March 2015 Mississippi Christian Living by Mississippi Christian Living

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MARCH 2015

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contents MARCH 2015

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columns 8 The Way I See It The Two Most Beautiful Questions

10 Let’s Talk It Over Launching a Freshman and Being Okay

14 This Is My Story A Story of Restoration and Recovery

features

16 Living My Call

Local high school seniors who walk in faith, lead with their hearts, and honor the Lord

Joel Bomgar—Called to Make a Difference in Community

Christian Leaders of the Future

19 Think Tank Keep Your Engines Running!

22 Education Connection

Updates from Past Christian Leaders

On Being a Little Fish in a Big Pond

24 Pastor’s Perspective The Paradox of Discipleship

44 Food for Thought Ladies Who Lunch

46 Lagniappe

A Look at Why Holmes Community College Is a Great College Choice

48 Salt & Light

Enriching the Lives of Adults with Big Hearts!

49 Legal Advice Good Advice: An Annual Review of Your Estate Plan

51 What’s Going On

in every issue What’s Coming Next Month? Jason L. Walton, Ph.D. — Jackson Prep Welcomes Its New Headmaster

6 52 53 54 54

Editor’s Letter Rave Reviews Events Calendar Quips & Quotes Advertiser Index

➺

CONNECT WITH US: twitter.com/MSChristLiving

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Volume 9, Number 9 Publisher: MHS Publications, Inc., Member, M.I.P.A. Editor: Marilyn Tinnin marilyn@mschristianliving.com Associate Editor: Suzanne Durfey Art Direction/Graphic Design Sandra K. Goff Sales Marilyn Tinnin, Kimberly Stephens, Suzanne Durfey, Tara Dowden, Jenny Ruth Kennedy, Kimberly Hooker, Lauren Black, Rita Gober Contributing Writers Lydia Bolen, Robert Green, Del Harrington, Will McNeese, Susan E. Richardson, Ruth Ann Rigby, David Sprayberry, Mandi Stanley, Mary Margaret Turner, Martin E. Willoughby, Jr., Andy Wimberly, Elizabeth Wynn Cover Photography Stegall Imagery Distribution Assistants Avery Cahee, Laura Kidder, Randy Fortenberry, Andrea Sabillion, Rachel Schulte, Jerri Strickland, Priscilla Sullivan, Bob Whatley, Amanda Weems

Mississippi Christian Living 573 Highway 51 North, Suite C Ridgeland, MS 39157 Phone 601-790-9076 • Fax 601-790-9078 www.mschristianliving.com

Mississippi 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 lifechanging encounter with Jesus Christ. Views expressed in Mississippi Christian Living do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by the Mississippi 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 2015 by Mississippi 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.

Mississippi Christian Living is published monthly and is available at high traffic locations throughout the state. Copies are also available by subscription, $29 for one year. Single issues available for $3 an issue. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Mississippi Christian Living, 573 Highway 51 North, Suite C, Ridgeland, MS 39157. M I P A Mississippi Independent Publishers' Alliance

4 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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➺editor’s letter On Leadership, Life, and Learning I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. – John 10:11 his month marks the sixth year that this magazine and Belhaven University have partnered to encourage influential young high school leaders to stay strong in their faith and to continue to lead in the next chapter of their personal journeys. High school graduation is one of

is ❝ Aoneleader who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

❞

– JOHN MAXWELL

those significant milestones, a dividing line of “before” and “after” for so many important events in one’s life. I consider it a highlight of my whole year to go back and reconnect with some of our past leaders and hear what they are doing in the here and now. Including a few of them each year in this issue is, for me, an affirmation of God’s faithfulness to His promise of unique plans for each Believer’s hope and future. These almost-fully-launched young adults encourage me, and I feel sure they will inspire you, too! This new class of Future Christian Leaders is on their way to achieving great things. They grasp the concept of “salt and light,” and the profound creativity of God is on full display in the talents each has been given. None of us here at the magazine has a hand in scoring the applications, and so, I don’t read the essays until I sit down to put the cover story together. Every year, there seems to be a theme that runs through all of them. I am most struck this year with two things—their collective sense of the big picture of life and their generosity of spirit. They are all givers rather than takers. How very refreshing. In the culture of “selfies,” Instagram, Facebook, and all the other social media “musts,” it takes an extra measure of intention on several levels to slice through the fluff and be authentic. I think from what I read in their papers, these young people have managed to do just that. Hence, they seem to be mature beyond their years. If you think about it, life for all of us is a series of new beginnings. As these young leaders complete their secondary education this spring, they leave the familiar and plant their feet on a new path where new experiences and new challenges are waiting. And when college ends, there will be more endings and more beginnings. Even at my age, I find myself beginning again every few years as each chapter of life brings me to something I have not met before. How very precious to my heart it is to read in Hebrews 13:8 that “Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever.” He is my anchor and my constant. It is my prayer for these promising young men and women that they will cling to that foundation of Jesus Christ whom they embrace at this moment in their lives with a growing intensity as seasons come and go and the inevitable changes that come with the years bring new challenges—beginnings and endings and more beginnings. One of my Bible Study buddies sent out an email just this afternoon where she spoke of our journey with Christ as a “continuing education” course. Amen. It is that. And, in that fact, are a hope and a future that never gets old or stale or boring. And now, enjoy this issue, and meet 24 remarkable Christian Leaders of the Future. Y

6 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

Marilyn H. Tinnin, Publisher and Editor marilyn@MSChristianliving.com

-- 2089 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, Mississippi

W W W.T I N N I N I M P O R T S .C O M

➺the way i see it by MARTIN E. WILLOUGHBY, JR.

The Two Most Beautiful Questions As a child one of my favorite book series was about Curious George. I have fond memories of my parents and grandparents reading me stories about that curious monkey. I don’t know if there is a connection, but I have been a continually curious person as I have traveled down the road of life. For those that know me, they are accustomed to my incessant question asking. I always want to learn and know more. I regularly write down questions for myself to consider and think through. I believe that questions have enormous potential to impact our lives. Warren Berger in his bestselling book, A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas, argues that, “while we’re all hungry for better answers, we must first learn to ask the right questions.” I recently came across a summary of the 173 questions that Jesus asked in the Gospels. As a question asker, I was intrigued as to the underlying points Jesus was making with his questions. As I reflected on these questions, two stood out to me as particularly “beautiful” questions because of the lifealtering impact of the answers.

“Who do you say I am?” (Luke 9:20) Jesus was praying with his disciples and asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They told Jesus that some people thought he was John the Baptist or Elijah, and others even thought he was an ancient prophet that had come back to life. Jesus did not stop

there. He made the question more pointed, more personal. He said, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” This is the ultimate question for all of us. We are well trained here in the South. I have taught children’s Sunday school

He does not want to know from Peter a summary of what he has learned. He presses in on one extremely important point—“Do you love me?” Not once, but three times, Jesus poses this question to Peter. for many years, and I always find it amusing that no matter the question the answer is always JESUS! Have you stopped to consider this question a little deeper? Have you thought who Jesus really is to you? Is Jesus just our fire insurance? Is He just an advisor on our spiritual journey? Is He just a wise sage from ancient times? OR is he our Alpha and Omega? Our Redeemer, Savior, and Lord? The answer to this question will completely alter the trajectory of our lives.

“Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17) The post-resurrection dialogue between Peter and Jesus offers an interesting insight into the heart of our Savior. Jesus does not press in on Peter to ask him, “Are you ready to lead?” He does not want to know from Peter a summary of what he has learned. He presses in on one extremely important point—”Do you love me?” Not once, but three times, Jesus poses this question to Peter. Each time, Peter responded, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.” Most have probably heard this text preached and know that Jesus asked the question differently by using the word “agape” (self-sacrificial love) as well as “phileo” (brotherly love). Consider for a moment why Jesus probed Peter like this. Is Jesus perhaps asking us a similar question? Do I truly love Him? If so, does my life reflect the reality of that love? I think for all of us these are extremely important and “beautiful” questions. It is easy to get distracted in our busy lives (including church life) with many important questions. However, we should never lose sight of that fact that what Jesus really wants to know is who do we say He is and do we truly love Him. Y

Martin E. Willoughby Jr. is a Principal with Butler Snow Advisory and the author of Intentional Faith. He and his wife, Nicki, have two children, Ally and Trey, and live in Memphis, Tennessee.

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➺let’s talk it over by WILL MCNEESE, LPC, LMFTA

Launching a Freshman and Being Okay t’s that time of year. The holidays are over and graduation is right around the corner. The training wheels

are coming off and the implementation of your best efforts to raise a successful adult is about to begin! Sending your teenager to college is perhaps the biggest transition your family has faced over the last decade. Such a transition will have a significant effect on the relationship you have with your child. You may be experiencing a profound sense of pride in your child’s growth and development into a well-functioning young adult. Perhaps you are feeling apprehension about your child’s decision-making skills, or being so far from home. Maybe your worries are more about how your relationship with your child will change. Regardless of what you are expecting, there are many practical things that can be done to help navigate this transition in a healthy way.

✦ Prepare ahead of time. It will likely be difficult—begin talking with people,

journaling, and discussing with your child the transition that is coming. Healthy transitions usually involve conflicts and hurt feelings; you don’t have to avoid these. Discuss expectations, fears, hopes, and pains that you foresee. Make plans for regular visits and phone calls. Discussing these things ahead of time can make it easier to navigate them once they start happening.

✦ It’s okay to grieve. Transitions like this mean saying ‘goodbye’ to the way things used to be and finding new happiness, meaning, and routine in the way things are going to be. Even though you know that good things are happening, it’s very normal to feel sadness, regret, or a sense of loss. Don’t fight it. Allow yourself to go through the process and for it to take time. If you are experiencing this in a way that seems unexpectedly strong or long lasting, talk to someone and explore what aspects of your child’s leaving are most painful to grieve.

✦ Try to keep your emotions

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10 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

differentiated from your child’s. It is normal for you to be sad while your child is thrilled. For your child, this is a huge step in becoming an adult. For you, you are experiencing a separation from the child you carefully and tirelessly raised. It can be tough to tolerate the discrepancy between your emotion and his. Try not to make him responsible for managing your sadness. Also, her excitement is not a sign that she doesn’t love you, but that you have done your job in raising a functioning young adult ready to dive into life’s next challenge!

✦ Discuss boundaries. A gift that is far greater than providing for their education is making and keeping clear, appropriate, and caring boundaries. Good boundaries allow young adults to experience taking responsibility and ownership of their lives and feeling the impact of their choices. As a therapist, I encounter many parents and children in conflict over issues of boundaries. Often the child wants more freedom and the parents want the child to act more responsibly. One thing that can help the transition to a more adult style relating to your son or daughter is to begin making clear contracts around money and

resources you give your child. Examples are, “You can use the car if you… (get a job, maintain a certain GPA, attendance, etc.),” or “We will provide a portion of your tuition if…”

✦ Be available. Every child is different and will respond to the transition differently. Even in the same family, one child may want to talk every couple of days, and the other would be fine talking every couple of semesters. Find out what your individual relationship needs to stay healthy and connected. Navigating the tension between staying connected and respecting their autonomy is messy but very worthwhile. In the end, trust your gut. Listen to your parental instincts and check them with your spouse and/or people you trust, and then do what you believe to be in the best interest of your child. Y Will McNeese, LPC, LMFTA, is a counselor at Summit Counseling with experience working with families and individuals, including children and adolescents. He can be reached at WillMcNeese@gmail.com.

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â&#x17E;şthis is my story by RUTH ANN RIGBY

A Story of Restoration and Recovery love Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;our state and our culture! I love that when I say I am from Mississippi, the response is usually, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re from the Bible belt.â&#x20AC;? I respond back with pride, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, I am!â&#x20AC;?

