Mississippi Christian Living: September 2024 by Mississippi Christian Living

Addiction, recovery, and transparency

● How the Good Shepherd pursued me in my burnout

Heath & Emily Ferguson

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2024

Katie Ginn katie@mschristianliving.com

ART/GRAPHIC DESIGN Sandra Goff

Teresa Howell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Casey Combest, Dr. Preston Crowe, Christina Dent, John Noblin, Kim Shirley, Ansley Claire Strong, Matt Weisenberger, Jade Whitehurst

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Stegall Imagery

DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS

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

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

601.345.1091

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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 2024 by MS Christian Living, Inc.

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Cto record

Why the gospel is for failures

an I talk to the teacher’s pets for a minute? It’s OK, I’m one of you. I’ll be gentle.

In this month’s cover story, Heath Ferguson says he wants people to understand that their value doesn’t change on their best day or their worst day. I’d like to take a moment and expound on that.

I was a pretty high performer growing up, and that continued when I became a working adult in my 20s. I went from making straight A’s, scoring a 33 on the ACT, and graduating from college magna cum laude to winning journalism awards and getting raises.

Then I landed my dream job — my current one — as a business owner. I had never owned so much as a lemonade stand.

In my ﬁrst full year at MCL, we turned a proﬁt. Yay! Maybe if I stayed within my budget and published a good product, I could make a living at this.

Then COVID hit. Then I noticed I was losing money. I wasn’t sure if it was all due to COVID, but it got worse over time, and pretty soon the dollar amount in my business account was getting lower every single month — not drastically, but somehow that made it worse. Instead of watching MCL get hit by a bus, I was watching it die of cancer, and I was the one who had to ﬁnd the cure. Something had to change.

Eventually, ad sales kicked into a higher gear (praise God!), but that’s not where I’m going with this column. What I want to tell

you is that God valued me just as much in 2020 and 2021, when I was “failing,” as He does now, when I’m “succeeding.” And I think if I hadn’t “failed,” I never would’ve learned that.

While I was “failing,” and crying out to God on my knees in my closet, I started to realize I’d been basing my value on my job performance. Subconsciously, I had believed two lies:

● If I managed my time well enough, sold enough ads, and published a good enough magazine, I was valuable to God.

● If I “failed” at any of those things, then God wouldn’t love or value me anymore.

These are two sides of the same coin, and that coin is the currency of hell. For the love of God (literally), please, don’t buy the lie. I’m talking to 18-year-old honors students, 81-year-old grandmothers, and everyone in between. You want to see your value? Stop what you’re doing, and look at the cross.

God decided you were worth sending His perfect Son. God decided you were worth Jesus dying for all your sins. God decided you were worth it.

When did He decide that? While we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Not when we buttoned our shirt, combed our hair, and gave Him a ﬁrm handshake. Not when we repented. Not when we believed. He valued us when we were too evil to value Him.

If you have trouble believing all this, I get it. Ask God to help you trust Him. Talk to other believers, and you’ll ﬁnd that they struggle with self-worth too. You wouldn’t tell them they don’t have value, would you? Then don’t tell yourself that either.

If you’re young and have never “failed” at anything, you will — and it can be a good thing when you do. If you ﬁnd a job or other opportunity that involves a skillset you don’t have yet, don’t automatically shrink back in fear of failure. Instead, when you “fail,” lean on your Savior, and you’ll learn that His love for you hasn’t changed one bit.

I keep putting “failure” in quotes because I like to believe the old adage that we only fail when we never get back up and try again. But the truth is, we’ve all failed already. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Yes, there’s a comma. The next verses continue, “and are justiﬁed by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacriﬁce of atonement, through the shedding of his blood — to be received by faith.”

The gospel is for failures. Thankfully, that includes all of us. Y

Katie Ginn katie@mschristianliving.com

Preparing

my cover story interview with Heath and Emily Ferguson (see page 24).

