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Baptist Cancer Services presents the 10th Annual Run From The Sun速 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run, benefitting The Leonard E. Warren Melanoma Foundation.
Saturday, April 6, 2013 Race begins and ends at Baptist Madison Campus, 401 Baptist Drive, Madison, Mississippi. All ages can participate on race day! Race day activities, including a free skin screening at Baptist Medical Clinic | Family Medicine - Madison, begin at 3:30 PM. The race gets underway at 5:30 PM. Pre-registration is $20 by April 1, 2013, and the race-day fee is $25. Family maximum is $50 (pre-registration only) and applies to immediate family only (parents and children). Learn more about the race and download a registration form at www.runfromthesun.com.
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contents MARCH 2013
metro ®
columns
Volume 7, Number 9
11 The Way I See It
Leadership: One Step at a Time
13 Outside In
Easter: Nothing but the Blood
14 All in the Family
Are You a Good Enough Parent?
17 Modern Motherhood The Fish-ous Cycle
19 Let’s Talk It Over
Leadership: God’s Way
21 Think Tank
Want to Be a Difference Maker?
22 The Doctor Is In
Colon Cancer Awareness Month
24 Pastor’s Perspective
features
34
The Truth About Leadership
26 Education Connection
Christian Leaders of the Future Local high school seniors who walk in faith, lead with their hearts, and honor the Lord
Every Day Is a Presentation
28 Chewed Petunias Bitter and Sweet
30 Salt & Light Southern Happenings Reaches Out Through Dance
47 Single Still, Single Again
30
A Timeless Perspective on God’s Perplexing Plans
48 Lagniappe Vibe Worship: A New Perspective on Truth That Never Changes
50 This Is My Story
Ro’s Fit Team: The Holy Family
52 Living My Call
56
Fish Tale Group—Live Theatre with a Purpose
53 HomeWorks
Transformational Habits: Getting Dinner on the Table
54
58 Author Profile Glen Allison
61 Legal Advice Do You Have a Living Will? Will It Work When It’s Needed?
departments
59
26
32 Healthy Living
Beating the Freshman 15 Don’t Neglect Your Teeth, page 33
54 Fresh Finds
Spring is Coming!
56 Sports Victories
Coach Jan Sojourner
59 Food For Thought
Food For Thought Favorites
What’s Coming Next Month? Bo Bowen Bibles to the Ukraine
62 Rave Reviews
Books, Movies, and Music
Editor: Marilyn Tinnin marilyn@metrochristianliving.com Administrative Assistant: Carol Rodgers carol@metrochristianliving.com Associate Editor: Suzanne Tanner Art Direction/Graphic Design Sandra K. Goff Sales Marilyn Tinnin, Kimberly Stephens, Suzanne Tanner Contributing Writers Amanda Brown, Dr. John L. Cox, C. Rochelle Culp, Shawn Dean, Cathy Haynie, Dr. Chip Henderson, William B. Howell, Amy Ingram, Susan Marquez, Robin O’Bryant, Susan E. Richardson, Bea Smith, Catherine Sledge, DMD, Mandi Stanley, Don Waller, Jane-Claire Williams, M.D., Martin E. Willoughby, Jr., Robert Wilson, Andy Wimberly Distribution Assistants Laura Kidder, Randy Fortenberry, Carol Rodgers, Andrea Sabillion, Rachel Schulte, Jerri Strickland, Priscilla Sullivan, Tim Waldon, Bob Whatley
Metro Christian Living 573 Highway 51 North, Suite C Ridgeland, MS 39157 Phone 601-790-9076 • Fax 601-790-9078 www.metrochristianliving.com Metro Christian Living is committed to encouraging individuals in their daily lives by presenting the faith stories of others and by providing information that will point every person, at every stage of life, to a deeper, authentic, personal, and life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Views expressed in Metro Christian Living do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by the Metro Christian Living staff to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be or is assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2012 by Metro Christian Living, Inc. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Metro Christian Living is published monthly and is available at high traffic locations throughout the metropolitan area. Copies are also available by subscription, $29 for one year. Single issues available for $3 an issue. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Metro Christian Living, 573 Highway 51 North, Suite C, Ridgeland, MS 39157.
64 What’s Going On
in every issue
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8 65 66 66 6 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
Publisher: MHS Publications, Inc., Member, M.I.P.A.
Editor’s Letter Event Calendar Quips & Quotes Ad Directory
M I P A Mississippi Independent Publishers' Alliance
BEYOND YO
U R
BES
Congratulations Mississippi’s Top Christian Leaders of the Future. belhaven.edu Schedule a personal visit to Belhaven University. Call 800-960-5940 or 601-968-5940, or email: admission@belhaven.edu.
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➺editor’s letter Legacy of Leadership For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7
S Marilyn Wilton Bailey was born February 14
Greatness is not ❝ found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.
❞
– William Arthur Ward
everal months ago I had the privilege of interviewing Gloria Gaither via telephone. The occasion was the debut of The Gaither Homecoming Bible, a special edition of the New King James Version, replete with personal testimonies and comments by various members of the Gaither Band. As she was telling me—grandmother to grandmother—what made this particular edition special, she told me about the young families who are part of their life on the road, of her heart-to-heart conversations with members of a much younger generation. There is no question that the challenges, the questions, the demands—everything that makes up the daily “normal” is very different from the way it was 30 or 40 years ago when Bill and Gloria Gaither were parents of small children. Gloria said that she and her contemporaries (and they are of my generation) all feel a great sense of urgency and a certain anxiety about their grandchildren. How hard is it to plant a seed of real Christian faith in the heart of a child in a culture that is drifting further and further from a place where a Christian can also be accepted as a person of intellect? Why are the voices of the world telling us we have to choose between being respected as “smart and forward-looking” or being categorized (rolling eyes) as “Christian?” I loved Gloria’s advice to her grandson who asked, “How do I know what God’s will for my life is?” Her reply echoed in my memory again and again as I read the bios of the Christian Leader finalists. She answered that in making choices, you must do the next right thing in front of you, and then the next right thing, and that bit by bit, as you do small thing by small thing, you build a resume—and what is more important, you build a life that is God-honoring. I would add to God-honoring a life that influences those around you. And that, readers, is how we change this present culture. Despite our era of social media where the word “relationship” has been so distorted that people who have never met face to face can consider themselves a couple, (Facebook terms it In a Relationship) there is no imitation that even comes close to the real thing. One of my favorite parts of these finalists’ essays was their answer to the question about their heroes in the faith. Very few named the Billy Grahams and Mother Teresas of the world. They named their youth leaders, their schoolteachers, their grandparents, their Sunday school teachers, and their moms and dads—and some named their siblings. Their answers reminded me of something else I have been told for much of my life: The only lasting legacy we leave behind is what we have invested in the lives of others. This is a special issue for lots of reasons, and one of them is that we have an array of stories showcasing a few creative entrepreneurs—leaders, for sure, who are venturing “outside the box” and unselfishly serving God with a real heart for those outside the walls of the traditional church experience—and consciously asking the question, “What can I do with who I am and the gifts I have been given that would inspire and help those around me?” Living the life that honors God, inspires others, and makes a difference in this world is about much more than those few hours on a Sunday morning. The question that matters is always, “What is God’s will for my life?” Y
From Marilyn’s Bookshelf Don’t Waste Your Life
Glimpses of Glory
I think Author and Pastor John Piper’s passionate plea to make your life count for eternity was written with the millennial generation in mind, but there is a wealth of great insight and food for thought no matter one’s age or stage. Arranged in short segments, the book is easy to read in spurts.
Greenville native, Peggy A. Keady, calls herself a “retired educator and counselor” who has worked in a variety of settings. She has a great ability of viewing life through the eyes of her soul. Her short vignettes touch on everyday topics and will inspire your own reflection and gratitude to God. Personal encouragement and inspiration!
8 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
Marilyn H. Tinnin, Publisher and Editor marilyn@metrochristianliving.com
A Stable Place: Where Cancer Meets God’s Grace Jacksonian Mary Jane Finney, with the help of Brenda Edwards, has written a personal memoir that chronicles her journey through multiple episodes of cancer. The larger story is Mary Jane’s courage, faith, and dependence on God. Her transparency and vulnerability in sharing her story will encourage anyone who faces the anxiety and fear of a devastating diagnosis.
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➺
the way i see it
by MARTIN E. WILLOUGHBY, JR.
Leadership: One Step at a Time inston Churchill was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in its trying hour during World War II. His inspirational leadership during this time of crisis is legendary. Leaders are not born in a day. Usually a moment of great leadership is preceded by a lifetime of preparation. Churchill was no exception to this. He had habits that laid the foundation for triumphant leadership when it mattered most. For example, when he was a young soldier serving in the desert, he would spend his free time reading and writing, while others relaxed or played cards. In my own personal study of leadership, I find that real leadership begins with self-leadership. In his book The Slight Edge, Jeff Olson points out that the keys to personal success are the things you do every single day, the things that don’t look dramatic or like they matter. He argues that the little daily decisions not only
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As followers of Christ, we look to Scripture to guide us on some of the little decisions that Christ made that made all the difference. For example, Jesus took time to be quiet and pray with the Father. In our busy world today, this is often neglected. Jesus knew Scripture. He often quoted Old Testament writings. We too have the opportunity to be saturated with the Word. Jesus was fully present with people. One of the greatest gifts we can give people today is our time and full attention. Jesus was focused on others. He poured himself out for others and ultimately sacrificed all on the cross. As we go through our lives, we can either focus all of our attention on our own needs and wants or similarly focus on elevating others. I am encouraged and inspired by the choices that the young leaders being honored this month have made. Like a young make a difference—they make all the Churchill, they have chosen to take the “road difference. The “slight edge” is simply a commitment to making the right choices day in less traveled” and invest in their lives. This investment will bring long-term dividends. and day out in your life. It is a philosophy that They have begun the daily habits and making helps us understand that we make decisions the small choices that will make a HUGE knowing that the results are long term. We difference in the long term. The goal of living know that in time, if we make the right up to one’s full potential is not just for young choices, our lives will be better off. leaders like these. I believe that life is a gift Leadership begins with the ability to lead and our job is to be a steward of what God has your self by living intentionally. By this I mean entrusted us with—not just our money, but that we don’t live simply reactive lives, but instead, we seek God’s will and live with purpose, also our time, our energy, and our skills. I pray that all of us will realize that “God don’t make planning, and foresight. We apply the principle no junk” and seek to live out our brief time of The Slight Edge and make decisions with a here on this earth living out our full potential. long view. We understand that so much of what we do is habit, and we make sure that we have Y positive habits. We avoid “digging our own potholes” and seek to eliminate habits that are Martin E. Willoughby, Jr,. is Chief holding us back from our true potential. I like Operating Officer of Butler Snow the ancient Greek word Arête, which means the Advisory Services, LLC located in act of living up to one’s full potential. I don’t Ridgeland. He and his wife, Nicki, believe that we were meant to live lives of have two children, Ally and Trey, and mediocrity. As a spirited preacher I heard once live in Madison. say, “God don’t make no junk!”
Leadership begins with the ability to lead yourself by living intentionally.
metrochristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2013 11
Your health. Our focus.
Five great hospitals. One single focus.
Easter
➺
outside in
by SHAWN DEAN
Nothing but the Blood
isan 14 on the Jewish calendar is one, if not the, most important date in all Biblical history. On this day, the sprinkled blood of many unblemished lamb on the doorposts and the lintels of Jewish homes must have made the Egyptians wonder what could possibly be next. The answer came in the form of terror for those who weren’t passed over, and joy for those who were. The dramatic departure of God’s people was foreshadowing of the greater event—the death of our own unblemished lamb purchasing our pass over on yet another Nisan 14. The original Passover and the death of Christ were exclusively selected for this one day, Nisan 14. Time waters down the drama that must have been this day, a day with extremes. Death, mourning, blood, hope, and joy all expressed simultaneously depending on which God one served. Every firstborn of Egypt died that day
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The eyes of all heaven and hell fixated on that cross while His blood saturated the earth, which shook under its weight when the last drop descended and the last breath was breathed. while they watched the Israelites exit with their possessions. They buried their dead while God’s people made their way—weighed down with treasure—to the Red Sea. If there was ever any question about who God favored, the line was clearly drawn. No time in history could be more infused with prophecy and the manifestation of spiritual things into the natural realm than the crucifixion of the King of Kings. The eyes of all heaven and hell fixated on that cross while His blood saturated the earth, which shook under its weight when the last drop descended and the last breath was breathed. The death of the firstborn of Egypt was preceded by grief; the death of the firstborn of the Father was preceded by an eternal, raucous applause. Both dates marked with blood the victory in God’s own sacrifice. That’s Nisan 14, Passover, the day we call
Easter. It’s a name given to us by a generation long ago that somehow managed to mix a Roman festival to the Babylonian idol Ishtar (Eastre), with a day we Christians and Jews memorialize as one of the greatest days in the history of life. Mathematicians and theologians hotly argued the exact time that this celebration was to occur, so it’s been a moving target almost from its inception. And, still to this day some are proposing a reformation of the time table. Many cultures hold different opinions on it, but here in the West, we chose to fall in agreement with the 325CE Council of Nicaea. It held that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox, with an addendum that a one-week delay would be instituted if the full moon fell on Sunday, and therefore decreasing the likelihood of it falling on the same day as the Jewish Passover. Good grief. Back in the day when the hair ran long and testosterone levels ran high, all I wanted to know was when Mardi Gras started and how I could get to New Orleans by Fat Tuesday. Easter egg hunts, new church shoes, and button downs got traded in for beads and draft beer. It was a whole lot more interesting than sitting around talking about a bloody lamb with pressed pants and a fake smile. The day I saw my youth Pastor two fisting Bud Lights at the Cherokee sealed the deal for me, until time ran its course. I have three daughters and in the midst of the dress buying, and the ribbon tying, and the Easter egg hunt with the matching baskets, Easter gets lost with me on our prescribed Sunday morning. The service and the songs are different but not altogether. I know the relevance, but I can’t seem to live in the magnitude of the moment. But, when the pretty stuff is put away and the dyed eggs find the trash, it’s back to the nitty-gritty again. That’s when I need the blood, nothing but the blood, the blood that was shed on Nisan 14—the real Easter. Thank you, Jesus. Y Shawn Dean is Regional Sales Manager for Airflo Sales, Inc., located in Ridgeland, MS. He and his wife, Laura Beth, have three children, Isabelle, Ann Mabry, and Mary Frances. They live in Madison. metrochristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2013 13
➺all in the family by DR JOHN L. COX
Are You a Good Enough PARENT? hen one of my daughters was about six years old, she was being driven somewhere by a neighbor who had borrowed a car that had a standard transmission. As the neighbor ground the gears and stalled the car for the second or third time, she looked over at my daughter with a shrug and said, “Sorry. I’m not very good at driving a five speed.” Finding no humor at all in the situation, my daughter looked back up at her gravely and asked. “Well, are you good enough?” It’s our annual graduation issue, which means we are reflecting on saying goodbye to our graduating seniors. In years past, we’ve looked at some things that kids need as they head off to college. This year, let’s look at something parents need. And what parents need is RELIEF! The top emotions I see in today’s parents are Anxiety, Fear, and Neuroticism!! Sadly, if you talk to most parents, they are fearful of almost everything. Kids are buckled into car seats like astronauts, hands are Germ-Xed to the point of chapping, and bike helmets have become permanently fused to the heads of active children. But another thing that I find today’s culture of parents is afraid of is being a “Bad Parent.” Our culture has so filled our heads with all the possible emotional disorders that can come from “dysfunctional families” that today’s parents live terrified that if they speak to Junior with too gruff a tone, he will be telling his therapist about it one day, and maybe write a tell-all book and hawk it on Jerry Springer—where it might then go on to be a Lifetime movie called something like Family of Shame and starring Lindsay Lohan! So is there any hope for us? Just how good of a parent do you have to be and not have kids who show up on the 10 o’clock news? Lucky for us, someone has already asked this question and has actually come up with an answer. Early in the 20th century, a British pediatrician and psychoanalyst (how’s that for a combination!) named D.W. Winnicott maintained studies on families with young children, carefully noting the styles and choices of parenting in each family. He asked questions like: How do these parents care for their kids? What kinds of mistakes do they make? How well do they provide for their children’s needs? And he asked these questions over the entire childhood of the kids involved. Then, years later, he noted what kind of adults these kids turned out to be. Were they functional? Were they well adjusted? Did they alphabetize their soup cans? The results of his study are interesting and encouraging. Winnicott found that the kids who had had supposedly “perfect” parents, actually turned out to be weirdoes (and yes, that is a technical term).
