through food pantries, feeding programs, Pantry, Exercise, Nutrition and Diet Program, and meal deliveries all designed to help and School Pantry Program. According to neighbors in need. MAFB works with four
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the MAFB website, the use of the three models allows the food bank to feed as many children as possible, with a conscious effort to ensure social (from fellow students) stigma avoidance. MAFB has also built a network of supporters of Anti-hunger Activism who are motivated to act on behalf of Alabama neighbors in need. The program has strong public support and is seeing a growing number of community volunteers and activists, whose goal is to ensure that the issue of food insecurity is of constant concern and raised awareness. Additionally, MAFB continues to respond to local, state-wide, and regional disasters through the Disaster Relief Program. The program has been on site following tornadoes and other weather related destruction in the area and feeding the people affected by the disasters. With a small paid staff of professionals, the fact that so many people are served each and every single day, thanks to the work of MAFB, is quite astonishing. None of the work would be possible without the many hands that contribute to the heart of the mission. At the very core are the dedicated volunteers
who give of their time and talents to see that Alabamians are fed. Volunteers come from all over the area and bring with them a wide array of skill sets used to serve the needs of citizens needing hunger relief. MAFB has a volunteer space with 2,000 square feet of essential space, offering areas for volunteer groups and individuals who want to make a difference. In this time of COVID-19, the need for food assistance has grown with many families facing financial challenges not previously experienced. “We find that there is an increase in need and that food insecurities are starting to swell,” said Deem. “Our job is to get food to people and that is what we will continue to do.” With many activities on temporary hold during the pandemic, such as large, community based food drives, there is still a great need for community support. “While 1 in 5 Alabamians need assistance, that means 4 out of five people can help,” said Deem. “We get tremendous support from the River
Region. The community has been very generous in meeting the needs of the hungry.”
So how can residents of the River Region help? Donations of food, manpower, and financial contributions are all gladly accepted. Presently, volunteers are having to be used on a limited basis due to COVID-19 and strict adherence to the safety measures set by the Centers for Disease Control. “Currently, our greatest need is finances,” said Deem. “We are having to change distribution models we have set to maintain safety and that takes extra funds. We never discourage people from giving food, however; when someone makes a monetary donation, we are able to stretch our food dollar much further than the average shopper could do buying the same product at a store.” If you would like to learn more about the Montgomery Area Food Bank, or wish to become a volunteer or make a financial donation, please visit montgomeryareafoodbank.org or reach them at 334-263-3784. Katie Blair is a graduate of Auburn University in Montgomery with a degree in Elementary Education. She currently serves as a Children’s Ministry Partner with Frazer Church. She is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about family life. She resides in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband, two children, and their dog, Rosie.
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In a Little While “Mommy, when can we play” “Mom, when will we get there?” The kids seem to pester us with questions because they want instant gratification. As adults, we learn to be more patient, working toward long-term goals. But there is a threshold in everyone that eventually wants to know…”When will this be over?” Many of us have reached this point with COVID 19 and its subsequent restrictions on our lives. The frustration of being teacher, employee, chef for three meals a day, and seven-day-a-week daycare supervisor has taken its toll. So now we ask God, “When will this all go away?” In the Old Testament, many prophets foretold when God would intervene in their circumstances, yet most often, the people either did not pay attention to the prophet or completely misconstrued prophets’ words. The Bible describes how we will experience trauma as the time of Jesus’ second coming closes in on us. However, we don’t seem to apply these verses to our current situation, whether the corona virus or any other issue we face. I have asked God to put a card under my door that gives me my answers, but have yet to see one. I think, If I could just know when it would end, I could hunker down and deal with the issues. Have we even thought to ask God for a picture of what He sees when He looks over our virus-infected world? He may be trying to reveal specifics for you and your family, but you haven’t asked Him to do so. Even, when Jesus revealed to His disciples what was going to happen to Him, some rejected His words, some plotted against His words, and others didn’t have the faith to see His overarching destiny on Earth. Look at the conversation that occurred between them in John 16:16-22: “In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me.” Then some of His disciples asked one another, “Why is He telling us, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They kept asking, “Why is He
