Mississippi Christian Living May 2022

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contents MAY 2022 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 10

PUBLISHER

MS Christian Living, Inc. EDITOR PHOTO BY STEGALL IMAGERY

Katie Eubanks katie@mschristianliving.com

Meredith and Joel Travelstead share their story of faith, ministry, and trusting God through trials. See page 18.

MANAGING EDITOR

Suzanne Durfey ART/GRAPHIC DESIGN

Sandra Goff

Meredith (back, in red) at City Church in Jackson with all of the City Church kids and young adults whom she delivered as babies!

columns 8 Outside In Need a map?

10 Modern Motherhood Mama, you are called

12 Mission Mississippi Moments How the right question can spark deeper dialogue

SALES

Suzanne Durfey, Ginger Gober CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chris Bates, Nitina Campbell, Chris Fields, Dr. Fred Hall, Jamie Himes, Emily Hunt, Courtney Ingle, Anna Claire O’Cain, Rev. Emily Sanford COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Stegall Imagery DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS

Rachel and Nettie Schulte, Jerri and Sammy Strickland, Rachel and Bob Whatley

13 Health & Wellness Don’t be taken in by foolish health advice

14 Living My Call How modeling has grown my faith

16 This Is My Story I am not enough — but He is

27 Author Q&A 1 pilgrim, many interruptions

28 Food for Thought Moms, you don’t just have a job — you have a calling. See Courtney Ingle’s column on page 10.

It’s barbecue season!

30 Lagniappe A stroke, a heart attack, and extraordinary care

cover story

32 Tough Questions

18 Meredith and Joel

My sixth-grader wants a cell phone

Travelstead

33 Dear Mom

‘God will use your limp’

Dear Mom: You are loved!

feature 24 How adoption changed

in every issue 6 Editor’s Letter 34 Quips & Quotes 34 Advertiser Index

1 family’s lives

Coming next month Roosevelt and Shay Greenwood on cancer, marriage and more

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Mississippi Christian Living P.O. Box 1819 Madison, MS 39130

601.790.9076 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 life-changing 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 2022 by MS Christian Living, Inc. Mississippi Christian Living is published monthly and is available for free at hightraffic locations throughout the tri-county area. Subscriptions are $29 a year.

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38 years,

EDITOR’S LETTER

Why we should keep on asking “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:7-11, ESV

I

n spring 2010, when I had been agonizing for nine months over whether to give my life to Christ, my mentor, Raines, and another friend told me I needed to stop pouring over Christian apologetics, aka evidence for the Bible and the resurrection of Jesus. It was good information, but it was no longer helping me reach a decision.

I was mentally exhausted, so I agreed and stopped all the analyzing. But I didn’t have the faith to trust in Jesus.

So I started asking Him to give me that faith.

Raines had mentioned that in the original Greek language of Matthew’s gospel, the terms “ask,” “seek” and “knock” in the passage above mean “keep asking,” “keep seeking” and “keep knocking.” In other words, don’t give up if God doesn’t answer immediately.

So for a few weeks, I asked God, “Please give me a surrendered heart. Please give me the faith to trust in Christ.”

And He did. During a visit to my hometown, I met with Raines and a couple of men from my old church, and I told them I was “asking God to do it” since I couldn’t gin up faith on my own. One of the men asked, “So do you think you could make a decision for Christ now?”

And I found that I finally could.

I’d asked (kept on asking), and God had given me the faith I needed.

I would do well to remember this.

Almost daily, I pray, “Please help me do what You want me to do today.” That’s a good prayer.

But how often do I ask Him to provide beyond what I can do? To give me the faith I don’t possess, resources I cannot find, or answers I can’t figure out? It’s like I want Him to help me do it by myself. That’s an oxymoron (John 15:5).

I ask Him to help me do His will with MCL. But I don’t always ask Him simply to give us the revenue, people and ideas we need to fulfill our mission of pointing people to Christ and making their lives better. Why wouldn’t I ask for that? It’s not as if I (and Marilyn Tinnin

6 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

before me) have kept this magazine going without God. Similarly, I might ask him to help me love my boyfriend well, but I haven’t always asked Him to give us His direction. James 1:5 says God gives wisdom to all who ask Him in faith. Why wouldn’t I trust Him to do that? James later says, “Ye have not because ye ask not” (4:2b).

God promises to meet our every need (Philippians 4:19) and to give us gifts that are good (by His definition). So we need to admit our needs.

I’d go so far as to say we ought to pray for things we want, even if we don’t know He wants us to have them. In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah begs God for a child after years of infertility. Yet there’s no indication that she knows God wants her to conceive.

Hannah’s prayer includes a vow do dedicate her prospective son to God (v. 11). If she’d asked for a son so she could mold him into her own image or lord him over her rivals, things might not have gone her way. But she asks in full submission, and God says yes (v. 20).

This doesn’t always happen. Sometimes what God gives us does not line up with what we think we want. But God never condemns us for making a request. And if He hasn’t answered yet — keep asking.

Must-reads in this issue:

● Our cover story on Dr. Meredith and Joel Travelstead (page 18) ● Courtney Ingle’s column on a mother’s calling (page 10) ● Our Q&A with author and Jackson native Susan Cushman, whose new book “Pilgrim Interrupted” comes out June 7 (page 27)

Y

Katie Eubanks katie@mschristianliving.com

mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 7

OUTSIDE IN

by CHRIS BATES

COURTESY OF CHRIS BATES

Need a map?

M

y uncle and his family lived in Montana during many of my growing-up years. We would go to visit regularly, and

I loved my experiences there. My one-year-older cousin and I were close, and we created many outdoor adventures during summers and winters there.

On one such trip, barely old enough to drive, we loaded up his old beat-up Saab with camping gear essentials and hit the road. He knew of a trailhead that opened the door to a wilderness access area with narrow trout streams and amazing views. We strapped on our packs and took off up the trail with plenty of energy and time but no real plan.

While we were en route to a distant, elevated viewpoint camping spot, far off any trail, we stumbled across a nest of yellowjackets, and I was stung on the face several times. The allergic reaction was bad enough that my eyes swelled, and I could not see. My cousin set up a make-do camp on a rocky mountainside, fed us, and we settled in. The next morning, I could

8 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

see just well enough to hike down slowly, but we had wandered far enough from the trail that it made the next few hours very disconcerting. It was a difficult experience, largely due to our lack of direction and alertness.

Looking back, it is easy to see the lack of readiness in a couple of teenage adventurers. It is also easy to look around today, though, at all of us adults going through life, and see some of the same insufficient preparedness. We typically mean well and strive to have an impactful and fulfilled life. Far too often, however, we just do what we can with each day and do not have a roadmap to direct us. “No man plans to fail,” says Patrick Morley. While that is true, many of us also fail to plan our journey well. How can we best find and use a map to do that?

First, as believers, we are to find our center with God, from which point we can then seek the path that He offers for us. Jesus spent time in the wilderness and moments alone in prayer to find that center and guidance, then went forward with His shared plan of action. We can replicate that exact model by spending time with God as we enter each day, which then becomes each week, month and year.

It is also wise to prepare ourselves, through connection with Him, for contingencies and challenges. 1 John 5:4 says, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world.” Without that, we are on our own, impulsively finding the way of our own fruition without the greatest Guide imaginable. The Word and His divine direction show us. That is how we find the map.

Then, we take actions steps to follow the path. It is good to outline goals and work toward them personally and in business, but we can fool ourselves into plateau thinking. Our rhetoric can become a series of false arrivals, thinking that if we can just get that one job, or just make enough money, or find that right significant other, that we will have arrived. We can lose the joy in the journey and the benefits of conquering challenges with His help and that of others. Instead, we should shoot beyond our targets so that we are fully engaged in the process. We should have immortal goal lines rather than ones measured here.