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Then Winnicott looked at the kids who had grown up to be the most well adjusted adults. It is interesting that the noteworthy thing about these kids’ parents was that there was nothing noteworthy about them! The well-adjusted kids had parents who wanted to be good parents, but dropped the ball sometimes. They were loving and attentive, but by golly, lost their temper now and then. These parents were consistent and maintained authority, but also acted like knuckleheads sometimes; really botching it here and there—and their kids were still OKAY! They weren’t “great” parents, but Winnicott observed that they were “Good Enough.” So that’s what he decided to call them, “Good Enough Parents.” These parents loved their kids, were available to their kids, but were still human. And “human” seems to be something that so many of us 21st century parents are afraid to be. Winnicott showed us that your kids may actually thrive on your not being perfect. Sort of like allowing your kids to get the basic childhood diseases—chicken pox and common colds—helps prepare them for adulthood. It helps them be inoculated for real life. In the same way, our failures as parents (especially when we talk to our kids about them) can help our kids learn to have relationships with real people (as well as learning to be real people themselves). In other words, the only thing better than a perfect parent is a humble parent. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes with your kids. Just come back to them and apologize; discuss it. Parenting isn’t some special technique; it’s simply a relationship (albeit a relationship with people who whine, take your money and tell you are unfair, but a relationship all the same). And in relationships we can be honest and humble and try and fail—together. I like to tell parents that a good parent learns to be comfortable with the fact that they are imperfect—and they help their kids get comfortable with the fact that they are imperfect. We parents need a break. If you are a “Good Enough Parent,” your kids will get the things they need from you, but will also learn to deal with living in real life, with real people, as well. In some ways, that is the best parenting of all. Y Dr John L. Cox is a clinical psychologist in practice here in Jackson. He works with adults, marriages and children. You can contact him at 601-352-7398. Visit the webpage for Dr. Cox’s upcoming book at www.thebigpictureparent.com
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modern motherhood by ROBIN O’BRYANT
The Fish-ous Cycle
I
am not an animal person. As a child all of my pets had short life spans—I can’t think of a single pet that survived for over a year. As an adult and a
mother, I’ve never been one to get the “warm fuzzies” over animals of any kind, and I haven’t felt the need to take on the responsibility of feeding and picking up after another living being. It’s all I can do to take care of the three children and husband that God, with his wonderful sense of humor, has seen fit to trust me with. So I was beyond surprised when my oldest daughter, Aubrey, came home with “Kate,” a goldfish she won at school last week. She was thrilled, and I tried to put on my happy face as we loaded up and headed to the store to get a fish bowl and food. But I was apprehensive, there have been many lives lost in the O’Bryant’s quest to become pet owners: Blitzen, the Power’s family beta fish, for which Emma was convicted of involuntary fish slaughter (go to www.moultrienews.com/family for Blitzen’s full obituary). The cat we inherited when our next door neighbors moved, Jevan-Samantha-JenniferAlexis-Hayley-Snead, who disappeared without a trace shortly after my husband taught Aubrey to shoot a BB gun—and following the unexplained disappearance of a baby bird that had been rescued by some well-meaning, but totally unrealistic, member of my family. In the wake of all the animals that have lost their lives before Kate, I tried to mentally prepare my children for her inevitable death, before we had even purchased her first meal. I explained to the girls that fish didn’t usually live very long and they didn’t need to be sad when she died, because truth be told Kate was going to be lucky to make it through the night. Kate did survive that first night and when the girls walked into the kitchen the next morning they began dancing and chanting, “She’s alive! She’s alive!” I got a little cocky. I was a real pet owner now. I had officially been in charge of a non-human life form for over 24 hours—and it had lived. When my middle daughter, Emma, expressed a desire for a fish to call her own, I didn’t hesitate. I splurged the $.32 and dumped another fish in the bowl. For exactly three days, my daughters spent every waking second staring wide-eyed into the fish bowl. It seemed they understood that there was no promise of tomorrow and they wanted to enjoy every second possible with their fishy friends—carpe diem or something like
that. (Pun intended, of course.) Until the expected happened, on Sunday morning before I had even gotten out of the bed, I received the news—dingdong the fish were dead. Kate and her adopted sister, Bea Jeni, had passed, gone on to that great fishbowl in the sky to join the throngs of O’Bryant pets who are gathered there, disgruntled I’m sure. I was relieved that this particular bout of pet-itis was over, until my husband told me he was going to run to the store before church to pick up a couple more fish. It’s a “fishous” cycle and it had to be stopped. I warned my kids as they loaded into the car to pick their next victims, er, fish, “This is the last time! Do you hear me? No fish deserves to live like this! We’re not just going to keep replacing them!” I yelled as they drove away. I went through the motions of getting everyone ready for church as my husband, Zeb, returned from his errand and acclimated the fish to its new home. Zeb read off of his store ticket, “Did you know you can get a new fish within 90 days if you keep your receipt?” I rolled my eyes. Just what this family needs, I thought, an unlimited supply of fish. We were about to walk out the door when I glanced at the fish bowl and saw it. There was no mistaking it. One of our new fish was already floating belly up in the bowl. In case you’ve lost count, that’s three fishy deaths in less than three hours. Emma grabbed the net, scooped up her fish and marched to the toilet as Zeb chimed in, “At least I kept my receipt.” Y Robin O’Bryant is mother to three daughters, wife to one husband, and debut author of Ketchup Is A Vegetable And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves. She shares the drama and hilarity of motherhood in her syndicated family humor column, “Robin’s Chicks” and on her blog by the same name (www.robinschicks.com).
metrochristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2013 17
ARE YOU THAN A
www.ToughScout.com
AIRING ON THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL
LL A F / R E M M SU 2013
MARCH 4
Are You TOUGHER Than a BOY SCOUT Competition Coming to Hood Scout Reservation
The Andrew Jackson Council, Boy Scouts of America, supports the current membership standards of the Boy Scouts of America, as reflective of the Scout Oath and Scout law. Since its founding in 1920, the Andrew Jackson Council, Boy Scouts of America, has worked with its local charter organizations to deliver the
Scouting program to the youth of our community, consistent with the Mission Statement of the Boy Scouts of America, and looks forward to continuing those relationships. Andy Wimberly, Andrew Jackson Council President
® BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA “Preparing Young People For Life” For more information on the Andrew Jackson Council visit our website www.bsa-jackson.org or find us on one of our Facebook pages, Andrew Jackson Council, BSA or Hood Scout Reservation, BSA. Scout Office (601) 948-6111
by DON WALLER
➺
let’s talk it over
LEADERSHIP God’s Way
tephen Covey defined leadership as “communicating peoples worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it themselves” from his book, The 8th Habit. That has proven true in my life. Over the
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years, people who have impacted my life for good are the ones who could clearly see my potential and help me to see it also. Whether it was my 4th grade teacher who instilled confidence or my Youth minister who didn’t give up on me, God positioned leaders at strategic places in my life. Furthermore, I had my share of people who impacted me negatively who felt the need to control or criticize me, which inhibited growth and freedom. Living in a fallen world, we all experience pain in relationships as a result of unkind and untrue accusations, but we have a choice as to how we respond to them. We can choose to believe those who inflict harm or we can listen to the voice of truth and life. Jesus speaks, “The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” (John 10:10). In the Bible, David also exhibited the gift of leadership. While running for his life from King Saul, he happened upon a group of men who were in desperate need of a leader. “Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became their captain (leader) over them. Now there were about 400 men with him,” (1 Samuel 22:2). David instilled worth and potential into these hopeless men and turned them into a formidable fighting force that became the notorious group called “David’s Mighty Men” (1 Chronicles 11:11-14). As a counselor, my prayer has been to instill into my clients their God-given worth and potential by loving and accepting them unconditionally as God does, helping clients to see themselves as God sees them. I believe that it starts when you realize who you are in Christ—I have been made complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10). As Christians we have an incredible gift to share with others who are lost and hurting and need to know there is hope in Christ. As a society, we are experiencing a leadership crisis in government, business, and the home. Maybe it’s time to start doing it God’s way by putting others first and helping them reach their God given potential. This does not come naturally, but it’s the way God has ordained it. Submit to one another out of reference for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). God has given us a great opportunity for positive impact—who are you impacting for good? Who will you impact today with your leadership? Will they experience the grace and love of Jesus Christ? Y
Living in a fallen world, we all experience pain in relationships as a result of unkind and untrue accusations, but we have a choice as to how we respond to them.
Don Waller lives in Jackson and is married with three children. He is a marriage & family therapist at Summit Counseling. Credentials: MS, NCC, LPC
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think tank Want to Be a DIFFERENCE MAKER? by ANDY WIMBERLY
I talked with two different people this week and both had very similar stories about their sports history. One was on his high school basketball team several years ago, and admitted he was one of the worst of the 14 man squad—couldn’t shoot, bad dribbler and not very good on defense, yet he was elected team captain. The other is currently a major college baseball player, is not a starter and is not even close to being one of the better players on the team, yet he was elected team captain and leader this, his senior year. I ask myself why the teams would not elect the highest scorer, the most valuable player, or the one with the highest batting average. What did these two athletes do or have that made them gain the respect of the team and the coaches to be elected captain and leader? Here is my conclusion. Both these athletes were Difference Makers! My paraphrased definition of a difference maker: “A difference maker engages others to bring out their best efforts. A difference maker has the invisible energy that mobilizes energies and liberates people to achieve their full potential that they never dreamed possible”. Want to make someone’s day? Whether it is your school, church, where you work, your team, charity or family, there is probably someone right in the middle of things who are making a difference. When you identify them as a difference maker, go tell them. One of the highest compliments that can be paid to someone is to tell him/her that they are a difference maker.
Need some help in identifying a difference maker? • They possess humility. They don’t care who gets the credit. It is never about them—it is always about you. There is no bragging, and no complaining. • They are people persons. They build relationships. They ask a lot of questions. They really listen to the answers and learn what the real issues are. Then they go about solving the problems. • They reach out. They give and give and give and give. Not just their money, but also their time, talents, their hearts, and their passion. • Christianity is their base. They stand strong in their beliefs and their convictions. Their faith does not waver.
Can you and I become DIFFERENCE MAKERS? Maybe. But we have to start the difference-maker journey first. Here are three simple, but not easy, habits to do to start making a difference and putting you on the road to being a difference maker. • Make a phone call. Have no agenda but just to say hi, to catch up, and to let them know you have been thinking about them. Don’t tell them about what is happening in your life; ask them what’s been happening in their life. Make it all about them, not you. • Write a note. A handwritten note just saying how much you appreciate them, how much you value them, miss seeing them, how important they are to your church, job, neighborhood, or charity. Tell them the good job they are doing as a role model, leader, organizer, or whatever they are gifted in. • Compliment someone. Take the time and effort to compliment someone on a job well done—the project they landed, how healthy they look, how wonderful their yard looks, and how they remain calm and yet have so many irons in the fire. Sincere compliments are powerful motivators, energizers and relationship building tools. The compliment multiplies when you make the compliment public—give the compliment in front of several people. In previous articles, we have written about these three simple habits that will make a difference in your life and the lives of others, but what will really happen if you actually start a habit of doing these habits is that you too can become A Difference Maker!
Join the “thumbs up club” Next time you see me and if you’ve done at least one of these habits that week, give me a great ole big thumbs up! Then stop me, or email me, and tell me how you felt after doing it and how you think the recipient felt. Both of you, I bet, were riding pretty high! Y Wimberly & Associates are executive coaches and financial advisors. They help individuals and businesses live better lives and reach their full potential. They use THE DISCOVERY PROCESS to provide vision, clarity and direction. beth@thediscoveryprocess.com
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➺the doctors is in by JANE-CLAIRE WILLIAMS, M.D.
COLON CANCER Awareness Month M arch is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month,
and it’s a great time to get screened for this highly preventable disease! While colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths, it is also 90% curable when caught early. So what does that tell you? It’s important to be screened and catch this disease in its early stages.
Who Should Be Screened for Colon Cancer? Everyone should have a colon cancer screening by his or her 50th birthday. However, some people should get screened earlier such as African Americans and individuals with a family history of colon cancer. African Americans are at a greater risk for colon cancer, so it’s recommended that they get a screening exam by age 45. If you have a close family member who has had colon cancer, you should be screened 10 years prior to the age your family member was diagnosed or at age 40, whichever comes first.
What are the Different Types of Screening Tests? There are three main types of tests that are typically done to test for colon cancer and its precursor lesions. Each test offers different benefits; you should talk to your primary care physician to determine which is right for you, or contact us as GI Associates.
• Fecal Occult Blood Testing – This is a painless test your doctor may use to test for blood in the stool. The test is performed at home with a kit that your doctor will give you. If blood is found, it can be the sign of several different digestive conditions, so your doctor will order follow-up testing to discover the true problem. • CT Colonography – This test uses Xrays to check for polyps inside the colon. It is performed by a radiologist. Although some patients prefer this test because it is non-invasive, it does not provide the same level of effectiveness in discovering smaller abnormal growths, and if polyps are discovered, they must still be removed in a separate procedure. • Colonoscopy – This test remains the gold standard in colon screening. A colonoscopy allows the gastroenterologist to use a flexible tube to see into the 22 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
patient’s colon. Not only can the doctor discover polyps during this test, we can also remove polyps while the patient is sedated, often eliminating the need for a follow-up procedure. While colonoscopy is widely accepted as the best screening for colon cancer, many patients are hesitant because they are nervous about the prep and the procedure itself. I would like to set your mind at rest on this issue: it won’t be as bad as you think! Here’s why:
• Advances in Colonoscopy Prep – We now can offer a lower-volume prep for our patients who are concerned about having to drink so much liquid the night before the procedure. • Sedation – We will sedate you during the colonoscopy and make sure that you are relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure.
• Privacy and Convenience – Choosing to have your colonoscopy performed in a private clinic like GI Associates gives you more comfort and privacy than you would receive in a hospital setting. You will also get in and out quicker –most visits take less than two hours.
What Happens Next? After your colonoscopy, our in-house pathologists will review any polyps we remove or biopsies we take. If your colonoscopy is normal or you have polyps that are not precancerous, and your prep is adequate, you do not have to have another colonoscopy for ten years. If precancerous polyps are removed, the screening interval is usually three to five years. If you are diagnosed with Stage One colon caner, we will refer you to a surgeon who will remove part of the colon. This usually cures the cancer. More advanced stages of colon cancer require surgery and/or chemotherapy for treatment.
How Can I Prevent Colon Cancer? As with most cancers, the best chance of preventing colon cancer is to live a healthy lifestyle. Try to eat a high-fiber diet and stay at a healthy weight. Avoid smoking. Avoid too many grilled and smoked foods. If you notice any symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or blood in your stool, contact a gastroenterologist immediately. There is no need for a doctor referral to schedule an appointment with GI Associates. If you are 50 and have not yet been screened for colon cancer, contact our office and we will get you set up for a screening. In most cases, insurance does pay for colonoscopy, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You have a lot of living left to do—don’t miss out on your life! Y Dr. Jane-Claire Williams is a gastroenterologist with GI Associates in Jackson, MS. She is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology.
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➺pastor’s perspective by DR. CHIP HENDERSON
The Truth About Leadership think most spiritual leaders battle with ambition at some level. Jesus once spoke into the lives of His disciples about the proper perspective on personal ambition. In Mark 9:31-37, Jesus plainly laid out for the disciples what was about to happen. He was about to be “delivered into the hands of men.” They would kill Him, and “when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.” So as they traveled, the disciples began to discuss which one of them was the greatest. We judge the disciples harshly and look with a furrowed brow and think, “How could they be so self-centered and selfishly ambitious?” But as I put myself in their shoes, I wonder, I’m confident I probably would have joined in the same “discussion.” The discussion was doomed from the start for two reasons. First, Mark 9:32 tells us the discussion grew out of misunderstanding and fear. We don’t know
I
I think Biblical humility is a real awareness that you aren’t better than others, and you don’t deserve anything special. what the exact form of their fear was, but we do know that they didn’t understand the Kingdom of God clearly. Jesus said he would die and then rise. But they couldn’t get past “die.” At this point, they still saw life and ministry purely from a fleshly and earthly perspective. And if Jesus wasn’t going to be on earth in the flesh, then somebody else had to step up. They totally missed the resurrection and the eternal and spiritual nature of the Kingdom. Because they didn’t understand the Kingdom, they argued about something that was normal, but totally unnecessary. Wasn’t their discussion a natural thing to talk about? The leader just said He’s about to be taken away, so it was only natural for us to try and figure out who the next leader will be. Apparently each disciple weighed in with his resume’ and rationale for being “the man.” It’s natural to promote yourself. It’s the natural 24 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
way, but it’s not the Jesus way. When they finally came to a resting place, Jesus asked them what they had been talking about, and predictably they all kept silent. Maybe because it just isn’t appropriate to talk about who is going to lead when the leader hasn’t left yet. It’s just awkward. Or maybe they kept silent because they knew something wasn’t right about the way the conversation went down. Since none of the disciples would talk, Jesus did. He gave them a proper perspective for spiritual leadership and how leaders rise. “Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all,” (Mark 9:35). Jesus said spiritual leadership isn’t earned by pressing your way up, but rather by working your way down. The way to truly lead in the Kingdom isn’t to push to be first and recognized, but to put others ahead of you and be willing to be last. From this I see three keys to spiritual leadership for any spiritual leader at any age or stage in their journey. Kingdom Leaders Are Humble—Humility isn’t serving and going to the back of the line because it’s the “right thing to do.” I think Biblical humility is a real awareness that you aren’t better than others, and you don’t deserve anything special. The truth is, we are all beggars when it comes to spiritual life. None of us can commend ourselves to God. Like Paul, we need to honestly recognize that whatever I am, I am by the grace of God. The truth is, no matter how gifted you are, you aren’t really “all that.” Actually, you are “none of that.” Kingdom Leaders Value People Why do you serve and elevate others ahead of yourself? Is it so others will see how godly and humble you are? It’s possible to serve others for your own sake. Or do you serve and elevate others because you really value them? Right after Jesus spoke the principle, He picked up a child and said, receive people like this. He wasn’t being sweet. He was being revolutionary. Children were objects, with no voice and no power and no status. So Jesus says, real spiritual leadership can be measured in your attitude and actions toward those who have no rights and no voice. Don’t serve
people who can “scratch your back.” And don’t serve people with an eye toward how it makes you look to others. Just serve people. Period. But especially serve those who can do nothing for you. Kingdom Leaders Exalt Jesus The disciples “discussed” who was the greatest because they misunderstood the Kingdom. They assumed that if Jesus went away, one of them would need to step into the leadership void. But they totally missed that Jesus wasn’t really going away and no new leader needed to emerge. Jesus was and remains the King in the Kingdom. Spiritual leadership goes off track when you forget who you are really exalting. The goal of spiritual leadership is never to exalt the leader- that’s idolatry and sin. The goal of spiritual leadership is always to exalt the Leader. There is only One. John the Baptist had it right. He must increase, and I must decrease. As a spiritual leader, if you will get this principle, it will allow you to serve in unseen places, through difficult circumstances, while others may seem to pass you by. You can lead knowing that it’s an honor to serve The King at any post. And you can lead knowing that God humbles those who exalt themselves, but he exalts those who humble themselves. Y Dr. Chip Henderson has been senior pastor at Pinelake Church since 1999. www.pinelake.org
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26 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
➺education connection by MANDI STANLEY, CSPR
Every Day Is a Presentation ach morning, when you roll out of bed and greet the day with a happy “Hello, world, let’s rise and shine and give God the glory, glory,” first of all, you might be a morning person…. And second, you’ll probably drive your college roommate nuts! But true student leaders know how to shine with the tools you already have been given. And among those tools are your communication skills, the way you communicate with others. The most dynamic and effective leaders we can name are quite often the most dynamic communicators. And when we look at leadership skills as evidenced through best practices in communication, we quickly realize that every day is a presentation—and there’s no such thing as a dress rehearsal. What happens in college doesn’t always stay in college, and sometimes leaders can forget that along with the benefits of serving as a leader comes great responsibility. People are watching you, looking up to you, seeing how you will handle a certain situation, and yes, sometimes even watching to see if you’ll fail. I grew up in Amory, Mississippi, and I’ll never forget: I had returned to Amory for a few months after completing my undergraduate degree. I had accepted a job as a technical proposal writer for a health care firm in Dallas and would be getting married and moving to Texas within a couple of months. Having grown up at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Amory since being on the “cradle roll” there, I was honored when the ladies in the church hosted a nice going-away reception for me. One detail I remember vividly was when Mrs. Laverne Hester put her arm around me as we were exiting the fellowship hall that afternoon and said, “Mandi, I just want you to remember this: In the jungle of life, in the end it’s not the lion or the tiger that will eat you alive—it’s the mosquito!” Of course, that was her homespun way of encouraging me to keep my faith not only in the major decisions that awaited me as a young woman from a small town heading out to the big city of Dallas, but also to remain faithful in the small daily decisions that end up making us or breaking us and truly determining our character and sense of integrity. I think the same can be said for those of you who serve as student leaders: “In the jungle of leadership, in the end it’s not the lion or the tiger that will eat you alive—it really is the mosquito.” It’s the little details we pay attention to that can make the biggest difference.