I grew up in a Christian home, nurtured at First Baptist Jackson. Frank Pollard, Larry Black, Eva Hartâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;these were my Christian Mentors. My church home was also my refuge, my escape when things were not going so well at home. I could go there and be safe in the choir and other activities. This was my lifeline. One of my favorite scriptures is Joshua 1:9, â&#x20AC;&#x153; Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your GOD will be with you wherever you go.â&#x20AC;? My mother was one of my Christian mentors, but she was not one of my favorite people in my early years due to her alcoholism. When I was 18, we were able to get her help, and after that, our relationship totally changed for the better. We went from being strangers to really being mother and daughter. My mother took responsibility for her problem with the help of a family intervention, friends and her higher power. I had extended family members who truly walked this journey with meâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I would not have made it without their support. They, too, are my Christian mentors. You will be faced with many journeys in your life and you need to rely on your parents, your extended family

Ruth Ann and her mom shared a close mother-daughter relationship and both knew what it was to struggle with addiction.

members, friends, pastors, and other Christian mentors in your life. No matter what is going on in your life they can help you! I never thought I was a survivor until someone pointed this out to me many years ago. My mother said to me, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have used up nine of your nine lives.â&#x20AC;? This was a figure of speech around our homeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but she was right. I have had not just one, but many life and death experiences. I have survived a rock climbing accident, scuba diving accident, horseback-riding accident, and several medical emergencies, just to name a few. They were all life changing in many ways,

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but the one that was the most life changing was my journey into recovery which allowed me to be happy, joyous, and free. I was attacked one night at a gas station not a mile from my home. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize that drug deals were going on there, and I was just filling up my truck on the way home. Thenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;BOOMâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;my life changed forever. I went on a downward spiral with this trauma, not realizing at the time how traumatized I was over the event. Remember I told you that my mother was an alcoholic. Well, I also have that gene. I grew up saying that I would not become an

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alcoholic, but oh boy, was I wrong. Within six months, I was almost dead—until my husband and extended family members told me enough was enough. This is where my life changed for the better. I went into treatment for six months. I was spiritually bankrupt, and didn’t know what would happen to me, until one day my

I had what is called a spiritual awakening in treatment. My life changed because I became willing and accepting—but more importantly, my relationship with God returned. counselor suggested that I hit my knees and, “Oh, by the way, when you are on your knees—PRAY.” I had what we call a spiritual awakening in treatment. My life changed because I became willing and accepting—but more

importantly, my relationship with God returned. He is a part of everything that I do today. I have morning and evening meditation with Him being the focus, and He has been on my recovery journey with me now for 18 years when this article goes to publication. After treatment, I went back to school to be an alcohol and drug abuse counselor. I have been blessed to be able to work for some incredible facilities—St. Dominic Behavioral Health, Pine Grove Behavioral Health, and now Capstone Treatment Center, which is a Christian Treatment Center for adolescent and young adult males up to the age of 26. God has opened so many doors for me. I am able to do what I do with integrity and God’s Grace; it is what He wants me to do. I am very active in my church at Broadmoor. The relationships I have built there are a huge factor in my spiritual health. Friends have walked beside me through the loss of my mother as well as other struggles. They have helped keep me grounded, accountable, and true to myself. And I have been able to give back to my church and my community. Together, we can make a difference and we must—because that is what we, as Believers, are called to do. Y

Congratulations to Lamar School’s 2014-2015 Academic Team! First Place in the NAQT Madison Central Tournament and MSU Academic Quiz Bowl Invitational.

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mschristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2015 15

➺living my call by DAVID SPRAYBERRY

Joel Bomgar—Called to Make a Difference in Community ith low approval ratings and distrust among many in the public, the political landscape can sometimes seem more like a desert than fertile land.

Americans do not paint a good picture of their public servants. In the new national Reason Rupe Poll, Americans believe 70 percent of politicians use their political power the wrong way. Americans do not paint a good picture of their public servants. In the new national Reason Rupe Poll, Americans believe 70 percent of politicians use their political power the wrong way. With numbers like these and public perceptions as they are, how do politicians hope to live their calling as honest leaders who serve their constituents and not themselves? Joel Bomgar is living his call and venturing into the political desert with the hopes of planting seeds of conservative values in the Mississippi Legislature and tending to the soil of his district in Madison and Ridgeland. For the last 34 years, Bomgar has been a permanent fixture in this state. He grew up here. He met and married his wife in this state, then built a thriving business, and now lives in Madison where he wants to raise his four children. His love for Mississippi and Madison County runs deep and he wants “to see the state continue to improve in numerous ways while staying a great place to live, work, and raise a family.” Not every person would chose to leave a CEO position in a multi-million dollar company, but Bomgar says he was “convicted by what he saw happening in the state and desired to help Mississippi become the best state.” As Founder, CEO, and now Chairman, he grew Bomgar Corporation into one of Mississippi’s largest technology companies. He believes that what he has done in business can be replicated in the Legislature. A decision to represent the community in the Mississippi Legislature should never be taken lightly and as Joel believes, “one should understand the significance of what it means to lead and hold office.” After much thought and prayer, he made his decision official on January 5, 2015, when he filed papers with the Mississippi Republican Party, declaring his candidacy for the Republican Primary in Mississippi House of Representatives District 58. “Madison County has gotten it right—we 16 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

have great schools, safe neighborhoods, and strong traditional values,” said Bomgar. “If we can build a success story here in Madison County, we can build upon it for our entire state. Great schools, safe streets, and lower taxes are three key components of Bomgar’s platform. He wants to help expand and grow

Mississippi’s economy and believes that one of the best ways to do that is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship at home. “The Legislature can either help do this, or it can get in the way. I want to serve to make sure it helps.” As a Believer, Bomgar understands there is

a direct link between living a life guided by God’s truth and as a result, earning the trust and integrity of a community. In many ways, Bomgar has already earned that respect and trust from many in the community. He believes that honoring God is at the center of everything—family life, business, and even politics. He attributes his faith as his foundation that keeps him balanced and from getting swept away by the strong current of politics. “My faith keeps me grounded. I know there is absolute right and wrong and that morals are not subjective. The Bible and my Christian faith are part of my DNA and who I am. It is more important than ever to keep those central as I embark in public service.” Bomgar has no lack of evidence when it comes to incorporating biblical values into running his business. At the formation of his company, Bomgar and co-founders decided on a set of core values that have guided their business decisions and practices. According to Bomgar, these values were, “inspired by my faith and desire to honor God, and I wanted to apply these important Biblical principles in every circumstance with employees, customers, and financial dealings.” Key values from Scripture—such as acting with integrity, practicing good stewardship, acknowledging the contributions of others, telling the truth, exercising self-control, and speaking the truth in love—direct every interaction and are still in

practice at the company today. Contrary to popular opinion, there are men of integrity that also bear the title of politician and they are respected leaders in their community. Bomgar believes that some people get into politics for the right reasons and some for the wrong reasons. “The folks that get in it for the wrong reasons have predictably bad outcomes. Unfortunately, many people that get in politics even for the right reasons have not spent the time studying economics, human behavior, incentives, and history to be effective,” said Bomgar. He observes that many people who are not constantly studying and researching are more prone to be swayed or influenced when not immersed in the truth. “I will operate in the public sphere just as I did for the last 11 years at Bomgar, the four years I spent at Belhaven University, the six years I spent in the Air National Guard, and my life growing up in church and in youth group before that.” God’s truth has been the steady rock he has rested on and one verse that has guided him is from Psalm 127:1 and says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Another verse that he tries to live out everyday is from Colossians 3:23-24 and states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” He is not venturing into this campaign alone. His wife Rachel has been a constant source of encouragement and support. “Rachel is the most unshakable grounded person I know,” said Bomgar. “She has no interest in being in the spotlight or playing any political games to get ahead. She loves me and is glad that I am passionate about the things that I’m involved with, but she is the first to tell me if it looks like I’m getting caught up in something that isn’t healthy.” The relationships he keeps with his friends outside of politics have a significant impact on his outlook. Bomgar says he has political friends, but his non-political friends are the ones who are objective and keep him accountable. They tell him the truth about himself and politics because they have no hidden agendas. Bomgar believes that making changes in legislation can be a solution for many of the problems in the state. “There are a number of issues facing our state and my commitment to the voters is to embrace and advance the policies that will make their life better and move us forward. We need to find solutions that uniquely fit the needs of our people.” Bomgar adds that he knows that the top-down, one-size-fits all approach does not work, and

that building upon our strengths to advance socially, culturally, and economically as a community and a state is the key to a solution.” The timing of Bomgar’s decision to run comes at a time when the federal government is in dysfunction and when the fight for liberty has shifted to the states. He is confident that the state level is where we can still be laboratories of democracy and where we can still chart our own path at all levels of government. Joel believes liberal policies guarantee personal and economic ruin; he believes that as a state we must return to freemarket, limited-government solutions to ensure a free and prosperous future. Bomgar adds, “This is one of the reasons why I have a calling to serve in the state legislature. I want my kids and grandkids to have the same opportunity I have had at Bomgar and I’ve had here in Madison County. I want them to be able to start a business and raise a family just as I am doing.” In spite of the unpredictability of running for office, Bomgar says he enjoys the challenge of running a race with endurance and believes in giving his best in everything. His campaign is evidence of putting more than 100% into his efforts. During the first two months, this new campaign had already secured $150,000 and assembled an experienced team of advisors and committee members. Current numbers are reported at $235,000 for campaign funds. Bomgar brings his track record of innovative business experience and community leadership to the upcoming election. He grew Bomgar Corporation to become one of Mississippi’s largest technology companies, and has created more than 100 jobs in Madison County and successfully built and led his company to serve 8,500 customers in 60 countries from their Madison County headquarters. Bomgar has served on the board of Madison County Foundation and is a member of the Belhaven University Board of Trustees. The Mississippi House of Representatives and Mississippi Senate have commended Bomgar for creating jobs and economic success in Mississippi. The Madison County Economic Development Authority has honored him with the Visionary Leadership Award. He graduated from Belhaven University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and served six years in the Mississippi Air National Guard. Joel and his wife Rachel are the proud parents of four children: Amelia, Simon, Mark, and Seth. They live in Madison and are members of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Y

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think tank by ANDY WIMBERLY

Keep Your Engines Running! M y wife Christy and I went to the Ole Miss vs. Florida basketball game in Oxford last month. It was our first time in over a year. We were

excited! We spent the day with good friends, Linda and Dick Glaze, and then headed to the 5 p.m. game. We found a great parking spot on Fraternity Row and headed to Tad Smith Coliseum. We were excited! Somehow we had the perfect seats, were close to the action, and enjoyed a very close and exciting game. Ole Miss won by one point in the final seconds! We were excited! We took our time leaving the arena and getting back to the car to start our trip back to Madison. As we approached our car, I noticed the lights were on. As we got even closer, we thought we could hear something strange. We did hear something strange—I had left the car running! It was locked, but running—for nearly three hours! I told of this adventure to several of my friends, and of course, they got their chance to chide and poke about getting older, senility, and on and on. Hal Miller, Jr., is a close friend of mine and we talk several times each week, so of course I told him of my “car running” episode. Hal has been a bit under the weather the last couple of years, but no matter how much he hurts physically, his mind is still as sharp as ever. Fast-forward to the following Wednesday. Christy and I are at home watching the Ole Miss vs. Miss State game. State is leading by 13 points pretty late in the game. I get a voice mail message from Hal and this is what it said, word for word:

“Emergency! Ole Miss playing Miss State. We’re behind and it’s late in the game! Everyone go now and start your car engines and don’t turn them off until the end of the game! It worked against Florida and it will work against Mississippi State!” Some folks just have that inner strength, that little something extra; no matter how bad they are feeling, they muster up the energy to provide a lift to others. That is exactly what Hal Miller did that night for Christy and me. We are still laughing about his voicemail. What about you and me? When we’ve had a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year, what is our attitude and outlook? Complaining? Or encouraging? Feeling sorry for ourselves? Or thinking about how to help a friend or neighbor? In the Bible, Jesus said that we can expect some tough times in life, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Did you ever notice that Jesus never complained or felt sorry for Himself? He was constantly encouraging, teaching, and lifting people up. He gave us the perfect example of what to do when life gets tough—and I believe that my good friend, Hal Miller, Jr., got his message and is living that to the fullest. I wish I could do that like Hal does! I need to close now so that I can go fill up my car with gas—I’ve got to keep my tank full for the next Ole Miss Basketball game!

Y Wimberly & Associates are executive coaches and financial advisors that use The Discovery Process™ to help individuals and businesses accomplish their agenda. beth@thediscoveryprocess.com mschristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2015 19

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➺education connection by MANDI STANLEY, CSP

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For Student Leaders:

On Being a Little Fish in a Big Pond retty much everything I learned about student leadership came seated at the feet of the late Dr. Donald W. Zacharias, then president of Mississippi State University.

Pretty much everything I learned about student leadership came seated at the feet of the late Dr. Donald W. Zacharias, then president of Mississippi State University. In the spring of 1987, four Mississippi high school seniors were awarded the first ever Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholarships: two from the greater Jackson area and two of us from small towns in northeast Mississippi. Among the many opportunities being a Schillig Scholar afforded, the privilege of monthly mentoring from the University president was far and away one of the most outstanding benefits. We soaked up every minute of his storytelling as well as debated leadership philosophies from such books as John W. Gardner’s Leadership Papers and Allan Bloom’s The Closing of the American Mind. Those books are still on my bookshelf 25 years later, and Dr. Zacharias’s leadership lessons truly shaped my life’s trajectory. The memories are vivid, however, because I was usually on the losing side of those debates! I was just a little girl from Amory, Mississippi—a small fish in a large ocean, so to speak—and I found out I had a lot to learn about leadership beyond my high school experience. Below are some of the misconceptions I had about leadership and how Dr. Zacharias set me straight.

Leadership Misconception #1: Leaders are born, not made. I actually argued with the University president about this one, telling him that some people were just naturally born leaders and others weren’t. I was incorrect. Now I know all students have leadership potential; it just looks different on different people. Leaders don’t all fit into the same mold; your style could be large and in charge, or you may lead quietly from the sidelines. When you find your passion and do what you love, leadership opportunities tend to find you.