As we go, our fuel should often be found through connecting with and following others. The utter profoundness of “me too” is the most powerful assistance that we can give to each other. It is the respectfulness of relatability. The pathway on the map is not just out and away, it is within, and it is at its best as we walk both with God and with other people who have gone before us or beside us. That is the journey well-traveled. That is how we follow the map.

Finally, we know that the end of the map trail is not the end. The journey does not conclude here in the world. “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (Matthew 25:21) The key wording in this is “done” — it does not say “well thought” or “well planned” or “well imagined,” it says DONE! We need a map to get there, and then we can follow it on this amazing journey. Y Chris Bates is CEO and co-founder of AgoraEversole a full-service marketing agency in Jackson, and can be reached at Chris@AgoraEversole.com. He and his wife, Stacy, and their children live in Madison.

mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 9

MODERN MOTHERHOOD

by COURTNEY INGLE

Mama, you are called

M

ama, you are called.

This Mother’s Day, your family and your church may be celebrating you. Your kids may shower you with extra hugs, a gift, or they may even keep their arguments to a minimum when you pick out where you want to eat. Your pastor may offer a special mention or message for moms during the service, or, like my church, you’ll have a beautiful baby dedication.

Then, after the day has wrapped up, you’ll have the reminder that tomorrow is another day as you hustle to get everyone wound down for the night. You’ll proceed as usual into your work and school week as if Sunday were just another day.

But Mama, you are called.

My mom always told me, “Being a mom is the most important job you will ever have.” I watched her live that out as she raised the three of us, and now I have my own two kiddos to raise.

However, I truly feel that motherhood is so much more than just keeping kids going. That’s a basic requirement. Mama, you are called to be the mother of your child. God saw fit that YOU would have YOUR child.

That calling extends to the unwed mother, the teen momma, the mom of a child with medical issues, and the mama of heavenly babies. If you were to browse any story in the Bible, there is no absence of hardship this side of eternity. Jesus Himself was tempted, grieved and frustrated as He took on the human experience in order to be the ultimate sacrifice.

It is often said that if something is mentioned more than once in the Bible, pay attention, because it is important. There’s a reason it is repeated. According to the Religious Studies Center at BYU, the word “mother” or its variations is repeated 328 times across the Old and New testaments.

The woman of Proverbs 31, a mother, is often

“ Mama, you are called to be

the mother of your child. God saw fit that YOU would have YOUR child.

”

cited as a beacon of femininity. She toils to care for her family day in and day out, in the home and outside of the home. If we are “just a mom,” then why are our children instructed to “honor thy father and mother”? Why is this the commandment that bears a promise of reward, if motherhood isn’t meant to be respected?

You were called to mother your children.

Whether that’s in the home full time, or as a working mother, or a military mother …

Whatever your situation is, you are called to mother your children. This is your charge. From the moment that little test was positive, you had a new mission in life.

That means, Mom, that God knew your little boy would have developmental issues.

Indeed, there was already a plan in place when pregnancy wouldn’t happen for you, and

you’d have to travel the world to bring home your child.

That calling extended to me as well. The bulk of the column you’re reading was quickly keyed into the notes section of an iPhone as I waited with my daughter for her checkups at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

We are called to be mothers. We love our children, support them, raise them, advocate for them and stand for them. For most of us, these things come naturally as a primal biological function. It is woven into our DNA. We are called to be mothers.

This calling isn’t all rainbows and butterflies, either. It is tough. It can be full of anguish, fear and exhaustion. Oh, but it is so worth it.

Remember the immeasurable value of your calling when your kiddo acts up in church. Hold fast to that calling when you are praying for healing from beside a bed at a children’s hospital. Whatever you face with your child — good or bad — God knew it would happen and He still chose you to be that child’s mother. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

Isaiah 66:13: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” Y

Courtney and her husband, Jeremy, live in Brandon and are members at Park Place Baptist Church in Pearl. They have a daughter, Taylor, and a son, Jacob. Courtney is a full-time homemaker and can be reached at courtneyingle89@gmail.com.

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mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 11

MISSION MISSISSIPPI MOMENTS

by REV. EMILY SANFORD

How the right question can spark deeper dialogue

H

ave you ever noticed how often scripture emphasizes dialogue?

Throughout the Bible, we find conversation after conversation spoken among people, between people and God, and even between a talking donkey and Balaam in Numbers 22. We rely on conversations to grow closer and maintain relationships.

The book “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” has been beneficial to me in navigating interactions with family, church, and friendships where opinions vary, stakes are high and emotions run strong. As a pastor, social worker, spiritual director and coach, people often turn to me for guidance when they find themselves stuck in a conflict or at an impasse in their relationships.

While our first reaction to conflict is most likely to either fight or run, our faith invites us to lean in and engage in deeper dialogue.

Consider the conflict that arose in the early church between Peter and Paul over how to handle Gentile converts to Christianity. Paul gives some insight in his letter to the Galatians:

12 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

A racial healing circle was held at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Wesley Foundation as part of the Mississippi UMC conference’s End Racism for Good initiative.

“But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, ‘Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?’”

- Galatians 2:11-14, NLT Paul knew he needed to engage Peter “to his face.” Of course, I recommend the approach found in Matthew 18:15-17, to first address conflict one-on-one, if possible, before bringing it up as Paul does “in front of all the others.”

Here we find two major leaders of the church in deep disagreement. Peter, an uneducated fisherman, yet also the one to whom Jesus gave the nickname “the Rock” upon which He would build the church, seems to be falling into the same trap from Caiaphas’ courtyard, where he denied being one of Jesus’ disciples. Maybe, like Peter, you are desperate to blend in with the crowd, to not make waves, and to overly accommodate when “certain people” are around, because you are “afraid of criticism.”

Paul is concerned when he sees Peter pulling back, separating out of fear, and causing others to be “led astray.” When Paul claims they weren’t “following the truth,” it could be translated that they were not “walking in a straight line” toward the truth of the good news. Paul asks a powerful question that helps Peter dig deeper.

I am grateful for the many ways Mission Mississippi makes room for deeper conversation, asks thoughtful questions, and invites us to

consider our actions in a new way. In June 2020, I received a new appointment that led me from Galloway United Methodist Church (UMC) in downtown Jackson, where I had served for 12 years, to Wesley UMC in Tupelo. Moving in the middle of a pandemic brought many challenges to building connections. Though I prefer meeting face-to-face, virtual meetings offered for statewide gatherings, as well as ones particular to pastors in the Tupelo area, helped me build relationships outside of my own congregation, denomination, gender and race.

Rev. Hannah Shempert invited me to join a group studying Latasha Morrison’s “Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation” through Zoom. I had the joy of facilitating racial healing circles with the Mississippi UMC conference initiative to End Racism for Good. I have also been welcomed into prayer gatherings where I was uncertain how I would be accepted by pastors whose denominations are not affirming of women in ministry. Time and time again, I have been moved by their willingness to include me as the lone clergywoman.

I pray that in the midst of deep disagreements and divisions in our churches, denominations, nation and world that we might engage in even deeper dialogue that includes asking powerful questions and truly listening to one another. #DeeperConversations Y Rev. Emily Sanford is pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in Tupelo. An introvert and Enneagram 7, she craves deep, meaningful conversations and brings a genuine enthusiasm to helping the church connect in the community. Originally from Starkville, she loves cheering on her Mississippi State Bulldogs and Duke Blue Devils, as well as performing in the Tupelo Community Theater in her spare time.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

by CHRIS FIELDS

Don’t be taken in by foolish health advice

I

f you happened to pass by two people arguing passionately over something minor, such as whether to stop at a yellow light

or speed up to get through before it turns red, would you say, “Look at these two fools,” or “Look at this wise person and this foolish person?”

Most would think, “Look at these two fools.”

I’ve been taught via experience that wise people don’t argue with fools (this may be why my wife never argues with me). When you engage with a fool, you often take on their character. The Bible teaches us that in Proverbs 26:4, saying, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” Yet how often do we find ourselves engaging in foolish banter?