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These are a few of those little details— nuggets of nonverbal wisdom—that can serve you well as student leaders in regard to your communication skills. Hint: These are some of the same best practices executives and business leaders learn to master as communicators. Seek To Serve First: Rotary International’s motto is “Service above self. He profits most who serves best.” The essence of leadership is service. As Pastor Rick Warren begins The PurposeDriven Life: “It’s not about you.” That’s one of the best opening lines in any book, with the exception of “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” When I interviewed for a leadership scholarship as a high school senior myself, one of the judges asked: “What is your definition of leadership?” I remember I gave the hokey analogy of “Leadership is a lot like tennis: Those who are best at serving usually lead.” As corny an answer as that was, the judges apparently “loved” it. Leaders look to serve before being served. Engage the Eyes: As one CPA firm executive in Ridgeland is known for saying: “Eye contact is absolutely essential to establishing rapport and credibility with people.” For student leaders, making natural eye contact with people can’t be taken for granted. As Saint Jerome reminds us: “The face is the mirror of the mind, and the eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart.” Smile: For communicators, nothing breaks the ice like a smile. It’s universal. And if you don’t do it for any other reason, just remember Dolly Parton’s advice, who in Steel Magnolias said, “Smile, Honey, it increases your face value!” Pray: Before any event or encounter—and especially before I go onstage—I recite Psalm 19:14, a Scripture verse I have hidden in my heart for just such occasions: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing and acceptable to you, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.” This is my prayer for you, too, as Christian Leaders of the Future. Y Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley travels throughout North America entertaining and educating business audiences. She authored The NoPanic Plan for Presenters: An A-to-Z Checklist for Speaking Confidently and Compellingly Anywhere, Anytime, which was named Finalist in the Career category at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in New York. Contact Mandi at www.MandiStanley.com.
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➺chewed petunias by SUSAN E. RICHARDSON
Bitter and Sweet Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?” Then the “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path,” (Psalm 119:103-104). For several years my Sunday School teacher, Ken, brought a DVD of a Messianic Passover presentation for us to watch during the Easter season. The presenter drew a clear picture of how Jesus’ death and resurrection appear in the Passover celebration, making the DVD perfect for Easter. Part of the modern Passover celebration includes eating haroset, a mixture of chopped apples, nuts, wine, and spices symbolizing the bricks of slavery. The presenter talked about the haroset and asked why a symbol of slavery and suffering was sweet rather than bitter. The answer made me think. He said it was because even the bitterness of bondage became sweet in light of the certainty of redemption. I’d seen mainly the bitterness—the pain and difficulty—of my journey. Neither the sweetness nor the certainty of redemption was part of the picture. Believing in a future that included something good enough to make all the difficulties worthwhile was hard. Yet Passover reminded me of how symbols of affliction and redemption can come together: sweetness in slavery, redemption in chains. I needed a way to see both sides and to develop trust in God’s ongoing work within me, but I couldn’t move beyond what I could see and feel. Finally I learned a difficult lesson: that trust is a choice. Often we must make it without feeling trustful. Choosing to trust may not change our feelings immediately, but eventually the choice allows us to see the sweetness more easily. We don’t deny the bitterness, but open our minds and hearts to believing something good exists beyond the pain. Deciding to trust then opens the door to finding greater joy in the Lord as well. We can build on that joy when we understand it more
deeply. Scripture tells us, “the joy of the Lord is my strength.” We don’t receive a hard, dry, bitter strength that pulls us through. Instead our strength comes from the sweetness of joy. The context for the phrase from Nehemiah 8 illustrates how bitter and sweet can mix and how God calls us to good things. As the people rebuilt Jerusalem under Nehemiah’s guidance, they restored the Temple. Then Ezra brought the book of Law out and read it to the people, who wept as they heard God’s Law. “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’ The Levites calmed all the people, saying, ‘Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve.’ Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them,” (Nehemiah 8:10-12). Their weeping turned to joy as they celebrated their understanding of God’s Law. The bitterness of their sin became a sweet call to celebrate God’s goodness. When dealing with pain, our situation is not the same. We may not have been ignorant of God’s Law as the Israelites had been. We may not have rebelled against Him. The problem is that trauma can prevent us from understanding God’s character, so we miss the joy He wants to provide for us. God calls us to joy following our sadness. His joy is for those of us life has wounded, too. His promises are for us, even though sometimes we have a hard time seeing the truth of them. “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever,” (Psalm 30:11-12). You may still be weeping, but take heart in the promise that your tears will end. As you look around, what good things can you find despite your pain and tears? Search for the sweet in the journey and resist the temptation to focus on the bitter.
Lord, it isn’t easy to see the sweetness in the bitter. We are human and focus more easily on the pain and miss the blessings. Help us choose to trust You through the pain. Help us learn to find our joy in You. Y
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28 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
(*To get started with the full chewed petunias story, please visit www.chewedpetunias.com. You’ll find the story plus other material that may help you along the way.) Susan E. Richardson has a passion for meeting people’s needs through the written word. You can reach her by email at Susan@chewedpetunias.com or check either of her two websites: www.chewedpetunias.com or www.nextlevelcritiques.com
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➺salt & light by SUSAN MARQUEZ
Southern Happenings Reaches Out Through Dance or 40 years, the American College Dance Festival Association (ACDFA) has been promoting and supporting the wealth of talent and creativity that is prominent throughout college and university dance departments. On March 13 through 16, Belhaven University will partner with the ACDFA to host the Southern Regional Conference. “It’s very exciting for us to be the host university,” said Marisol Rosas, a junior transfer student in the Belhaven Dance Department. The dancer will be performing a piece that was part of a choreography class in the festival’s informal concert. “It was an audition piece, so I’m happy to be performing. It’s really going to be a thrill to have dance students from so many other campuses around the South visit our campus. It’s an exciting opportunity for us to host this event.” ACDFA has established 12 regions throughout the country for organizational purposes and maintains a strong regional structure through its regional directors and institutional membership to help facilitate the exchange of information. Colleges and universities may attend any regional conference and may present one or two works for adjudication. Around 23 colleges and universities will be represented at the event, according to Cynthia Newland, Chair of the Dance Department. “Because we come from a strong core faith belief, we want to pursue excellence in all we do, and to provide that experience to students coming to our campus.” Belhaven is the only Christian university in the competition, so Newland said there is an opportunity for her students to show Christ’s love in many special ways. “From the technical side to the classes to the performances, we want to be incredible hosts that show love, grace, and passion for our art. We are honored to have this opportunity to serve our guests in our beautiful facilities and believe impressions made by Belhaven faculty, staff, and students will long be remembered. Christ will show through in this opportunity.” The festival will feature some of the top performers from colleges like Ole Miss, Auburn, Tulane, University of Arkansas, and University of Southern Mississippi, who will be attending the conference and showcasing their talents. The conference is the biggest of its kind in the South, and will feature three special adjudicated performances at Jackson Academy that are open to the public. The concerts are $10 and start on Wednesday, March
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30 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
13 and run until Friday, March 15 at 7:00 each night. Audiences will get a sneak peak into the world of dance at the collegiate level through these performances. Students who perform will receive constructive feedback from noted, national dance professionals. “We have arranged to have three dynamic and highly respected dance professionals as our adjudicators: Steve Rooks, former principal dancer of the Martha Graham Company; Bill Wade of Inlet Dance Theater; and Rachael Leonard of Surfscape Contemporary Dance Theatre.” Over 50 dance classes will be offered at the festival, ranging in styles from ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop. Edward DeShane, a freshman dance student at Belhaven, will be serving as a volunteer at the festival. “I’m looking forward to connecting with other teachers and students, looking forward to talking to them about the Lord.” DeShane, a Jackson native, apprenticed at Ballet Magnificat. “After my apprenticeship, I looked at places to train professionally as a dancer. I had a friend at Belhaven who strongly encouraged me to look at the department here. I prayed about it and felt the Lord really led me to Belhaven.” An exciting agenda is planned for the conference at Belhaven. Titled “Southern Happenings,” the event will be celebrating the ACDFA’s 40th year anniversary. The agenda will include master classes, opportunities for student and faculty exchanges outside of the studio, improv jams or “happenings,” and many other stimulating artfilled experiences related to the field of dance. Additionally, special
An annual event hosted by the Jackson Prep PAT
Thursday, April 11 & Friday, April 12 HEART OF THE HOME GALA Home of Clay and Steve Davidson Thurs., April 11, 6:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. HEART OF THE HOME TOUR Home of Jana and Kenny Barraza Fri., April 12, 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. THE MARKET GALLERY/GOURMET CAFE´ Cooking Demo by Julie Levanway Fri., April 12, 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. ONLINE AUCTION faculty classes, seminars, panel discussions, and workshops have been planned. “We are enthusiastic about these times for exchange as well,” said Newland. To celebrate ACDFA’s 40th anniversary, as well as a taste of what Jackson has to offer, a Friday night party and final Saturday “happening” will be held. The Friday night party will take place at the interactive, inspirational Mississippi Children’s Museum on March 15th and will include food, music, and fun for the students and faculty attending the event. The Saturday final “happening” will take place during the afternoon of March 16th and will include music, site-specific dance, improv jams, and much more. These events promise to be filled with fun and innovative exchanges for all involved. The ACDFA values diversity and maintains a commitment to the development of conferences, which reflect and give value to the various forms, styles, cultural traditions, and aesthetic dimensions of dance in performance. Attention to diversity is encouraged within informal and formally adjudicated concerts, master classes, and panel discussions and/or lectures. “Diversity is fun to share among students,” said Newland. “In the past five years, we have had students from 45 states in our department, as well as from eight to ten different countries.” Rosas said that in addition to the dance-related activities, she’s looking forward to sharing her beliefs with dancers from the other colleges. “Because we are a Christian-based college, we are hoping to open the minds of people who may not think about religion at all,” said Rosas. “I’m hoping that the visiting students will get an insight as to what Christ has done for us at Belhaven.” Newland said that there would be a new Master of Fine Arts program at Belhaven beginning in the fall semester. “We are growing, which is very exciting for a Christian-based college. Many will have the opportunity to see that when they attend the ACDFA event.” Tickets for the three adjudicated dance concerts at Jackson Academy can be purchased online by emailing dancetickets@belhaven.edu. Y
For tickets and more info, visit heartofthehomeinfo.com
Heart of the Home is a community event benefiting Jackson Preparatory School’s educational programs, classroom activities, and teacher endowments. metrochristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2013 31
➺healthy living by BEA SMITH
Beating the Freshman 15
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veryone dreads the “Freshman 15.” Studies show that college students gain an average of 3 to 10 pounds their first two years of school. Students are on
their own for the first time in college and new temptations arise. Students can now eat whenever they want and whatever they want. All-you-can-eat food at cafeterias or sorority and fraternity houses, fast food, and midnight snacks to help make it through study sessions, are suddenly the new normal. It doesn’t have to be, though. College is a big change for students and taking care of their bodies is not always a top priority. Exercise habits and poor diets in college can set students on a path that could possibly lead to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, or obesity. Freshman year is fun, and college is one of the most rewarding times in life. Use this time to take advantage of not having to work or take care of a family all day and find time instead to keep yourself healthy and active! The best way to beat gaining the “freshman 15” is to prevent it. Starting good habits like keeping a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep while in college can help you stay on a path of having a healthy lifestyle even after you graduate.
Here are some simple tips to help beat the freshman 15: ■ EAT BREAKFAST! The saying “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is not an old wives tale. It’s a fact. Studies show that weight gain is more common among individuals who do skip meals. ■ Limit your caffeine intake. Coffee can be your best friend when you hit that wall at 11:30 p.m. the night before a final, but try and stay away from the soft drinks. ■ Late night pizza is inevitable—just don’t order it every night. ■ Avoid eating while stressed, watching TV, or studying. ■ Keep healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, yogurt or trail mix, on hand in your dorm room. ■ Choose low-fat options when you can. Things like light salad dressing or low-fat milk can make a difference. ■ Get outside! There is nothing better than going for a walk around your campus with your best friend on a sunny day. ■ Go to your university’s fitness facility and take the group exercise classes. You’ll get a great workout by participating in the class, and get an ab workout from laughing at your friends. ■ Find a running buddy and train for a 5K, 10K or half marathon together. ■ Play an intramural sport. Whether it’s flag football, soccer, or kickball, intramural sports are a great way to exercise and have fun. You’ll also meet a lot of new people. Y
First Presbyterian Day School
ALUMNI Please join us for
Celebrating Mrs. Carolyn White’s 40th year of service to FPDS
Thursday, April 4, 2013 5 to 7 p.m. Miller Hall, First Presbyterian Church 1390 North State Street, Jackson All alumni seventh grade and up are invited to attend For more information visit fpds.org or facebook.com/FirstPDS, or email rsvp@fpds.org.
A school where the heart of your child matters. 32 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
“
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom... I’m thankful that God’s glory is first priority at First Presbyterian Day School.
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– WILEY LOWRY FPDS alum and pastoral care intern, First Presbyterian Church
1390 North State Street • Jackson, MS 39202 • 601.355.1731 visit us at fpds.org or facebook.com/FirstPDS
Don’t Neglect Your Teeth s the temperature outside warms up and springtime approaches, our thoughts often turn to graduation and that next step into the future for the special high school student in your life. It is a time of much planning,
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list-making (isn’t that right, all you mamas out there?) and anticipating. There is so much to do and hardly enough time to do it! As a dentist and healthcare provider, I would be remiss if I didn’t use this opportunity to remind you to take advantage of this time of planning. Ensure that your family comes in for their regular 6-month checkup at the dentist. When your young adult heads off to college, there will certainly be a change of habits. Late nights with midnight snacks or pizza parties will likely become the norm instead of the exception—at least for a while. As your daughter or son adjusts to a new routine, their daily flossing and brushing habits may take a backseat. All the more reason to make sure they get that 3,000 mile tune-up, we like to call it, before heading out into the world.
Here are some important reasons to schedule that checkup: To make sure there are no existing cavities. Going off to college with decay already in your teeth is a recipe for disaster. More frequent snacks and soft drinks are a healthy tooth’s worst enemy. Any existing decay may enlarge quickly and lead to large fillings, root canals, or even tooth loss. These things are detrimental to your health AND your wallet.
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time—years, even—depending the patient’s intake of dark liquids such as coffee, tea, or red wine. Whitening trays and gel can be as effective as an in-office procedure— but they take longer and depend on patient compliance. The patient has to be very faithful with wearing the trays for a certain amount of time each day to see results. The same is true of white strips, but the strips have an even lower concentration of the whitening agent, so the effects are not as dramatic. As far as pros and cons go, the pros are obvious—whiter teeth and a more confident smile! The cons include temporary tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation in some patients. It is also important to note that existing fillings or crowns will not be affected by the whitening agent—they stay the same color. So it is important to visit your dentist and allow her or him to examine your existing restorations and talk about how whitening can be tailored to your specific needs. So, to all you college-bound kids out there— good luck! Continue to put the Lord first in your life, and he will bless those efforts. And don’t forget to floss!! Y Dr. Catherine Sledge is a general and cosmetic dentist in Ridgeland.
Fresh breath! Going to college is a time of meeting lots of new people and making connections for the future. Everyone has had the experience of meeting someone and noticing that their bad breath precedes each word that comes out of their mouth. Don’t let your child be that person! Regular checkups can detect gingivitis, periodontitis, and other conditions that can be treated to rid the mouth of those smelly bacteria.
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Overall health. Regular visits to the dentist can be a first line of defense for your overall health. Problems in other areas of the body often have an oral manifestation. Oftentimes patients cognitively separate their mouth from the rest of their body—but it is all connected! Dentists are oral physicians who can recognize and identify potential problems.
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Feeling good about your smile. If you have had any lingering insecurities about your smile, now is the time to take action. The social aspect of college is a big one, and it is important to make sure you feel your best! Now might be the time to explore whitening options if your teeth are stained or yellowed. There are many options out there to fit various needs and budgets.
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People often have questions about their whitening options. I will address some of those, as well as the pros and cons of whitening. Various options include: over the counter whitening strips, prescription-strength whitening strips, whitening trays and gel, and in-office procedures like ZOOM! Whitening. These are listed in order from lowest to highest price—and some would say lowest to highest efficacy. The in-office procedures like ZOOM! Whitening are done in one to two hours in a dental office. Results are immediate and often dramatic. They last a long
Michael Carter, DMD & Catherine Carter Sledge, DMD 772 Lake Harbour Drive, Suite 2 P 601.607.7876 F 601.607.7878
www.cartersledgedental.com metrochristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2013 33
SHANEQUA ALEXANDER Madison Central High School Ridley Hill Baptist Church Favorite Bible Passage Ezekiel 11:19, 20 is by far my favorite passage because it is my testimony. “And I will give them one heart [a new heart] and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturally hardened] heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh [sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God], that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances, and do them. And they shall be My people, and I will be their God.” Whenever I read this passage, it takes me back to when I met God for myself. I had so much unforgiveness and bitterness in my heart that it made me angry and mean. I literally felt my heart was as hard as a rock. But when I met Jesus, everything changed. He took my hard heart and made it soft and tender.
Activities and Service to Others At school, I am an honor roll student, a member of the Bible Study Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Technical Honor Society, Badminton Club, and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). HOSA is preparing young men and women for the healthcare field. I have served as the HOSA state chaplain for the state of Mississippi and am now serving at the President of Mississippi HOSA. My community activities include volunteering at the Senior Citizen Luncheon, Salvation Army Bell Ringing and Community Political Action. I find joy and purpose in developing a foundation of principle in helping others. Finally, in church, I am the pianist for the Sunday school and the Sunshine choir. I am a part of the Youth & Adult Department of the Youth choir, and the Youth Usher Ministry.
OF THE FUTURE
Future Plans
I have a heart to help young women and children who have been abused–physically, mentally, and sexually.
Metro Christian Living is pleased to present the 2013 Christian Leaders of the Future. Over 125 high school seniors from more than 40 different schools submitted essay applications, answering questions about their faith and leadership experiences. The applications were reviewed and scored by a diverse panel of judges working independently. Scores were tabulated, and the top 27 are featured here.
34 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
ZACHARY ASHCRAFT Clinton High School First Baptist Church of Clinton Favorite Bible Passage My favorite Bible verse is Romans 5:8 which says, “But God proves His own love for us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” This is my favorite Bible passage because it explains that God’s love is not limited to those who do something to deserve it...To be loved by our God, one does not have to follow the rules perfectly or do certain things to earn His love. He loved us when we were imperfect before we came to know Him, and He even loves us when we are imperfect after we know Him.
Activities and Service to Others At school, I am a member of Attaché_ show choir, Spanish Club, SADD, Honors Science Club, Recording Secretary of National Honor Society, and Project Chairman of the Distributive Education Clubs of America. In the community, I am a member of the Clinton Chamber Youth Leadership program and Archery Vice-President of the Hinds County 4-H Shooting Sports program. At church, I am a member of Growth Group, Engage, and Rise Student Ministries. This past summer I was involved in a mission trip to the Czech Republic where we put on a sports camp for teenagers and young adults.
KATHRYN ANNE BARBER Northwest Rankin High School Pinelake Church
A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith
Favorite Bible Passage
This summer I felt that since I was going to be a senior in Attaché_, my school’s show choir, I needed to find a way to connect the guys in the group who were already believers, and, hopefully reach out to some of those who were not believers…Since then, we have met each Sunday evening. Since this Bible study began, I have seen changes in the lives of several of my fellow members, and it has definitely changed mine.