woman’s travail is relatively minor in proportion to the joy she experiences in the birth of her child. The same should be true of us. What is the joy we hope for when the pandemic is over? I Peter 5:10: “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” Remember the seed was planted inside the womb, even knowing there would be travail before the birth. What seed of promise might you plant within the walls of your heart and the hearts of your family members, so that when this is over will we rejoice as our new world emerges? In a little while…
saying, ‘a little while’? We do not understand what He is saying.” This sounds so much like what our own kids might say to us when we tell them, “In a little while.” Jesus then gives the disciples some important words. Aware that they wanted to question Him, Jesus said to them, “Are you asking one another why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’? Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” Jesus is giving us guidelines when we go through trials. First, don’t look to other people to see what is truly happening. The disciples were confused. Many people who feed on TV or the news display the same kind of confusion about the virus and what to do. Second, Jesus says to see God in the midst of the trials. This shows in the way Jesus speaks about how the disciples would display the opposite emotions that the world showed. Finally, Jesus uses a picture of how prattvilleymca.org time plays out in God’s sovereign design. A
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The Doctor The doctor has spoken, and if we are to experience harmony in our culture, I think we would be wise to heed his diagnosis. ChristianHeadlines.com reports that Ben Carson, the noted surgeon who now leads the Department of Housing and Urban Development had some pointed comments on ABC recently, stating, “We’ve reached a point in our society where we dissect everything and try to ascribe some nefarious notion to it.” He decried an attitude of “being offended by everything.” Carson also said, “It really gets to a point of being ridiculous after a while... And, you know, we’re going to have to grow up as a society.” He further said, “Let’s see if we can find a way to work together because if we don’t, we’re doomed...” Most honest Americans and especially Christians should be able to agree on matters of racism (we’re against it), justice (we are for it), and unity (it’s a good thing). It’s just a matter of how you get there that seems to be the problem. If you don’t say the right thing in the right way with the right tone, you may risk being a victim of “cancel culture.” My Faith Votes tweeted this out recently: “In the age of cancel culture, in which anyone who says anything even mildly ‘controversial’ there is a movement to get that person fired, deplatformed, or worse...How do we combat it? #PrayThinkAct” It linked to a Faithwire article featuring U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw. CBN River Region’s Journey
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News published a report on Crenshaw and his new book, Fortitude:
He says the idea for the book came after many encounters with the “outrage culture” in America today. One T-shirt on a protester summed it up for Crenshaw. It said, “Stay Outraged.” “And it’s this sort of strange notion that outrage is the ends,” Crenshaw said. “That that is the point. Now, of course, in the end, they want some kind of revolution, but it’s outrage itself that is the goal.” Crenshaw further related his observations: “They were not arguing for any policy, at least it was not apparent if they were, the goal was just to be mad, mad, mad, and to seek to manipulate people’s emotions.” But, as he related, any policy ambitions that those who outraged might have “are secondary to the first part which is irrational, emotional exuberance.” Tim Challies linked to a piece on a website called UnHerd by a British clergyman named Giles Fraser, who writes:
The new, highly secular ‘cancel culture’ represents an extreme form of righteousness that has all the moral power of a certain kind of protestant Christianity, but none of the basic scaffolding of redemption on which such Christianity is built. And morality without forgiveness or redemption is a frightening, persecutory business. I was told about a tweet the other day from Mike Stone, a Georgia pastor
who was, until recently, the head of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee, who tweeted: “The new religion of America offers no absolution even when you repent of those dreaded sins you didn’t even commit...That is not the gospel of Jesus.” In some cases, the apology, the penance is never enough. Never. Enough. And so, cancel culture kicks in. We need a doctor. Ben Carson is a great guy who speaks truth and I appreciate his perspective, but we need to appeal to a higher authority - we need the Great Physician, the one who offers us what the Bible calls a Balm in Gilead, the One Who can heal our hearts and our relationships. He can bring forgiveness and enable us to forgive one another, because we have been forgiven much. The Bible says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The Word says if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us. That’s absolute. And, we should do no less for one another. It is the work of the enemy to continually tell us that we’re not forgiven, we have not done enough to cleanse the past, and there is no absolution - Christ is calling us to freedom; the enemy keeps us wrapped up in our past mistakes. Thankfully, our sins have not cancelled us from having a relationship with Christ - He says that the person who comes to Him will not be cast out. Rather, He provides a way that our sins can be cancelled and He gives every one of us the capability to extend forgiveness, whether or not a person asks for it. Now, there will be the occasion where we need to ask for forgiveness from others in order for the healing to come; not out of intimidation or a false obligation or social shaming, but out of a heart that is truly devoted to making things right.