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Leadership Misconception #2: Leaders lead and others follow. Wrong again. Dr. Z was the first to introduce me to the concept of servant 22 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

leadership. Several dozen books have been written about servant leadership in the years since then. In fact, leadership has often been analogized to the game of tennis: “Those who are best at serving usually lead.” Leadership is others centered, not self-centered. Pastor Rick Warren begins The Purpose-Driven Life by simply stating: “It’s not about you.” That’s one of the most impactful opening lines in any book—with the exception of “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” of course! Rotary International’s motto is “Service above self. He profits most who serves best.” The essence of leadership is service. Many times those working behind the scenes have more of a lasting impact than those in the limelight. True leaders seek to serve before being served. We look no further than Jesus, who epitomized servant leadership.

Leadership Misconception #3: Leadership means you serve as an officer in your organization. You guessed it: incorrect. College-bound students, you will be availed of so many extracurricular activities and organizations to join and ministries to become involved with during the next several years.You don’t have to be an officer to be considered a leader. In other words, you don’t have to have a title to lead. Fellow Certified Speaking Professional Mark Sanborn, wrote a book with that same

name several years ago. In You Don’t Need a Title To Be a Leader, he cites numerous examples of how anyone, anywhere can make a positive difference. Mark’s own mailman Fred modeled that truth. Mark may have written the book, but Dr. Z relayed that same leadership wisdom two decades earlier.

DISCOVER BETHANY

Leadership Misconception #4: Great leaders have a well thought-out plan and stick to it no matter what. Ha! The four of us Schillig scholars entered MSU with preconceived career aspirations. Judy desired to be a physician, Joe studied aerospace engineering, Wade planned to be a NASA flight engineer and astronaut, and I enrolled in the School of Accountancy with the goal of being a CPA. Every single one of us detoured from our original plans. And that’s okay. Quite frankly, it’s a bit unrealistic to ask 17-year-olds to decide what to do with the rest of their lives. That decision-making process is a vital part of the total collegiate experience. It’s fine not to know right now. In our cases, the would-be physician (who detested chemistry and physics) enrolled in law school and works as an attorney. The aerospace engineer is a full-time professional corporate magician and mentalist who presents shows and workshops and amazes audiences on multiple continents. The NASA flight engineer graduated from medical school in orthopedic surgery, and I switched my major to English and communication and became a business author, corporate trainer, and certified speaking professional. I wasn’t even aware such a career existed when I was an undergrad. So, I guess one of the most practical and tactical leadership lessons I learned from Dr. Zacharias is even the best-laid plans go awry. Tables turn. Detours happen. Plans can change overnight. But detours don’t mean death, and we shouldn’t view them with despair and disgust. Rather, they are open doors to a world of infinite possibilities. And that’s a leadership lesson that’s just as valid today as it was 25 years ago, whether you’re swimming in a small pond or a giant ocean. Y

Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley travels throughout North America entertaining and educating business audiences. She authored The No-Panic 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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➺pastor’s perspective by ROBERT GREEN

The Paradox of Discipleship hen I was twenty-five, I believed I could change the world. Now, well into my 40s, I have come to the realization, that I cannot change my wife, kids, or church—to say nothing of the world. Try as I might,

I have not been able to manufacture outcomes the way I thought I could, either in my life or other people’s. What is it for you? Unfulfilled dreams, ongoing relational tension, the loss of friends, a hard marriage, rebellious teenagers, the death of someone you love, recurring sinful patterns or whatever it is for you. Live long enough, lose enough, suffer enough, and the idealism of youth fades, leaving behind the reality that we live in a broken world as broken people. Life has had a way of proving to me that I’m not on the constantly forward-moving escalator of progress I thought I was on when I was twenty-five. Instead, it’s looked more like this—try and fail. Fail, then try. Try and succeed. Succeed then fail. Every year, I get better at some things, worse at others. Some remain stubbornly static. To complicate matters, when I acknowledge the ways I’ve gotten worse, it’s actually a sign that I may be getting better. And when I become proud of the ways I’ve gotten better, it’s actually a sign that I’ve gotten worse. And round and round we go. If this sounds depressing, it isn’t meant to. Quite the opposite. If I am grateful for anything about these last twenty plus years, it’s for the way God has wrecked my idealism. He has wrecked my idealism about myself, and the world, and replaced it with a realism about the extent of His grace and love, which is much bigger than I had ever imagined. Indeed, the smaller you get—the smaller life makes you—the easier it is to see the grandeur of grace. While I am far more 24 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

Every year, I get better at some things, worse at others. Some remain stubbornly static. To complicate matters, when I acknowledge the ways I’ve gotten worse, it’s actually a sign that I may be getting better.

incapable than I may have initially thought, God is infinitely more capable than I ever hoped. Y

Robert Green is the senior pastor at Fondren Church. Contact him at robert.green@fondrenchurch.com

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Mississippi Christian Living, in partnership with Belhaven University, is pleased to present the 2015 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, without names, schools, or churches, were reviewed and scored by a diverse panel of four judges working independently. Scores were tabulated and the top 24 are presented here. We will be presenting their awards during a special event day for our finalists and their friends and families on March 5 at Belhaven University. Meet our finalists and enjoy excerpts from their essays. These offer but a glimpse into the lives of these young men and women. I wish you could read every word each of them has written. You would be encouraged and inspired. I must add that the judges had an incredibly difficult task because the 100+ applicants that were not selected as finalists were all outstanding as well. We are greatly indebted to our sponsors: Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Capstone Treatment Center, First Commercial Bank, Stegall Imagery, WHJT Star 93.5, MMI Dining Systems, and Patty Peck Honda for making this scholarship program possible.

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MARY LINLEY ALBERT Park Place Christian Academy Park Place Baptist Church Living a Distinctly Christian Life in a World Hostile to My Faith The most important way that I plan to be intentional about my faith is to be very careful about the words I say and the things I do. I want to speak life into people, and I want others to see Christ in me. To me, this means steeping myself in the Word daily and listening to 1 Peter as it says, “Arm yourselves with the attitude of Christ.” I know the author was intentional in choosing the word “arm,” because the attitude of Christ is our greatest weapon against the problems of this world. Future Career I believe that I have been called into the field of international politics because I have been blessed to make more than ten international mission trips, and I feel that God has placed foreign affairs on my heart. Also, I love to help people and fix problems. I feel that if I could become an influential person in international policy, I could make policies that have a Christian perspective, and I would have a greater opportunity to shine God’s light and leave His mark on this world. Activities and Service Soccer Team Spiritual Captain; Track and Field-Varsity Discus Third Place in District; Beta Club President; National Honor Society President; Youth Legislature; Senior Class President; Mission Trip to Operation Christmas Child Packing Facility Biannual Missions to Honduras; Annual Medical Missions to Ukraine; Bag Rice for Rankin County Care Center; RISE Youth Leadership Committee, Children’s Choir Drama Co-Director, Vacation Bible School Worker.

CARSON ALLEN Brandon High School First Baptist Church Brandon Living a Distinctly Christian Life in a World Hostile to My Faith I have been on two international mission trips and during both I was able to see cultures that were antagonistic towards Christians. The local Christians where I served displayed such strong faith in God and in the truth of scripture. They were dedicated to their faith despite the culture (and even family) opposition. This really challenged me. As the son of two ministers, going to the same church since my birth, and hanging out with the same Christian friends, I realized that I fall into the curse of being comfortable. Because of the mission trips, I was able to see how Christians in persecuted 28 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

countries are challenged in their faith. If the future holds a more antiChristian society, I pray that I will have the same faith and hope of these international Christians. I pray that not only will I stand firm in my life, but hope and pray I will tell about Jesus despite any threat or opposition. If God leads me to a country opposed to Christianity, I pray that nothing or no one will deter me from doing what He has called me to do. Activities and Service to Others Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Student Council; Football; Academic Team; First Priority; Exchange Club Youth Leaders; Upward Basketball Coach; Twin Lakes (LIT and Summer Counselor); Mayors Youth Council; FBC Brandon Youth Volunteer Intern; Small Group Bible Study Leader for Middle School; China Mission Team; England Mission Team; Family Mission Team;Youth leadership Team; and Student Bible Drills.

ASHLEY BROOKS Heritage Academy First Baptist Church Columbus A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith The beginning of this school year, I went on my senior retreat with the rest of my classmates. A new foreign exchange student from China would be joining our senior class. I got to meet her on the first day, and I was so excited to share with her my faith in God. I was also a little bit curious of the things she believed. As I got to know her better, I started sharing freely about my faith. The very next day on our retreat, I had the opportunity to ask her if she believed in God. She really opened up to me saying she did not quite fully understand what believing in God meant. She did tell me that she had a grandmother who was a firm believer in the Lord. I felt the Holy Spirit talk through me as I told her what believing in Christ is all about. I encouraged her to come to church with me. Several weeks passed, and she came up to me at school and told me she had dedicated her life to the Lord. We do so many things together, and I am so thankful to have her as my sister in Christ. Favorite Scripture My favorite Bible passage is in 1 Kings 3:1-14. I have been completely changed by reading it again. Solomon asked God to give him an understanding heart so that he may know the difference between right and wrong, and so that he could govern his people well. Knowing that he could ask for anything he wanted, Solomon chose to ask for wisdom and understanding. Solomon wanted to understand the plans God had for him. He wanted to have the kind of wisdom that transcends all other knowledge. I admire Solomon’s decision. Wisdom is irreplaceable. Without wisdom, the world would never be able to distinguish the difference between right and wrong. Activities and Service to Others National Honor Society; National Beta Club; MAIS Honor Society; Academy Honors; Mu Alpha Theta Competition; Academic Betterment Competition; Junior and Varsity Basketball Team; Quill and Scroll Member;

Annual Staff; LAI Social Club; United Nations Competition-Jackson; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; VFW Essay Competition Third Place Scholarship, APEX Leadership Summit at University of Mississippi, 2nd Place; Lowndes Young Leaders; Locks of Love Hair Donation; Vacation Bible School Leader; Church Mission Trip to Alaska; Operation Christmas Child Distribution Center Volunteer in Atlanta.

ANNA JORDAN BUTTS Madison Central High School Christ United Methodist Church, Jackson A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith As a senior and Co-Captain of the Madison Central “Mystix” dance team, I do my best to be an encouraging Christian leader for everyone on the team. Each week before we start our practices, a friend and I lead the team in a devotion and prayer to help everyone get in the right mindset, so we can focus on the fact that we are dancing for the Lord and not for our peers. What Career Do You Believe the Lord Is Calling You to Pursue and Why? I believe the Lord is calling me to pursue a career in physical therapy where I can help people recover from injuries and resume their daily activities. I also feel led to continue studying Spanish in order to do international mission work like I have done the past two summers in Pachacutec, Peru. I really enjoy Spanish, and I cannot wait to see where the Lord will lead me with it! Activities and Service to Others Senior Co-Captain Mystix Dance Team; National Honor Society Treasurer; Interact Service Club Co-Vice President; Student Government Association Representative; Beta Club; Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team; American Cancer Society Relay for Life; Mississippi Food Network Canned Food Drive; Salvation Army Bell Ringer; Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital Volunteer; Christ United Methodist Church Youth Group and Discipleship Group; Confirmation Teen Leader; Vacation Bible School Volunteer, and Peru Mission Trip

MOLLIE COMER Hatley High School Amory Church of Christ A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith Living out my faith before my peers at school is a high priority of mine. Though I have attended Hatley School through elementary and middle school, since my sophomore year I have been taking classes at the Monroe County Advanced Learning Center on another campus. This limits my classroom time at Hatley; however, I do participate in sports and am well known by my classmates as a leader both on the basketball court and the softball field. I try to always give encouragement to junior varsity players. Whatever my accomplishments, either in sports or academically, I strive to always give the glory to God. Though leadership qualities are not always rewarded, I was very humbled to be voted Hatley High School’s 2014 Homecoming Queen by the entire student body. I give glory to God

for this honor and will continue to try to live in a way that will bring the joy of Christ into the lives of my friends and fellow classmates. Living a Distinctly Christian Life in a World Hostile to My Faith Living my faith intentionally in today’s world means, quite simply, trying my best to live like Jesus. I will keep studying my bible to become the Christian lady God is calling me to be. I will be able to live my faith because I have a Heavenly Father that walks with me daily. I will continue to pray for wisdom, courage, and strength daily. Any time there is a chance to say something for God or bring him up, I will. I will not be rude, overbearing, or judgmental to any other person’s opinions. Activities and Service to Others Softball and Basketball; Beta Club; Mu Alpha Theta; English Honor Society; Amory Youth Group which hosts summer work camps to help rebuild, restore, and paint an elderly individual’s home. During my spare time, I strive to write encouraging letters to those who are lonely or ill.