My favorite Bible verse is Psalms 4:8, and it says, “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” The first time I ever heard this verse was after my family and I were robbed. We were living in Kenya, Africa, as missionaries when this event occurred. The robbery induced in us a sense of fear and unsettlement. It made me realize that where we were living was dangerous and that we were blessed to have no physical injuries to show from our terrifying night. After discovering this verse, it gave me a sense of comfort and peace. It reaffirmed the fact that God is always with me and that He is always watching over me. Looking back at the robbery with this verse in mind, I am able to see that He was there protecting us the whole time.
Future Plans I believe the Lord is calling me to pursue dentistry.
GRANT BAKER Hillcrest Christian School Country Woods Baptist Church Favorite Bible Passage My favorite Bible passage is “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). This verse is special to me because I realize I am not all that I need to be. I am a “work in progress” and will continue to strive to be the person Christ is calling me to be. This verse is very encouraging to me as I walk daily with Christ.
Activities and Service to Others At Hillcrest, I am involved in student council, varsity basketball, quiz bowl team, Senior Class Treasurer, and National Honor Society Treasurer. I am a cell group leader at Country Woods Baptist Church, a volunteer for City Church in Jackson, and a volunteer at Blair Batson Children’s Hospital.
A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith During fall break, my school gave students the opportunity to attend Beautiful Feet Ministries in Fort Worth, Texas. I served meals, attended worship services, talked, witnessed, and prayed with the poor and homeless in the inner city. After we returned, I was given the opportunity to share my experience at Beautiful Feet Ministries with the student body at our school during chapel.
Future Plans
Activities and Service to Others I have been in Beta Club, Key Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes since 9th grade, and National Honor Society since 10th grade. This year I am serving as the Vice President for Beta Club, class representative for Key Club, and treasurer for National Honor Society. As for church, I am extremely engaged in all aspects of the children’s ministry. I serve in the nursery with infants and toddlers, as well as the elementary children’s classes. I am a Sunday school teacher for a 2nd-grade class and act in the Bible lesson skits on a regular basis. Last year I was able to invest in an 8th-grade girls’ middle school small group. Along with serving in different ministries at my church, I am also a part of my high school youth group. I am a participant of the senior girls’ small group as well as the high school youth service choir. For all of my community service, I have received three Distinguished Service Awards and am hoping to receive a fourth at the end of this year. I love serving those of my community and bettering the place I live.
Future Plans I believe that God has called me to become a Labor and Delivery or Neonatal Nurse. Since I was little I have felt a draw towards medicine. Over the years, I have been able to participate in several medical mission trips and volunteer at hospitals. Throughout the interactions with the patients, God placed a burden on my heart to help them. Also, I have always loved children and infants. God has called me to use my love of medicine and children to further His kingdom. Once I get my nursing license, I believe that God’s plan for me is to spend a few years in India. While there, I will practice nursing and spread His Word—the true medicine.
I believe the Lord is calling me to be a heart surgeon. In addition to having the opportunity to help others with their physical health, I will also have the opportunity to help them with their spiritual health. I will use my gifts to witness and be a Christian example, as I serve God through my career.
metrochristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2013 35
DALTON BARNETT Richland High School Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Favorite Bible Passage “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). This scripture describes my life. I have always been afraid of how people are going to judge me. My understanding of this verse is that I do not care what other people think. I am not going to be discouraged and I am going to be brave and courageous because I have the LORD my God with me at all times!
Christian Leaders Who Have Most Impacted My Life The most influential leaders that have ever entered my life have to be my grandparents, Carol and Mel Steinhauer. My grandfather showed me how to be a male leader of a household. He was a determined man who always had his heart for the Lord; one day I hope to be at least half the man he was here on earth. My grandmother is my best friend and she has shown me that through Christ, there is inspiration and motivation to live even in the toughest times. She is the strongest woman I know, and I am forever grateful that Jesus put these wonderful people in my life so I can be the best me I can be!
Activities and Service to Others I am involved in Beta Club, SADD, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Council, and my church youth group. I am an active leader in the youth group and take part in our drama team, as well as our church choir.
Future Plans I believe that the Lord wants me to pursue a career in nursing because it is easier to get into countries by saying that you are medical personnel than it is saying you are a missionary. I believe that the Lord wants me to spread his Word by attempting to heal others. I also believe that most of the time when you are in a hospital environment or some type of health care environment, a person is more likely to be open and talk about Christianity. This allows me to witness to others without being noticed by a higher authority that may not allow Christianity in their country.
MAX BLOOMINGBURG Oak Grove High School Heritage United Methodist Favorite Bible Passage My favorite Bible passage is Romans 12. The entire book of Romans is great, but Chapter 12 specifically tells us how to live as Christians. Verse 1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Godthis is your true and proper worship.” This is one of my favorite verses, because this tells us that our lives should give glory to God. Not only our words, but our actions have to glorify God. It says that the true way to worship Him is if we offer our lives to God. This means that everything we do should be pleasing to the Lord so others will give glory to Him. Then it goes into spiritual gifts and how we should use them to strengthen the Church. I really like the latter part also because we as humans tend to seek revenge, but it says that the wrath of God will take this revenge for us. We should do well to those who oppose us to show them the light. If we live our life by this chapter then we will be living sacrifices for God.
Activities and Service to Others I am the Co-President of First Priority, a Christian club that meets to strengthen people’s relationships with God and further his Kingdom throughout the school. I also am a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and I play varsity baseball. I feel that I definitely try to be a light for our team. For our community, I have volunteered for our local ARC organization to help special needs children focus on having fun rather than the difficult challenges they face. At church we go on many trips. This past summer we went on a trip for Service Over Self—a foundation that hosts churches all over the southeast to help a very poverty-stricken area of Memphis. We reconstructed houses and supplied many other needs to the people we helped. I am involved in disciplegroup with some other guys from my church and meet to further our knowledge in the Word, and do many service projects to help out locally in Hattiesburg. Missions Hattiesburg was something we did this summer where we just did many jobs to help out locally and spread the Gospel. I also lead Sunday school for the boys in middle school in the youth group. We also have Bible study and I try to offer guidance with what God has shown me.
Future Plans I believe that the Lord has blessed me with many talents and resources. I feel that the Lord has called me to the medical field. And not just to make a lot of money, but to use it and go overseas and open up a free clinic in Algeria or Haiti. I heard a statistic that said over 90% of people in Algeria have not heard the Good News. That blew me away. So if I opened up a clinic and provided a physical need for them, I feel they would be more receptive for a spiritual need.
36 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
PEYTON BROWN
DIANA CHAVEZ
Northwest Rankin High School Pinelake Church
Morton High School High Hill Baptist Church
Favorite Bible Passage
Favorite Bible Passage
In Ephesians 16:9, Paul talks about how God directs our steps when we go about life. In that, I understand that God knows exactly what he wants me to do, and he is going to lead me in that direction. That is reassuring because although I do have some plans for my life, I do not know exactly what I want to pursue when I get older. It is excellent to know that God will lead me in that decision as I continue to pray and walk with Him.
“Although I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me, “ (Psalm 23:4). This is my favorite Bible verse. The verse has tons of meaning to me. I have seen terrible things in my life and faced difficult struggles that most people are not aware of. God never promised life wouldn’t have struggles. The next part is what I find best. The section that says, “I will fear no evil for you are with me” speaks to God’s presence with me at all times. Even when I am at my personal worst, God will still be there for me when no one else will. I go to this Bible verse many times to give me reassurance and comfort that no one else can give me.
Activities and Service to Others At school, I am involved in Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Council, and the National Honor Society. I am the Executive Vice President of Student Government and I am on the soccer team. I am also a part of broadcast journalism, where we make bi-weekly video segments for the school. At church, I am a part of my high school youth ministry at Pinelake. I am involved in the student choir (Chi Alpha), which is a group of teenagers who sing and dance and go on a mission trip to a city in the U.S. I am also involved with the adult choir, which sings on Sunday mornings. I volunteer with the middle school ministry at Pinelake Church by teaching and being a leader in small groups, and I volunteer with Vacation Bible School.
Living My Faith Intentionally in a World That Is Becoming Increasingly Antagonistic Toward Christianity In order to live my life intentionally, I will have to be bold in my faith. I must live my life with a purpose. I need to do exactly what Jesus calls Christians to do in Matthew 28:19 and go and make disciples of all men. It is impossible to live one’s Christian life in the shadows, if a person’s mindset is locked on what Jesus calls Christians to do in that scripture. Also, I cannot let the world overtake me. I must do exactly what God call Christians to do in Romans 2:12 and not conform to the world, but be transformed. I will not let what society says is okay become what I say is okay, because what God wants from us is completely opposite of what the world wants from us. Thus, I must continually stay in the Word and in prayer to fight the never-ceasing battle against the world’s views and ideas. Therefore, I will life my life intentionally for God dayby-day. I will continually look for opportunities to spread the Good News of God to my peers and co-workers as I go about life. In that, I will hopefully please and honor God.
How I Came to Know Christ I came to know Christ in the summer of 2006. I was at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, at a youth camp. That was my first year to ever attend any kind of Christian camp of that size. Before that summer, I never knew who God really was, what my plan on earth was, or even why I went to camp that year. Throughout that week at camp, I saw many things that were odd to me: kids happy about doing activities about God, preaching till no end, worship with hands raised, all the singing one could imagine, and people that just were happy for no apparent reason all the time. I started seeing who God could be to me. Our fourth night of camp, I broke down and faced who I was—a troubled girl who knew I had not been a person God would love. That night, I confessed my sins and begged for God to touch my heart and live inside of me for the rest of my life. Since that night, God has helped me in every need I have ever had and showed me that I was made to show the lost—the same as I was that night—how and where to find the truest and best help in this world, Jesus Christ.
Future Plans I would love to pursue dentistry, but I have a great desire for missions and ministry. Once I was struggling, and someone reached out to me and touched my heart. I want to be able to lead and guide others like he helped me. I prayed to the Lord to let me be able to be a leader to others. Although I love missions, I still want to be a dentist. I hope to be able to use my knowledge in dentistry to help others less fortunate and show them God’s grace and kindness through my actions.
COLLECTION
101A Village Blvd, Madison, Mississippi 39110
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AMANDA COVINGTON Madison Central High School Colonial Heights Baptist Church Favorite Bible Passage “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer,” (Romans 12:12). First of all, this verse reminds me that I can always be joyful because of the eternal hope that I have in Christ. Joy is not just a happiness that goes and comes. It is a peace of heart. The verse also reminds me that I need to be patient during hardships and focus on God and what He wants to teach me. Lastly, this verse tells me that I always need to pray no matter where I am, what I am doing, or in what situations I find myself. Being a Christian is not about accepting a religion, it is about having a relationship with the Creator.
Activities and Service to Others At Madison Central High School, I have been a member of the Reveille Show Choir for three years, and I am honored to currently serve as a captain of the 64-member group. I have been a member of the varsity power lifting team for five years where I received third place in my weight class at the Mississippi State Championships and was named the Region 2 Lightweight Flight Outstanding Lifter as a sophomore. I have also been a member of my school cheerleading squads for four years. I even pole vaulted for the track team for three years until there became too many scheduling conflicts. I am currently a student leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, secretary of the Thespian Troupe, secretary of the Drama Club, and a member of the Interact Club. At church, I currently serve as a small group leader on Sunday nights for girls in seventh through tenth grades. I have enjoyed getting to serve as a mentor to them and form close relationships that I know will continue long after I leave the youth group. I have also performed as part of the Solid Ground Drama Team, served as a chaperone on various middle school trips, and worked as a Bible story teacher and recreation leader at Vacation Bible School. I enjoy volunteering with my youth group at We Will Go Ministries and Mission First in downtown Jackson.
learned that it is not my way that matters; it is Christ’s. I have been through my share of struggles, and Romans 8:28 helped me through. Through reading the verse I accepted the fact that I would have trouble, but it didn’t matter— everything would come out for my good in the end. Even when I think I cannot go on, God is making it good. As I go through my life with sin and the world whirling around me, I know that God is on my side. For me, that gives me so much encouragement.
Living My Faith Intentionally in a World That Is Becoming Increasingly Antagonistic Toward Christianity I think the most important part of living my faith intentionally, in a world that is antagonistic towards Christianity, is influence. Since God is on my side, I have a substantial amount of power backing me as a Christian. I am planning to go off to college at MSU and I will be surrounded by sin and a lifestyle that I have never seen firsthand. Stuart Hall once told my youth group at a church camp, “The most powerful person in a dark room is the one with the light.” I believe that we as Christians hold this light. We live in a dark world full of sin, and we are the light. To me, that is such an encouragement and a blessing. I, Shellie Dukes, a girl of no specific importance, hold the light of Christ. It’s my job as a follower of Him to share His story and not just keep it to myself. For me, sharing my faith has always been an area where I struggled. I didn’t really feel comfortable asking the generic “what do you believe” kind of questions. Every single time though, God has come through. I cannot live out my faith on my own in this world; I must depend on Christ and Him alone. If I depend on myself to live out my faith, it becomes me trusting in myself and that’s not what Christ has called me to do.
Future Plans I know exactly what God has called me to do. He is calling me to be an elementary school teacher. I have helped out at VBS at my church ever since I was allowed to start helping. I know that if I love volunteering at vacation bible school every year, that I will love to teach. God has put a love for children in my heart that I know he wants me to fulfill through teaching.
Living My Faith Intentionally in a World That Is Becoming Increasingly Antagonistic Toward Christianity John Stonestreet once said, “Whether the world spirals up or down, we still need good Christian leaders.” During the Summit Ministries conference, we specifically talked about the need to intentionally live out our faith. In order to do that, I realize that I will have to not mind being different. I plan to continue to have a daily quiet time, become actively involved in the Baptist Student Union on campus, and find a local church to attend while away at college. I will continue to pray at meals and make time to actually stop and pray with someone when they ask me to pray for them. I will be willing to miss certain parties and dress modestly even when that is not the popular thing to do. I want to be so full of Christ that I overflow with His love. I want to share God’s word with everyone I come in contact with and stand up for what I believe no matter the cost. I plan to intentionally live unashamed of the Gospel of Christ.
SHELLIE DUKES Northwest Rankin High School First Baptist Church Jackson Favorite Bible Passage My favorite Bible passage would have to be Romans 8:28-31. Paul states that God works everything for our good and “if God is for us, who can be against us?” In my life, I have had a number of things not go “my” way. I have 38 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
BRENT FERGUSON Jackson Academy Christ United Methodist Church Favorite Bible Passage My favorite Bible passage is the verse Micah 6:8, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse has always been the verse I look back to when I am down. Reading it makes me remember that my life is meaningful. Living like this ensures that you live a life that is good in the eyes of Christ. Knowing that I have a meaningful life—that I am living for Him— always revives me on my bad days and encourages me to continue living the way He wants me to live.
Activities and Service to Others At school, I am involved in many clubs that include Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Habitat for Humanity, and Chess Club. I am on the baseball team, in National Honor Society, and the Cum Laude Society. Every year I have been a part of the Student Council, and this year, I am the Student Body Treasurer. In the community, I have volunteered at many Habitat houses, the Neighborhood Christian Center which is a place that helps inner city children, and the Bethlehem Center which is another center where inner city children can go to play and be taught Sunday School lessons. I have been on a mission trip to Peru. At church, I am an active member of the youth group, where I have led a Discipleship Group the past three years. Also, I have led a Confirmation group of sixth graders for the past four years, as they become a part of the church. By leading these groups, I have learned that I have to be a great influence every day, no matter where I am, for I know that my guys are always watching me.
How I Came to Know Christ I have always felt like I knew Christ and that I had a relationship with Him. However, I never truly felt a connection with Him until ninth grade at a camp called BreakThru. Going into the camp, I was confident that I had a relationship with God, but for some reason I still felt like something was missing. One of the services was about God being the living water for us, and how if we believe in Him, than we would have living water flow through us. Hearing this made me realize that though I knew of Christ, it was not truly a relationship until that night. Though I did not understand it before, I then realized that God was truly inside us, flowing through us, giving us the living water we need to continue living through Him.
Future Plans Since I started school, I have always had a love for science, especially biology. I have thought for the past few years that God wants me to go into the medical field as His servant and care for people that are hurting. Knowing that I could make a difference for many people would make me enjoy working each day.
AUSTIN FORTENBERRY Madison Central High School Broadmoor Baptist Church Favorite Bible Passage My favorite Biblical passage is Romans 12, simply because it has a little bit of everything. It gives instructions to believers about not living in accordance with the world, discusses spiritual gifts and their usefulness, love, revenge, evil— basically, anything a Christian needs to know is contained in this short passage. My favorite part of the passage is verse two, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This verse is just a great reminder to me that as a Christian, I am not supposed to blend in with or conform to the rest of the world; instead, I am supposed to be transformed. The imagery of “transforming” and “renewing” our minds is extremely powerful, as it shows just how different our spirits should be after we accept Christ—we should be completely new creations. A transformation has occurred, and our minds can be renewed in such a way that, as verse three explains, we will be able to discern what God’s will is in various situations.
Christianity, but that does not decrease our responsibilities as Christians—we still must live our lives to honor God and speak Truth to the lost. As a Christian in this generation, I think one important way I can live out my faith is by being genuine in my actions. People can spot hypocrisy from a mile away, and many will use a Christian’s hypocrisy as grounds for not believing in Christianity. The “I’m a Christian and everything is perfect” front many people put up will not attract unbelievers in today’s world; honesty, on the other hand, will. It is not hypocrisy to share the Gospel and admit you struggle with a certain sin. Being open and sharing that Christians are real people with real struggles who have been redeemed by a real God is a powerful and effective way of living out the faith and honoring God. Finally, I believe it is important to build quality relationships with people who need the Gospel before witnessing to them, so they will trust you and not write you off as a crazy Christian. I have confidence I can still live out my faith and spread the Truth, even in today’s changing times.
Future Plans I believe I have been called into vocational ministry, specifically preaching. I have been told that I have a gift of public speaking, and I love teaching others new things and explaining difficult concepts, especially about the Bible. I am very relational and I love working with people—both traits that would be beneficial as a pastor. I have a passion to help people who attend church weekly but haven’t really been transformed by God’s grace, and I think being a pastor would be the perfect way to minister to that group of people.
HANNAH FRIEDEMAN Homeschool Dayspring Community Church Favorite Bible Passage While there are many Bible passages that have hugely impacted my life, one of the most challenging is John 15:12-13. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.” It’s easy for us to write off the greatest commandment, to see ourselves as selfless, compassionate people. But if we measure our “love” by the ultimate Lover, and our “selflessness” by His ultimate sacrifice, it’s quickly evident that we’re using a flawed set of scales. Only through Christ is it possible to love our friends—and enemies—to the extent that He loved us.
Christian Leaders Who Have Most Impacted My Life There are certainly well known Christian leaders, both historical and current,
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who are inspirational to me. However, the leaders who have been most impactful in my life are relatively unknown to the rest of the world. They are the men and women who serve alongside me, both within my church and outside of it. My parents, who have managed not only to lead lives “worthy of their calling,” but to raise six children who are following in their footsteps; “Mrs. Patricia,” who has faithfully ministered outside abortion clinics for 24 long years trusting God to bring justice in His own time; “Mr. Henry,” who recently took his eightieth mission trip, spurred on by a passion for making disciples of all the nations. The primary lesson these and countless others have taught me is simply this: God rewards perseverance. None of these people will ever have the renown of Billy Graham or the influence of C.S. Lewis. But there are children laughing and playing today because of Mrs. Patricia, and there are Christians all over the world that can testify to Mr. Henry’s love for the Lord. I pray that any impact I have will be even a fraction of theirs.