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Do you feel the pressure and obligation to raise Godly children in a godless society? We place our children in private schools. We home school them. We involve them in church youth groups. We parent them with Christian values and do our best to train, protect, and guide them through the maze of childhood and adolescence. All these decisions are an attempt to give them what they need to face this culture and take a stand for what is right. I would like to suggest one other priority that will empower your children into a healthy adulthood. In Ephesians, Paul tells us not to exasperate our children. In Colossians, he admonishes us not to embitter them or they will become discouraged. We are warned against making our children “very angry” or creating a “bitter spirit.” Many good and faithful parents master the discipline and miss the connection. And that child will go into a self-protection mode that keeps people at a safe distance. No amount of discipline will bring him back. HE NEEDS CONNECTION!
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What is Connection?
So what is connection? Simply stated, connection with a parent is the certain knowledge of a parent’s unfailing accessibility and acceptance. Psychology refers to this as attachment. Your child needs to know beyond a shadow-of-a-doubt that they are valued, protected, and worthy of your love. Then you have established an emotional and relational connection to withstand the tests of life. Connection is the bond that communicates to the child what Phillip Yancey described about God in his book, What’s So Amazing About Grace: “There is nothing I can do to make God love me any more or any less.” That is what we want for our children. Though we will allow them to experience the consequences of their decisions, we want them to lay down at night knowing there is nothing they can do to make us love them any more or any less. What can you do with your children to establish and maintain an emotional connection that will empower your child for their future?
Time
Time is the first strategy. To connect with your child you must spend time with them. Let me suggest that quality time cannot occur without quantity. You and I have one shot with each of our children. There are no “do-overs.” One childhood experience is all we have with that young heart and mind. Spending time with your children communicates volumes about your values. Follow anyone around for six months and you can accurately state what is most important to that person based on the amount of time invested in certain activities. Your children live with you. They know how valuable they are to you by the amount of time you spend with them. How do you spend your discretionary time? I am not talking about the time you must give to career and household responsibilities. There are some things that have to be done. I am referring to that time in your schedule when you can choose to be with your children. We spend hours playing ping pong now that we have a table. Three years ago it was foosball. I lift weights with all three of my boys. If they are in the front yard playing soccer, guess what, dad crashes the party. This is it! This moment is all I have with them. We eat as a family. We go to movies as a family. We have created a climate in our home that being together is a good thing. And when your 18 year old still likes to do things with you, connection exists. Whatever your lifestyle is like, make the time to be with your children beginning at an early age.
Touch
Touch is the second valuable tool. Nonsexual, physical touch is so important. It’s said that kids need, on average, 11 touches per day. Noted Christian psychiatrist Grace Ketterman believes kids need at least 100 touches per day! Non-sexual touching is linked to the release of oxytocin, a chemical also released during those tender moments of breast feeding. Hugs, high fives, holding hands, rocking in the chair, etc. are all examples of non-sexual touch. Without touch, connection cannot happen. In our home, everyone is touched every day. Even if you are having a bad day, you are touched. I am amazed at the number of families I work with that don’t hug each other. These are stable, Christian homes void of physical affection. If you truly want to connect with your child, practice non-sexual touch on a daily basis. The connection is real and tangible.
Validation
The third tool for creating connection with your children is validation. Every child is asking the question, “Am I worthy of your affection and time?” Parents have the power to stamp “valid” on their child. And this stamp will carry that child into adulthood. Even God the Father validated Jesus. After Jesus’ baptism, God descended from heaven and spoke these words, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) Jesus experienced the same validation again at the Mount of Transfiguration. These are powerful words of acceptance and affirmation. Imagine the heart of a child when they hear words like these coming from their parents. That child will begin to open his heart to his parents and connect. Praising your child when they accomplish a goal is good. Communicating praise to your child for just being there goes deep into the heart. I often tell my boys I am so proud to be their father just because of them, not for what they have done. Of course we reward performance. But they need to know that my love and acceptance of them is not dependent on how well they do in life. Spending time with your children is invaluable. Touching them on a consistent basis will soften their hearts. And validating them will empower their spirits. When all three are combined with discipline and structure, you will connect with your child and create the emotional attachment necessary to propel them into a healthy adulthood. Take the risk and connect with your children.