I would suggest the same is true for foolish behavior and not just banter. If we see those same two people escalate their argument and engage in a physical altercation, we don’t think, “Look at the wise person now fighting with the foolish person,” do we? I don’t think so, because when the cops show up, they arrest both people, not just one.

There is a natural pattern of all behaviors, whether good or bad. It’s called the ABC, or Antecedent, Following fad Behavior and Consequence. diets, social media Something logically always precedes a behavior, which then draws personalities, a consequences, and this is true in our friend’s unprofessional spiritual wellness as well as our physical wellness. Changing the unproven advice, or antecedent normally changes the even the advice of a behavior, and more importantly, the health or medical information we engage in can dictate the antecedent, resulting in professional who’s favorable behavior spiritually and acting outside of their physically, reaping rewards and benefits as opposed to consequences. area of expertise, is A lot of times when we see the like a fool engaging need for change and make the with a fool. decision to change, we take on other people’s experiences and adopt their efforts. We assume, “If it worked for them, it would work for me,” only to be let down in the end for not achieving a desired outcome; then we repeat the cycle with someone else’s experience, and we often give up along the way.

What we all should understand is when we set out to make changes, particularly as it relates to healthy living, the principles are the same, but the details are different for everyone. The principles of physical activity and exercise are the same. We need them; that’s the principle.

The details are different.

For example, how much you need, what type you need, how often you need it, the limitations you may have to it, how your body responds to it, how quickly your body responds externally and internally, what your goals are, what your needs are, what your likes are, and so on.

The same is true for nutrition. “Eat right” is the principle, but what that looks like is different for each person. How our body converts food to energy is different, how much we need and when we need it are all different.

Reducing stress is another principle. Stress plays a major part in how our body processes energy, particularly when we are inactive, and the

amount of stress people allow is different. People’s cortisol (stress hormone) levels are different, which effects how your body processes energy and how much exercise you need. Higher cortisol levels also may require more exercise and physical activity to achieve a desired outcome because of the chemical and hormonal reaction that exercise invokes.

In order to adopt the right healthy behaviors for you, you must understand both the principles and the details as they pertain to you.

Following fad diets, social media personalities, a friend’s unprofessional unproven advice, or even the advice of a health or medical professional who’s acting outside of their area of expertise, is like a fool engaging with a fool in a physical (or mental) altercation.

Misinformation is easily accessible. It’s normally a fingertip, swipe, phone call or text away. Being mindful of the information we allow to inform our decisions is an important process of healthy behavior. Either we can reap rewards and benefits from our decisions, or we can deal with the consequences of uninformed or misinformed decisions. One is an easier process, but it’s like a lot of our moms used to say: “If it’s too easy, it ain’t worth it.” Remember Proverbs 26:4. Y

“

Chris Fields is the founder and executive director of H.E.A.L. Mississippi and a graduate in kinesiology with advance studies in nutrition. He serves as a clinical exercise physiologist/CPT and is credentialed in Exercise Is Medicine through American College of Sports Medicine.

”

mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 13

LIVING MY CALL

by KATIE EUBANKS

How modeling has grown my faith BeBe (pronounced “baybay”) Rayborn is a freshman communications major at Mississippi State University — and a model with The Industry Model Management in New York and Milk Model Management in London. She’s been modeling since age 14 and is currently balancing classes and sorority activities in Starkville with modeling jobs in New York. BeBe recently spoke with MCL Editor Katie Eubanks about modeling, faith, and her future plans.

Katie Eubanks: What got you into modeling?

KE: What helped you get over your fear of standing out?

BR: I started to realize I was already a little bit different than the other girls … I had a little anxiety and ADHD. … it just didn’t matter at that point what other girls or guys were going to think of me.

I also realized that by doing this, it could bring me out of my shell.

KE: How has your faith impacted your work as a model, or vice versa?

BR: It wasn’t really until I got out of my house and my hometown that I felt my faith was my responsibility. When you’re on your own, nobody is making you open your Bible.

I went to a photographer’s apartment that I was scheduled with to do a shoot, and we ended up in sort of an argument about God. … I think he was sort of hurt by the church, and I told him not every (church) is like that, and that we would just have to agree to disagree.

In the South it may not feel like a fight, but everywhere else, it’s going to feel like a constant mental battle. It’s grown my faith.

At the end of the day, I was really alone in New York. And it just had to be me and God. Originally, I thought I was going to stay in New York … but I felt like God was calling me (to Mississippi State).

And now that I’ve come here, God has given me the biggest faith community and (group of) friends I’ve ever had.

I have an interview on Thursday with my agents from London about coming there for the summer. If I didn’t have the faith and trust and stronger relationship with the Lord that I have now, I would not have the spiritual maturity to go off and do that.

14 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

RENÉ FRAGOSO

Bebe Rayborn: I was always in choir. But I wasn’t really involved in anything (else growing up). I was always just kind of awkwardly tall.

Adults would always come up to me and say, “Have you ever thought of modeling?” And middle-school me would be like, ew, no, don’t make me do something that’s going to make me stand out more.

But then in eighth grade, a friend took some snapshots of me in my show choir outfit and submitted them to JEA, which is a local modeling agency here in Mississippi.

KE: Have there been any shoots you were not comfortable with?

BR: When I first got to New York, they were giving me a lot of assignments … some of them were lingerie and whatnot. And now, I think I would be strong enough to say, I’m not comfortable with that.

Whereas before, I was more of a pushover.

I’m learning that my body is something that’s a temple to the Lord, and it doesn’t have to be on full display, even for “fashion.”

KE: What advice would you give to young Christian girls with an interest in modeling?

BR: I would tell them to do some self-reflecting and ask themselves why they want to do modeling. (If) you just want your name out there and attention …. you will do anything to be liked.

You need to know who you are, you need to be rooted in your faith, and you also need to be OK with not everyone liking you, because at some point you’re going to have to stand up for yourself. So I would say that’s something they really need to pray on.

KE: What do you want to do after college?

BR: What I really want to do is work with girls who have been human trafficked, and sex trafficked, and just rehabilitate them.

Loving people is another form of loving God, and who else is going to do it? Who’s going to go out of their comfort zone and say, there’s people who need help? I want to do something that matters. Y

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mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 15

THIS IS MY STORY

by EMILY HUNT

I am not enough — but He is

I

was 13 years old when I gave my life to Christ and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I

Chris and Emily Hunt with their daughters, Ella (in red) and Lila.

“ Feelings of doubt began to

overtake me. Not in God. Not in His abilities, but in mine.

My own insecurities started to make me question, was I good enough? Was I faithful enough? Was I Christian enough? I didn’t feel like it.”

16 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

had gotten pretty involved with the youth group at my church. I had friends at church — friends I enjoyed seeing at youth group and choir. Friends that I looked up to and admired for their faith and relationship with God. Our friendships grew closer on church trips and camps, Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. So one Wednesday night when the pastor called for the invitation during a revival service and my friends were walking forward, I did too.

I was excited in my decision and continued growing in the church and my relationship with God. But soon feelings of doubt began to overtake me. Not in God. Not in His abilities, but in mine. My own insecurities started to make me question, was I good enough? Was I faithful enough?

Was I Christian enough?

I didn’t feel like it.

That feeling continued over the years.

That feeling of inadequacy. That feeling of not being good enough for God. Not being worthy of His love and faithfulness. Not being perfect.

I would look around and see people that I felt were more Christian than I was.

They were more deserving. They were the right kind of follower, and I just wasn’t Christian enough.

I think as mothers and parents, we can relate to that feeling of not being good enough. That fear of not being able to serve and provide for our children like

other mothers are providing for theirs. We look at other mothers, wives, friends and Christians and say, “They are better with this or better with that.” We tell ourselves that we are not enough. We are not enough of a parent. We are not enough of a spouse. We are not enough of a Christian.

But then God shows us over and over again that He is righteous. We don’t have to be Christian enough to receive His blessings. We just have to believe.