MEG CROCKER Germantown High School Broadmoor Baptist Church A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith As a high school student, it has been a goal to live out my faith and bring others toward God. I am involved in the Core FCA leadership group at my school. A specific time would have to be when an atheist guy in one of my classes said God is not real and nothing in the bible is true. I knew that I had to say something, so I shared with him what God had done for me and how there were certain things in my life that made me know that God was real. Different occasions would occur when he would say those things again, but the first time really stuck out to me, because it made me realize how broken the world really is. He was lost and had nothing to reach out too. He finally accepted God into his life and got baptized. Living a Distinctly Christian Life in a World Hostile to My Faith My favorite bible passage is Philippians 4. This passage teaches me not to worry. This passage says “do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” This a reassuring verse that gives me peace about my worries when I give them to God. This passage also says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It fills me with joy to know God is always for me lifting me up and helping me through this broken world. Activities and Service to Others Student Body President; Beta Club;Yearbook Staff; FCA Core Leader; mschristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2015 29

Cross-Country Team, Elementary Student mentor; Diamond Girl, Madison the City Junior Ambassador; Small Group Leader for Middle School Girls at Pinelake Church; Mission Trips with Broadmoor Baptist Church, and ideas leading to the planning of Fields of Faith.

SAMANTHA DEAN West Jones High School Grace Covenant Church A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith For the past four years, I have served as president of our FCA. In those four years, our active attendance has nearly quadrupled and we have expanded our leadership team to involve almost every sport on campus. Many people have asked how such a drastic change could occur over such a short amount of time. The true—and the only—answer I have is it has all been orchestrated by the hand of God. I cannot boast in any of this success because none of it was from me. I fully recognize that God has simply used me as a vessel for his work. All it took was the simple act of obedience. Future Plans I am unsure about the specific career that God is calling me to pursue. I will work for the glory of God in any career. I recognize that I want to be involved in mission work. I was blessed with the opportunity to go on two overseas mission trips this summer. My heart changed in the acceptance that the Great Commission is not to be taken lightly. Activities and Service to Others Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Beta Club; Key Club; Serteens; Future Business Leaders of America; West Jones Varsity Swim Team; Junior Auxiliary Crown Club; Teens Getting Involved in the Future; Generation FREE Youth Advisory Board for the State of Mississippi; Grace International World Missions; and Atmosphere, our youth’s worship band, where I play the keyboard.

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AUSTIN DILLON Madison-Ridgeland Academy Broadmoor Baptist Church A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith I have always chosen to spend a lot of my extra time on the baseball field behind home plate as a catcher. During my freshman year, I had the honor of practicing and playing with our varsity team. Little did I know, the honor would become one of the most trying times of my Christian walk and would challenge me to live out my faith on and off the field. I felt as though the team was playing against me instead of with me. The realization was that only a few of the players were actually critical, unsupportive, and contradicting, but it was continuous. I continued to work hard, pray daily about the situation, and support my teammates as best as I could through the negative remarks they made. I am grateful for my Godly coaches and their Christlike character that helped me stay spiritually focused and look beyond our daily trials. A Bible verse I referred to often that year was I Peter 2:15 that says, “For it is God’s will that your doing good should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” By the end of my freshman year, our team motto had become “Band of Brothers”. We won the MAIS State Championship, which was a highlight of my year. However, I will always treasure the remarks from two seniors who told me that I had been a Christian influence for them throughout the year. A Christian Mentor/Influence My grandfather is one of the most influential Christian leaders who has directly impacted my life. His wisdom and love for the Lord is shown daily in his service and dedication to his church and its members. He has taught me to pray daily and that my walk with the Lord should be strong and intentional. He also has shown me that Sundays should be dedicated to going to church and worship, but the rest of the week is just as important to serve our Lord. Tim Tebow is one of my favorite Christian leaders. Sports play a huge part in his life. I see him as a role model because he has been ridiculed, mocked, and laughed at because of his faith. No matter how much this happens, he still stays strong in his beliefs. To me that is a true leader. He leads by example. I can relate to him since sports and my faith have been important to me in high school. Because I have recently committed to play

baseball in college, sports will continue to be part of my life. I plan to remember what Tim Tebow and my grandfather believe in as I move on to the next phase of my life. Activities and Service to Others Honor Society Vice-President; Mu Alpha Theta; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Bible Club,Young Life, and Christian Student Leadership Institute. I am grateful to have been awarded leadership, courtesy, and service awards by our faculty. As a catcher for MRA’s Baseball team and a team captain, I do my best to set an example on and off the baseball field. I enjoy spending time with our elementary baseball buddies through our mentoring program. I am also part of the East Coast Baseball team that is a Christ-centered organization that travels around the Southeast U.S. playing baseball and ministering to other teams. In my community, I am a Junior Ambassador for Madison the City Chamber of Commerce, and a volunteer for In His steps Ministry and Mustard Seed. At Broadmoor Baptist Church, I am a Bible School leader, involved in our youth group, DNOW, and Friday Night Friends.

SARAH KENNEDY DUNCAN Jackson Preparatory School First Presbyterian Church Jackson A Christian Mentor/Influence Two years ago, I picked up a book on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and quite honestly the Christian life has never made more sense to me. I pride myself on being logical and intelligent and to be honest there is much in the Christian life that can’t be reasoned out. I struggled with that for a while and reading Bonhoeffer’s story was a relief. Here was a man who grew up in an intelligent family and who could have been successful in any number of fields. But to him the Bible and Christianity made perfect sense. His explanations of certain parts of theology were clearer for me than explanations I had heard before. In addition, he was not willing to give an inch on his beliefs even when popular opinion was against him. He did not compromise on the things that were important, but he knew when to listen. I want to have good enough judgment to know when to fight and when to listen.

Living a Distinctly Christian Life in a World Hostile to My Faith I want to be informed and firm in my belief, quick to listen patiently to others, and careful to present them the truth in love. “A good defense is the best offense” is a definite guideline for me. I want to help change people’s minds without attacking them or turning them away because of my aggressiveness. I am a firm believer in knowing your opponent’s argument as well, or better, than your opponent. I have an open mind and I am capable of hearing opposing beliefs without getting offended. I think because I am willing to openly debate ideas instead of just telling people that they are wrong that I can have an influence on groups of people. I hope that with my career I will be in a position to talk with those deciding the issues of our age. Future Plans I have a love of politics and of breaking things apart, but I also do not like to speak publicly. My leadership style has always been a background one. I would rather ensure that a project gets done efficiently than get the credit for it. I have never been someone who wants to be in the spotlight; I would much rather fix things for others. As a policy analyst, I would be working on issues that could promote human flourishing, help our nation, state, and community, and even the church. This work would afford me the opportunity to “promote the general welfare” of all people, while at the same time being a Christian witness. I want to be salt and light, as Jesus called his disciples to be.

EMILY HANKINS Oxford High School First Baptist Church Oxford A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith I was asked to write a research paper for AP English. I knew there were some atheists in my class, and I had spent the entire year thinking of ways to share my faith with them in the most positive way possible. These are very intelligent kids who are not easily persuaded. They are convinced that there are no good reasons to believe, but I know that it takes just as much faith to believe in no God as it does to believe in my God. The real issue is that they just don’t want Jesus to be in charge of their lives. I decided to do my research paper on Jesus’

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resurrection, providing clear evidence of his rising from the dead. After presenting my thesis, my English teacher told me that I should choose something different because only topics accompanied by factual resources would be allowed for discussion in her class. After briefly explaining the legitimacy of the Bible as a resource, I was granted permission to write the paper. In addition to evidence from the Bible, I also provided support from atheist scholars showing the reliability of the Bible itself. This made my research more intriguing to the class. While there was not a mass revival after my presentation, I know the gospel was clearly given to my classmates and teacher. Activities and Service to Others First Baptist Oxford Youth Choir and Student Leadership Board; Vacation Bible School; Drama Team. Volunteer at WinShape Camp, which reaches kids from all over the community with the gospel; Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team; Sophomore Class President, Junior Class VicePresident, and Student Body President; National Honor Society; OxfordLafayette Junior Leadership Team; Oxford Mayor’s Youth Council; Oxford High Cross Country (team captain and six years with five individual AllState performances); Varsity Track; Baseball Diamond Girl; Concert Choir; Theatre—I was chosen to travel with a small troupe to Scotland this summer to perform in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest theatre festival in the world. I’m heavily involved in a mentoring program where we get to build relationships with intellectually challenged students by eating lunch and doing different projects with them to teach them how to interact properly with others and to show them that they are deeply loved.

LAUREN HERRING Jackson Preparatory School Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church Living a Distinctly Christian Life in a World Hostile to My Faith I believe that a person’s worldview is shown through their actions. I will continue to have a Christlike attitude and actions in hope to attract nonbelievers to Christianity. Although some people will be antagonistic toward me because of my faith in Christ, I believe that God uses situations like this to both grow my faith in Him and at the same time be a witness to help those people see a need for Christ in their own life. Favorite Scripture One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11. It is very comforting to know that God does everything for a reason because He has a plan for everyone. This verse is also very encouraging to me because I am dyslexic; I tend to have to work harder in some areas than others would, but because of this verse I know that God has a reason for me to have dyslexia. When I was younger I never understood why God made me dyslexic, but I have learned that because I know how it feels to be different or struggle with certain things, I can relate to others who struggle.

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Activities and Service to Others Community Service Club; National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Spanish Club; Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica; Varsity Volleyball; Diamond Girl; Sunnybrook Children’s Home Volunteer; Bethany Christian Services Volunteer; Operation Christmas Child; Pear Orchard Presbyterian Youth Group, and Young Life.

LAUREN JOHNSON Hillcrest Christian School Wynndale Baptist Church Activities and Service to Others I was recently selected by a panel of teachers and administrators to serve on the Leadership Team. As a member, I am responsible for preparing and delivering devotionals at Chapel and also leading morning devotions and prayer that are broadcast to the entire school. I currently serve as Student Body President. I love to stay active and fit and have played softball for the past three years and been a Cheerleader for the past six years. At Cheer camp, I was selected as an All-American Cheerleader for three years, Pay-ItForward Recipient, and invited to try out for the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) staff. I attended Youth Legislature of Mississippi for four years, where I was exposed to conflicting viewpoints and opinions contrary to my beliefs. I was challenged to interject and incorporate my Christian faith, beliefs, and morals into the discussions, debates, and decisions. I am a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Book Club at my school. Last year I was honored to participate in the Distinguished Young Women of Hinds County program. This program provided me so many opportunities to develop new and lasting friendships, sharpen my interview skills, and just learn so much about myself. I was selected as first runner-up and won the Fitness award; however, the experience and self-confidence I gained from this program far outweighs any amount of scholarship money I could have been awarded. I have been involved with the Mustard Seed’s Challenger’s League for three years. I am an active member of the Wynndale Baptist Church Youth Group. I have been involved in small-group Bible studies, DNOW, etc. I have had the privilege to mentor and share with young girls my testimony and lead them in Bible studies. I have been on several mission trips to Beautiful Feet and Mission Arlington. Future Plans I truly believe God is leading me into the medical field, specifically to be a pediatrician. A couple of years ago, I went on a mission trip to Arlington, Texas, where our group ministered to children at intercity apartment complexes. God spoke to my heart on this trip and told me that I may be the only person that could reach these kids and share Christ’s love with them. Children hold a very special place in my heart, and I genuinely want to invest my time and talents into ministering to them through my chosen profession.

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CAROLINE JONES Jackson Preparatory School Trinity Presbyterian Church Jackson Living a Distinctly Christian Life in a World Hostile to My Faith I recently read The Reason for God by Dr. Tim Keller. At the same time I was reading it, we were having faith-related discussions in my English class. These discussions soon turned to debates about religion, and from there, into confessions. I was shocked and angered. I wanted to defend Jesus, but I believe God stopped me. The next Sunday, my Sunday school class watched a discussion between Tim Keller and six atheists. The way that Dr. Keller addressed their concerns with Christianity was humbling—he never attacked them, and he never made them feel dumb or unimportant. Though their arguments were circular and shallow, Dr. Keller chose not to point out their flaws; rather he led them carefully through their supposed beliefs to reach an unavoidable conclusion about the Gospel. He guided the discussions by posing starting questions, then, he patiently listened and let them talk. Dr. Keller’s approach to nonbelievers, even those who are hostile towards the message of the Gospel, is what I strive for. I want to live intentionally for Christ in a world that is forever in opposition to all who proclaim the truth by seeking after Christ and living in love. Activities and Service to Others For the past 16 years I have danced with the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet. Each year, we take the Nutcracker to a local elementary school and share our love of dancing with boys and girls that otherwise might never get to see it. At Jackson Preparatory School, I am an officer of the Pacers dance team, a member of the Student Council since 7th grade, National Honor Society Treasurer, Spanish Club President, and President of the Senior Class Service Project. I am a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church where I have taught ballet at our Arts and Sports Camp, and lead worship regularly on Sunday nights. My sophomore year I became

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involved with Young Life, and started to attend a weekly Bible study my junior year. I have volunteered at the Mustard Seed, and loved every second of it. Spending time at the Mustard Seed led me to attend Young Life Capernaum camp for special needs.