Kent Hughes has a private practice focusing on marital and family issues in Clarksville, Tennessee.
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Luke the Evangelist writes in Acts 1:1, “In the first book (the Gospel of Luke), O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach.” Began to do and teach? How could there be more for Jesus to do than what he has already done? Indeed, the work of Jesus continues in the world through Christians. That’s where we as Christ’s “ambassadors” come into the picture. According to Scripture, we are now his chosen ones, sent into the world on his behalf, filled with his Spirit to represent him in the places where we live, work and play. Our calling is to labor, in every possible way, to mirror his ministry and message in our own. We are to live as those who are “full of grace and truth” until our churches and ministries attract the types of people who were attracted to Jesus, and, by unfortunate necessity, draw criticism from the types of people who criticized him. Gandhi is quoted as saying, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
According to Scripture, the work of Jesus is complete. Because of his life, death, burial, and resurrection, the good work of securing us as his beloved, forgiven, delighted-in daughters and sons is “finished,” just as he said. His sinless life secured for us a new and irrevocable status—holy and blameless in God’s sight. His sacrificial and saving death fulfilled the requirements of God’s justice toward our sins. His death-defying resurrection has secured our future, and the sure promise that we will experience the same. We are summoned by Scripture to make much of Jesus for these and more than a billion other reasons. It is stunning that Jesus makes much of us, too. Jesus lived the life we should have lived, and he died the death we should have died. Because of this, we are free. What a wonderful and humbling reality—God does not treat us as our sins deserve, because Jesus was already treated as our sins deserve in his life, death, and burial. And because of his resurrection which followed, there is also much work that Jesus intends to get done…through us. River Region’s Journey
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Whether this impression is true or merely perceived, it is still our starting point in the minds of many non-Christian people. If we are not guilty ourselves, then we are at least guilty by association with believers who have misrepresented the biblical Jesus with harsh, abrasive, condemning or withdrawn attitudes. We must take personal responsibility, as far as it depends on us, to replace pictures of a false Jesus with pictures of the real Jesus—the Jesus who came full of grace and truth, and who even welcomed “sinners” and ate with them (Luke 15:1-2).
Gandhi admired Jesus, but found it difficult to reconcile how the Christians he encountered seemed to represent Him so poorly. In his mind, this is what kept him from becoming a follower of Jesus. As Jesus’ ambassadors, we need to listen very carefully to statements like this one. We must carefully and lovingly examine the common barriers that stand between the real Jesus and people’s false impressions of him—impressions which, unfortunately, have been projected to a watching world by sincere yet misguided Christians. Let’s consider some of these barriers, shall we?
The Barrier of
SEPARATION
The Barrier of
I believe that Christians who want to separate themselves and their children from secular people, secular things, and secular ideas make a big mistake. Christ’s ambassadors must resist this “us against them” and often fear-based mindset. We must do everything in our power to become friends with as many non-Christians as we can—no conditions attached. This must be a central, core value of our lives and our Christian communities. Consider Jesus. It was only the religious proud who withdrew from Jesus, criticized him, took offense at him, and wished to rid the world of him. But what about the prostitutes, crooks, drunks, gluttons and sinners? These all wanted to be near to Jesus, and they wanted to hear what he had to say. And Jesus obliged gladly—so much so that he became guilty by association, and was accused of being a glutton and a drunk and a “friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 7:34).
CONDEMNATION
The Christian writer, Philip Yancey, often asks people he meets what they think about Christians. Sadly, the answer he hears most often from people is that Christians are judgmental, intolerant, and holier-than-thou. A Christian friend of mine invited a gay friend to dinner with him and his wife. Their guest soon realized (from the Bible on the coffee table, as well as several books on their bookshelf) that they were Christians. He then said to my friend, “You are a Christian, and you actually like me?” This kind of story causes my heart to sink. Does it yours? Are we serious about being Christ’s ambassadors in the world? Then we must humbly wrestle with, and fight with love to reverse, the idea that Christians are against people who don’t believe like we do.