What career do you believe the Lord is calling you to pursue and why? Over the past few years, I have come to realize that God has gifted me with the ability to work with children. I have decided to pursue that gift, seeking a career in Elementary Education. However, rather than finding a comfortable job in an upper middle-class community, I feel called to use this vocation as a ministry to “the least of these.” Whether I end up on the mission field or in the inner city, I look forward to touching as many lives as I can with the lifechanging message of the gospel.
chapter I am the Treasurer. I am also the state Treasurer for FBLA. I am a member of Mu Alpha Theta, as well. In my community, I am a member of the Simpson County’s Future Leaders program. I am also a member of the MS Youth Ambassadors Organization. In my church, I am active in the youth program. I attend these activities on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, Wednesday nights, and any other chance I have. I am an active choir member at my church, and the music leader for the children’s choir at our Vacation Bible School.
A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith There are many different times I have lived out my faith in a school activity. I was given the opportunity to give my testimony at an assembly my school was having for “See You At The Pole.” After I gave my testimony, I had the opportunity to lead three students to Christ. That day, I was amazed at how the Lord worked through my Christian friends and myself. I saw a change at Simpson Academy that day. Another way I have lived out my faith through school is by having devotions every Wednesday morning with other students before school. This became a great time of fellowship with fellow classmates. I was also given the opportunity to lead my varsity basketball team in devotions from time to time. Also, I led our varsity football team in the blessing before each pre-game meal. I try my best to take advantage of any opportunity I am given to be open about my love for Jesus Christ. For my Senior Project, I held an Operation Christmas Child shoebox drive and collected 234 shoeboxes for children in need.
SARA BETH GROSS Leake Central High School First Baptist Church of Carthage
LAUREN GRIFFIN Simpson County Academy Harrisville Baptist Church
Favorite Bible Passage
Favorite Bible Passage My favorite Bible passage is the entire book of Job. I love reading about Job’s life because He inspires me to have faith. He endured many tests to his faith and stayed strong in Christ through them all. My favorite verse in Job is Job 9:10, “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed. Miracles that cannot be counted.” This verse had helped me through many situations.
Activities and Service to Others At school, I am a member of the varsity basketball team, and currently hold the Captain position. Also, I served as water girl for the varsity football team. I am a member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) organization, and in my local
Though I have many bible passages that I look to for guidance and comfort, my favorite is Jeremiah 29:11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” To me, this passage is a passage of encouragement and hope. We all face hard times and the feeling that we just can’t go on. This passage shows the light at the end of the tunnel. No matter what trial I am facing, God reminds me in these verses that he has my path all planned out. He knows my future and his plans for me are good and full of hope. Because of this, as long as we allow God to lead in our life, we have boundless hope. This doesn’t mean that we will be spared hard times, but rather that God will see us to a glorious conclusion.
A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith
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Last summer, I was inspired by three seniors who had raised enough money to provide a Bible to every high school student in Panola County. I thought, “If they can do that for their county, then what’s stopping me from doing it for mine?” God called us to be disciples of him and to go unto the world preaching the gospel. As a 17-year-old student, my world is my high school, where every day I come in contact with over 650 students who need the Lord. This is where I believe God needs me to preach the gospel and share his love. I began by contacting the superintendent of education in Leake County to ask for approval. Upon receiving his approval, “Project Radical” began. I traveled to churches all across my county raising awareness of this project and asking for prayer and donations. God has provided $17,000 for Project Radical. Because of this, we now have enough money to place a Bible in the hands of every high school student in Leake County. I truly believe God called me to this project and I believe he will do great things through it. Habakkuk 1:5 says, “Look at the
nations and watch, and be utterly amazed, for I am going to do something in your day that you would not believe, even if you were told.” I believe is He going to do just that through Project Radical. After all, Jesus was radical, so shouldn’t we be radical too?
Activities and Service to Others In school, I have been the president of our Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years, first chair trumpet, and section leader in the Spirit of Leake Central Band, Beta Club member for four years, Science Club president, Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.), Student Government member, class president, Spanish club member, and Annual Staff member. In my community, I was named Leake County’s Distinguished Young Woman (DYW) for 2013 and received third alternate to Mississippi’s Distinguished Young Woman, as well as receiving a preliminary selfexpression award. I have also provided the entertainment for many local services such as, the Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life”, Leake County’s Senior Citizen Day, the Leake County Chamber of Commerce Banquet, and served as emcee for pageants. I have been a member of the Mississippi Baptist Allstate Youth Choir and Orchestra and the Mississippi Baptist Symphony Orchestra. In my church, I am currently the Youth Worship Leader, and a member of both the Youth Choir and Adult Choir. I also assist with the children’s ministry and work with the outreach programs.
Future Plans While most children waiver from career to career, I never once desired to be anything other than a doctor. By being a doctor, I will not only have the tools to heal physical bodies, but lead people to spiritual healing as well.
SARAH BETH HANSFORD Madison Central High School Christ United Methodist Church Favorite Bible Passage “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” (Jeremiah 29:11). This is my favorite Bible verse because it lets me know that God has a plan for me. I might not understand His plan right now, but I will someday. It says in the verse that His plan won’t harm me, and it will prosper me. It also reminds me that His plan will give me “hope and a future”. That really makes me happy because I know that, whatever my past, God has placed a great future ahead of me, and what happens between now and then is all part of His beautiful plan for me.
Activities and Service to Others I am involved in several school, church, and community activities. My school activities presently include cheerleading, Interact Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Cooking Club, and the mentoring program through my school. Through the mentoring program, I drive several times a week to Madison Avenue Lower Elementary School and help my “little sister,” a first grade girl, with homework, classwork, and social skills. My church activities presently include being a small group leader (for the last three years) for a group of junior high girls. Basically, that means I am the
girls’ Christian student mentor and meet with them weekly for bible study. I regularly attend my church’s Sunday night high school Bible study too, which has become an important part of my life. I have also gone on mission trips for the last six years, and for the last three summers, I have gone on the Peru mission trip through my church. During this particular mission trip, we helped build schools and led prayer walks and Vacation Bible School. I am forever changed because of these mission trips.
Future Plans I believe that the Lord is calling me to be an elementary teacher. When I tell people I want to be a teacher, they look at me like I’m crazy and say that teachers don’t make much money. For me, it isn’t about the money at all. I know that God will provide. For me, it’s all about letting children know of God’s unconditional love for them through my example, behavior and teaching. I love children, and I know that God wants me to show them how much He loves them and to teach them about Him.
TATE KIRBY Madison Central High School Christ United Methodist Church Favorite Bible Passage “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise,” (Psalm 51: 16-17). These verses have really stuck with me the past month due to the struggles I have gone through with school, work, relationships, and just everyday life. I was trying to “win” or “earn” God’s love and forgiveness by trying to commit to all these things that I could never keep.
A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith Just recently, Kiel Higginbotham, of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Organization, put together a free-tothe-public worship at Rosa Scott Junior High called Fields of Faith. As a leader of FCA at Madison Central, I had the opportunity to confess to the audience about the struggles I have gone through in high school such as depression, stress, doubt, and feeling alone. Then, I was able to testify to them about how I rose above it because of God, who never left my side and lovingly put people in my life so that they could help me take up my burdens and carry them to the cross where I could once again be set free. I explained that they, too, can be set free because God never leaves anyone’s side, and He also puts a certain someone in their lives for them to reach out to for help and encouragement: they just have to ask for God’s love and forgiveness and constantly strive to maintain the path of a righteous man every day, as well as, accepting that there are people who love and care for them because God has a will for everyone—and in that will, there are the people who will lead them away from death and to a life everlasting.
Living My Faith Intentionally in a World That Is Becoming Increasingly Antagonistic Toward Christianity The way I plan to live in this world today is going to be by the way I am trying to live my life right now: by God’s commandments. I, as a follower of Christ, will not just lead myself into everlasting life; I will lead those around me to everlasting life. If I put no other god before my God and worship the one and only, I am striving for perfection, and people notice that. If I love my
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neighbor as God calls me to love myself, people will notice that. If my enemy attacks my right and I also give him my left, people will notice that, and if people notice that I am living for something bigger then myself, they ask “why?” and my response will be, “Because there is a God out there who is bigger than the stars in the sky. If you want to know of him, then let’s grab coffee.” I will live my faith in the world today by offering myself for the salvation of others.
where I will be successful, but where I am needed. In short, I will intentionally live my faith in a world that is becoming increasingly antagonistic toward Christianity. I will let go of absolutely anything that will keep me from doing just that. I will say goodbye to my home and my mother and father, if need be, and run after Christ and all that He has for me.
Future Plans Future Plans My career will soon be Mechanical Engineering at MSU. God has given me a strong passion for math and science, but He has also given me a strong passion for Ministry! I am hoping to get my Doctorate in Engineering, and when I come out of college and into the work force, I want to be able to find me a great Church family and hopefully become a highly active leader in their Youth Ministry; maybe take some online Seminary courses and try to become a part time youth minister, if there is such a thing…
BETSIE MACLELLAN Homeschool Restoration Church Favorite Scripture Passage “He has made everything beautiful in its time,” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). In 2011, I spent two months on a mission trip in Thailand, a spiritually dark place. With less than 1% of the population being Christian, there is not much hope to be found. Even still, I could not but fall in love with Thailand and the people who live there. I hated leaving after my time was up and cried on the flight home. As my seatmates snored and I wept, I pulled out my Bible and flipped to Ecclesiastes. That is when I read the above passage. I had read it without being affected before, but it spoke to me on that flight. It gave me peace and hope— hope for Thailand and the people there. I am confident that God is not done with that country and believe that He will make it beautiful in time, just as He restored and made me beautiful. I have not returned to Thailand, yet, but that scripture hangs on my wall, and whenever I read it, I am given peace and hope for all areas of my life. He has a beautiful plan, and I know it will come to pass.
Activities and Service to Others Writer for “Faith Made Flesh,” a website featuring five selected writers and their take on Christianity and other cultural issues from the point of view of the Millennial Generation; Active member of Florence/Richland Homeschool Group and winner of Group Spelling Bee, Most Outgoing, and Christian Character award. Mission trips to Mexico, Romania, Thailand, and Swaziland. Worship leader, Vacation Bible School and Sunday school leader at Restoration Church, Pinelake Youth Leadership Conference. Full-time residential intern at We Will Go Ministries in Jackson, Bible co-leader at Opportunity Center (day shelter for homeless in downtown Jackson), frequent public speaker at churches, youth groups, and library story times.
Living My Faith Intentionally in a World That Is Becoming Increasingly Antagonistic Toward Christianity I will intentionally live out my faith in a world that is becoming increasingly antagonistic toward Christianity by living on Earth as it is in Heaven. In a culture that is all about individualism and “me,” I will choose to live in true community with my Christian brothers and sisters. In a culture where women are often defined and given self-worth by their romantic relationships, I will choose to wait and find self-worth in my Creator. In a culture that promotes self-gain, I will choose to give away when what I have will meet another’s need. In a culture that encourages one to live out one’s dreams, I will choose to sacrifice mine for His. In a culture that revolves around success, I will choose to go not necessarily 42 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
God has called me to be a teacher who doesn’t just teach a subject, but teaches life. Living in inner city Jackson, where many are in cycles of destructive choices, I’ve learned most are school dropouts. Why? The fact is they were never taught there’s a better life. No one said, “You have potential. Let me help you become someone.” I want to teach at schools where others refuse to go. Most importantly, I want to teach children that God has a plan for them and with Him, they can overcome statistics, rise above circumstances, and become all God created them to be.
SARAH KATHERINE MILLS Jackson Academy Christ United Methodist Church Favorite Bible Passage My favorite verse is Ecclesiastes 6:13-14, “Accept the way God does things for who can straighten what he has made crooked? Enjoy happiness while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both came from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.” These lines speak to me. When I face trials, this is definitely my “go-to” passage. It reassures me that things will get better; it can’t rain forever. God says both happiness and sadness come from Him and that thought settles me. After a rough day, this verse lifts my spirits. God speaks to me saying that everything is for a reason.
Activities and Service to Others I am involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Habitat for Humanity, and other various clubs and organizations at my school. I am the Secretary of S.A.D.D., co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, vice president of the senior class, and have been a cross-country runner since 7th grade. During spring, I also run track. My memberships include National Honor Society, Academy Honors, Mu Alpha Theta, Latin Honor Society, and Chi Alpha Mu. At school, I’ve enjoyed being a member of the yearbook and creative writing staffs, and am now serving as an editor of the newspaper. Last summer, I was nominated to apply to the APEX Leadership Summit in Oxford, highlighting leadership skills, and was chosen to attend this conference. At Christ United Methodist Church, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a small group leader for the same group of young girls at my church for four years and as a Confirmation table leader/mentor for four years. My own discipleship group has been an influential part of my life over the past six years. Each summer I have enjoyed the opportunity of participating in mission trips to areas including Youthworks, an inner-city Nashville mission group, and Frontline Peru, where we organized VBS, prayer walks, and church building projects for a very impoverished area. I’ve been a volunteer VBS leader every summer since 6th grade. In my community, I have spent numerous hours building homes for Habitat for Humanity and helping out at CARA, a shelter for neglected animals. At Timber Creek, I volunteered as a teen counselor for several weekend youth and church retreats.
How I Came to Know Christ I first asked Christ into my heart at the age of eight. I clearly remember my VBS leader asking, “Who wants to have Christ live in them?” When all my friends said yes and accepted Christ into their hearts, I wanted to do it too. I asked Him into my heart, but did not know the real impact of the life changing choice I had made. As the years progressed, so did my knowledge about what I had committed to on that day. As I matured, I came to realize that my relationship with God was something that not everyone had. Once I fully understood the love for my Father, I asked Him into my heart again. This time it was a powerful and emotional moment for me as I finally got a glimpse of all the love he had for me—and the promises he had provided for His child. As I grew closer and closer to Christ each day the love I had for Him continued to grow thanks to my small group, church activities, mission trips, and devotionals. Of one thing I am sure: Christ is the One that makes me complete and I would be nothing without His love and guidance.
Future Plans Psychology or teaching is my primary interest since they open a door to working with children. The Lord blessed me with a love and passion for working with children.
ASHLEIGH NORRIS Brandon High School First Baptist Church of Brandon Favorite Bible Passage My favorite book in the Bible has always been James because I will never forget the first time I opened it. I started reading one verse and it led to another chapter; before I knew it, I had read the whole book in one sitting. It captured all of my attention, and I loved everything I was reading. Several verses in the book stand out to me, but the first one I see is, “When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing,” (James 2-4). That verse encourages me to never give up on myself because God is always there to lean on in times of need and distress.
Activities and Service to Others First Baptist Church of Brandon Youth Group; Brandon High School Cross Country team; Beta Club coPresident; Spanish Club Vice President; National Honor Society; Brandon Mayor’s Youth Council secretary; Rankin County Relay For Life Committee; First Priority; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Rankin County Junior Auxiliary Crown Club secretary; high school swim team; environmental club and Key club, and Blair Batson Children’s Hospital volunteer.
Future Plans My career ambition has always been to become a physician, mainly because of my compassionate heart and desire to help others. I was attracted to the medical field when I was old enough to start planning my future and looked up to a doctor at my church. God has opened doors along the way to confirm what I am going to spend my life pursuing and perfecting for the glory of God. I attended Furman University for a weeklong Pre-Health class on campus as a Summer Scholar, and I began volunteering as the “Morning Coffee Girl” at the Children’s Hospital two summers ago. After these experiences and praying about my future, I have been reassured that God is calling me to serve Him as a physician.
REBECCA PARKER Jackson Academy Northminster Baptist Church Favorite Bible Passage My favorite bible verse is Song of Solomon 4:7, “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; for there is no flaw in you.” I know that this passage is about a love story between a man and a woman, but I believe that the symbolism behind this verse also portrays to my life in how Christ views his children. Every time I read this, it reminds me that I am perfect in God’s eyes, and my identity in the Lord is made whole. Throughout my life, especially living in Northeast Jackson, I have struggled with insecurity. These lines give me comfort and help me to always remember that the Lord sees me as flawless, just the way I am. Although I am far from perfect, I have begun to accept myself and this verse has definitely aided me in doing so.
Activities and Service to Others In a leadership role, I am treasurer of the senior class, editor of the JA Chronicle (our school newspaper), and a straight A student. I have been a committed member of the Accents, our school dance team, for three years. I am also active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Spanish Club, the Pre-Med Club, National Honors Society, and Habitat for Humanity. I have a special interest in the Mississippi Children’s Museum, where I have served as a student ambassador for three years. I am an active member of the Youth Group at Christ United Methodist Church where I have been a discipleship group leader for the past three years and have participated in two mission trips with to Lima, Peru. Also, I am also truly blessed to have a pastor who is not only my guide through my Christian journey, but also my friend.
Living My Faith Intentionally in a World That Is Becoming Increasingly Antagonistic Toward Christianity This may seem paradoxical, but in a world that is increasingly antagonistic towards Christians, I feel more challenged than ever to be grounded in my faith in Christ. I pray that I am as accepting of all people as He was. This does not mean that I soft pedal my faith, or not stand up for what I believe in. As with the early Christians, I know faith can truly blossom through adversity. I am trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower me, give me strength and courage, help me face challenges, and most importantly be true to myself along with my faith.
Future Plans I know I am a helper/ server. I care a great deal for the “least of these” whether it be a person or an animal. I have such a heart for those that cannot help themselves, and my passion has always been to be involved with animals. I truly feel called to be a veterinarian and show God’s love to these dear animals (and their owners) that often show me in the simplest ways what God’s grace and love is all about.
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VARAH POTTER The Education Center Redeemer Church Favorite Bible Passage
LAURA BETH REEVES
My favorite bible passage is 2 Kings 2:23-25 because it teaches a good lesson. The prophet Elisha is on his way to Bethel. As he’s walking, some youths start making fun of him. Elisha turns around, curses them, and sends two shebears from the woods to maul them. There were 42 youths altogether and most of them stood by while the others made fun of Elisha. Yes, I know this passage is graphic and violent, but there is an excellent message behind it. My economics teacher told me that if I found myself in a dangerous situation (such as someone attempting to rape me) and needed help, that it is better to scream “Fire!” instead of “Rape!” because studies show that people are more likely to run for help with a possible fire than to a girl being abused. According to my teacher, this is because our society is becoming more and more immune to identifying what is wrong—much like the youths among the 42 who did nothing while others taunted Elisha. This passage shows us that we should always stand up when we know something is wrong. Being silent and doing nothing makes us just as guilty.