PHOTO BY

How the Good Shepherd pursued me amid extreme burnout

It was, funny enough, April Fools’ Day when I found myself lying on my back at my studio. I felt dizzy and nauseous; I was beginning to black out and couldn’t catch my breath. After the EMTs arrived and checked me out, they said something that shocked me: “Sir, you’ve just had a panic attack.”

I didn’t think of myself as anxious. I had spent the first 40 years of my life without having a panic attack. But in fact, I wasn’t at the bottom yet. In the following nine days, I had a panic attack or fought them off daily. I found myself questioning what my life was about and wondering if I even wanted to live any longer. Finally, I was able to get on medication, which helped my body get out of fight or flight mode. Medication was something I’d said I would never do. I don’t even take ibuprofen!

During those panic attacks, I thought I might be going crazy. The truth was, I was experiencing extreme burnout. In the previous four months, our business had grown over 100 percent. Foolishly, I’d thought I could buckle down and work 60- to 70-hour weeks. Simultaneously, one of our four children was waking up around 5:00 every morning — annihilating my sleep and making morning devotions brief. On top of raising kids, I was coaching their soccer teams, trying to be involved in church, and saying yes to every opportunity to help and be of use.

But there was a deeper problem: I had begun to fall into the patterns of this world; I had started believing lies; I was being passively conformed.

loved Jesus. I helped lead Sunday worship sometimes, discipled others, and spent time with God. But most of my days were spent pursuing what this world says is paramount. I was living a whole lot of “Jesus plus” gospels, putting worldly values on par with the Lord. Trust in Jesus, PLUS pursue your dream career path. Trust in Jesus, PLUS look for validation from others. Trust in Jesus, PLUS plan elaborate vacations. But we are called to trust in Christ alone.

The next few months found me seeking counsel and prayer from friends, family, and professionals, all of which helped. Most importantly, the Good Shepherd was retraining me to abide in Him. I want to look to Him for all I need and want in this life and the next. He’s been restoring my soul slowly. He is bringing me back to His green pastures by His still waters. Oh, how often I’ve drunk from ﬂeeting waters and longed for the temporal pastures marketed to me by this world. I repent. And I know I’m not done repenting.

Burnout or a nervous breakdown — whatever you want to call it — is gripping. At times it felt like I would never get relief. If you ﬁnd yourself in or near burnout, here are a few thoughts I’m trying to apply to my life:

● Slow down. Jesus sustains the heavens, the earth, and all that’s in them — He doesn’t need us to work 70-hour weeks. He’s got this.

● Keep your guard up for how this world can conform you. During those four

months of intense “life” before my ﬁrst panic attack, I let my guard down and allowed the enemy’s seeds to bloom in my heart.

● Don’t be prideful about medication if you need it. Whether homeopathic or pharmaceutical, both helped my body relax. Instead of seeing these as a crutch, I’ve begun thinking of them as another way God empowers us to have dominion over His creation.

● Lastly, connect with your emotions and be comfortable bringing them to Jesus. I didn’t have a paradigm for dealing with fear, loneliness, or shame. I just buried it! When that didn’t work, I made myself even busier. Bringing my emotions to my heavenly Father has been a challenge and a gift. I’m so sad I didn’t learn this earlier.

There are moments when Jesus allows us to be broken so we can unlearn the ways of this world and deepen our abiding in Him. For me (this time), it was extreme burnout. As terrible as it’s been, I’m grateful. The Good Shepherd is using this pain to sanctify me, and He’ll ﬁnish what He’s started. Y

Casey Combest, an entrepreneur based in Madison, is married to Ryen and a proud parent of four — one daughter and three sons. He runs Blue Sky Recording Studios and Blue Sky Podcast, and co-owns CommonHouse Video Productions, all based in Jackson. Casey’s family is actively involved at Highlands Presbyterian Church in Ridgeland.