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We know that these accusations of drunkenness and gluttony were false—Jesus was tempted in every way but without sin. But Jesus was unapologetically a friend to the least and the lost—to all who felt ostracized and belittled by the religious communities of his day. Jesus was willing to offend strict religious people if that’s what it took to convince broken sinners that he loved them and had hope for them. Are we? Jesus was considered repulsive by religious insiders and a breath of fresh air to religious outsiders. Are we?
Consider Luke 7, where a woman described as “sinful” enters the home of Simon the religious Pharisee. In the name of love, and in the spirit of radical grace, Jesus receives with delight her very un-orthodox display of affection toward him. Jesus breaks with religious customs, allowing this ceremonially and morally unclean prostitute to touch his feet. He breaks with social customs also, receiving her as his disciple—putting a woman on equal footing with men in a very paternalistic, misogynistic society where women were seen as second class. Most scandalous, however, is the way that Jesus breaks with moral customs to demonstrate to this woman how dear she is to him. She lets down her hair in public, which was considered scandalous in those days, and something that women could only do in the presence of immediate family members. She also touches Jesus with the tools of her prostitute’s trade. He lets her anoint him with a prostitute’s perfume, kiss him with a prostitute’s lips, and wipe his feet with a prostitute’s hair! Some will remember the rest of the story. Jesus is treated as scandalous by the religious hosts. To these smug Pharisees, showing positive attention to this woman—whom they judged as a sinner not a child of God, as a thing not a person—was proof of moral compromise. This story has serious ramifications for those who wish to represent Jesus well in a modern context. For if Jesus were a 21st century American, he would not associate godliness with membership in a political party. He would not tell a sexually promiscuous woman that she was “in sin” without also offering her a personal, no-strings-attached friendship. He would not talk about how smoking destroys God’s temple while simultaneously de-
The Barrier of
SMUGNESS
There is a price to pay if we get serious about cultivating lives, homes, and communities that are full of grace. The more we prioritize befriending the kinds of people that Jesus did, the more we will experience resistance and even rejection from the so-called “faithful.” They may even be our fellow church members. It’s a simple fact. When we do the kinds of things that Jesus did, and love in the kinds of ways that Jesus did, some people will take offense at us. And they will convince themselves that they are rightly offended based on their love for God. But anytime someone is offended by kindness that resembles Jesus, our Lord says that this person is acting not out of love for God but possibly as a child of the devil (John 8:39-47). It is Satan, not God, who is the hater of kindness. It is Satan, not God, who is the accuser of the people whom Jesus loves.
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If we really want people to be impacted by the gospel and to enjoy the riches of God’s grace, they must first see in us the humility of those who have been, and continue to be, genuinely impacted by grace ourselves. Our humility must be authentic and not just an act. If we have never been brought low by God, we will approach other people from a high horse. And that is never any good for anybody. Consider the Apostle Paul. He was not above humbling himself. In Romans 7 he gives us a window into his personal struggle with the sin of coveting—a sin nobody would see unless he told them—and the way that the gospel gave him hope in the face of his coveting. In 1 Timothy Paul identifies himself as the chief of all sinners. If we intend to reflect Jesus in our ministries and our messages, we need to get over our love for reputation and image. As the late Jack Miller once said, “Grace runs downhill.” We can only be drenched by grace from the bottom of the hill. And yet, how easy it can be to build our identities on how good we look—on being “model Christians” that people are supposed to admire because of how put-together we appear to be. But we must not do this. It is a trap and it will rob us of Gospel power and effectiveness. If people around us are going to be changed by the grace of Jesus, they must witness the Gospel working effectively in our lives—healing us of our sins and deepest wounds and fears. Changing us.
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vouring his third piece of fried chicken or fourth cookie (or both!) at a church potluck. Jesus would not condemn adultery as being any worse than studying the Bible for the wrong reasons.