Madison Ridgeland Academy Ridgecrest Baptist Church
Living My Faith Intentionally in a World That Is Becoming Increasingly Antagonistic Toward Christianity My dad is a theologian so we talk about this all the time. He’s teaching a course this semester entitled “Developing the Christian Mind in Post-Christian Times,” which is right on point for this question. In order to live out the Christian faith in a culture that’s antagonistic toward Christianity, the first order of business is to develop a Christian mindset—a Christian worldview my dad calls it. As a Christian in our modern world, I must have a firm understanding of the central teachings of Christian faith, but I must also have a firm grasp of the non-Christian cultural climate in which we live. I am definitely a young student of these things, but what I am learning helps me live more faithfully as a Christian within our post-Christian environment. The basic resource for developing a Christian mindset is the Word of God, the Bible. I read it and pray, and I stay connected to a strong Bible-based church—all of which help me cultivate a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
Activities and Service to Others At school, I am my Student Council’s Co-President and many of our activities involve the surrounding community. For Red Ribbon week, we planted red tulips to promote a drug free world. Along with other fellow students, I participated in dog walks, clothing drives, and canned-good drives for various charities. I take every opportunity to tutor children in our school and mentor them as they strive to become better students. My fiveyear participation in the Mississippi Girlchoir brings me pride. Traveling to New York City to sing at Carnegie Hall for breast cancer awareness is a highlight of our activities. I enjoy my role as the videographer for our church choir, and my videos can be seen each week on the Redeemer Choir’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Everyone tells me how much this service means to them because it allows them to enjoy hearing songs they love by the choir again and again.
Future Plans I feel the Lord leading me to pursue some kind of communications career combined somehow with psychology. I have gifts and talents in communications—public speaking, poetry, writing, thinking, and humor. My heart is also leading me to child psychology. I want to help children who are challenged in life, children who have been damaged by the adults around them, or who were born with mental or physical challenges. This is where my heart is.
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Favorite Bible Passage In Romans 7, Paul gives a sermon to explain the reason he sins. He explains that “For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate, I do.” Paul is saying that he knows the difference between right and wrong but he still does what is wrong. I love this passage because I can relate to it as a teenager…I use this passage to remind me that all people struggle with sin. Fortunately, Paul goes on to say “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord.” This affirms the fact that God will always lead me down the right path instead of the path of destruction as long as I follow him and allow him to work in my life.
Activities and Service to Others I served on student government as a class officer or student council officer from 6th-11th grade. I am an officer in the National Honor Society and president of Habitat for Humanity. I am a member of FCA, Rotary Club, and Mu Alpha Theta. I have been a cheerleader since 4th grade and have been on the basketball, softball, and track teams since I was old enough to participate. I was selected to the All-Star team for softball and chosen as the Wendy’s High School Heisman recipient because of my involvement in four sports. My peers have chosen me as a Class Favorite six years in a row and I have been blessed to have the opportunity to represent my class on the Homecoming Court. I am active in Young Life and the Campaigner Bible study group that is associated with Young Life. As an active member of the Madison Junior Ambassador program…I have volunteered at the animal shelter, assisted at the Fall Scarecrow Cruise and Car show, represented Madison in the Christmas Parade, helped with Easter in Strawberry Park, and worked the Petco Paws and Claws Parade. I have spent many hours volunteering for the CJ Stewart Foundation to raise money to help underprivileged kids have the opportunity to hear about God’s love. I have volunteered at Jackson City Church, the Ronald McDonald House, and the We Will Go homeless ministry. At church, I have been involved in youth choir and youth programs. I attended Desperate youth trip to Georgia, Beautiful Feet trip to Texas, and Big Stuff in Florida. I have served at the Bond Nursing Home, shared my faith in the parking lot of Target, donated to many charitable organizations and delivered Christmas surprises to the needy.
Future Plans Teaching is in my blood. My grandmother, aunts, and mother are teachers. Since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed standing in front of people and teaching. Thankfully, God has blessed me with the gift of leadership. I have received leadership awards in softball and cheer and also by the MRA faculty. I believe God has called me to use my gift of leadership to teach high school math. I plan to be the type of Christian teacher that can be used by God to shape other students’ lives just as mine has been shaped by the teachers in my life.
RAE’ JEAN SPEARS
CALLIE SHIRLEY
Meridian High School Agape Storehouse Apostolic Church
Madison Central High School Broadmoor Baptist Church Favorite Bible Passage “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” (Jeremiah 29:11). This verse is applicable for every stage of life, but I particularly enjoyed studying the background on this verse. The Israelites were exiled in Babylon, and the prophet Jeremiah sent them a letter. In his letter he states what God has ordered him to tell the exiles. God tells them to settle where they are, get married and increase in number, grow crops and produce food, and seek peace and prosperity, even though they have been exiled to a foreign city. Above all, they are to pray to the Lord because He will prosper them. This verse is applicable because even when I feel like I have nowhere to go, I know if I just trust God with my future and my worries, he will prosper me. What a wonderful truth I can rest in.
Activities and Service to Others At school, I am a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Interact Club, and serve as the president of the S.A.D.D. I have also been a member of the French Club, Crown Club, Junior Classical League, and Global Studies Team. I am a part of the Big Brother/Big Sister mentoring program through which I mentor at an elementary school each week. I serve at a ministry called God’s Haven Boys’ and Girls’ Center, teaching music to lessfortunate children. I coach Upwards Cheerleading through my church. One of my passions is playing the piano, and I enjoy playing at different venues, such as nursing homes for Christmas. I am very active in my church’s youth group. I teach small groups at camp, as well as lead Vacation Bible School groups. One thing I have a heart for is serving. Through my church I have been blessed with opportunities to do just that by going on mission trips to the Mississippi Coast, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Jamaica.
Living My Faith Intentionally in a World That Is Becoming Increasingly Antagonistic Toward Christianity “Actions speak louder than words” can hold true in many situations. However, in this one, I believe both are equally important. In order to live out my faith and let others know about it, I must be aware of my actions. One of the greatest tools to use when showing someone Christ is how one behaves when he or she thinks no one is watching. Telling someone about the Lord is equally important as my actions. I must be careful what I say also, because people pay attention to that too. There is an old saying that still holds true today: “You might be the only Jesus some people see.” Keeping this at heart, I act intentionally to spread the Word and the love of God to all. When I get up in the morning, I want the devil to say, “Uh oh, she’s up again!” I live each day with a purpose, and that is to draw people closer to Christ. Through my actions and words, I plan to do just that each day.
Future Plans One day in Sunday school I took a spiritual gifts test. My greatest strength was encouragement. Along with the test came career suggestions in which one uses their spiritual gift. Mine was nursing. Wow! That sounded just like me. I have a passion for working with others. God began to work in my heart, and He blatantly revealed to me that He wanted me to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse.
Favorite Bible Passage “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us,” (Romans 8:18). Oftentimes I ask myself, “Is this all worth it?” Life can be filled with so many curve balls that I can find myself frustrated to the point that I don’t see the purpose of earth. We suffer, hurt, and face obstacles, but what’s the point? Well, this verse answers those questions for me. It’s a wonderful reminder that these problems we’re facing now won’t even matter when God starts to bless us. They won’t even matter on that glorious day when we get to see our King and hear the words, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.” This Bible verse is God’s personal and daily encouraging message to me to continue to persevere because better is coming.
A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith School talent shows offer students an opportunity to either become really popular or really embarrassed. For me, however, it served as neither. After my school’s talent show in May of 2010, I was officially labeled “That Jesus Girl.” While my fellow classmates got together and performed dances to Beyoncé and rapped to Jay-Z, I recited a poem about my relationship with Jesus Christ. I got onstage with the most confidence in the world and told an auditorium of teenagers about my love and appreciation for Jesus coming into my life. When I finished, I heard a measly 10 people clap; five of those people were judges. Needless to say, I did not win. Oddly enough, however, I was neither disappointed nor shocked. The next day, several of my peers approached and asked me, “Why did you do something all religious and not fun for the talent show?” My answer was simple: Jesus has called all of us here on this earth to lead people to Him. I would rather spend my 5 minutes of fame and possibly lead someone to salvation, than sing some pop song that plays on the radio 25 times a day. From that day forward, I have worn the proud label of “That Jesus Girl.”
Living My Faith Intentionally in a World That Is Becoming Increasingly Antagonistic Toward Christianity I will have a mindset like that of Paul. He faced so much persecution while trying to spread the Gospel. To name a few, Paul was imprisoned in Philippi, stoned in Lystra, and persecuted in Jerusalem and Rome. Amongst everything, however, Paul always prayed fervently and all of his hardships made him a stronger man spiritually. Just like Paul, I know that while trying to share the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ, I will be ridiculed by friends, family, and strangers. Since I am a disciple for Christ, however, His opinion of me, and my life, will matter more than anyone and anything else. I am reminded of my favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:18, when thinking about my future and servitude for my Savior. I would rather face the judgment of others while living my life for Christ, than endure a lifetime of misery. If Jesus can go to Calvary and withstand torture for a dirty mess of a person like me, I will press toward the mark unapologetically despite what the world around me does.
Future Plans I believe the Lord is calling me to a career in elementary education. As a child who grew up in the lower income part of town, good teachers are what saved me. I can remember looking forward to school because it was the only place that I felt like I belonged. I want to be that source of inspiration, compassion, and hope for another child. Children deserve to feel wanted and loved, if they only receive it at school. It takes a village to raise a child and I want to be a part of that community.
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SARAH TODD Terry High School Hillcrest Baptist Church
a tremendous influence on the generations to come. Teachers train the leaders of the future. I want our future leaders to believe in Jesus. I want to help my future students reach their dreams and express their feelings through art and music, which are both languages that anyone can speak.
Favorite Bible Passage Proverbs 31:10-31 is my favorite Bible passage because it describes a Godly woman and her attributes to her family, children, and community. Verse 20 says, “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” This is a commandment James tells us to do in order to show God that our religion is pure and faultless in James 1:27. Proverbs verses 25-31 are what I aspire to be when I am older. She is respected by her children and praised by her husband. She trusts in and fears the Lord. She knows that her looks will fade, but God is constant. She is strong and dignified.
Activities and Service to Others In my school, I am involved in the National Honor Society, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Students, and Beta Club. In my church and community, I am involved in Hillcrest Baptist Church youth ministry, HBC Youth Leadership Team, My Father’s House pantry, and Stewpot in downtown Jackson. At school and church, I support Angel Tree, Mississippi Food Network, Relay for Life, and Children’s Miracle Network.
Future Plans I believe that God is leading me to become an art and music teacher. When I was younger, I believed that teachers had the worst job ever. Now I see that they get the chance to make friendships with students and that they can have
MAGGIE TRAXLER Madison Central High School Liberty Baptist Church Favorite Bible Passage “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4). This is a verse that helped me as a little girl to not be afraid of the dark. As I grew older, it encouraged me to not be afraid to be myself and live by the values that God expects, even when so may people in our culture look down on Christians. I don’t want to be a person who reacts to situations out of fear of not being accepted, but yet that is hard for a teenager. We have a natural desire to be accepted by the people around us or to prove that we have value. But, when you consider the Word of God and His promises, it gives you the ability to go against the culture even though that may mean that you are not popular in your own community.
A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith I have a friend who was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with a large tumor in his chest that presses on his heart and lungs. I told my parents I wanted to do a fundraiser to help his family with medical expenses. After speaking with the principal at my school, I submitted a proposal that was approved by the School Board, which allowed me (with the help of many) to organize a musical concert fundraiser at our school. We designed a t-shirt and sold over 300, held the fundraiser in our school cafetorium, sold concessions, and had a wonderful night of fun, food, fellowship, and entertainment that crossed all age and socioeconomic barriers. The great result was that we raised over $12,000 for his medical and related expenses. My mother told me at the outset, “We have to stay prayed up at all times. If we do, God will bring the people to us that we need for every task that needs to be done.” That turned out to be very true and I had the pleasure of being the emcee for one of the best events of my life. I am usually a quiet person and this was very much outside of my comfort zone. But, I am so glad I stepped out in faith and allowed God to use me to help a very special person.
Christian Leaders Who Have Most Impacted My Life The leaders who have most impacted my life are local people who invested time and love directly into my life. This includes the Children’s Director at my former church, my piano teacher, and a couple of my high school choir directors. Each of them lived out their faith in Jesus Christ in front of me and helped me to understand that Christianity is not just something you do at church, but it is something that you do daily—at home, at work, at church, at school, at the mall, at the grocery store, and even when you are alone and no one is watching. They also helped me see that being a Christian does not mean that life will be easy and “happy” all the time. Instead, Christianity means that you never walk through difficulties alone and that you never celebrate good times alone either. Because, Christ is always with us!
Future Plans Career choice is a very frightening thing right now. I love music and believe that God gave me the gift and love of music. Because of this, I plan to pursue a degree in music. Many people discourage such a degree in our current economy. But, I believe that if God put it in me, it is my responsibility to use that gift to His glory. So, I plan to pursue a degree in music with a focus on piano and then trust Him to open the right doors at the right time in my life, which he has already shown that He can do.
Y
46 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
single still, single again by AMY INGRAM
A Timeless Perspective on God’s Perplexing Plans rowing up I had a perfect plan in my head. I would go to college, meet the man of my dreams, get married shortly after graduation, have 2.5 kids, and live in a beautiful home with a white picket fence. I’m pretty sure I’ve told y’all this already. Sound
G
familiar? My sweet friend Beverly (who was also my BSU Director at Ole Miss), she and I have had many discussions about this over the years. She’s approximately 10 years older than me, but our wait is strangely similar. Beverly dated a man 10 years ago that seemed promising and out of nowhere, everything changed. We didn’t ask many questions but knew she liked this man and it had not worked out. Fast forward many years later, the romance between Beverly and this man was re-kindled— slowly, quietly, and beautifully. For two years, they worked through what their relationship would look like, sought the Lord, and ultimately determined that they would fight to be together, whatever that looked like. On New Year’s Eve, I watched Beverly and Warren walk down the aisle with the most beautiful smiles on their faces. It was a picture of God’s faithfulness, goodness, and perfect timing. It was the first marriage for both of them. At their wedding we sang, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Have you ever truly paid attention to the words of that hymn? Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!
plan? When it hurts so deeply you just don’t know how you will go on? When you feel forsaken? I am confident that as a woman Beverly felt lonely. She probably felt forsaken at times, not understanding what God was doing. But Beverly did not waver in her walk with Jesus. She fought, and remembered that great was His faithfulness, even when life might not have looked like she had planned. She was steadfast. This past year I spent time questioning why the Lord had forsaken me. I felt abandoned. I didn’t understand why my circumstances weren’t changing. Why life seemed to be so hard. I was reading one night in Isaiah and this was what he showed me in light of my questions: But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” “Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” He has engraved each of us in the palms of his hands. I don’t know about you, but that rocks my world. It certainly changes my perspective on being forsaken. As you wrestle with this and fight through God being in control even when it feels like he isn’t, find rest in this verse. His purpose over our life is greater than our plans. “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand,” (Proverbs 19:21). Be loved, beloved. He’s got you. Y Amy Ingram is a Senior Account Executive at a local advertising agency. She lives in Madison with her little boo, Mabel. Feel free to contact her at amyeingram@gmail.com and/or follow her on twitter @ingramjackson.
Is it hard to trust in the faithfulness in the Lord when things don’t seem to be panning out as planned? When your plan is not God’s
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➺lagniappe by MARILYN TINNIN
VIBE WORSHIP A New Perspective on Truth That Never Changes
T
he 21st Century has brought dramatic change to just about every traditional institution in our society. The
church, and specifically mainline denominations, has had to constantly evaluate and re-evaluate its strategy of execution for the Great Commission. The challenge to provide nurture and to engage generations who seem to be eons apart in their whole life experience requires a great deal of creativity and insight. Consider music. Perhaps it is the single most radically evolving aspect of the modern church. As people now live longer, it is not unheard of to have six generations sharing the church pews. There is very little common ground when it comes to music preferences. What’s a congregation to do? Steven Hyland, Associate Director of Worship Arts at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson, is a classically trained tenor, who is quite proficient on keyboard and guitar, and has an appreciation of contemporary worship venues. The Amory native (preacher’s kid) and Millsaps graduate leads the early worship service each Sunday. The praise band, appropriately named Vibe, is an eight-member group, who share a common love for God, a desire to reach the lost, and a great deal of musical talent. Their debut album, Occupy, was released in early February and is a six-song collection, five of which are their originals. The Christ Church congregation has been encouraged to take two as a “buy one, share one” special offer that is its own version of Matthew 28:19. So far, that has been a successful plan and a nonthreatening way to invite friends to come to a Sunday morning service for more of Vibe’s sound. When Hyland and the band look across the Sunday morning crowd they see an eclectic group of young families, singles, middle-agers, and a
48 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
few “gray hairs.” The contemporary service at 8:45, followed by the Sunday school hour, and then a 10:30 traditional service, has proved to be a very successful formula and has brought a fresh enthusiasm to both services. The sermon is the same in both services. The message is never compromised—the method is the only variable. Critics of contemporary worship argue that having a band lead from a stage puts the focus on the “performers,” and thus negates the real worship of God. Hyland’s answer to that is, “If you have a good band and good worship leader, the congregation looks past them. It helps to see the band and the worship leader, only because they help inspire someone to really worship.” He sees the freedom in the contemporary service as a positive component keeping the congregation engaged, expectant, and never operating by rote. The “K-Love” kind of worship music definitely reaches a large group in the younger generation. Hyland says, “If you were brought up in the church, the hymns and the liturgy mean a lot, but there are so many people in my generation who never experienced church growing up. Contemporary church can be that middle ground. In some ways it looks like something they can connect with and be comfortable. But then, they get there to hear the band and suddenly realize there is something much bigger going on. God is at work and moving in the space. That is what I get really excited about.” On Palm Sunday, March 24, at 6:00 p.m., Christ United will host Vibe Night of Worship (NOW). The service will feature the music of Vibe and a message by Associate Pastor, Frank Haynes. A great way to begin Holy Week! Y
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➺this is my story by C. ROCHELLE CULP
RO’S FIT TEAM The Holy Family
It seems as if one is constantly hearing people complain about eating healthy and exercising, but for our family, this is just a way of life. In fact, we enjoy eating fruits and vegetables, and we feel great after an afternoon jog or an hour spent in the gym. This mindset, or way of life, or whatever you want to call it, is due entirely to my mother, Shannon Holy. We, as a family, have always eaten healthy. As sisters, we can remember fighting with each other over who got to pick out the fruit and vegetable that would accompany the “oh-soordinary” chicken and rice we’d have for dinner. We grew up before the organic craze, so yes, the occasional Pop-Tart did slip into our diet; however, fast food was never part of our routine. Looking back on it, our mother must have struggled trying to produce a healthy meal that accommodated our busy schedules, but she did it—every single night. For that, we are truly
thankful because instead of craving French fries and Big Macs, we prefer The Holy Family lives in Ridgeland. Pictured left to apples and broccoli. right: Jessica, 24; Shannon, 53; Melissa, 19, and Like eating healthy, exercising was Christina, 21. something my sisters and me viewed as routine. For instance, every Saturday morning, the gym with our mother. It’s part of our daily we’d have to watch my mom do her Denise routine. If you don’t go, you feel guilty seeing Austin videos before we could watch cartoons. the other family member walking out the To us, exercising seemed as ordinary as taking door. No one says anything to you but you feel out the trash or feeding the cat, so naturally, the guilty. It’s the ultimate accountability anyone kids took on an active lifestyle as well. We rode can find. Exercising together is also great bikes, swam, ran outside, and played on our bonding time. Y jungle gym. Because my mother set such good examples for us as children, eating healthy and C. Rochelle Culp is the owner of Ro-onexercising regularly is not a burden at all, but the-Go Health & Wellness Consultants rather a way of life. It comes naturally. We’re and on staff at Fitness Lady Health certainly not heath freaks, nor can we run sixClubs, Inc. She is a member of the minute miles, be we are healthy, and we owe it Today Show’s Joy Fit Club and club all to our mom. featured in The Joy Fit Club Cookbook, As we have gotten older, we can now go to Diet Plan and Inspiration (published 2012).