How fitness and nutrition help my mental health

As a 33-year- old Christian wife and mom and someone who struggles with anxiety, I’ve come to understand that caring for our bodies isn’t just about physical appearance — it’s deeply connected to our mental and spiritual well-being. In a fastpaced world full of stress, anxiety, and overwhelming demands, ﬁtness and nutrition have become essential tools for me to maintain my mental health and grow closer to God.

The Bible reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Taking care of my body isn’t just about looking good; it’s about honoring the vessel God has given me. It’s about learning to care for my body not out of obligation, but out of obedience to the One who created me. When I prioritize my physical health, I’m better equipped to handle challenges with a clear mind and a peaceful heart, knowing that trials produce strength.

made helps me feel more balanced and less prone to mood swings. When I fuel my body with what it needs — lean proteins, healthy fats, fresh fruits and vegetables — I’m not just feeding my physical body but also supporting my mental and emotional well-being. When I indulge too often in sugary, processed foods, I notice a decline in my mood and energy, making it harder to stay centered and focused on God’s purpose for my life.

Fitness and nutrition have also taught me valuable spiritual lessons. Just as we must be disciplined and consistent in our workouts and food choices to see progress, we must persevere in our prayer lives and relationship with God in order to grow spiritually.

“ It’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed and doing mental laps around the anxiety pool, but working out provides a physical outlet for that tension.”

Regular exercise has been a game-changer for my mental health. It’s easy to ﬁnd ourselves overwhelmed and doing mental laps around the anxiety pool, but working out provides a physical outlet for that tension. When we exercise, our brains release a feel-good hormone known as endorphins. So whether it’s a morning run, a strength training session, or a calming body movement practice, physical activity can help manage the woes of life. The endorphins released during exercise are a natural mood booster, leaving me feeling more positive and energized. This has helped me approach each day with a renewed strength and focus, trusting that God will provide the energy I need. After all, He made our bodies with the intention to move. A healthy mind, body, and soul is better equipped to do the work God has called you to.

Nutrition is another crucial piece. What we eat impacts our mood, energy levels, and overall mental clarity. I’ve found that nourishing my body with whole, nutrient-dense foods that God

Moreover, taking care of my body has taught me about grace. There will be days when I miss a workout or indulge in a less-than-healthy meal, and that’s OK. Just as God’s grace covers our spiritual shortcomings, I’ve learned to extend grace to myself on my health journey. What matters is that I keep moving forward, learning to remove my triggers, trusting in God’s plan, and recognizing that each step I take — whether in ﬁtness, nutrition, or faith — brings me closer to the person He’s called me to be.

For me, ﬁtness and nutrition are integral to maintaining my mental health and nurturing my relationship with God as an act of worship. So let’s embrace this journey, knowing that each step, each healthy choice, is a way to glorify God and live out His purpose for our lives. Y

Jade Whitehurst is a wife, mom, ﬁtness coach, and eighth-grade science teacher. You can follow her on Instagram @jadewhitehurst_thefaithﬁtmom.

back-to-school tips for an injury-free sports season

As the school year begins, many students are eager to return to their favorite sports. While sports offer improved ﬁtness, teamwork, and discipline, it’s important to prioritize safety.

Here are some essential tips:

1. Schedule a physical

Before your child hits the field, court, or track, it’s crucial to have a sports physical. This exam helps identify any underlying health issues that could put them at risk for injury. A healthcare professional will assess their overall fitness level and provide clearance for participation. If any concerns arise, they can recommend modifications or further testing.

2. Prioritize proper conditioning

Jumping straight into the season without proper conditioning can lead to muscle strains and other injuries. Encourage your child to engage in a pre-season

conditioning program focusing on strength, ﬂexibility, and cardiovascular ﬁtness.

3. Emphasize warm-ups and cool-downs

Warming up before practice or a game is essential for reducing the risk of injury. A good warm-up increases blood ﬂow to the muscles, improves ﬂexibility, and prepares the body for physical activity. Similarly, cooling down after activity helps gradually lower the heart rate and prevent stiffness. Encourage your child to make stretching part of their routine.