NOAH JOYNER Madison-Ridgeland Academy Pinelake Church A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith I have tried to live out my faith by example at school. Specifically, I have tried to be a Christian role model to the younger guys on my football team. I try to be kind and encouraging to them at practice and games. I really try to make sure that my behavior backs up what I say about being a follower of Christ. Activities and Service to Others I am involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bible Club,Young Life, Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society. I play varsity football, soccer, and run track. I also played basketball through my junior year. This year I was selected for the Student Leadership Institute (SLI). This is the first year our school has offered this program and I was honored to be selected to participate. We are learning to be leaders based on Jesus’ model and to be disciples to all nations. I have volunteered the past 2 summers at my church’s Sports Camp. I have worked with elementary children reading devotions and using sports as an opportunity to help them know Christ. I also attend DNOW at Broadmoor and do various service projects that weekend. I volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Heart Association, Horses for Handicapped, and Christmas on Ice. I also served as a Senate Page for Lt. Governor Reeves and am currently a Youth Ambassador for the MS Children’s Museum.

RALEY MALONE ALLIE KING Jackson Academy Broadmoor Baptist Church A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith I strongly believe that my school is my mission field, and I have challenged myself not to graduate without making somewhat of a difference for Christ. Through this challenge and dream, I became one of the founders and creators of Jackson Academy’s “The Retreat.” The Retreat is a student-organized and led Christian weekend revival for students in grades 7-12. Our goal for this weekend was to give students of all ages and backgrounds a chance to grow in their relationship with Christ while surrounded by their closest school friends. I was blessed to teach and lead a class called “Purpose in Relationships and Dating” to all of the girls who attended The Retreat. The response from leading this class was so rewarding, and I learned so much from all of the girls and their stories. I have continued to mentor many of these girls throughout their walk with Christ and within their relationships. The Retreat was a weekend that transformed our school campus and student body by challenging us to chase after Christ and His purpose for our lives. Future Plans I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, a desire to be a leader for the Lord, and a love for mentoring young women. I feel called to study business and be a Social Entrepreneur, which is an individual with innovative solutions to society’s most pressing social problems. I believe God is calling me to create a modest clothing line for young women and to partner with creative women from poverty-stricken foreign markets to help them provide for their families. It is a big dream, and I am praying for God’s hand and wisdom over me throughout the journey.

Oak Grove High School Venture Church Favorite Scripture My favorite passage of scripture is Philippians 2:1-5 because it exemplifies the attitude of a Christ-follower. The passage encourages Christians to act as one unit with a common goal—a message I have seen lived out in my own church body as our fellowship has grown and has striven to reach the lost. Although Paul was writing this passage to the believers in Philippi, I have seen the impact of being like-minded in Christ firsthand, which is one of the reasons this passage of scripture is so significant to me. Also, as someone who can easily become caught up in pride, I have made this verse my prayer as a reminder that my purpose on this earth is not to impress those around me but is to impress the Lord upon them through service and humility. School Activities and Service I am a member of National Honor Society and Student Council, and I am also a member of the Oak Grove Theatre Department and participate in theatre competitions. A majority of the community service I have been involved in has been through the Forrest General Hospital Spirit Girls Program, where I serve as Captain. Spirit Girls is a program for females in grades 7-12 that promotes well-being and community service in young women in the Hattiesburg area. Through Spirit Girls, I have become a regular volunteer at the Association for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, assisting with their after school program for children and young adults. I also participate each year on our 7th grade retreat as a “Big Sister” (leader) and attend both the annual youth mission trip and fall retreat. Each Sunday, I teach a K-6th grade Sunday school class at Venture Church’s newly opened satellite campus. One of the latest community outreach projects is a weekly Bible Club at a local low-income apartment complex that my friends and I were given the chance to lead.

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Each week, with the children, we sing songs, play games, and share a Bible story. I lead a small group for junior high girls each Wednesday night at church after the youth service. This group has become involved with The Fieldhouse for the Homeless, a local day shelter for homeless men, women, and families. Several times a year, we meet at the Fieldhouse to lead a Bible study, provide worship, and serve breakfast to its residents. Through my church and extracurricular activities, I have been blessed with many opportunities to share the love of Christ through service within the Hattiesburg community.

ABBY MISKELLY Madison Central High School Broadmoor Baptist Church A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith On Friday, August 22, 2014, one of my dear friends from my elementary years, Walker Wilbanks, was in major pain during his football game. He was rushed to the emergency room right away. It was an upsetting weekend thinking about one of my friends about to pass away. Monday morning I felt called to lead a prayer circle in front of my school and I tried my best to encourage everyone to gather with me to pray for Walker and read scripture. It turned out to be a great outcome, and it was amazing to see our community come together as one in a time of desperation like this. Students who did not even know Walker still showed up to comfort those in need. Favorite Scripture My favorite Bible passage is Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a better hope and future.” This verse has always stuck out to me and been one of my life verses. In March of ninth grade, I didn’t make the Jackson Academy cheerleading squad and I was devastated. My mom just kept telling me over and over that God had a bigger and better plan for me. When summer rolled around, I decided to go on the Broadmoor mission trip to St. Louis, and also to Camp Broadmoor. I became good friends with lots of Madison Central girls. The day before school started, God showed me that plan, and it was for me to switch schools and go to Madison Central and be a light in their school and share the gospel there. It was a scary change, but I knew God really wanted me there. Living a Distinctly Christian Life in a World Hostile to My Faith As people in our world become more and more antagonistic towards Christianity, I think that it will encourage me to go out and tell others about God more often than I do now. It is my goal to lead as many people to Christ as I can because I know that is what we are called to do. It says in Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” We

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were called to go to ALL nations so that NO ONE will be left not hearing the name of the Lord. We should all strive each day to tell as many people as we can about our great God.

MEAGAN MOFFATT Park Place Christian Academy Flowood Baptist Church School Activities and Service During my ninth grade year, I received an award for the most service hours. I had volunteered to work at PPCA afterschool care. I enjoyed working with the children and getting to know their parents. Another one of my favorite community service activities is teaching Vacation Bible School at my church. Every year I sign up to help teach the K5 class. In summer 2014, I was accepted by Lifeway Ministries to work as a Student Leadership Apprentice (SLA) with the FUGE camps at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. The SLA program is offered to only 100 teens in the United States. This program allows teens to learn about what it really means to be a leader for Christ and provides guidance on how to promote your faith with other teens through a summer camp program. In Nashville, I toured the corporate offices of Lifeway Ministries and shadowed leading staffers on campus. Favorite Scripture 1 Thessalonians 4:10-13 (NIV) reads, “Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life:You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” I feel like these verses show a blueprint of how we should live our lives. These verses shine light on how we should walk daily in our life doing whatever it is that God has appointed us to do. Living a Distinctly Christian Life in a World Hostile to My Faith The world is losing the basic biblical principles and it begins in the home. So many children grow up in broken families with parents that are not churched and raising their children to not attend church. I plan to live my faith intentionally by spreading love and compassion to everyone, especially children. The world is looking for hope and love and acceptance. They will only find those things in the Lord. I plan to live my faith intentionally by speaking out against issues that are against the Christian lifestyle, pray for those people who discourage me, and show love to those people who are lost and indifferent to Christians. The Bible says to be bold in your faith and bring the lost world to know Christ.

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ANNIE PEASTER Manchester Academy Second Presbyterian Church Christian Leaders Who Have Most Impacted My Life One of the greatest Christian leaders that has impacted my life is my dad, James Peaster. He has continually changed my life in the way I think and act as a Christian. From the time I was a little girl, he pointed me to the Bible, teaching me to be Christ-centered rather than peer-driven, to be obedient in every area of life because everything matters to God, and to submit to His will in all circumstances because God is sovereign. There is a significant difference, however, in being taught something and being shown something by example. My mother was diagnosed with cancer this past year, and she is the jewel of my dad’s life. My dad showed me what it meant to truly humble oneself under the hard providences of God, trusting that He will work all things for His glory and the good of His children. The Puritans have also had a great impact on my life because they have shaped the doctrines of our Church’s constitution, in which I wholeheartedly believe. School Activities and Service I am a member of the Quiz Bowl team, BETA Club Honor Society, MAPTA, SADD, FCA, and Math and Science Team. I also enjoy participating in the school’s Drama Club and have the honor to serve as Senior Class Vice President. I love athletics and enjoy being a member of the tennis, track, cheer, and soccer teams, and I was able to participate in the MAIS All Star Soccer game. I tutor elementary students and volunteer for Kindergarten Reading Day and peer tutoring. I often play the violin for my church’s youth group, and accompany a pianist at a local nursing home. In the community, I have run a 5k run to raise funds for an injured child; I have been involved in Project Christmas Child for Blair E. Batson, Kairos Prison Ministry, and visiting various nursing homes with my classmates. Living a Distinctly Christian Life in a World Hostile to My Faith I will strive to give all glory to God in everything that I set my hands to do. I will strive for excellence because my God is a God of perfection, not mediocrity. I pray that I will be compassionate and understanding to those who disagree with me, yet firm in my beliefs and standards. I hope to never become tolerant of or complacent about the sins of today that are called “normal.”

LILY PITTMAN Mooreville High School The Church at Trace Crossing A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith I love my High School soccer team, and I cherish every girl on the team. However, there are a few girls on my team that do not know about the wonderful story of Jesus Christ. One day as we were working out, my friend began to ask me what the differences were between different churches. As I began to explain, I realized that this was a perfect 38 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

opportunity for me to present the gospel to her. After I was through explaining about the churches I said, “Well you do know why Jesus died on the cross, right?” She responded with a simple, “No.” My heart stopped and I was overwhelmed with the opportunity the Lord had just placed before me. I explained the gospel, and I told her that Jesus died on the cross to pay for all the sins that we have committed, the sins we’re committing now, and all the sins we will commit in the future. Jesus took the punishment so that we can have a relationship with Christ. School Activities and Service I am actively involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. We have devotions every Wednesday, and we encourage everyone in the school to attend. I am a part of the FCA Council, which means I give devotions on Wednesdays and help plan and organize any events that we put together. I am a member of Anchor Club and Beta Club. I am currently serving as the Junior Civitan President and Chaplain. I have been a part of Student Council for seven years, and I am currently the president. I am also a part of the varsity soccer team, and I am a team captain. I volunteer with the Angel Tree organization and the Ronald McDonald House annually. I am an active member of my church’s youth group, and I attend life group on Sunday night. Future Plans I have always had a heart for taking care of people especially hurt or sick people. I love the feeling of being able to provide for someone’s needs. I know that by becoming a nurse, I will have the opportunity not only to provide for my patients’ physical needs, but also for their spiritual needs. Being a nurse would open up so many doors for me to be able to share the love of Christ with others.

HOLLY PRATHER Regents School of Oxford College Hill Presbyterian Church A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith Years ago, there was a girl at my school who had several disabilities, and most everybody I knew made fun of her. I know that in their minds they were just having a good laugh but, still, it hurt her every time they teased and poked fun at her. On many occasions she would come to me in tears wondering what she had done to deserve the hatred of others. I hurt every time I saw her like this because she deserved none of the teasing that others gave her, when all she ever wanted was a friend. Every human is made in the image of God and so I know God had made her exactly like he designed her to be. So, I tried to be the friend that I knew God wanted me to be with her. It

was not easy and it certainly did not gain me any popularity points, but I knew it was the right thing to do. Now, I am glad I took the time to get to know her because it opened up my eyes to a world I had never even realized before, a world where people are ostracized and forgotten. Future Plans For years now, I have felt a pull on my heart by God to become a missionary, to help the poor and broken of the world. Because of my many Latino friends, I have developed a love for the culture and people of South America. My desire is to help as many people as God will let me. I want my life to be poured out so that the lost can come to know Jesus as their Savior. School Activities and Service Through my church, I have gone on several mission trips the past couple of years. The first was a trip to Bogota, Colombia. It really opened my eyes to the poverty and hunger in the world and, for the first time, I began to realize I wanted to spend my life helping people. More recently, I went on a three-week mission trip to Nashville, Tennessee. While there, I worked with a Latino church called El Faro doing kids ministry and getting to know the culture and the people. I have also attended youth group at my church since I was in the sixth grade and have gone on numerous service events and summer trips. Every summer, I also participate in a joint Vacation Bible School with my church and our local International Guest House Ministries. Through my school, I played basketball and tennis. I also participate in our school’s student government. Our seventh through twelfth grades are divided into two houses, named Columbia and Ignatius, that compete against each other all year long in various athletic and academic competitions. For three years now, I have been elected House Captain of Ignatius. Being House Captain has taught me a lot about leadership and responsibility.