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➺living my call by MARILYN TINNIN
Fish Tale Group—Live Theatre with a Purpose “Drama does not let you keep stories of the Bible in a safe place in your closet; it forces you to think about them, to make decisions.” –John Maxwell
put on most anywhere. These one-act plays are only about 30 minutes in length, and John welcomes the opportunity for open discussion of the message after the performance. The Prodigal, based on Henri Nouwen’s ackson’s favorite actor, playwright, and book, The Return of the Prodigal, is touring supreme storyteller, has been in a now. Four characters comprise the cast. The hyper-creative mode in recent days. story line is taken straight out of the gospel Although his original claim to fame was his oneaccounts, but it takes place in the Mississippi man play, Oh, Mr. Faulkner, Do You Write? he Delta in present day. The dialogue is modern, has achieved wide notoriety in the past decade but the message remains exactly as it was in the with his religious theatre. His original DVDs days when Jesus told the story. It is as much depicting familiar Bible stories reset with a about the older brother’s hard heart (in this contemporary backdrop and his live dramatic case, an older sister,) as it is about the wayward monologues of such characters as Judas son’s poor choices. And the enduring lesson, of Iscariot, Simon Peter, and John the Baptist course, is the Father’s preposterous and have given wide national exposure to the Fish limitless love for his children despite the Tale Group as well as caused many a glaring imperfections in both of them! Believer—of all ages—to connect deeply and Mary and Martha, those sisters who have intimately with the person of Christ as these always been a great study in personality characters reveal Him. contrasts, are the subject of the second new Dr. Bob (John Maxwell) and Bill W. (Cliff Bowen) will play. Martha is set in Pickens, Mississippi, Live theatre is John’s passion, and his touring headline Fish Tale Group’s March 7-10 production at Duling Auditorium in Fondren. where Southern hospitality is well represented company has several very new and fresh in the details! I am sure most of us will identify productions, all requiring a minimum of with one of these ladies. The take away, however, is true to the gospel characters and a very simple set, making them quite portable and easy to account. Service in the name of Jesus is great, but don’t neglect to sit at His feet for the real equipping for service. More plays of this genre will be forthcoming as John says, tongue in cheek, he is constantly listening to his “Muse,” aka the Holy Spirit. The other exciting development with Fish Tale involves major productions that run several days at a time. It is John’s desire that these productions illuminate something in the social fiber of the community, something that John says, “needs illuminating.” The first of these plays premiers at Duling Hall on March 7. Bill W and Dr. Bob is the compelling and accurate story of the beginnings of Alcoholics Anonymous. John says, “It’s an entertaining play, but it’s also a story that needs to be told. Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization that’s probably saved more lives than any other organization in the world. And it’s really interesting because it is about these two men who came to hold each other up and they discovered that the only thing that worked in trying to get sober was to be able to talk to another alcoholic.” Described as “very entertaining, very personal, very moving—all the qualities you want in live theatre without ever getting preachy—it definitely inspires.” He does warn, however, that there is some language, used contextually, that may offend. Betty Daugherty, cast member, who also serves as the chief organizer and administrator for Fish Tale Group, is a former Director of the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program of The Mississippi Bar. Speaking as one who worked with attorneys battling addiction and mental health problems, she has only words of praise for the play. It is real life with real hope in the middle of a problem that is overwhelming for all touched by it. She calls it a “tale of redemption. You don’t have to be an alcoholic to find this story relevant.” Y
J
For more information or to book Fish Tale for your church or club, contact Betty at betty2008home@comcast.net and visit the website at www.johnmaxwellactor.com. 52 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
homeworks by CATHY HAYNIE
Transformational Habits Getting Dinner on the Table
tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the thing I hear the most. Out of all the home responsibilities, the dinner hour seems to be the biggest challenge for many. Considering
I
busy schedules and the cost of eating out, we are compelled to try harder. To make matters worse for the guilty conscience, we often hear of the difference the dinner hour makes in the lives of children as they grow up and form their own lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moorings. Here are some ideasâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;see if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find one or two to help you out. â&#x2014;&#x2020; Find easy recipes. Whether you use a cookbook with a short list of ingredients (try Take Five by local writer, Debbye Dabbs) or pick out your own easiest recipes, cultivate a few quick meals. This is a common mantra for me, and meals like shrimp fried rice and sausage tortellini are among my list. Ask your friends and peruse your own recipes, but a list of five or so quick meals that your family enjoys can be a difference maker. â&#x2014;&#x2020; Buy a few things for convenience. My easy meals often call for a few convenience foods. Some of my favorites are Uncle Benâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ready Rice in the brown rice variety, refrigerated whole wheat cheese tortellini, Jimmie Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turkey sausage crumbles, and even something like a prepared brisket from Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. I have been known to serve refrigerated mashed potatoes or Stoufferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s macaroni and cheese without any complaints at our dinner table. â&#x2014;&#x2020; Establish a freezer inventory. Find a way to get some things in the freezer. One approach is a cooking day, such as that organized for you in the cookbook, Once a Month Cooking, by Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lagerborg. An easier approach might be to double and freeze every chance you get. Spaghetti, soup, and chili are easy places to start. Helpful habits are keeping a list of what you have on hand and taking meals from your freezer in plenty of time for it to thaw and be heated for serving. â&#x2014;&#x2020; Plan for the week. Taking a little time over the weekend to look at your calendar and your pantry can result in a well thought out plan for the week. After you shop, do a little prep work to get you started and even more committed. â&#x2014;&#x2020; Cook for the week. This one works for someone who enjoys cooking, and has the
time on the weekend but not during the week. Perhaps you could see yourself grilling pork tenderloin while a roast is in the Crock-Pot and chicken is in the oven. I have been known to make a salad or pot of beans to last for more than one meal as a modification of this solution. â&#x2014;&#x2020; Set up menu cards. We often have foods that we always serve together, such as spaghetti, salad, and French bread. Write those menus on an index card, then turn the card over and make the grocery list for that menu. Set up about five of these to help you through busy daysâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;even carry them in your purse to make quick decisions and grocery store runs on busy days. â&#x2014;&#x2020; Make a dinner rotation. Take your menu cards a step further to set up a four-week menu plan complete with grocery lists. This is a more involved planning process, but I do know several who have made this their method for many years. â&#x2014;&#x2020; Set up a few dinner baskets. Designate several plastic containers or baskets in your pantry for a few simple meals. Keep all the staples that you need for a few particular meals, such as tacos, soup, or a favorite casserole. This works best for those meals whose frozen or refrigerated ingredients have a long shelf life and can also be kept on hand. I find a method like this helpful for a busy season, like back-toschool in the fall. â&#x2014;&#x2020; Create some traditions. I use my CrockPot most Tuesdays. Saturdays is a great grill night for us. Maybe you will designate a Mexican food Monday or Italian food Tuesday. Take some of the guesswork out of meal planning and designate what kind of food you will prepare on different days. â&#x2014;&#x2020; Involve your family. I like planning a grill night for several reasons, especially because I am not the one cooking! Maybe a teenager could take the reigns one night a week, or at least weekend meal planning and shopping could be a family affair. Give some thought to how your family might help. â&#x2014;&#x2020; The must-do solution. Whether you try any of the other 10, this is probably the most helpful thing you could do to get dinner on the table every night: Make
dinner decisions in the morning. If you will commit to your dinner plans early in the morning, you can actually have the meat thawed or make a quick stop by the store earlier in the day. It is a difference maker for me to decide before I leave the house, or even the night before, what I will cook for supper. If I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do this, eating out becomes far more tempting. Pick and choose what new habits might transform the way you look at meal management and the time your family has around the table. Y
Cathy Haynie and her husband, Jack, have three children and live in Madison. Cathy is the Headmaster of Christ Covenant School in Ridgeland. Contact her at chaynie@ccs.ms.
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➺sports victories by ROBERT WILSON
Coach Jan Sojourner Sets the Bar High as Christian Coach
world is very impressed with Jan Sojourner’s T herésumé as a high school girls basketball coach:
Sojourner is ranked fifth in victories among high school girls’ basketball coaches in Mississippi history. She has 656 wins—102 in her first five years at Canton Academy and 554 in her last 28 years at Jackson Academy—entering the MAIS Class AAA State Tournament. Sojourner has won nine South or Division championships, six state titles and four Overall championships entering this year’s playoffs. She has won numerous awards and is a member of the MAIS Hall of Fame. But God sees even bigger and more important attributes from Sojourner. He sees the thousands of lives touched by her Christian example. He will tell Sojourner who and how many girls’ hearts she led to Christ through her teams and camps when she gets to Heaven. Those Heavenly victories are the ones that count the most to Sojourner. “I am a Christian and I do my best to live it,” Sojourner said. “I’m so passionate about some things. People only see that I want to be successful because I want to win. For me, being successful is winning because God gives me the tools to be successful. I think He tells you to be the best you can be. God is saying to me, ‘I’ve given you things Jan, now how are you going to be successful with that? And how are you going to honor that?’ I can’t back down and say, ‘OK, I’m not going to push this person because she’s not quite as talented and she’s not as good.’ I think that if we push a little harder, we even get better. And gosh, isn’t that what He wants from us? God gave His best, His very best. So let’s see if we can get our very best out. And to do that, sometimes it
56 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
hurts. It’s not fun. I have to sit down at the end of the day and say, ‘Did I do everything that I could that He wanted me to do?’ “ Sojourner grew up in Crystal Springs and has been a member of Harmony Baptist Church there since she was young. The daughter of Charlie and Bobbye Sojourner, Jan grew up going to church on Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, and going to church camps in the summer. “I remember my mother talking to me about accepting Christ when I was 12 years old,” Sojourner said. “I went through junior high and high school assuming that I was a Christian, but not sure I was. I believed I was because I walked the aisle. I went down and accepted Christ. I was your typical high school student and a good kid. I had great friends. I did what I was supposed to do. I knew that I was a Christian. When I got to college (at Mississippi College) I began understanding what my Christian faith was all about. I could really feel the presence of God talking to me to make sure I was a Christian. I doubted whether or not I was and wanted to make sure. I can truly say at the age of 21 when I was at a revival I committed to Him then. I turned it over to Him and wanted Him to be in control of my life. I know throughout my life I have blown it a thousand times, but I know that I am going to Heaven. And that’s a wonderful feeling.” Sojourner played point guard and helped the Lady Choctaws to a national runner-up finish in 1974. “I tried to use coaching as a ministry and be a Christian example to others. I wanted to be pleasing to the Lord. Jan has the same approach to
coaching as I did,” said Ed Nixon, who coached Sojourner at Mississippi College. “She teaches the fundamentals and will not be overworked. Jan also teaches her players to lead their lives to glorify the Lord.” Sojourner believes God put people around her so she would be successful. People who have been around her for several decades such as JA president Peter Jernberg, JA athletic director Bobby West, JA seventh grade girls basketball coach Ray Higgins and former JA assistant coach Sharon Clark. “Jan is a fantastic coach and person and a wonderful leader of young ladies,” Jernberg said. “Her character is impeccable. She expects her girls to have positive character traits and it is evident her influence by the way her girls act in a positive fashion. Jan believes faith is a very important ingredient and has daily devotionals and prayer time with her players.” “Jan is committed to her school, family, church, and God,” West said. “She is an excellent teacher of basketball and from the spiritual aspect. Jan has the respect of her current players, ex-players, opposing coaches, parents, and patrons.” “Jan has a passion for competing and getting her girls to do the very best they can,” Higgins said. “She has been called to be a Christian coach and it is very evident her strong faith is reflected in the way she loves her players.” “The keys to Jan’s success are her integrity, her high standards for herself and her players,” said Clark, who not only coached with Sojourner
but her three daughters, Stacie, Stephanie and Sarah, all played for her at JA. “She challenges them to strive for excellence. Jan builds qualities of self-discipline, prioritizing, loyalty, the ability to listen and obey and teamwork. Since Day One, she has said the Lord’s Prayer and prays with her team.” JA point guard Mollie Blair has learned a lot from Sojourner and knows her influence will help her throughout her college and adult life. “Coach Sojourner has helped me develop many characteristics that will benefit me as I continue with my life,” Blair said. “By always pushing me to my limit, she has taught me that life is never easy and lacks any kind of shortcuts. Because she has taught me to never take the easy way out, I always strive to take challenging courses and succeed in them. This work ethic will continue to benefit me throughout my college and the rest of my future. Coach Sojourner also has had an influence on me on how I carry and feel about myself. Being a Christian lady, she shows us the right way to live on and off the court. Becoming a collegiate student-athlete is going to be an adjustment, but I feel that I can be very successful due to the influence of my coach.” Y Robert Wilson is Business Developer for BFAC . He is a freelance writer, author, and the publisher of Victories in Metro Jackson magazine. He is a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church. Contact him at Robert@bfac.com.
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➺author profile GLEN ALLISON Mississippi Author Writes Fiction with Strong Redemptive Themes MCL: Tell me a little about your family background and your faith background? GLEN: I’m the oldest of six children, the son of a Navy SEABEE and a brave woman who raised us by herself. Like many, maybe most, people these days, I am the product of a broken home. I learned, however, that we are all broken, and we all need rescuing. I was rescued by the love and loyalty of friends who became as close as family to me—and by the God-supplied forgiveness I was able to give to my parents, who did the best they could with what they knew. I made a few earnest and fear-induced trips to the altar for “re-baptizing” during my childhood days. In high school, I went to Camp Westminster in Georgia as a work crew boy. It was there my eyes were opened to the meaning and experience of God’s grace through faith in Christ’s justifying work on my behalf. I’m thankful God continues to open my eyes and heart daily to His astounding and scandalous love for me.
MCL: Tell me about your education and your career path. GLEN: I worked my way through Belhaven College (now Belhaven University) as a sportswriter for the Clarion-Ledger. I learned to write fast and discovered I could write well. I eventually completed all the course work, but not the final thesis paper, towards a Master of Arts in Journalism at Ole Miss. Yes, I regret not writing that blasted paper. Through the years, I’ve worked as the coowner of a business magazine, a sportswriter, the PR Director for a Phi Beta Kappa college, an editor of a children’s home magazine, an oil rig worker, a freelance writer/producer, and a parking lot sweeper. MCL: How did the “writing bug” become part of you? GLEN: As a kid, I loved reading book series—story after story with characters I cared about, laughed with, and fretted over. I especially loved suspense series. I remember spending hours during the summers—or whenever I could grab the time—losing myself in a familiar story. For a while, I could flee my worries and become that hero: protecting innocent victims, thwarting the bad guys, saving the day. In a way, maybe I was rescuing myself in the process. To this day, I love a good suspense series. For me, the best part of a beach vacation is curling up with a fast-paced book and a cold drink as the waves break against the shore nearby. But I don’t need a beach trip to enjoy a good time reading. Escaping into a good book is like taking a mini-vacation anytime. So, when I started writing novels, I gravitated toward suspense series, one that takes you away from your regular life for a few hours and exports you to a place full of thrills and danger. MCL: You write suspense novels. Although they are not in the Christian fiction genre, there are strong themes of redemption and triumph of good over evil woven through and through. Is that an intentional goal of yours or just an inevitable bleeding through of your core values?
58 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
GLEN: I write about Forte, a broken SEAL who rescues himself from addiction by rescuing children in the twisted city of New Orleans. I like that fact that, even though Forte rose to be the “best of the best” as a SEAL, he became weak through tragedy and sorrow. And yet, his weakness results in the saving of innocent children who can’t save themselves. The theme of redemption runs through us all, whether we are writers or plumbers or elephant wranglers. In my writing, it’s sometimes intentional; however, I see it sometimes in passages of what I write and I realize, “Wow, I didn’t even intend it, but there’s grace and redemption slapping those characters upside the head.”
MCL: In the creative process, how does your sense of who you are as a Christian, affect the tone, the language, and the graphic content you write about? GLEN: I encourage Christians who are writers to work hard at writing great stories with intriguing plots and compelling characters. Don’t be bound by the restrictions of being a “Christian writer.” Be the best writer you can be as a Christian, just as the Lord entreats us all to the best workman at whatever job is at hand for us. My novels are praised for being “clean” compared to much of the gratuitous content of modern literature. However, my characters are real and let a few “damns” slip out. On the other hand, Christian characters are treated with respect, and graceless characters suffer what they sow.
Y
Glen and his wife Kathy live in Tupelo. Glen will be signing SNAFU, the third in the Forte suspense series of New Orleans, at Hal & Mal’s on March 7 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. The first two books in the series, MISCUE and NETBLUE, will also be available at the signing. Books are also available through Forte website: http://torturedhero.com. Join the discussion at the Forte Books page on Facebook at http://facebook.com/fortebooks.
food for thought
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.” – John 4:34
by AMANDA BROWN
Food For Thought Favorites
H
ey there! I’m Amanda, filling in this month at Food For Thought for my mom, Lydia Bolen, who is recovering from surgery. It is such a joy to
be a part of Metro Christian Living this month, sharing about one of my passions passed down from my mom…cooking! In 2008, I began blogging, mainly to keep my family updated on the kids. Quickly, I realized there was room at the blog to share delicious food and home projects, and the rest is history! Today, I’m delving into the archives and to bring you a few favorites! It was so hard to choose just three, as routinely I claim every recipe to be “my favorite”!
POPPY SEED CHICKEN Poppy Seed Chicken truly transcends generations, having been brought with love to scores of new mamas and bereaved families across the South! Try this version with the unexpected ingredient of cream of celery soup!
5-6 chicken breasts, boiled and shredded 16 oz sour cream 1 can cream of mushroom (or cream of chicken and mushroom) 1 can cream of celery soup 1/4 cup milk 1/2 t. salt 1/2 t. pepper 1 T. poppy seeds Ritz or Saltine Crackers, crushed for topping White or Wild Rice for serving (optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients except crushed crackers together in a large bowl. Evenly spread mixture into a 9” x 13” greased baking dish. Sprinkle with crushed crackers and bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until it bubbles. Serve with white or wild rice, if desired. Freezes well.
SHOEPEG CORN CASSEROLE 1 1 2 2
can white shoepeg corn 8-oz carton whipping cream T. butter T. flour Salt and pepper to taste
In a small skillet, melt butter, and blend in flour with a whisk. Drain corn. In a mixing bowl, stir together corn and whipping cream. Add butter/flour mixture. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour mixture into an 8” x 8” glass baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serves 4-5.