“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.” – 2 Corinthians 3:5.

Even though there have been many times I haven’t felt Christian enough, God continues to show me that I don’t have to be enough, because He is. He is more than enough. He is there and I am worthy. I am worthy of His love. I am worthy of His guidance. I am worthy of His never-ending promises to me.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.”

– Romans 3:23-25.

God is always there. He has shown Himself to me time and time again through the most trying and uncertain times of my life. So many times I’ve felt His presence and seen His blessings even though I fall short every single day.

But every day He continues to show me that I am Christian enough. I am loved and I am worthy. I am deserving, and so are you. Y

Emily Hunt is the founder of Magnolia Moms, a contributor blog sharing advice on raising traditional families in a modern world. Emily’s passion for encouraging women and mothers is what drove her to start Magnolia Moms as a place for them to feel safe to share their trials and tribulations, as well as successes, with other likeminded women. Emily is a wife and mom of two girls, 7 and 9 years old. She and her family live in Madison. Emily and her husband have a digital media company, Hunt Media Group, LLC that keeps them busy, but never too busy for weekend adventures with their girls.

If you aren’t sure whether you have a relationship with God or where you’ll go when you die, please don’t put this magazine down until you’ve read the following:

✝ THE PROBLEM For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23 For the wages of sin is death … – Romans 6:23a The natural result and consequence of our sin is eternal death, or hell (Revelation 20:15), separated from God. This is because God is completely perfect and holy (Matthew 5:48), and His justice demands that sin be punished (Proverbs 11:21).

✝ THE SOLUTION … but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. – Romans 6:23b But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8 Jesus Christ died in our place on the cross and took on the punishment for all our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6). Then God raised Him from the dead (John 20)!

✝ HOW TO RECEIVE SALVATION If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9 Trust in what Jesus has done for you — His death for your sins and His resurrection — and trust Him as Lord.

✝ IS IT FOR ANYONE? For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. – Romans 10:13

✝ THE RESULTS Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

✝ WHAT TO DO NEXT So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17 If you decided to trust in Jesus, grow in your faith by reading more of God’s Word in the Bible. We recommend the gospel of John (it comes just after Luke) as a good starting point — or Romans!

Finding a church close to you that teaches faith in Christ is another important step. It’s crucial to spend time with other believers so we can encourage each other in our faith.

If you have questions about anything on this page, please contact us at 601.896.1432, or send us a message on Facebook @MSChristianLiving, Instagram @mschristianmag or Twitter @MSChristLiving.

mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 17

by KATIE EUBANKS

PHOTO BY STEGALL IMAGERY

COVER STORY

Meredith and Joel Travelstead ‘God will use your limp’

I

f you’ve lived in the Jackson area long, you might know Joel and Meredith Travelstead — but you might only know the highlights. They’re a CPA and OB/GYN respectively, they have three sons, and they make their home in the capital city.

You’d never guess that the homes they grew up in were broken, or that Joel’s home routinely had the lights cut off. You’d never guess that a near-widowhood experience was one of the triggers for Meredith’s YouTube channel.

Listen long enough, and you realize they’ve lived some life, and not just the easy parts.

“Joel always uses the quote, ‘Don’t trust a man that doesn’t walk with a limp,’” Meredith says, referring to Jacob, Israel’s patriarch who wrestled with God and got his hip knocked out of joint as a result.

“A lot of the challenges in life we had were wrestling with the Lord,” she says.

“A person who’s never had struggle – they generally don’t have the perspective, or the grace that softens judgment (when they meet folks who have struggled),” Joel says.

Thanks to their experiences, their gospel roots, and their voracious desire for God’s Word — all gifts from God Himself — the Travelsteads are 18 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

able to teach and minister to others who are limping from life’s wrestling matches.

A good foundation Joel and Meredith grew up at Hillcrest Baptist Church in south Jackson, and they each came to know the Lord at 10 years old.

“My mom always brought me (to church), but for some reason she was not there this Sunday,” Joel recalls. “I went and hid out in the balcony.”

The pastor at the time, Maurice Clayton, shared the gospel, and when the invitation came around, “it was obvious I wanted to give my believing loyalty to Christ,” Joel says. He walked to the back, down the stairs, through the vestibule, and finally down the aisle.

Brother Clayton also led Meredith to the Lord, this time through a gospel presentation at Vacation Bible School. “I remember having asked a lot of questions beforehand, but realizing what it meant to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior,” Meredith says.

“Since ninth or tenth grade for me, she’s been my best friend,” Joel says of Meredith.

From left: Meredith, Reed, John, Will and Joel Travelstead.

Joel and Meredith visiting their oldest son, Will, who was born at 1 pound 14 ounces and spent nine weeks in the NICU.

The Travelsteads designed their home with gatherings in mind, including pool parties and Bible studies.

Thanks to their spiritual upbringing together at Hillcrest, Meredith and Joel became high-school sweethearts, though she attended Jackson Academy while he went to Wingfield.

“Since ninth or tenth grade for me, she’s been my best friend,” Joel says.

The youngest of six, Joel was working and helping his mom financially by 15 years old. His father had left when Joel was a baby.

“I had to come to grips with the idea that I have no father, and (I was) not so much questioning God but trying to figure out how to operate in a dysfunctional family structure. Charles Welch, my youth minister, explained that in God’s family structure, it’s God (at the top), then father and mother, then children,” Joel says.

“If you eliminate father, you are one level closer to God, and He is directly caring for you in the absence of an earthly father. It turned a family situation where culture might call you a victim or at a disadvantage into a special relationship with God.” Meredith and Joel dated in the days of the landline. When her calls wouldn’t go through, she knew his mother’s electricity had been cut off for failure to pay the bill. So Meredith would call Joel’s friend who lived nearby, and he’d walk to Joel’s house and get him.

When Joel applied to Millsaps College, he found out his mom had not filed taxes for 10 years, and he had to restate the taxes in order to apply for

financial aid. Turns out, she got a refund.

Despite such obstacles, Joel says, “It was a wonderful life. (And) so much of my spiritual life, that is a direct result of my mother.”

“We had a good foundation,” Meredith says.

The valley of the shadow Meredith and Joel both attended Millsaps, where Joel majored in accounting. But his favorite courses? Political science, which he minored in.

“I had two wonderful teachers. I wouldn’t agree with most of what they believed politically, but they were the classical liberal that you don’t see too often nowadays,” Joel says.

“What I look back most fondly on (at Millsaps) are those political science classes and arguing and debating.”

Those classes helped spark a lifelong love of teaching in Joel, and helped him appreciate hearty discussions with people who believed differently than he did — an effective tool in sharing the gospel.

Joel and Meredith spent their early married years in on-campus housing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she was in med school. Their apartment was 450 square feet and cost $195 a month, Joel says. mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 19

Before and after: In addition to his work as a CPA, Joel loves giving local properties a facelift.

They’ve come a long way since then — not without their share of over on the drive to the hospital — which for her felt very much like heartaches and trials. walking through the valley of the shadow of death.

Joel says the hardest day of his life was when Meredith’s father died.

Joel had crushed his temporal bone and had to be intubated and sent to “She was very close to her dad,” Joel says. “They reached me, and then I had the neuro ICU. Even after it was clear he would survive, Meredith was to tell her.” scared of his potential long-term disability.

Meredith and Joel’s oldest son, Will, was born extremely premature and “It was an arduous recovery for him, and walking through that weighed less than 2 pounds. He spent nine weeks in together made me put all reliance and trust in the the neonatal intensive care unit. Their middle son, Lord,” she says.

Reed, was born with a hole in his heart.

Joel recalls very little from the first week after his Finally, “(Our youngest son) John just came early,” fall. He’d lost both his balance and his hearing, which Joel says, laughing. meant learning to walk again and receiving a Another of their most dramatic challenges cochlear implant. happened on May 15, 2014.