TOLAR PURVIS Jackson Preparatory School First Baptist Church Jackson A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith As a senior guy in high school, I felt the need for a Bible study that pertained to all the decisions and life struggles that I am facing as we finish high school and move on to the next chapter in life. I decided to start this Bible study this year, and now have around fifteen guys who have committed to come on Monday nights. We also have five outstanding local Christian men who have also committed to being there and speaking to us on topics that affect us. Through their own personal experiences they have shared with us, we are able to see how they handled situations and what they learned, whether good or bad. One of our leaders has started challenging us to share our faith outside of our group, whether by unnoticed action or just telling someone you are praying for them. School Activities and Service At school, I am on the tennis team, and participate in youth legislature, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish Club, and global leadership. I also coach upward basketball, lead a small group, and run the cameras at my church. Outside of school, I have been working with an orphanage in

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An annual event hosted by the Jackson Prep PAT Heart of the Home is a community event benefiting Jackson Preparatory School’s educational programs, classroom activities, and teacher endowments. mschristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2015 39

Guatemala called Eagle’s Nest that I visited and felt a calling to serve. I started a ministry out of First Baptist Jackson to help fund projects that Eagle’s needed help with. I led a group of fifteen guys to Guatemala last summer, and will be taking a group of 45 this summer. Over the last two years, we have raised almost $35,000 for the orphanage and hope to continue to grow our ministry. The best part about my ministry is actually getting to go to the orphanage and seeing the kids every year. Future Plans The path that I feel led to go down for my career is medicine. Having several physicians in my family and each one being such a strong Christian, I have seen how my faith can play such an important role in other people’s lives. I have also witnessed my aunt and grandmother’s fights with cancer and how much we needed the Lord during these most difficult times. I want to be a strong Christian doctor, who is not only there medically for my patients, but also pastorally.

KAT WHITMAN Northwest Rankin High School Word of Life Church A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith We have a faith-based club at my school run by students called Youth Alive. I am co-president of this club and it has taken a good deal of perseverance, faith, and courage to keep the club going. During fall of my junior year, the club leaders and I stood at the front of the school handing out New Testament Bibles and hot chocolate. This act of kindness and courage boosted our attendance at Youth Alive meetings tremendously. To stand in front of the school in the morning and hand out Bibles is one of the most intimidating things that I have ever done. Although many students looked at us with disdain, or even laughed at us, many students came to the Youth Alive meeting the next day and one of my friends even got saved. This experience really showed me that although living out your faith for Christ can sometimes seem like a daunting and intimidating task, the reward for being bold for Christ is always great! Favorite Scripture Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Although I have always known and liked this verse, this scripture has become very close to my heart recently. Due to the fact that I am a senior in high school, I am currently seeking the Lord about what I want to do with the rest of my life. It is very easy to get overwhelmed and fearful of the future, but this scripture reminds me to always look to the Lord as my source. No matter what happens I know that God is on my side and he will provide for me. When I meditate on this passage I remind myself that I will not look to loans, scholarships, or even my parents as my source of strength or happiness. In this time of uncertainty, I will put my faith and trust in God. Future Plans I believe that the Lord is calling me to be an elementary school 40 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

teacher, specifically first grade. My love for children actually began when I was 12 while working in the church nursery. I believe that the education and hearts of young children is so incredibly important. I believe that the Lord has called me to be a positive influence in the lives of elementary school children, and show them the love of Christ by being a loving and compassionate teacher.

EMILY YOUNG Raleigh High School First Baptist Church Raleigh A Situation Where I Lived Out My Faith While studying chromosomes and genetics in Biology II my sophomore year, the subject of Down’s syndrome was discussed. This condition sparked quite a debate between the students in the class. Because of the wide variety of opinions, our instructor arranged a debate for the following day on this question: If you/your wife were pregnant and had tests indicating the offspring had Down’s syndrome, would you terminate the pregnancy or carry the baby to term? I was selected to represent those who felt that termination should not be exercised. During this debate, I cited the Bible to strengthen my argument that God doesn’t make mistakes. Jeremiah 1:5 states, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.” Psalm 139 explains that God “knit me together in my mother’s womb.” There are no accidents created by God; only man. In my closing arguments, I was able to share a very personal story. During my mother’s first pregnancy, she was informed by her physician that tests indicated a higher than normal risk of delivering a baby with Down’s syndrome. She endured the remainder of that pregnancy unsure if her baby would be born with a genetic disorder. Due to my mother’s beliefs in what the Bible states about abortions, termination was not an option. On October 23, 1996, she delivered a healthy baby girl—me! School Activities and Service My peers elected me to serve as treasurer of the Beta Club and Envirothon. As a four-year member of the Varsity Cheer Squad, I have been an active participant in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Earlier this year, I was selected as President of the Teen Council on Drug Prevention, a platform that provides me with an opportunity to express my beliefs to Elementary students and to serve as an example of a happy teenager who abstains from alcohol and drugs. I am active in the Youth Group and have recently joined the Congregational Choir at church. I enjoy performing musical selections using sign language, as well. For several years, I have volunteered my time with HealthTrust, a benevolent organization affiliated with Magee General Hospital, whose mission is to provide better healthcare to the underserved patients in the surrounding area. Whether in school, in my community, or church, I strive to conduct myself in a way in which others will see Christ in me. Favorite Scripture Proverbs 31:25 states, “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” The Bible provides clear guidance about qualities of a Godly woman. Many believe that women of the Bible are portrayed as weak and shy; however, Proverbs describes a woman of strong character, great wisdom, many skills, and great compassion. Her attractiveness comes entirely from her character and her beauty is a reflection of her reverence to God. Y

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UPDATES FROM PAST CHRISTIAN LEADERS I am a sophomore at Mississippi State University. The only advice I can give to the new leaders is that no matter what happens in this world, Christ has already overcome it and has a plan that is greater than anything you could ever imagine for your life as long as you are seeking Him. Our purpose on this earth is to make disciples of all nations and that includes college campuses. As Christians, everything we do, should point to God and proclaim His great name to everyone. “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly” (1 Peter 4:8). Max Bloomingburg Oak Grove High School, Class of 2013

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I am currently in my second semester at Washington University in St. Louis, where I am pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering and playing football. I am really enjoying the courses that I am taking, and look forward to getting into the heart of my curriculum. I have gotten involved with numerous organizations on campus, and have found this is a great way to meet people and maximize my college experience. I have found that college has involved a serious culture shift, because there are just so many people with different viewpoints. The best advice I can give incoming freshman is to find a group of like-minded believers and become a part of their community My future plans are to earn my bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering, a minor in Aerospace Engineering, and possibly a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. My career goal is to work in aviation, either with aircraft or space flight. Mark McMillin St. Andrews Episcopal School Class of 2014

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I am currently a freshman at Hinds Community College where I am a member of the Hinds Eagle Marching Band Colorguard. 42 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

The college campus is filled with distractions but God has blessed me to remain focused. I have a 3.6 GPA and I am on the Dean’s List. God has also allowed me to share my talent of choreographing praise dances for not only my church, but also for other churches in the area. In order to maintain your walk with the Lord while being on a college campus, you must find a route that will keep you connected to God in some way. Whether it is by joining a local Christian group or staying involved and grounded in church, you must also continue to pray and always make time to work on building your relationship with God. After I receive my Associate of Arts degree from Hinds, I will attend The University of Mississippi where I plan to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communicative Sciences & Disorders (Speech Pathology). I am passionate about this field of study and I plan to start a nonprofit organization to raise awareness about the importance of this developmental disorder. It is my goal to change lives by helping children overcome their speech impediments and build their communication skills. Mickala Hodges Terry High School Class of 2014

•••••••••••••••••• After graduating high school last year, I started school at the University of Mississippi. My first semester I majored in Pharmacy, but after only a few short weeks I realized Pharmacy was definitely not what God had intended me to do with my life. I switched my major to English— something I am really excited about. Now I’m in my second semester and loving every minute of it. College is so fun. My advice is to continue keeping a close a relationship with God. In college, it’s harder than ever. Some people find that college Christian organizations such as RUF, CREW, and Young Life are good ways to strengthen their relationship with God, and meet people along the way with values similar to their own. I think these organizations are great, but most

importantly I think the relationship that you keep with God in your own time, day to day, is key in maintaining your walk with the Lord. Praying and getting a good devotional to read are two things that can always help. It’s also a good idea to look at the local churches in your college town. Find a church that suits you and get up and go! Paige Rogers Jackson Academy Class of 2014

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Since I graduated from high school, I have been attending Mississippi College and studying to get my bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, majoring in Sports Management. During the past four years at MC, I have served as an Orientation Leader and a Welcome Week Crew member. I have also worked on campus for the MC Intramural program as a student director. One of my favorite things I’ve done is join Civitan Men’s Club. Civitan has given me so many guys that I can honestly call my brothers. It has also given me opportunities to serve in leadership roles such as Vice President and Rush Chairman. Coming into MC, one of the things I was most looking forward to was joining the Bass Fishing Team. It has been a great experience for me and I have fished at some of the most desired fishing locations the Southeast has to offer! My best advice would be to either get plugged in with an on-campus college ministry or even just a local church. Without your parents around and with all the new challenges and experiences that await you in college, it’s best to have a few of the right kind of friends to keep you accountable. Friends are what make college the time of your life anyway, so they might as well be people you can count on and who have the same passion for the Lord as you. Will Hedgepeth Madison Ridgeland Academy Class of 2011

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Throughout my four years at Union University, I have learned to take on various

responsibilities and leadership roles. From serving my sorority as chapter president, to being a new student orientation leader, and even serving as a Young Life leader in a local high school, God has helped use me to lead others as I actively follow Him. As you strive to maintain your walk with the Lord, I would challenge you to take a moment and step back once you get to college. This life is not all about us, and the sooner we realize that and surrender our lives to God, the sooner He can do amazing works in and through us. I encourage you to get involved in a Christian organization that allows you to spread Christ’s love and focus on serving others in your community. By focusing less on yourself and on others more, I believe you are able to learn more about God and His love than you could ever imagine. Also, as basic or simple as this may sound, going to church and becoming active in a body of believers is so crucial to your spiritual health and development. Find some friends and connect in a local church body—I promise you won’t regret it. Emily Russell Jackson Preparatory School Class of 2011

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My advice to incoming freshmen would be to decide now not to set your heart on anything other than the Lord. Coming to college and being placed in a totally new atmosphere, it’s easy for us to seek what we want to be defined by to all of the new people we meet, such as being the prettiest, or the smartest, or the most popular. Without coming before the Lord daily to humbly bow to Him and let Him have every single one of our days, we will strive in vain for glories that never satisfy us like the wholeness of Christ. I am a freshman at Mississippi College this year. In my future I feel like the Lord is leading me to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. I want to show kids the joy that is found in the Lord and to help and take care of those who need it. Lacy Pigford Hillcrest Christian School Class of 2014

I graduated from Lanier High School in 2009, and graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2013 with a Bachelors Degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. While at Ole Miss, I fell in love with Student Affairs. I was an Orientation Leader, Luckyday Peer Leader, and a Resident Assistant during my time at Ole Miss. I went on to the University of Central Arkansas to pursue my Masters in College Student Personnel Services and Administration (Student Affairs). College is sometimes difficult to navigate. There may be times where you feel defeated, or you feel alone. The good thing is, you’re never alone! God has a plan; many times we don’t understand it. College is where you rely on God the most.Your major, the organizations you want to join, the friends you choose—go to Him in prayer about it. He will lead you if you let Him. I will graduate this spring with my master’s degree in Student Affairs. I am looking forward to returning to the Jackson area and working on a college campus. I am passionate about helping high school students, as they get ready to pursue higher education. Tranquility Gordon Lanier High School Class of 2009

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Since I graduated high school in 2012, I have been in 2 fields of study Aerospace Engineering and Business Administration. The field that I am currently in, I absolutely love. The switch in majors turned out to be one of the greatest choices I have thusly made. I am still playing on the Mississippi State Football team at wide receiver, and loving it. My advice to the future graduates would firstly be, to have fun but stay focused. It is very easy to be led astray with all sorts of distractions, but if you surround yourself with the right people all will fall into place. Secondly, get rooted into an organization that will help you grow spiritually. F.C.A (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and R.U.F (Reformed University Fellowship) have helped me in my spiritual growth, and also brought along friends that I could network with. Javous Nicks University Christian School Class of 2012

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➺food for thought

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.”

by LYDIA BOLEN

– John 4:34

Ladies Who Lunch

grew up in Southwest Mississippi in the 1950s and 60s. What to serve at an afternoon club meeting was

always discussed for weeks before my mother or my grandmother were to be a hostess. Memories of tomato aspic, creamed chicken on toast points, cheese wafers, frozen fruit salad, and pecan tassies are some of my most vivid ones. Today ladies continue to gather for garden club, bridge and various book club luncheons. Menus are still planned ahead and very much

TOMATO SALAD 1 1 3 2 1/3 1/2

can (16 oz.) stewed or whole tomatoes package sugar-free lemon Jello drops Tabasco sauce tablespoons lemon juice cup water cup celery, finely chopped

In a 1-quart saucepan, bring tomatoes to the boil. Reduce heat to low and add Jello. Stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in Tabasco, lemon juice, water, and celery. Pour into individual molds that are lightly greased, or an 8 x 8 inch or 9 x 9 inch pan. Chill several hours or overnight. To serve, remove from molds or cut into squares from the pan. Place each serving on lettuce and put a dollop of mayonnaise on top. Serves 6. Can double. (Adapted from my aunt, Frances Massey Watkins)

anticipated. Lunch menus haven’t changed much since my grandmother’s day—there are just easier ways to reinvent old family favorites. A refreshing new menu can be tarragon chicken salad, easy tomato salad, and vanilla tarts topped with fresh seasonal fruit. Delicious cheese biscuits are a nice accompaniment to this luncheon. I love the easy Red Lobster biscuit mix found at local groceries. Enjoy this new twist on older favorites! Y