NOTE: I typically double or triple this recipe depending on number of people. To double, double ingredients as usual. To triple, use only 4 T. butter and 5 T. flour.
SOPAPILLA CHEESECAKE 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided 2 t. ground cinnamon 2 cans crescent rolls (keep refrigerated until ready to use) 3 8oz blocks cream cheese, room temperature 1 t. vanilla 1 stick butter In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon. Set aside. In mixer, combine 1 cup sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla. Mixture should be a nice, spreadable consistency. Spray a 9” x 13” baking dish with cooking spray. Roll out 1 can of crescent rolls into dish. It should fit perfectly in the pan. Spread cream cheese mixture onto entire surface of rolled-out crescent rolls. Roll second can of crescent rolls out atop the cream cheese mixture, Melt butter and pour over all. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over entire surface. Bake at 350 degrees for 27 minutes. Allow Sopapilla Cheesecake to cool completely before cutting into squares for serving. Store leftovers in fridge. Microwave refrigerated pieces for a few seconds to serve. Y
Amanda Brown is a Jackson, Mississippi native, and makes her home now in Little Rock, Arkansas. At her blog, you will find affordable ways to create memories using simple seasonal décor, everyday recipes, and family traditions. You’ll also find ideas for living intentionally in the little–and big–stuff, as well as real-life stories of following Jesus from a far-fromperfect perspective. Be sure to stop by www.amandajanebrown.com to say hello and to see the entire recipe collection! metrochristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2013 59
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Depression Sadness Crying Spells Anxiousness/Worry Isolation from family/friends Feelings of Worthlessness
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King’s Daughters Hospital 823 GRAND AVENUE • YAZOO CITY, MS 39194
legal advice by WILLIAM B. HOWELL
Do You Have a Living Will? Will It Work When It’s Needed?
W
ith all of the publicity surrounding living wills in recent years, primarily brought on by the case involving Mrs. Shiavo in Florida, much attention has been paid to the living will documents and many articles have been written about them. But, sadly, much of what has been relayed to the public has given a false impression that any “living will” will be effective in providing for your wishes to be carried out. That is not correct. There are three requirements each document must have in order to give you adequate protection and to make sure that their wishes get carried out in the context of end-of-life medical care. First, you need to express your wishes in writing as to whether or not you would like your life prolonged regardless of circumstances; or as some people put it—to be hooked up to artificial life support or not. That is the portion of the Advance Health Care Directive that is traditionally known as a “living will” and it is very easy to complete using “check the box.” The second part of this needed document is a health care power of attorney, which appoints someone (or several some ones) whom you trust and in whom you have great confidence to oversee your medical care when you are unable to speak up for yourself. This type of power of attorney will allow you to make certain—to the extent possible—that your wishes get carried out under those conditions. Those people you name will probably be your spouse, immediate family members, close friends, or perhaps more distant relatives. You have the right to make this choice, but only if you do so in writing in advance of the need arising. The third element is the one which allows the persons you have chosen to function in your best interest: that is, you must give the persons that you
put in charge not only a statement of your specific medical wishes and the power to act on your behalf, but also the authority to converse with your doctor, with the hospital, and even to look at your medical records, if necessary. Without this third element, the first two can be left meaningless. To put in place this third element you will need an authorization under the federal HIPPA regulations to allow the persons that you designate to have access to your medical information. Putting it all together, in Mississippi we have the Advance Health Care Directive as a form under our statutes. This document contains both the living will provisions (in a much improved version) as well as a statutory health-care power of attorney. Most of the form health care directives being given out by various medical providers lack this third part. Some attorneys preparing the complete documents have created a separate HIPPA Authorization, and some have included the HIPPA Authorization within the Advance Health-Care Directive itself. You can get a form for the Mississippi Advance Health Care Directive at any hospital or even online. Just be aware that the state form does not have the HIPAA provisions included, since that part is federally regulated. Regardless of what you may choose, whether to mechanically prolong your life or not, please put in place a complete, three-part Advance Health-Care Directive so that your family will have the tools and the guidance to make sure that your wishes are honored at the appropriate time. Y William B. Howell is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and practices law in Ridgeland.
You have worked hard for it. WHY THROW IT AWAY? We are all living longer. But we are not all going to be in good health, or aware of our families, or both. Then what happens? Someone has to take over. The question is: Will this be someone you chose? And will it be outside of court or in court? The same with the distribution of your assets after you pass away: In court or out of court? The choice is yours. What about protecting your assets from lawsuits, or a child’s inheritance from a divorce? And will most of your hard-earned savings go to the nursing home? Or have you planned? Here are a few ideas for you to consider:
Living Trust – Allows the person you choose to take over for you in the event of your incapacity, without any court involvement. At your death the person you have chosen makes the distribution of your assets the way you have instructed in your Living Trust, and to do so promptly, inexpensively and privately, without going through probate in the court. Asset Protection – Lawsuits are filed every day. If you get sued, are your assets protected? They can be, and probably should be. Also, the divorce rate has never been higher than it is today. Will your child’s divorce cause them to lose half of what you leave them after you are gone? Not if you plan now. The level of protection (or not) is up to you.
Nursing Home Planning – Don’t qualify for long term care insurance, or can’t fit it in your budget? You don’t have to spend everything that you have in order to become eligible for nursing home benefits. There are legal and ethical ways for you to save well over half of your assets in most cases, even if you are already in the nursing home.
Hear Mr. Howell on the radio
Tuesdays 8:35 am WJNT NewsTalk 1180
THE LAW FIRM OF
WILLIAM B. HOWELL, LTD. 406 Orchard Park • Ridgeland, Mississippi (601) 978-1700 or (800) 839-7857
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys metrochristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2013 61
➺rave reviews BOOK
MUSIC
The Sacred Search Reviewed by Susan E. Richardson Why do you go to church on Sunday morning? What do you expect your children to receive from worship? How did you learn to worship? Perhaps your parents only taught you to be good and be quiet as their parents taught them. Robbie Castleman’s book Parenting in the Pew will help you answer these questions so you can begin teaching your children how to worship. Castleman shows that entering into worship is something children can learn, growing in their understanding as they mature. She includes suggestions on preparing before Sunday, both physically and spiritually. Home preparation is the key to a worshipful Sunday. She then gives age specific guidance for approaching issues like proper dress and money for the offering. Once at church, parents begin the process of helping children pay attention to what is happening during the service. Again, the author offers practical tips for guiding children at various ages into being involved. She also addresses the question of children with challenges like hyperactivity. Having established the basis, Castleman discusses the elements of a worship service one at a time with comments on how different ages can participate and how this may look in churches with varying worship styles. Discussion and reflection questions complete the book. Castleman offers a beautiful vision of what worship can be like for both parents and children. In short, as the author says, worship for parents can become a process of saying, “Daddy, I’d like you to meet my children.” Highly recommended. Y Susan E. Richardson is a writer, critique reader, and former Christian retailer with a passion for meeting people’s needs through the written word. You can reach her through her website www.nextlevelcritiques.com.
Truth Stained Lies Reviewed by Suzanne Catlin Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me. Making a living offering opinions about the guilt or innocence of defendants online, legal blogger Cathy Cramer is about to discover that, contrary to the popular children’s saying, words do indeed have power over people to influence, help, and hurt. When a she receives a menacing note from an anonymous reader threatening her family on the same day her brother Jay finds his wife murdered in her bathtub, Cathy begins to re-evaluate the power of her words. As evidence mounts against Jay, Cathy, her sisters, and disgraced cop Michael Hogan struggle to find any corroboration to his outlandish claims that he saw the killer dressed as a clown leaving his house. The siblings face a race against time as they fight to find the killer and prevent Jay’s son from being the next victim. Truth-Stained Lies, the first in Terri Blackstock’s aptly named Moonlighter Series, follows Cathy’s path of reconciliation to her family and to God. Designed for readers who enjoy suspense as well as those who have fallen away from God, Blackstock repeats a gentle admonition to heed the power our words have on others and reminds us that though we all have fallen short of the glory of God, but that He will grant it to those who ask. Y 62 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
The Longing Written by Casey Combest of The Collective
Love is and always was, The longing place inside my heart, To know You, And be known by You. This truth is just a small reflection of the assessable lyrics from the new E.P., The Longing, by All Sons and Daughters. This Franklin, TN, based duo, Leslie Jordan and David Leonard, deliver their message of hope in real life circumstances by clever harmonies and instrumental arrangements that reflect their clear influences of grassroots Americana. As worship leaders at The Journey Church in Franklin, it’s easy to hear how their songs were written for real people experiencing real-life struggles and doubts, and not for the sake of CD sales alone. “Called Me Higher” uses the verses to express the all too familiar modern worship concept of experiencing God’s presence; however, unlike many songs you may hear today, the chorus brings to surface the under-expressed second step of movement. The type of movement from a place of refuge and security, to a world that is marginalized and in need of this very presence we comfortably experience every day. For most, this E.P. will be a welcome change to the typical worship album. Y
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David Phelps Classic Reviewed by Marilyn Tinnin
David Phelps rose to fame as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band and has since found favor as a multitalented solo recording artist and songwriter. Certainly not limited to gospel style, his lyric tenor brings to mind Andrea Bocelli or Placido Domingo—as smooth as silk and seemingly effortless. Phelps graduated from Baylor with a degree in music and vocal performance, and the classical training shows no matter what genre he is singing. His latest album, Classic, is a 13song collection that showcases his broad range of skills. There are centuries-old hymns, classical arias, American favorites, Broadway standards, and a few of his personal compositions. From “Panis Angelicus” to “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” to a patriotic medley of “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America,” this Classic is pure delight and inspiration. Y
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“
Warm, down-to-earth, and honest! A very satisfying feel good story. It will make your day.
It’s only a two hour drive from Parchman Penitentiary to Dover, Mississippi...
“
...but Ray Bennett is still a long way from home.
READERS ARE SAYING: “...drawn into the lies, revenge, deception, greed, love, friendship, and most importantly the love of Christ in this book” Troubled Fields, a novel by Dennis Manor, is available at Amazon.com in print and for Kindle. Also available for Nook, or pick up your copy at Lemuria Bookstore in Banner Hall, Jackson, MS
www.troubledfields.com metrochristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2013 63
➺what’s going on Wonderstruck
with Margaret Feinberg April 5, 7 p.m. & April 6, 9 a.m. First Baptist Church, Jackson To register, or for more information, call the FBCJ Women’s Missionary Union office at (601) 949-1940, or visit fbcj.org under the women’s ministry link.
We caught up with Margaret to learn a few of the things that make her tick. As she shares her heart and sense of humor, we think you’ll see why we’re so excited to have this woman of God coming to share with us at FBCJ. Ladies, meet Margaret Feinberg. When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Catching up on one of my favorite television shows. I’m currently hooked on Downton Abbey. I dare you to watch it. Double dog dare you. And then tell me you don’t like it. Mwha-ha-ha-ha! What is your favorite outdoor activity? I love hiking the trails behind our house. Though I often walk the same trail each day, something new is always waiting to be discovered. What story does your family always tell about you? The crazy harrowing adventure that they’ve just been on. Often it involves me behind the wheel of our car. :-) Where is your favorite place to spend time with your husband? On our couch under a soft blanket with our super-pup Hershey looking out on the view from our house. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be and why? I would liked to have seen the fifth day of creation—the unleashing of colorful birds filling the air and whales and fish splashing into the sea. To witness the living theater of God’s creation, what joy! What is one of your favorite quotes? Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God; but only he who sees takes off his shoes. – Elizabeth Barrett Browning How is God currently reaching women in new and fresh ways across the country? What’s your take? I think God tends to be old-fashioned in how he reaches people. He does it through the One whose toes touched earth so many years ago. God loves to introduce people to His Son, Jesus Christ, and when men, women, children, young, and old encounter Him they can’t stay the same—they’re transformed, 64 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
events calendar
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JACKSON March 9 The Jackson Zoo is kicking off the return to spring with a “around the world to each continent represented by our animals” event. Bring the entire family for this fun-filled day! For additional information, visit www.jacksonzoo.org.
FLOWOOD April 5
empowered, filled with grace of the Holy Spirit, and alive with the presence of God. How did God lead you to write Wonderstruck? How does it relate to us? My husband and I went through one of the most difficult years of our lives. The challenges and obstacles produced a simple prayer. Not for more faith, or trust, or strength—but a prayer for wonder. A desire that the God who shaped the heavens and razzledazzled the earth would reveal Himself in such a manner that we would see Him in a whole new way. And God did not disappoint. He began revealing Himself and His handiwork in ways that left us awestruck and astounded. Diving into the Scripture, I began to see more and more this is how we’re meant to live as followers of Jesus. What are some surprising lessons you’ve learned along the way as a speaker? Never say no when someone offers you a water bottle. Always say no to appetizers, desserts, and anything fried; otherwise, they will follow you home. Always ask before you speak if anyone in the audience has any unusual behavior that you need to know about. Always pray. Prayer is potent. Use it as often as possible. Y
Mississippi College School of Business presents the 2013 Faith & Business Luncheon, which is the highlight of the L.D. Jordan Faith and Business Week—a weeklong focus on faith and career. The keynote speaker is Bill Rhodes, Chairman, President and CEO of AutoZone, Inc. Tickets are $25 and include lunch. RSVP requested to mcbusiness@mc.edu or 601-925-3421.
PEARL March 1-3 Actor’s Playhouse, located at 121 Paul Truitt Lane, celebrates their 10th anniversary with their season opener of The Sound of Music. All ages will enjoy this classic tale based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp. Tickets may be purchased by calling 601-664-0930
VICKSBURG Pack up the family car and take a short ride to the Vicksburg National Military Park to learn more about our Mississippi history. The park commemorates the battle of Vicksburg in 1863 and includes over 1340 monuments and remains of 17,000 Civil War Union soldiers. Open year-round. For additional information, call 601-636-0583.
GREENWOOD March 30 Head to the beautiful city of Greenwood for the 2nd Annual Viking Half Marathon & 5K Race. The race will begin and end in the historic Cotton Row district amidst the southern oaks and homes lining Grand Boulevard. For additional information, call 662-453-4152. Y metrochristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2013 65
➺quips & quotes
ADVERTISING INDEX ADVERTISER
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Cut out the scriptures and quotes and place them around your home for daily encouragement!
✂
“To bear defeat with dignity, to accept criticism with poise, to receive honors with humility—these are marks of maturity and graciousness.”
“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful.”
– William Arthur Ward (1921-1994)
“Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones.”
– Hebrews 10:23
“The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.”
- Phillip Brooks
“Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.” – Anonymous
– Ray Kroc, Founder of McDonald’s
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
“The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.” - John Stott
Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. – Psalm 86:11-12
NORTH STATE ANIMAL & BIRD HOSPITAL 5208 North State Street • Jackson, MS 39206
601-982-8261 Dr. Adrian Whittington Dr. Jeb Cade Dr. Melissa McLendon OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Sunday: Boarding only 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Boarding & Grooming Services Available
66 MARCH 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” – Charles Dickens
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Acadian On Call Monitoring Services............................47 Apple Annie’s Gift Shop.................................................55 Baptist Health Systems Run from the Sun .......................4 Belhaven University...........................................................7 Biblical Manhood Conference, FBCJ.............................64 BOMGAR ........................................................................37 Boy Scouts of America ...................................................18 Butler Snow Advisory Services, LLC...............................50 Blue Cross Blue Shield of MS.........................................23 Callaway’s Yard & Garden ..............................................29 Canton Academy ............................................................17 Carter Sledge Family Dentistry ......................................33 C Spire...............................................................................3 Christ Covenant School..................................................49 Covenant Caregivers ......................................................19 Dennis Manor, Troubled Fields ......................................63 Diabetes Care Group........................................................5 Cole Fortenberry, DMD..................................................25 Dogwood Forge .............................................................55 Dogwood Vision Care.....................................................14 DORE Program ...............................................................65 Energy Insulation ............................................................47 EyeCare Professionals.....................................................25 First Commercial Bank....................................................36 First Presbyterian Day School ........................................32 First Presbyterian Day School Reunion..........................32 Fish Tale Group...............................................................52 Gameroom Gallery .........................................................21 Gardens of Madison County ..........................................13 Gentiva Hospice..............................................................28 GI Associates...................................................................68 Glen Allison, Snafu..........................................................58 Grantham Poole Certified Public Accountants..............55 Heart of the Home/Jackson Prep PAT...........................31 Highland Village..............................................................49 Home Instead Senior Care .............................................63 Jackson Academy .............................................................2 Jackson Heart .................................................................49 Jackson Orthopaedic Clinic, P.A. ...................................49 Joel Clarke & Sons Jewelry............................................60 Kings Daughters Hospital ..............................................60 Law Firm of William B. Howell, Ltd................................61 L.D. O’Mire Financial Services........................................53 Madison Ridgeland Academy ........................................46 Miskelly Furniture............................................................10 MMI Hotel Group & Dining Systems .............................63 Neblett’s Frames ............................................................29 N. State Animal Hospital ................................................66 O! How Cute...................................................................26 Patty Peck Honda ...........................................................40 Peggy Keady, Glimpses of Glory ...................................50 Persnickety Kitchens .......................................................11 Pennington & Trim Alarm Services, Inc..........................27 Pilates V Studio...............................................................23 Private Collection............................................................37 Ray’s Fine Linens.............................................................51 River Oaks Health System ..............................................12 Sitters, LLC ......................................................................51 Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company...........16 St. Catherine’s Village.....................................................20 St. Dominic’s Family Medicine .......................................15 Sta-Home ........................................................................27 Stegall Imagery ...............................................................67 Summit Counseling.........................................................60 Sunnybrook Estates ........................................................60 The Center for Marriage & Family Therapy ..................63 The Veritas School ..........................................................50 The Waterford.................................................................51 Tinnin Imports ...................................................................9 Twin Lakes Summer Camp 2013 ......................................2 Venable Glass Services ...................................................60 Vibe Night of Worship....................................................48 WAPT News ....................................................................39 WHJT Star 93.5...............................................................67 Wonderstruck Conference, FBCJ...................................64 Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home.................................55 Written in Stone, LLC .....................................................60
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If I gave everything I have to the poor & even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:3
real love.
real acceptance.
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MARCH IS COLON CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
ALBERT CHIEMPRABHA, MD PIERCE DOTHEROW, MD REED HOGAN, MD RON KOTFILA, MD BILLY LONG, MD TRIPPE MCNEESE, MD
JACKSON 601.355.1234
MADISON 601.355.1234
PAUL MILNER, MD MICHELLE PETRO, MD VONDA REEVES-DARBY, MD MATT RUNNELS, MD VISHWANATH SHENOY, MD
JIM SONES, MD JAY UNDERWOOD, MD STEPHEN WEEKS, MD JANE-CLAIRE WILLIAMS, MD MARK WILSON, MD CINDY WRIGHT, MD
VICKSBURG 601.638.8801 www.msgastrodocs.com
©2013 GI Associates
IF YOU ARE AGE 50 OR OLDER, YOU NEED TO BE SCREENED NOW. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH GI ASSOCIATES TODAY. COLON SCREENING SAVES LIVES.