It would take six weeks for him to walk unassisted, a “I was in surgery and my housekeeper, Ms. Mae, year to regain balance, and three years for him to find called my phone, which she never does, because Joel the right solution to restore his hearing. works from home and is always so available,” He didn’t realize how serious things were until a Meredith says. follow-up appointment two weeks after the accident, “The nurse answered because I was scrubbed in. I when the doctor told him, “My patients with those just heard her saying, ‘Yes, uh-huh, uh-huh …’” fractures are (normally) dead.”

Panicking, Meredith started taking off her scrubs.

The nurse told her Joel had fallen off the roof onto the ‘Will people think I’m being preachy?’ slate patio while cleaning out a drain at home. He was At the time of Joel’s accident, he and Meredith were Joel recovering from cochlear implant teaching a young singles’ class at church. They’ve alive, and Ms. Mae had called an ambulance. surgery a few years after he fell off the taught frequently over the years, whether as guest After learning Joel would be taken to UMMC, roof at home and lost his hearing.

Meredith raced home to find him being loaded into teachers or for their own Bible study groups. They’ve the ambulance. nearly always taught together, not separately.

“It was surreal. He looked at me but wasn’t talking to me, and the A few years ago, when the First Baptist Jackson women’s ministry asked (paramedics) wouldn’t talk to me.”

Meredith to share a testimony on video, “I passed,” she said. She didn’t feel They also wouldn’t let her ride in the ambulance, so she had to right about receiving that attention. follow behind.

Then after COVID-19 hit, women in the church were asked to submit “I didn’t know who to call. I always called Joel (about emergencies). So I videos of encouragement. The theme for those videos? Psalm 23. The same was crying by myself following the ambulance.” passage that had comforted Meredith as she’d followed Joel to the hospital.

Psalm 23 kept coming to her mind, so she recited the scripture over and “I almost audibly heard the Lord say, ‘It’s time,’” Meredith recalls. She didn’t want to do it, but she obeyed.

“That was April 2020. There was a lot of fear (surrounding COVID). I went to my office, and a nurse filmed me. I put on every part of (protective) garb we had — the face shield, masks, gloves — and as I went through the psalm, I was taking (the gear) off.”

Several months later, a patient told Meredith, “I watched that video of yours. I was isolated in my home, crying and depressed, and I watched it over and over.”

“I filed that away,” Meredith says.

Later, she and Joel became acquainted with City Church, founded by some of the same folks from Hillcrest Baptist. One of the people the Travelsteads met was Ishmael Harley, who grew up in the south Jackson apartments where the church started.

Ishmael’s early memories of the church were so powerful, Meredith told One of the first videos on Meredith’s YouTube channel is an interview him: “We’ve got to share this story! Someone should do a video series!” with Ishmael Harley, a key leader at City Church in Jackson, whom Someone — just not her.

Meredith met long before she realized: She delivered him as a baby!

20 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

‘We have got to get uncomfortable’ The Travelsteads consider their marriage a partnership of encouragement. Just as Joel encouraged Meredith to start her video ministry, she encourages him in his endeavors. They strive to give each other the respect craved by men and the love craved by women. “(If I could give my younger self advice) I would tell young Meredith, don’t get your feelings hurt if he needs something (different than you do),” Meredith says.

“What does he see as his purpose? I should be building him up (in that) and not being critical.”

“Everything she’s describing there is exactly what she does,” Joel adds. For his part, “When I was 18 to 20, I was much more headstrong. It was my way or the highway. She has an amazing way of disarming (me) when I get like that, but it’s through that encouragement.”

Like newlyweds learning to live out their vows, people come into church every week with practical questions — and harder ones, Joel says. That’s what he and Meredith hope to address with their teaching, which they currently do in the 20s and 30s Sunday school at First Baptist Jackson. (Those lessons are also available on YouTube, Meredith holding her namesake, under Joel’s name.)

Meredith Joy, whom she delivered, “So much of what we consider with Meredith Joy’s mother, our ministry is (showing how the Emilee Epperson.

Bible is relevant),” Joel says.

“Technology is such that people have access to high-level theology — but some of it is good and some of it is bad. The days of pat answers are gone. Because if we don’t give people (real) answers, they’ll just go look it up (online).

“If you give people the pat, ‘We just love you,’ and send them on their way, they’ll go on their way and not come back.”

“You want people to wrestle (with the hard questions),” Meredith says — and the church ought to be with them when they do. That’s why, on Sunday mornings, she and Joel tackle topics like gender, race and social justice. “A lot of it is things we’ve grappled with, with our kids.”

“We have got to get uncomfortable,” Joel says.

PHOTOS BY STEGALL IMAGERY

Then at a City Church Christmas program, Meredith met Ishmael’s mother.

“Did you ever work at UMMC?” she asked Meredith.

“Yes.” “Did you ever deliver babies?”

“Yes, why?”

“You delivered my son Ishmael.”

Meredith ran into the church building, grabbed Ishmael and said, “I was the first one who held you!” Finally, she was convinced she needed to share Ishmael’s story, and the story of City Church, on video.

Now Meredith has her own YouTube channel, where she interviews believers about how Christ has worked in their lives through everything from pornography to suicide, cancer and more.

“She was so worried about the YouTube channel,” Joel recalls. “(She wondered) ‘Will people think I’m being preachy?’ I said, ‘Do it!’”

fellowship, Bible study and worship in their home, which they built in northeast Jackson six years ago after designing the house themselves.

Early in their marriage, they had to decide where in the metro to settle down. They went house hunting on Lakeland Drive, and it did not go well.

“I don’t want to live my life in the car,” Meredith said after traveling the congested thoroughfare. So they decided to live somewhere with a minimal commute.

“We knew the kids were going to go to Jackson Academy, even though we didn’t have kids yet,” Joel says. “And we were at First Baptist Jackson, and she worked at Baptist Hospital.” So they’ve stuck to the Fondren and northeast Jackson communities since then.

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Cheeto crumbs and tentmaking Beyond just teaching, the Travelsteads also provide a venue for mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 21

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SUNDAYS

At their previous home in northeast Jackson, they hosted community group Bible studies but were pressed for space.

“The only place we could put the kids while the adults had Bible study was in our bedroom,” Joel recalls. “(After everyone left), Meredith and I would go to our room and pull back the covers, and we’d find Cheeto crumbs and Oreo crumbs in the bed.”

So when they decided to build, they did it with group gatherings in mind.

“We designed this living room to host a Bible study or even a small church,” Meredith says. “We’ve become the landing place (for our kids and their friends). We always say yes — whether it’s a Disciple Now weekend, a pool party, or a Bible study and then a pool party.”

The house is indeed well designed, and beautifully decorated. But the home is a means to an end. Similarly, the Travelsteads don’t view their jobs as the end all be all. This interview is more than halfway over before they talk about their careers.

Meredith loves being an OB/GYN because “you get to do surgery, you get to deliver babies, and you have continuity of care. You’re seeing patients year after year. Now I’m seeing patients (as adults whom) I delivered as (babies).”

Beyond his work as a CPA, Joel loves dabbling in real estate.

“I saw deteriorating properties in our neighborhood, and I was complaining about it, and Meredith said, ‘Then start buying (properties) again,’” he says. So he did. Rehabilitating houses and landscaping remind him of how God brings order out of chaos.

It also gives Will, Reed and John something to do — they’re the yard crew, Meredith says.

Whether in a hospital, on the phone with a client, on a front lawn, or in their home, the Travelsteads use every opportunity to pour into others.

“You have one job, and it’s not the career you have,” Joel says. “It’s to make disciples.”

“Like Paul, (your day job is) tentmaking,” Meredith says. The apostle Paul made tents to support himself financially, but his mission was to share the gospel.

Meredith’s initial concerns about her YouTube channel were not unfounded. Christians are often tempted to “do something for God” and make it all about us. But “I just want to use it for the Lord,” she says.