The Barrier of
PRIDE
Becoming a friend of sinners begins with the understanding that we are much more like the “chief of sinners” than we are like Jesus Christ. Our approach with all people, no matter who they are or what their history might be, must assume the posture of “fellow beggars humbly telling others where to find the bread” (I got this magnificent quote from Steve Brown).
Scott Sauls is a pastor, author and blogger living in Tennessee.
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Finding Strength Through Community Mental wellness is a topic that has become increasingly important in our current world. Events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the killing of George Floyd, and daily sociopolitical changes have sent many communities into a tailspin of anxiety, sadness, anger, and sometimes panic. Our lives are just not the same and, in the field of mental health, we have seen a steady increase of people experiencing depressive and anxious symptoms. More and more of our clients are asking “what can I do”? What can be done to aid in alleviating some of these difficult symptoms that cause us to worry constantly or feel emotionally heavy? Being a mental health counselor, I am a strong advocate for therapy and counseling, and one of the first things I tend to ask folks that walk through my door is “do you have a support system”? Support system is defined as a network of people or person who provide(s) an individual with practical or emotional support. These can be anyone from friends, family, or a religious or spiritual group. I believe I am right in saying that sometimes we undervalue the importance of having a strong community on which we can rely. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 shares: “Two are better than one, because they have a River Region’s Journey
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good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” This passage emphasizes the importance of support in times of trial. For someone experiencing the heaviness of emotional or mental stress, solitude and isolation can often make those experiences worse. Alternatively, working to build support systems comprised of positive friendships and communities can be very helpful in alleviating some mental health symptoms. For many, finding that support system can be challenging. Symptoms of anxiety and depression can make it difficult to actively search for a community or to make or reconnect with friends. Sometimes, people with mental health issues have thoughts of: They probably won’t like me; I have nothing to offer someone else; I’m so stupid, no one wants to spend time with me. These thinking patterns are commonly known as “all-or-nothing thinking” and when battling thoughts like this it can be helpful to examine what is true. Will we always be compatible and get along with others? No, unfortunately not. However, this does not mean that making friends or building a community is impossible or even improbable. If the leap to establish friendships and community can be made, then that cycle of negativity and self-doubt can potentially be cleared out to make room for feelings of happiness and trust. Alternatively, many people may not know how to help the ones around them. How can we help that friend we know is struggling, that family member that hasn’t called in a while, or that neighbor that doesn’t come outside as much anymore? I think the answer is relatively simple and 24
yet it seems to be becoming scarcer: EMBRACE! 1 Thessalonians 5:14 shares: “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” If our aim is to build friendships and community then it is our job to foster an environment of respect, love, and empathy. We may not always understand what our fellow person is experiencing, but that does not mean that we can’t care. This does not mean that we cannot offer a hand and say, “Is there anything I can do?” For someone who feels alone or doubts their worth, the knowledge that there is someone who genuinely cares about them can be one of the most uplifting and empowering aids in their mental wellness. The point, my friends, is that we cannot underestimate the power of community and friendship. And now, more than ever, I believe that the bond of a loving and united community is one we cannot take for granted. Once we begin to stand with others who remind us of our importance and our quality, it can become easier to remind ourselves of that importance and quality. Ultimately, the support and love of others can help us to support and love ourselves.
Avery Berry is an Associate Licensed Counselor and a National Certified Counselor under the supervision of Rebecca Morris, Ed. S., NCC, LPC-S. He holds a Bachelor’s of Human Environmental Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama and is a recent graduate of Auburn University where he obtained a Master’s of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Avery has a great deal of experience working with individuals who are experiencing issues related to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. Avery’s passions include interpersonal relationships, substance use disorders, and the experiences of post-traumatic stress. He counsels adults and adolescents and divides his time between Samaritan Counseling Center and partnering with Valiant Cross Academy as an in-house mental health counselor.
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River Region’s Journey
Adoption
Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery APAC, Alabama Pre/ Post Adoption Connection Support Group: This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. For more information call Jill Sexton at 409-9477.