CHICKEN SALAD

VANILLA TARTS

1 tablespoon butter 3/4 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 to 1 cup mayonnaise (Add amount according to the desired consistency.) 3 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 4 cups cooked chicken breasts, chopped 1 1/2 cups diced Granny Smith apples 1 cup celery, diced 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

2/3 1/4 1 1/2 3 2 1

Melt butter in skillet over medium to low heat. Add pecans, and cook, stirring constantly until toasted and fragrant. Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir in chicken and rest of ingredients until blended. Add salt and ground pepper to taste. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours. Stir in toasted pecans just before serving. Sprinkle top of each serving with remaining pecans. Makes 6 cups

cup sugar cup all-purpose flour cups buttermilk large eggs teaspoons vanilla bean paste (8 or 10 oz.) package frozen tart shells Toppings: Seasonal fresh fruit

Whisk together sugar and flour in a heavy saucepan. Add buttermilk and eggs; whisk until blended. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until a pudding-like thickness. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla bean paste. Cover and chill 4 to 24 hours. Bake frozen tart shells according to package directions. Cool completely. Spoon custard into tart shells, and top with seasonal fresh fruit before serving. Makes 8 tarts. Y

Remember to make memories through the kitchen—”the heartbeat of the home.” E-mail me at lbbolen@gmail.com for any questions. 44 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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S H O P P I N G ~ R E S TA U R A N T S ~ AT T R A C T I O N S

Spring into Spring

➺lagniappe by MARY MARGARET TURNER

A Look at Why Holmes Community College Is a Great College Choice hristina Bracey of Ridgeland is just one of the many students at Holmes who has been able to receive a top-notch education for a minimal cost, thanks to the plentiful scholarships available. Like countless other

students at Holmes, she received free tuition through the Dean’s ACT Scholarship, awarded to those with a composite score of 20-23. For students with an ACT score in the 24-27 range, the President’s ACT Scholarship is awarded, paying for half of all tuition, room, and board (if applicable), and with a 28, the Board of Trustees Scholarship is awarded, covering tuition, room, and board (if applicable) in full. Serving nine district counties through locations in Ridgeland, Goodman, Grenada and Kosciusko, Holmes seeks to meet the needs of all 6,316 of its students by offering something for everyone. Holmes provides quality, yet affordable, education programs to

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46 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

students of all ages and walks of life with programs in several formats including face-toface day and evening classes, online and hybrid coursework, and dual-enrollment for high school students seeking to get ahead. Holmes also offers full-service GED preparation and testing centers at multiple sites. Holmes helps students discover the right path for their individual needs and gain the knowledge and experience needed to excel. One of the benefits of attending Holmes is the financial advantage. In addition to the ACT scholarships, students can apply for a Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work Study Scholarship, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity, or apply for the Federal Direct Loan Program. Instate residents can also apply for Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) or Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG), and residents of Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Montgomery, or other Webster counties can apply for the Sumners Grant. Holmes also offers valedictorian/salutatorian scholarships and a number of endowment and patronage scholarships through the Development Foundation that can be awarded to students majoring in specific disciplines. In addition to low costs, a benefit of Holmes is the close-knit community. Whether it is in small classes (16:1 student to faculty ratio) or in one-on-one academic advising, Holmes faculty always make students their top priority. Providing the foundation for a good career is only a part of a Holmes education; the staff is engaged in the lives of their students, encouraging them to get involved. With more than 50 academic majors, approximately 30 career/technical programs, more than 50 extracurricular activities, and 10 athletic teams, the possibilities are limitless. The extracurricular programs provide gateways to scholarships, as well. For those seeking immediate entry into the workforce, Holmes offers Career/Technical programs. Programs such as cosmetology, engineering technology, nursing, surgical technology, and many others are available in both one- and two-year formats. For more information, call 1-800-HOLMES-4 or visit www.holmes.edu. Y Mary Margaret Turner is the public relations specialist for the Ridgeland Campus of Holmes Community College. She can be reached at mturner@holmescc.edu.

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➺salt & light by DEL HARRINGTON

Enriching the Lives of Adults with Big Hearts! made with love and sold to directly benefit the ministry of The Mustard Seed. Ceramic pieces are created, fired, and sold on the 11-acre campus located about a mile off Lakeland Drive on Luckney Road. The Mustard Seed Gift Shop is open Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 The Mustard Seed opened the doors to its p.m. and the second Saturday of each month ministry and to its campus located at 1085 Luckney Road in Flowood and has since grown from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. All proceeds from to include two residential homes, 10,000 square ceramic sales account for about 20% of the feet of workshop and activity space, a gift shop, annual budget and go directly to fund the program at The Mustard Seed. and an administrative office space. In addition to financial support from the The Mustard Seed currently houses 18 ceramics, remaining funding comes from adults with special needs in two residential generous contributions from individuals, homes and has another 23 enrolled in the Day corporations, foundations, churches, and Program. The Mustard Seed is a safe and schools, as well as tuitions paid by each special place for these adults to find meaning Seedsters’ family. The Mustard Seed does not and purpose in life. The “Seedsters,” clients at receive State or Federal funding; therefore, The Mustard Seed, enjoy painting ceramics, support from the community is vital. being a part of enrichment classes, hand Many families in the Southeast are in need building clay to create art, exercising, spending of services offered at The Mustard Seed, but time with volunteers, and experiencing great with its current size, the program is at capacity. things in the community. Future growth will allow The Mustard Seed to “Unique” is a word that describes not only touch and enrich the lives of additional adults the “Seedsters,” but also describes their with developmental disabilities. beautiful, handcrafted ceramics. Each piece is

he Mustard Seed is a Christian community for adults with developmental disabilities which works daily to enrich the lives of over 40 adults with special needs. In 1981,

48 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

Transforming lives, teaching skills, creating art, and loving life are all a part of the place we call The Mustard Seed! How can YOU help The Mustard Seed to continue its special ministry? Come be a part of “Racin’ for the Seed,” a fundraising event that will directly support the ongoing ministry at The Mustard Seed. All proceeds from the race on April 11 will impact the lives of over 40 special adults who appreciate your love, prayers, and support. For more information about “Racin’ for the Seed,” visit our race website at racinfortheseed.com. We invite you to come Race for the Seed as a participant, a sponsor, a spectator or a volunteer! For more information about The Mustard Seed, supporting its ministry, or volunteering your time, visit mustardseedinc.org or call 601.992.3556. Y

Del Harrington is the Director of Community Relations at The Mustard Seed.

➺

legal advice

by ELIZABETH WYNN

Good Advice: An Annual Review of Your Estate Plan s spring quickly approaches and you are planning your annual cleaning, remind yourself to also “clean up” your estate plan. How long has it been since

you’ve really looked at your documents? Have you recently reviewed your plan with the lawyer who prepared it? The first question you need to ask yourself is “what has changed”? Marriage or divorce? Births or deaths? Financial events? Any of these changes, or others, can affect your current estate plan, so your documents may need to be revised. What documents or provisions need to be reviewed? You need to examine whom you’ve designated as your executor, if you have a will, or your trustee, if you have a Revocable Living Trust. First and foremost, your trustee should be someone you know to be responsible and trustworthy. You might want to designate a corporate trustee, that is, a bank or a trust company, if you don’t have an individual who is capable of serving. That corporate trustee will provide expertise and resources that an individual trustee might not be able to provide, but they will charge a fee for their services. If you do name individual trustees, be sure you

HOWELL KYLE & WYNN, PLLC ATTORNEYS AT LAW

let them know in advance that they’ve been named. Discuss with them the responsibilities involved, and if you’ve made any unusual provisions in your plan such as disinheriting a child, or making unequal distributions among your children. Make sure your trustee is prepared for that. Next, you should review who your beneficiaries are, and what they are to receive in your current plan. Are all of the original named beneficiaries still alive? These are just some of the instances we see that require frequent revision. Along those same lines, have you made provisions to give away gifts of specific property, like family heirlooms, furnishings, or jewelry? In Mississippi, property items such as those mentioned above can be separated from your will or trust. A separate document can be prepared in accordance with Mississippi law and the will or trust will not affect their disposal. Thus, you might need to have that document added to your current plan. Also, you should review your financial powers of attorney. The authority granted can be extremely broad. Be sure you are comfortable with what you are granting. Together, with your financial powers of

attorney, you should also have an Advance Health-Care Directive. This document includes naming a person to make health care decisions for you in the event you can’t do it for yourself, and it also specifies your wishes for medical care. Again, there has to be a great degree of trust between you and the agent you name in this document, so be sure that you’ve appointed someone that is mature enough to handle the responsibility. If you have family members that live out of state or across the country, then you probably want to appoint someone who lives near you who can be accessible in the event of an emergency. Lastly, in the way of a review, check the beneficiary designations you have made on your life insurance and retirement plans, for the same reasons you need to review beneficiary designations in your will or trust. The use of beneficiary designations on insurance or retirement funds will cause that asset to avoid probate, but there can be problems when beneficiaries have creditors. Maybe the better way would be to make your trust the beneficiary because it can provide protection for your beneficiaries from creditors and other threats to their inheritance. Y

YOU·VE WORKED HARD FOR IT³WHY THROW IT AWAY? While you are alive, you can and should make all decisions and manage your personal affairs. What if you become incompetent? What happens at your death? Who will take over and manage your affairs? Will it be someone you chose or the court chose? How is that done? Will it be outside of court or in court? The same questions arise with the distribution of your assets. What about protecting your FKLOG·V LQKHULWDQFH IURP D GLYRUFH RU D ODZVXLW" :LOO \RXU KDUG-earned savings go to the nursing home? Have you ever asked yourself these questions? Howell Kyle & Wynn, PLLC is committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to avoid these types of situations which can be financially and emotionally devastating to your loved ones. Below are some items to consider:

Our life expectancy has increased, but are all of us going to be in good health in our old age? Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing what the future holds for ourselves and our families. Howell Kyle & Wynn, PLLC is dedicated to providing you and your family a plan that offers true peace of mind.

1-800-839-7857 www.HowellElderLaw.com

REVOCABLE LIVING TRUSTS

ASSET PROTECTION PLANNING

IRA INHERITANCE TRUSTS

POWERS OF ATTORNEY

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www.HowellElderLaw.com mschristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2015 49

Worried about everything you need to save for? From college to retirement, I can help you create a plan to reach your saving goals. Call today. Let’s talk about your plan for life. Modern Woodmen of America

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50 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on Transformation Jackson Holds Annual Event

ransformation Jackson began in 2007 when leaders of different races and religious backgrounds met to examine the needs, concerns and possible solutions to the challenges within the Metro Jackson area. Transformation Jackson connects the Metroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s churches, businesses, and civic leaders with one another, so they can work together to transform Jackson into a spiritual, prosperous, and safe place for people to live, work, play, and worship. Currently, they serve the community through three avenues: the Pastorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Connection, SHINE, and the Metro Ministry Expo. Executive Director Gene Henderson speaks passionately about the work, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Transformation Jackson is committed to serving the people in the Jackson metropolitan area. We meet with and seek guidance from pastors in a monthly Pastorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Connection meeting. Our annual day of service called, SHINE, originated with the pastors. Last year, Transformation Jackson sponsored the first Metro Ministry Expo. The purpose of the Expo is to 1) Collaborateâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Network ministries to better serve, 2) Mobilizeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Introduce the general public to service opportunities and, 3) Impactâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Work together to mobilize volunteers to bring positive change to the community. God is doing some unbelievable things through these ministries and I am privileged to be a part of this work.â&#x20AC;? Gene served as Pastor of First Baptist Church Brandon for nineteen years. He and his wife, Dorothy, have five children and seventeen grandchildren. In 2009, over 8,000 volunteers participated in SHINE. It is estimated that the work completed through the efforts of SHINE volunteers has totaled over $4 million. Jasper and Carolyn Bacon of In His Steps Ministries in Canton state, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The volunteers who served with In His Steps Ministries did an outstanding job. They let their light shine through the services they rendered (Matthew 5:16). We look forward to working with local partners again next year.â&#x20AC;? This year, the Metro Ministry Expo happens March 28, 9:30 a.m.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1:30 p.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall. This event is free. Primus Wheeler, Executive Director of the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation, states, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Metro Ministry Expo gives the many programs and ministries at the Jackson Medical Mall the opportunity to collaborate with other ministries with similar missions and goals. Our combined efforts will positively impact the spiritual reclamation of the greatness that the City of Jackson once experienced. We look forward to hosting this event each year and we encourage all to participate.â&#x20AC;? Also, as a part of fundraising efforts, the Inaugural Transformation Jackson 5K Run/Walk will take place March 28 at the Medical Mall, To find out more visit their website, www.TransformationJackson.org. Y

Glen Campbell Documentary On Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

ethodist Senior Services, founded in 1962, is a non-profit organization with a mission â&#x20AC;&#x153;to serve older adults in the spirit of love.â&#x20AC;? They believe that respect for

aging is central to the Bibleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teaching and are committed to hold the wisdom and experience of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s older children in high esteem. Methodist Senior Services ministers through twelve statewide locations. They offer a range of services such as independent living cottages, apartments, personal care/assisted living apartments, skilled nursing care, and community outreach. Through meeting mental, physical, and spiritual needs, their vision is â&#x20AC;&#x153;to make Mississippi the best place in the country to grow old.â&#x20AC;? To better aid and educate our older adults and their caregivers, Methodist Senior Services will be helping host, Glen Campbellâ&#x20AC;ŚIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Be Me, a documentary on Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease. This film focuses on the life of five-time Grammy award winner, Glen Campbell. In 2011, Glenn was diagnosed with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease and with the support of his family, publicly announced his battle. He released his album Ghost on the Canvas and began his â&#x20AC;&#x153;Goodbye Tour.â&#x20AC;? The film will be shown across the state of Mississippi in Tupelo, Biloxi /Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Iberville, and Madison. A discussion panel of doctors and caregivers will take place after the film to better support our loved ones suffering with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease. Y

Saturday, March 28, 2015 9:30am - 1:30pm Jackson Medical Mall

Discover Your Place to Serve! Follow Metro Ministry Expo on Twitter @JxnMetroMinExpo and Like us on Facebook!