That statement applies to everything she and Joel do. Instead of pointing at themselves, they just want folks to see two imperfect people, saved and sustained by a perfect God. “He uses your limp,” Meredith says. Y

Congratulations to Dr. Meredith Travelstead The Woman's Clinic is proud to support Dr. Travelstead and her husband, Joel, on their cover story in Mississippi Christian Living.

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mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 23

FEATURE STORY

by JAMIE HIMES

From left: Carmen Grice (adopted daughter), John Bond (Carmen’s boyfriend), Kathleen Cole (biological daughter), Dean Cole (Kathleen’s husband), Alan Williams (son-in-law), Greyson Williams (grandson), Rayleigh Williams (granddaughter), Courtney Williams (biological daughter), Michael McLarty (adopted son), McKailey McLarty (adopted daughter), Chris McLarty (adopted son), Kaitlyn Burgess (biological daughter), Holland Burgess (granddaughter), Terence Burgess (son-in-law), Evie McLarty (mother), Bill McLarty (father), Kennedy McLarty (biological daughter), Tyler Raynor (Kennedy’s boyfriend).

How 1 family’s lives were changed through adoption

D

support, studies show teens are at an increased risk for homelessness, young parenthood, low educational attainment, high unemployment rates, and other adverse adult outcomes.

They have no one to call, no support, and no soft But there’s good news! It only takes one person to place to fall when life gets crazy. improve these odds for a young person.

When thinking about foster care or adoption, The McLarty family was led to foster older people don’t usually consider teenagers, but children, and their story is a true testament of how Mississippi has 3,800 children in foster care, one family can make a difference in a child’s life. including so many wonderful teenagers in desperate Evie and Bill McLarty were “sweethearts” in their need of a home. church youth group and have been married over 28 Between the ages of 10 and 25 years old, the brain years. Together they’ve raised four biological undergoes changes that impact behavior forever. children ages 26, 23, 22 and 17 years old. From early During these years, meaningful relationships can on, both Bill and Evie were interested in fostering have a lasting and positive impact on teenagers’ lives. therapeutic children but originally felt too young and You can shape and rewire young brains with your inexperienced as parents to foster. connection and relationship. Teens aren’t hopeless. They “This is something we both felt led to do,” Bill says. “(But) are not a lost cause. With love and support, teens can learn, we found it very challenging and knew therapeutic love, and blossom into the people God meant them Michael (top) and Chris McLarty children would have behavioral problems more than to be. joined the family via adoption in typical children.”

Unfortunately, without love and permanent February 2020.

id you know that in the United States, more than 20,000 youth exit the foster care system every year without a family?

24 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

McKailey McLarty joined the family via adoption in August 2017.

Years later, because of work, they decided to move to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. This is where they first met Tana Walker, senior recruitment specialist with Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, Inc. (SCSCY), and began seriously considering fostering therapeutic children.

Within six months of meeting Tana, Evie and Bill completed the SCSCY foster care training program. On the day Bill turned in the last document to complete their foster care licensing, Tana showed him a file for a girl named Carmen. The McLartys looked over Carmen’s information that night, prayed about it, and decided to take a leap of faith.

A few weeks later, they and their two youngest children drove to Jackson to meet Carmen. She looked directly into their eyes and said, “Are y’all going to adopt me or what?”

Bill responded, “I guess we are!”

A few weeks later, Carmen came to Ocean Springs for Thanksgiving break and was introduced to the rest of the family. Shortly after the Thanksgiving visit, she moved into the McLartys’ home and was adopted on October 20, 2016.

In the months leading up to Carmen’s adoption, the McLartys decided to foster a second child named McKailey, who was 9 years old. She moved into their home August 5, 2016, and was adopted on October 5, 2017.

Over the next several years, Bill and Evie continued to help Mississippi’s foster care system by assisting with therapeutic children.

Eventually the McLartys realized that God wasn’t finished growing their family, so they met with Tana again about adopting more children.

A few months later, Bill and Evie were told about two brothers, Chris and Michael, who needed an adoptive home. Chris was an immediate placement, but Michael could not be placed until he finished a treatment program in north Mississippi.

Bill and Evie only knew how to raise girls. They were nervous and not sure how two boys would fit into their lifestyle. After much prayer and discernment, they decided to proceed. Chris moved into the McLartys’ home the following weekend (November 21, 2018) and was the most polite and charismatic child they had ever met. He was nurturing, kindhearted, and had an undeniable bond with his brother Michael.

Even though Michael was in treatment in north Mississippi, Chris was always eager to talk to him, either on the phone or by FaceTime. “We were able to set up a day visit with Michael on December 8, 2018, and

The first time Carmen Grice met her future parents, Evie and Bill McLarty, she looked them straight in the eye and asked, “Are y’all going to adopt me or what?” Bill replied, “I guess we are!”

I’ve never seen such joy on a kid’s face,” Bill says.

Unlike Chris, Michael (9 years old) needed therapeutic attention. Bill and Evie met with Michael’s therapist and had daily conversations about his care. Together with Michael’s treatment team, they decided to have him visit for a long weekend. After spending the entire Christmas break together, the McLartys knew Michael was the right fit for their family.

Michael moved into their home on March 5, 2019, and both boys were adopted on February 19, 2020.

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Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @hopehollowlive mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 25

In response to the love of Christ, Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, Inc. serves and equips vulnerable children and youth, assisting them in the process of becoming self-sufficient contributing members of society.

Residential Care • Therapeutic Group Homes • P.A.L.S. (Preparing Adolescents to Live Successfully)

Permanency Services • Therapeutic Foster Care • Adoption from Foster Care • Post Adoption and Respite

Since the adoption was finalized, life has changed a lot, especially with COVID-19. The first few weeks were challenging for the McLarty family.

COVID made the transition hard as they juggled both school and work.

“Getting into a routine was the most challenging, but we know that takes time for any family,” Bill says. “We still have good days and bad days, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s the hardest and most beautiful thing we’ve ever done.”

Southern Christian is honored to be a part of the McLarty story. The McLarty family has blessed us far more than we could ever express, and we are so grateful to have been able to work with them to create a forever home for these children.

It’s natural to fear the unknown. Frequently asked questions usually include: Will I have support from professionals? Is there specialized training to help make our story a success? Will a teen even want to be fostered or adopted? The answer to all these questions is YES. Please contact SCSCY at scscy.org or call 601-354-0983 for more information about how you can change a Mississippi child’s life forever. Y

Jamie Himes is president and CEO of Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth. She is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and brings more than 20 years clinical experience to SCSCY. Prior to joining Southern Christian, Jamie managed clinical operations for Arkansas’ largest children’s home campus. Jamie and her husband, Bryant, are proud parents and active in their local community through the Junior League of Jackson, PGA of America Gulf States Section, The Rotary Club of Jackson, and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. She and her family live in Jackson.

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4735 Old Canton Road, Suite 111 • Jackson, Mississippi 39211 • 601-354-0983 601-352-8638 Fax • Info@southernchristianservices.org • www.scscy.org

26 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

432 Bozeman Road • Madison, Mississippi

AUTHOR Q&A

by KATIE EUBANKS

1 pilgrim, many interruptions Author and Jackson native Susan Cushman will release her eighth book, “Pilgrim Interrupted” — a memoir in the form of an essay collection encompassing faith, mental health and more — on June 7. She will be at Lemuria Books in Jackson for a signing on June 11. Susan recently spoke with MCL Editor Katie Eubanks about how the book came about and what she hopes readers will gain from it.

Katie Eubanks: Could you give me an overview of what the book is and what it includes?

Susan Cushman: “Pilgrim Interrupted” came about (when) I started looking at a lot of my previously published essays, and poetry and fiction, and I started seeing a thread of a spiritual and personal memoir.

I use the word “pilgrim” because of my pilgrimage, virtually and literally. I’ve visited Greece and other Orthodox-based countries and monasteries. On some of those trips, I was just seeking a closer relationship with God. And on some I was studying the art of iconography, learning to paint (Orthodox Christian) icons.