Alcoholic / Addiction
Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christcentered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Dalraida United Methodist Church 3817 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery An Alanon meeting is held at 9 am on Saturday mornings. Call 272.2190 for details. Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m. An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m. An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m. Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info. Location: Heritage Baptist Church 1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets: Mondays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM CST. No Childcare Provided. Email montgomery@route1520.com, visit http://www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men/ or call 877.200.1520. Location: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available. Call John Pearse at 303-243-4308 or visit myjourneychurch.com. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for
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overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center. Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 E Main St. CASA - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for additional information. Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or life-challenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427. Location: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. For any information contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428. Location: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1728 S. Hull Street, Montgomery Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 pm. For more information email riverregion@route1520.com, visit http:// www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men or call 877-2000-1520.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 495-6350 for more information.
Cancer
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 4674578 or Ben W at 202-1912.
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Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided. Contact Joe Crowley at 334-207-4385 or jpcrowl46@yahoo.com Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net
Divorce
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesday nights @6:30-8:00 pm in Room 405B. Child care is available. Contact Kathy Cooper at 241-5125 for information. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org.
Gambling
Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison. Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. and Mondays at 6:30 pm. Call 567-0476.
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Location: Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. For more information about the GA meetings call 334-399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at 334-277-5100.
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Grief
Location: Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road River Region Survivors of Suicide meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month (excluding holidays) from 6:30-8:00 PM. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.
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Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721 for info. Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm in the church parlor. Led by Michael Beatty. Call 3655977. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook. Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org. Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M- 7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.
Mental Health
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Mental Health - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) meets 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in Room 7205. Group provides understanding, education & information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness, Call Pat Cobb at 334-279-8331 for more info. NAMI Connection Support Group for individuals with mental illness meets every Thursday evening, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, room 3104. Call Pat Cobb at 334279-8331 for more information.
Parenting
Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S.Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug - May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost
– 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence. Call 272-6152.
is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer UMC to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For information call 277-5800. Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174. Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com.
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Parkinson’s Support meets 4th Thursdays at 6 pm in Room 8114. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Ostomy Support meets every other month on the 2nd Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in room 3101. In 2018: Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group meets 2nd Friday of each month from 6:30- 8 PM. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare is provided. Please visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or our Facebook page (MADSOG) for information. Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com.
Send support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Location: St.James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road Moms in Prayer International: This is a Christ centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gathers to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3:00-4:00. Call Annette Jones for more information on joining us or training to start your own group. 850-5294730 or email Montgomerymipac@gmail.com
Physical Challenges
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00
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River Region’s Journey
Examining the Debt Snowball Q. What exactly is the debt snowball, and why is it such an important part of your plan?
A. The debt snowball is Baby Step 2 of my plan for getting out of debt and gaining control of your finances. Specifically, it’s the part of the plan where you sit down with your budget, and look at all the money you owe. Then, list your debts from smallest to largest—except for your home—and pay them off in that order. I know, there are all sorts of arguments about paying off the ones with the highest interest rates first. But this is psychology class, not math. Personal finance is 80% behavior, and 20% knowledge. Besides, if you were so great at math you wouldn’t have debt, would you? Pay off your debts from
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smallest to largest, unless there’s a huge emergency, such as you’re facing foreclosure, or the IRS is banging on your door. The reason we pay off debts from smallest to largest is to build confidence and enthusiasm by notching quick wins. If you go on a diet and lose weight in the first week, you’ll probably stay on that diet. If you go on a diet and gain weight, or go weeks with no visible progress, chances are you’ll quit. When you start the debt snowball, and in the first few days pay off a couple of debts, it lights a fire underneath you, and you start to believe you really can do it. After you list the debts from smallest to largest, pay the minimum payment to stay current on all the debts except the smallest. Every dollar you can squeeze
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out of your budget goes toward the smallest debt until it is paid. Once the smallest one is paid, the payment from that debt— plus any extra “found” money—is added to the next smallest debt. Then, when debt number two is paid off, you take the money that you used to pay on number one and number two, and you pay it on number three. When three is paid, you attack number four and so on. A lot of folks get to the bottom of the list, and find they can pay well over $1,000 a month on a student loan or a car. At that point, it won’t take long to bust out and be debt-free except for your home. The main elements that make the debt snowball so powerful are budgeting, getting current before you start the debt snowball, the smallest-to-largest pay-off, sacrifice, discipline, and focused intensity. If you think the debt snowball is just another trick, or something you might kind of try, it won’t work. You’ve got to go all-in to win!
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