4. Ensure proper equipment and gear

Make sure your child has properly ﬁtted helmets, pads, mouthguards, and any other sport-speciﬁc equipment. Check regularly for wear and tear, and replace gear as needed. Proper footwear is also critical — shoes should provide adequate support and be appropriate for the sport.

5. Educate on injury prevention and awareness

Teach your child the importance of listening to their body and recognizing the signs of injury. Pain, swelling, and decreased performance are indicators that something could be wrong. Encourage them to speak up rather than “toughing it out” during discomfort or pain. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming serious injuries.

6. Hydration, nutrition, and rest

Ensure your child drinks plenty of water before, during and after sports, especially in hot weather. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides the energy and nutrients needed to perform well and recover quickly. School-age children and teens need 9 to 10 hours of sleep per night on average, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

7. Monitor for overtraining

Overtraining can lead to burnout and injury. Keep an eye on your child’s training schedule and ensure they have

adequate rest days. Encourage a balance between sports, schoolwork, and other activities to prevent physical and mental fatigue.

8. Know the signs of concussion

Concussions are a serious concern in youth sports. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, and sensitivity to light or noise. If you suspect your child has a concussion, remove them from play immediately and seek medical evaluation. Never let a child return to sports until they have been cleared by a healthcare professional.

9. Encourage open communication

Maintain open communication with your child, their coaches, and healthcare providers. Encourage your child to express any concerns they have about their health or safety. Coaches should also be informed about any previous injuries or conditions that could require special attention.

10. Support a positive attitude toward safety

Finally, emphasize to your child that taking precautions and following guidelines isn’t just about avoiding injury — it’s about ensuring they can keep enjoying their sport for years to come.

By following these tips, you can help your child “Move Better & Live Better” and enjoy a fun, successful, injury-free sports season. If your child experiences a musculoskeletal injury as they return to sports, please reach out to Capital Ortho. We’re locally owned and operated, based in Flowood, and have seven locations throughout central Mississippi. Request an appointment at CapitalOrtho.com, or download the HURT! app powered by Capital Ortho at poweredbyhurt.com/capitalortho for fast, free injury advice 24/7. Y

can usually find him taking care of the Bruins on the sidelines at St. Joe!

Matt Weisenberger is the head athletic trainer at Capital Ortho. He has been a Certified Athletic Trainer in Mississippi for 29 years. He and his family live in Clinton. You

JAMIE FOWLER BOYLL PARK

September 28, 2024

7 AM

Changing our focus in order to overcome addiction

WhenDr. Bruce Alexander arrived at an addiction clinic on his ﬁrst day of work as a psychology student in the 1970s, he was nervous because he had grown up hearing that people addicted to drugs are bad people. But he quickly saw that the people he was treating had reasons for their drug use that made sense in the context of the pain in their lives, even if they were coping in a very unhealthy way.

With more than 16 percent of Mississippi adults struggling with a substance use disorder today, many families are trying to understand what happened to their loved ones and how to help them. There is hope, and an experiment Dr. Alexander conducted called Rat Park illustrates why we have to shift our focus from the drugs people use to the reasons people use them.

About the same time Dr. Alexander started work in the addiction clinic, he heard about a recent set of experiments using rats in cages. The rats could push a lever and get heroin or cocaine anytime they wanted it. They often pushed the lever, sometimes pushing it so frequently that they overdosed and died. The experiments were widely publicized as proof that drugs enslave and are the cause of addiction.

However, Dr. Alexander knew that rats are highly social creatures who love to play, explore, and socialize, like humans. Yet the previous experiments put each rat in a small, empty box, alone. So Dr. Alexander and several colleagues did their own experiment. They kept the lever for the rats to get drugs, but they built a new environment called Rat Park. It had lots of room, toys to play with, and plenty of rat friends. Even though the rats could get drugs anytime they wanted, they rarely pushed the lever and never pushed it compulsively. In Rat Park, they preferred to be sober.