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&DOO WR UHVHUYH \RXU WLFNHWV 12: Presented in partnership with UMMC, The Mind Center and The MS Chapter of the Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association mschristianliving.com â?&#x2DC; MARCH 2015 51

➺rave reviews “Affordable Maintenance Programs Available”

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In 1891, Kate Livingston works as a statistician and helps her parents run their Washington, D.C. boarding house. Many statesmen and ambassadors, sometimes with their wives and families, live under their roof, adding interest to discussions around the table. She loves her work until machines begin moving in and doing most of the calculations. So when she receives an invitation to apply for a job with worldrenowned Dr. Trevor Kendall, she jumps at the chance. Kate’s first surprise comes when she meets the eminent Dr. Kendall, but more follow. She finds herself drawn into the work analyzing test results from tuberculosis patients. Dr. Kendall’s determination to find a cure impresses her until she unearths the biggest secret of all. Then her work becomes personal and she brings every resource she has to aid the doctor’s work. On Trevor’s side, he appreciates Kate’s assistance but knows the relationship can never become personal. He focuses entirely on his work, doing his best to ignore Kate as anything but a staff member, until a crusade against his clinic forces him to move toward change, and save his quest for a cure. More issues twine through Elizabeth Camden’s With Every Breath, taking the reader on a fascinating journey in the years when tuberculosis was a death sentence. Public fear of the disease made patients outcasts, and doctors working toward a cure could join them. Readers who appreciate historical fiction with a touch of romance will enjoy this visit to historic Washington. 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.Y

The Winning Way in Golf and Life Reviewed by Stuart Kellogg For anyone who’s missed three straight four-foot putts, or spouse who’s had to endure the grumpy demeanor of a hacked-off golfer slamming through the door, the idea of mixing this maddening game and Christian faith seems a stretch. Yet that is exactly what Dr. Morris Pickens does in his new book The Winning Way in Golf and Life. Dr. Mo, a sports psychologist who works with some of the world’s top golfers, (Zach Johnson, Davis Love III, Stewart Cink and others) blends his insights into how best to approach the game with Biblicallybased applications that inspire a more balanced approach to life. “When you are thinking your best you focus on one shot at a time,” Pickens writes. He also knows it’s easy to say, and difficult to achieve. That’s why he outlines his “Four R’s”—the fourth being the easiest to agree with and the hardest to practice: Relax. The fact is the vast majority of your time on the course is spent not playing the game, so your relaxing time, between shots, is critical to your success when you do swing. Refocus deals with snapping back into the process, while his unique take on Routine and React will help even the seasoned golfer be better positioned for success. (How, and for how long, you allow yourself to react to that bad shot will also come in handy for every player.) It’s the Biblical applications, however, that provide the book’s unique depth. No better example is after a shot—there is nothing that can be done to bring it back. He uses Paul’s example from Philippians to stress our call to press forward in our faith walk even after we stumble in sin. Similarly, we’re called to refocus each day on Christ. “Where your mind goes, you actions will follow,” he writes. Helping to keep that focus, on the course and off, is critical for how we live. Y

➺

events calendar March 28

March 1 and March 15

First Annual Transformation Jackson 5K Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall East Gate (350 West Woodrow Wilson Drive). Prizes in each division. Details and registration at transformationjackson.org.

Mississippi Children’s Museum welcomes Roz Roy from 1:30-–5:30 p.m. as she leads a workshop on Collage Papermaking—a wonderful creative opportunity for young artists. mississippichildrensmuseum.com or 601.981.5469

March 3 Second Annual BBQ and Blues Benefit for CARA (Community Animal and Adoption) sponsored by Deerfield Country Club and Cane Creek Cookers. 6–10 p.m. at Duling Hall in Fondren. Call Liz Kemper at 601.209.0667 for info.

VICKSBURG March 7

MARCH 2015

JACKSON

www.asmile4all.com

36th Annual Run Thru History sponsored by the Vicksburg YMCA. 10K Run and 5K Walk. 601.638.1071 or runthruhistory.org

March 3 Belhaven Center for the Arts. 7:30 p.m. “A Teacher With His Students III–Frank Sinatra and Friends” Dr. Christopher Shelt, Belhaven professor of music, promises Sinatra Classics and an entertaining evening. Complimentary admission.

March 6 Mississippi Symphony Chamber Concert presents Chamber III: Baroque! St. Andrews Cathedral. 7:30 p.m. Admission $16. 601.960.1565.

March 26 Keystone Antique Furnishings, 1106 Washington Street, will be hosting a book signing for Ann Mock from 12:30–2:30 p.m. The Union of the North and South is a novel set in Vicksburg in the 1870s.

March 9–March 13

RIDGELAND

Jackson Zoo Spring Break Camp. Campers will come back with a passion for animals and nature and great ways to bring the family back outside. Children ages 6-12. For info, call Angela Harris 601.352.2580, ext. 227.

March 12-14

March 14

Calling all bass fishing enthusiasts for the 2015 Bass Pro Shop Bassmaster Central Open. Launch at Madison Landing in Ridgeland at 7 a.m. bassmaster.com/open

Legal Beagle 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Jackson Young Lawyers. Details and registration at mstrackclub.com.

PEARL

March 21 and 22 Jackson Metropolitan Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty in the Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center. 2 p.m. both days. Tickets at msmetroballet.tix.com.

March 28 An Evening with Phil Robertson Star of A&E’s Duck Dynasty benefitting the Center for Pregnancy Choices. 7 p.m. at the Clyde Muse Center at 515 Country Place Parkway. Purchase tickets at cpcmetrofriends.org, at CPC’s Jackson Office at 114 Office Park Plaza, Jackson 39206, or by emailing cpcmetro@comcast.net.

March 26 Belhaven Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. The Belhaven University Percussion Ensemble presents an inventive program that features works written entirely for percussion instruments both traditional and obscure.

CRYSTAL SPRINGS March 7 Free concert featuring David &The Giants and up-and-coming Christian rockers, judahseed. Doors open at 6 p.m. at The ROC at First Baptist Church. 601.951.0627

Y mschristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2015 53

➺quips & quotes

ADVERTISER INDEX

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Cut out the scriptures and quotes and place them around your home for daily encouragement!

✂ You must ask for God’s help…After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again.

Real leadership is leaders recognizing that they serve the people that they lead.

– C.S. LEWIS

– Pete Hoekstra

Remember that mentor leadership is all about serving. Jesus said, “For even the Son of man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

God ultimately raises up leaders for one primary reason: His glory. He shows His power in our weakness. He demonstrates His wisdom in our folly. We are all like a turtle on a fence post. If you walk by a fence post and see a turtle on top of it, then you know someone came by and put it there. In the same way, God gives leadership according to His good pleasure. – Matt Chandler

– Tony Dungy

Character is much easier kept than recovered.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. – PSALM 37:5, NRSV

– Thomas Paine

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 only safe in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve. – John Stott

We need to stress that personal integrity is as important as executive skill in business dealings...Setting an example from the top has a ripple effect throughout a business school or a corporation. After nearly three decades in business, 10 years as chief executive of a Big Eight accounting firm, I have learned that the standards set at the top filter throughout a company. – Russell Palmer

Second only to suffering, waiting may be the greatest teacher and trainer in godliness, maturity and genuine spirituality most of us ever encounter. – David Robbins

But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.

He is not wise to me who is wise in words only, but he who is wise in deeds. – St. Gregory

– MATTHEW 20:26, NLT

Every single thought, every single word and every single action. Everything you think, say and do today will affect someone either for good or for bad. And those effects will either build up and echo righteousness or tear down and echo destruction. But either way, once an unholy thought is allowed to proceed from our minds and produce unholy speech, then it can never be taken back or be undone. – Karen Janous

NORTH STATE

ANIMAL & BIRD HOSPITAL 5208 North State Street • Jackson, MS 39206

Dr. Steven Britt Dr. Jonathan Faulkner Dr. Melisa McLendon Dr. Adrian Whittington 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

601-982-8261 Boarding & Grooming Services Available

54 MARCH 2015 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

ADVERTISING PARTNERS PAGE Baptist for Women....................................................21 Belhaven University.....................................................2 Bethany Christian Services.......................................23 Bliss Gift & Home......................................................17 C Spire ..........................................................................3 Capstone Treatment Center....................................13 Covenant Caregivers ..................................................8 East Lakeland Ob-Gyn Associates, PA.....................9 Energy Insulation.......................................................30 EyeCare Professionals ..............................................12 First Baptist Church Yazoo City...............................34 First Commercial Bank .............................................31 First Financial Merchants Services...........................35 First Presbyterian Day School..................................53 Cole Fortenberry, DMD ...........................................11 Fresh-Way Produce...................................................25 GI Associates .............................................................18 Grace Myofascial Clinic............................................12 Grantham Poole Certified Public Accountants.....25 High Biscuits Tea .......................................................19 Holmes Community College...................................47 Home Instead Senior Care ......................................14 Howell, Kyle, & Wynn, PLLC Attorneys at Law.....49 Jackson Academy.....................................................33 Jackson Eye Associates............................................20 Jackson Preparatory School Heart of the Home..39 KidFest........................................................................43 Lamar School.............................................................15 Madison Family Dentistry ........................................53 Madison-Ridgeland Academy.................................39 Methodist Senior Services ................................41, 51 Mid-Delta Home Health & Hospice.......................20 Millsaps College........................................................25 Modern Woodman Financial...................................50 Moffett Law Firm.......................................................41 New Beginnings Adoptions ....................................24 North Mississippi Allergy & Asthma Center..........50 N. State Animal Hospital..........................................54 O! How Cute .............................................................22 Palmer Home for Children.......................................15 Patty Peck Honda ..............................................21, 30 Pine Grove Treatment Center.................................55 Pinelake Mother’s Morning Out .............................21 Private Collection......................................................50 Ray’s Fine Linens .......................................................37 Renasant Bank...........................................................37 Sitters, LLC.................................................................37 Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.......26, 41 Southern Bath & Kitchen............................................9 St. Dominic’s Announcement, Dr. Murphy............18 St. Dominic’s Venous Services.................................56 Sta-Home .....................................................................5 State Farm, John Dorsa ...........................................37 Summit Counseling ..................................................10 TEC .............................................................................25 The Mustard Seed ....................................................48 The Vein Center at Rush .........................................23 Tinnin Imports..............................................................7 Transformation Jackson............................................51 Trustmark....................................................................47 Twin Lakes..................................................................33 Venable Glass Services.............................................52 Stegall Imagery..........................................................50 Written in Stone, LLC ...............................................52

Since 1984, Pine Grove has remained committed to being a leader in healing and changing lives, providing the highest quality behavioral health and addiction treatment services available…because

Life is for Living

1-888-574-HOPE 2255 Broadway Drive Hattiesburg, MS 39402 www.pinegrovetreatment.com

ST. DOMINIC’S

VENOUS SERVICES The venous lab at St. Dominic’s is notable for its contributions and serves as a model for others 25 million Americans have varicose veins and 25 percent of those suffer from venous insufﬁciency. Venous circulation issues can bring annoyance to M^MZaLIa IK\Q^Q\QM[ ?PQTM UW[\ ^MVW][ QV[]‫ٻ‬KQMVKa Q[ VW\ TQNM \PZMI\MVQVO Q\ KIV UISM TQ^QVO UWZM LQ‫ٻ‬K]T\ If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may need more comprehensive testing; laboratory testing is essential to localizing the vein problem. • Tired and achy legs that feel “heavy” at times • Standing for long periods causes pain and swelling in your lower leg and ankle • Sores on your legs

Seshadri Raju, M.D. of the Rane Center serves as medical director of St. Dominic’s venous vascular lab and developed several of the tests used in the laboratory. For an appointment call the Rane Center at 601-939-4230.