But (I also) wanted to include other aspects of my life … my family, my adopted kids, some of the things I’ve struggled with, including childhood sexual abuse and struggles with addiction and eating disorders.

There are six sections of the book: “Icons, Orthodoxy, and Spirituality”; “Writing, Editing, and Publishing”; “Alzheimer’s, Caregiving, Death, and Dying”; “Family and Adoption”; “Place”; and “Mental Health, Addiction, and Sexual Abuse.”

KE: This will be your eighth book release in six years!

SC: I’ve been busy! I’m 71 years old, and I got a late start. I was 65 or 66 when my first book was published. I was a stay-home mom … and I waited until my last child left for college to start writing. So I had to catch up.

Then as soon as I started writing, I got cancer, and I’m OK but that slowed me down for a little while. Then our son went off to Iraq and Afghanistan. … So the time from when I started writing to when my first book came out was several years.

KE: Do you have a favorite section of the book?

SC: The first section, “Icons, Orthodoxy, and Spirituality.” … that section really is kind of my spiritual memoir.

(The title) “Pilgrim Interrupted” comes from a visit my husband and I made to Patmos, Greece, on an actual pilgrimage. One of the stories happened in the cave at Patmos where St. John received the apocalyptic vision.

We were in this holy place, praying and worshipping, then suddenly a cruise ship unloaded all of their guests with their fanny packs, and that went on for 30 minutes or more.

(Later) I noticed that the (clergy) weren’t bothered by it at all. What a beautiful opportunity for people to be exposed to something holy and sacred.

KE: How do you hope your book helps readers?

SC: I think there are a lot of elements of healing in the book. I’m still healing from the sexual abuse. I still struggle with eating disorders and addiction issues. But I think there’s a lot of positive writing about those issues in the book.

I hope people will be encouraged to be open to different spiritual journeys. It was a huge shift from the Presbyterian faith of my childhood to my Orthodox faith. Both of which I loved. I didn’t reject my Presbyterian faith.

I (also want people to) consider their creative journey, and that it’s not too late in your 60s and 70s to follow your dreams. And to be thankful for whatever God gives you in the way of family. We have adoptive kids, and they’re wonderful.

KE: Do you ever struggle with what to publish about your life, and whether others who were involved will be upset?

SC: The first memoir I ever wrote, years ago, will never see the light of day, because I didn’t want to go public with a lot of the people that were involved in it. But it was so worthwhile to have written it. It was therapeutic.

But I didn’t want to hurt anyone, especially people that are still living.

And I have forgiven. I write about the forgiveness of my grandfather, of forgiving my mother, who was verbally and emotionally abusive to me for most of my life.

I’m very thankful for people who’ve forgiven me in my life, and for God’s grace allowing me to forgive. That’s why I want healing to be a strong element in anything I write. Y

Jackson native

SUSAN CUSHMAN will be signing books

Lemuria Books June 11, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.

“With crisp prose and vivid descriptions, Susan Cushman’s Pilgrim Interrupted delves deeply and unflinchingly into her dogged pursuit of holiness despite being hindered by her own need for healing and redemption. Readers of Madeleine L’Engle’s A Circle of Quiet will love this work.”

– Jolina Petersheim, bestselling author of How the Light Gets In

mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 27

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

recipes by STEPHANIE HOUSLEY by CAMILLE MORRIS

It’s barbecue season!

S

pring is here (with summer quickly following!), and that means it’s time to

open up the grill. We asked MCL Contributing Writer Anna Claire O’Cain’s mother, Stephanie Housley, to share a few of her favorite recipes for springtime get-togethers, including barbecue ribs and two perfect side dishes. Y

BBQ RIBS 2 1½ 1 1 1 1 1 2

tablespoons light brown sugar tablespoons kosher salt tablespoon dry mustard tablespoon paprika teaspoon smoked paprika teaspoon freshly ground black pepper teaspoon garlic salt racks baby-back pork ribs, 4 pounds total Barbecue sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together all seasonings in a small bowl. Be sure to break up any lumps with your fingers.

Remove the silver skin from underside of ribs by sliding your fingers under the thin membrane and pulling it off. Repeat with second rack. Rub ribs with the seasoning mixture on both sides.

Place ribs in a single layer in a large roasting pan and cover tightly with heavy-duty foil. Bake until ribs are tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Preheat the grill to medium.

Grill ribs 15 minutes on each side, watching and flipping when necessary, for 30 minutes total.

Baste with barbecue sauce the last 10 minutes.

(Sauce goes on at the end because it is sugarbased, and you don’t want to burn your ribs.)

Let racks rest 5 minutes before slicing into individual ribs. Serve with extra sauce.

28 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

RANCH POTATO SALAD 2 pounds red potatoes 1 (1-ounce package) ranch dressing mix, dry 2 cups sour cream (regular or low fat) 14-16 slices bacon 1½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup thinly sliced green onions Freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Leave the peel on the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Put cubes in a large pot and cover with about 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil over high heat and add salt. I add 1 teaspoon per every 4 cups of water. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium low (at a bare simmer) and cook uncovered 8 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender (easily pierced with a fork). Check often to avoid overcooking the potatoes, which will cause a mushy salad.

Drain potatoes and run under cold water. Let stand to dry completely before adding to salad.

Meanwhile, mix the dressing packet with sour cream. Whisk until smooth.

Cook the bacon, drain the fat, and coarsely chop.

Place the completely cooled potatoes in a large bowl. Add chopped bacon, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions. Pour dressing mixture over everything and gently toss to combine. Add pepper to taste.

Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) before serving.

If you’d like the bacon to stay crispy (instead of a softer/chewier texture), save it to top individual servings.

SOUTHERN BAKED BEANS ½ 1 1 3 3 3 4

pound bacon large onion (16-ounce) can Bush’s baked beans tablespoons yellow mustard tablespoons brown sugar tablespoons maple syrup tablespoons ketchup

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a skillet, fry bacon until crispy, then crumble. In same pan, using bacon drippings, sauté onion until brown. Mix bacon, onion and drippings with remaining ingredients. Pour into a baking dish and bake covered for 45 to 60 minutes.

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LAGNIAPPE by ANNA CLAIRE O’CAIN

Richard and Sheila Conn (back, in khaki and blue shirts) with St. Dominic Hospital staff.

A stroke, a heart attack, and extraordinary care

R

ichard Conn, a resident of Summit, shares about his

experience with a heart attack and stroke and how God used workers at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson to provide him and his wife, Sheila, with care and support through his healing journey.

The days leading up to Richard’s heart attack and stroke at first seemed to him like any other week. “I was real big into exercising,” he says. “As age came on, I started doing speed walking. I got to where I’d go down two miles, then turn around and go back to my truck.”

Walking his usual distance and tracking the time on his phone, Richard felt that something was not right. “I noticed that my time was off. I didn’t really feel bad, but I came home and told Sheila, ‘My time is off, and I don’t know why.’”

His wife reassured him about the increasing heat and humidity of the June weather and encouraged him to keep monitoring things over the next day or two. “The day after the next day, I went again, and I was even slower,” Richard says.

Sheila then recommended that Richard go to the doctor to see what was going on. “So I went to STATCare (medical clinic) in

30 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

McComb and the doctor did some tests. … everything came back and (the doctor) said, ‘Listen, I need to send you to the hospital now, because you are having a heart attack. It’s ongoing.’”

Richard went to the hospital — but Sheila, who had recently undergone cancer treatments and a double mastectomy, was not able to enter. “Because of the hospitals and everything being closed down at that time (due to COVID-19), my wife couldn’t get in, especially with her surgery and the situation.”

Then, before the doctors could perform the surgery to repair his heart, Sheila received a call that things with Richard had gotten worse. “Next thing I know, my wife was getting a call saying that (her) husband is now in a helicopter going to St. Dominic because he’s had a stroke.”

Since Sheila couldn’t drive due to her recovery, her sister drove her to St. Dominic’s in hopes of Sheila being able to see Richard.

Shortly after Sheila was dropped off at the hospital, God placed Carrie Clark, BSN, RN, and St. Dominic’s director of nursing services, in Sheila’s path.

Richard explains, “(Carrie) happened to be walking around the hospital …. Sheila was walking with her stuff and Carrie came back

and got a cart (for her). She took care of Sheila.” Carrie made sure Sheila had something to eat, then they went on up to the ICU to where Richard was.

“The amazing thing about it was that Sheila told Carrie, ‘Is there a waiting room? Where can Sheila told Carrie, I (stay)?’ Carrie said, ‘No, you are going to be in the room with your ‘Is there a waiting husband.’ That was unheard of,” room? Where can I Richard says. (stay)?’ Carrie said, The care that Richard and his wife received at St. Dominic was ‘No, you are going to astounding, he says. “We just fell be in the room with in love with St. Dominic. The your husband.’ hospitality and the doctors and nurses, the care that I got. They gave my wife the same care and (were) concerned about her situation.”

Richard shares that the Lord has since blessed him with a miraculous recovery, even from the start of his rehabilitation. “Believe it or not, it’s an answered prayer,” he says.

“I had my first stroke doctor appointment and he was amazed at how well I was recovering. ‘This is a miracle that you’ve recovered so fast,’ he said.” Richard replied, “God knows I am going to have to take care of my wife. We have really been blessed by God.” Y

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mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 31

TOUGH QUESTIONS

by DR. FRED HALL, LPC

My sixth-grader wants a cell phone QUESTION: My sixth-grade daughter wants a cell phone.

How young is too young?

ANSWER: Hi, reader, and thanks for such a timely and poignant question. Cell phones are wonders and have the capability of keeping folks in touch with each other, as well as entertainment and productivity. These are all wonderful tools that we have come to know and love. Social media is also one of our favorites. In the hands of a responsible adult, it is a great way to follow, like, and view what’s happening in the inner circle of your family and friends. In the hands of teens and pre-teens, it has the potential to be a devasting fire in the realms of emotional, relational and psycho-social well-being.

Too often parents want their children to have all the luxuries available but fail to monitor and evaluate the readiness of their child. The phone itself may not be harmful, but access to the internet with unmonitored viewing can certainly expose the child to harmful sites, people and concepts that the parent does not want or even know about.

Many students in elementary, middle and high school with cell phones spend an average of six hours per day viewing content and interacting in conversation with others, and with programming that may be questionable. This is

also done during late-night hours, which prevents the child from getting proper rest and sleep, thus affecting mood, academics and family relations.

Realistically, a child under 12 may not be ready for all the dynamics of having a cell phone. The exception to that could be if parents have monitors on the child’s phone, set up notifications of what the child is viewing, take the phone away at night, and discuss what safe viewing and social media really entails.

With these safeguards in mind, the child is more likely to get in and out of websites and social media without damage. If these safeguards are not implemented, discussed, and reinforced periodically, the potential for damage and harm rises dramatically.

Put off cell phone buying as long as you can. When you believe your child to be mature enough to handle it, discuss and set up boundaries in advance so as not to have any surprises with the child’s adherence. Involved parents are engaged parents, and engaged parents are informed parents. This will go a long way in making sure the phone and other media devices are used in the manner in which they were meant. Y

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32 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

“Many students in

elementary, middle and high school with cell phones spend an average of six hours per day viewing content and interacting in conversation with others, and with programming that may be questionable.”

Dr. Fred Hall is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), supervisor, life and leadership coach and consultant. He works with individuals, couples, families and organizations in training, speaking, consulting and clinical practice. He does clinical work at Cornerstone Counseling in Jackson.

DEAR MOM

by ALDKSJFLKASDJ

Dear Mom: You are loved!

MCL recently asked our social media followers to post tributes to their moms for Mother’s Day, and we chose the following Facebook post by Nitina Campbell to feature in this month’s edition!

Yes, we’ll be doing the same for Father’s Day, so start writing! Post your entry (with a picture) on social media with the hashtag #deardad and be sure to tag us — or simply email your entry to katie@mschristianliving.com.

Dear Mom, You’re our God-fearing Queen, our prayer warrior, our everything.

You keep us humbled in the midst of everything. When our world seems to crumble, your prayers, honesty, hugs, and love makes everything seem alright. You are our world! We cannot thank God enough for choosing you to be our mother. He truly blessed us with a phenomenal woman! You are a wonderful wife with love deeper than the ocean, an amazingly strong sister for your siblings, and a praying grandmother for all of your grandchildren. The encouragement you give, the pep talks you offer, the help with rearing our children are all greatly appreciated. Mother’s Day is approaching soon, but on behalf of all of us it’s only right to always give you your flowers while you can still smell them. We love you yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever more!

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for blessing us with the mother we have!

We love you, Momma! ❤

Attorney Job: The Adventures of a Great Lawyer!

“A Masterpiece in Jurisprudence!”

WENDY MAXWELL COUNSELOR

LCSW

Women’s Issues Adolescents Depression Anxiety Conflict Resolution

No other set of books, except the Bible, will prepare the reader for an abundant life NOW and for a glorious ETERNITY better than Attorney Job, Hallelujah, Love & War and The Sound of Glorious Marriage Music. These books can be reviewed and purchased at amazon.com. Select Books and type in “by Joe Ragland.”

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Personal Injury Trial Attorney/Workplace Injuries Tel. 601-969-5050 • Info: www.raglandministries.org Click CONTACT to subscribe to Ragland Newsletters mschristianliving.com ❘ MAY 2022 33

QUIPS & QUOTES ADVERTISER INDEX

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CUT OUT THE SCRIPTURES AND QUOTES AND PLACE THEM AROUND YOUR HOME FOR DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT!

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ADVERTISING PARTNERS

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The Baptist Children’s Village.........................29 Belhaven University...................................................2

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. ~ DEUTERONOMY 6:6-7, ESV

For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate. ~ LUKE 1:49-52, ESV

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”— and that he had said these things to her. ~ JOHN 20:17-18, ESV

C Spire .................................................................................3 Choose Life Mississippi ..........................................7 First Baptist Jackson ............................................22 Freshway Produce ...................................................10 H.E.A.L. Mississippi ...................................................13 Holy Trinity Anglican Church ...........................26 Hope Hollow Ministries ........................................25 Jackson Academy......................................................11

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. ~EXODUS 20:12, NIV

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Joe Ragland .................................................................33 Magnolia Speech School ....................................15 Mascagni Wealth Management ...................36 Mission Mississippi...................................................12 Mississippi Baptist Medical Center...............11 OCD Organizing.........................................................29

~ ESTHER 4:14B, ESV

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. ~ PSALM 139:13-14, ESV

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. ~ LUKE 1:38, ESV

The Orchard.....................................................................9

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. ~ PROVERBS 22:6, ESV

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord. ~ 1 SAMUEL 1:27-28A, ESV

You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

~ 1 PETER 3:4, NLT

Pine Grove Treatment Center............................5 Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, Inc....................................26 Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company..............................................9 St. Catherine’s Village.............................................31 St. Dominic’s ................................................................35 Stegall Imagery...........................................................31 Sunnybrook Estates ..............................................32 Susan Cushman, author.....................................27

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. ~ 3 JOHN 1:4, ESV

Thursday Nights Dinner & Discussion.....22 Twin Lakes ......................................................................15 WE Group Properties..............................................21

But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”

~RUTH 1:16, ESV

34 MAY 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

But Rahab the prostitute and her father’s household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive. And she has lived in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

~ JOSHUA 6:25, ESV

Wendy Maxwell, counselor................................33 The Woman’s Clinic ................................................23 Written in Stone Tile & Grout Cleaning and Restoration..............................33