Dr. Alexander concluded that rats’ drug use wasn’t driven by the drug. It was driven by their environment and experiences. When they were happy and fulﬁlled, they didn’t want drugs. When they were suffering, they used drugs excessively. Dr. Alexander saw this reality in the lives of countless clients over the next 50 years of his career studying and treating addiction.

I saw this reality as a foster mom in Mississippi’s child welfare system and was similarly changed by the realization that people struggling with addiction are people just like me, trying to cope with life in a world gone terribly wrong.

No matter how destructive an addiction is to the person struggling or to the people who love them, it will only be overcome by focusing on healing the hurt that’s underneath it, not on the drugs being used to cope with it. Y

Christina Dent is the founder and president of the nonprofit End It For Good and the author of “Curious: A Foster Mom’s Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction.” She lives with her family in Ridgeland.

Center for Hope and Healing expands mental health services

Mentalhealth has historically been under-addressed within the church. While physical health issues are often discussed and prayed for, conversations around mental health tend to be taboo. Maybe it is because mental health struggles can’t be seen in the same way as a broken arm or a tumor on a scan (although modern science is beginning to reveal that many mental health challenges do have physical components). Maybe it is the carry-over stigma from years of mental health being misunderstood. Maybe it is the belief, often shared in counseling offices, that “If only I were stronger in my faith, I wouldn’t struggle with this.” Whatever the cause, the result is that people often don’t seek help.

Since the fall in Genesis, we have struggled with “attacks” on our mental health in the same way that our bodies undergo the physical assault of sickness and disease. Modern science is helping us understand that the two are often intertwined and that one impacts the other in numerous ways. Trauma, for instance, can lead to physical and chemical changes within the body that are present years after the traumatic event. These bodily changes are both a result of the initial trauma and a component of future distress.

As churches become more comfortable discussing these topics, and as people of faith become more open about their struggles, the need for professional counseling that can address the connection between physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual is becoming even more important. At The Center for Hope and Healing (CHH), we have witnessed an increase in the need for counselors who are comfortable with and skilled at helping those ready to address their mental health while not disconnecting the spiritual aspect.

It was for this reason CHH, a ministry of Broadmoor Baptist Church, decided to expand its counseling team and counseling services. Recently, Broadmoor purchased a building that now houses both its counseling ministry and The Shelter Ministry, a Broadmoor initiative designed to help those fostering, adopting, in an unexpected pregnancy or healing from a past abortion. It is one of the ways that Broadmoor is fulﬁlling its mission “for the glory of God and the good of our communities.” Though CHH is available to Broadmoor members, around 70 percent of CHH clients are community members not directly affiliated with Broadmoor.

With the additional space, our goal is to provide high-quality professional counseling and life coaching to our Madison community and beyond. In addition to more counseling rooms for individuals, couples and families, this new space will include rooms for group therapy, psycho-educational training, and a dedicated play therapy room for children. Our prayer is that these services will lead to healthier individuals, families, and communities. Y

Preston is the counseling pastor and director of The Center for Hope and Healing at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison. He also volunteers as president of Global Concern Inc. (GCI), a Mississippi nonprofit that shares the gospel and facilitates sustainable community development in northern Kenya. He is married to Jennifer, a father of five, and a new grandpa of one.

CPS and Lifeline Children’s Services forge unique partnership

In today’s culture, it might seem impossible that churches would be invited to assist a government agency, but that is exactly what is happening in Mississippi through a unique partnership between Lifeline Children’s Services and the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. Lifeline, the largest evangelical adoption and child welfare agency in the United States, and MDCPS have partnered to help churches serve vulnerable children and families through two unique programs.

● Families Count is a court-approved, gospel-based parenting class created by Lifeline and offered to parents who have either had children removed from the home by CPS or are considered “at risk” of losing custody.

● CarePortal is an independent online platform that caseworkers and child welfare professionals can use to submit material needs of vulnerable children and their families — and connect with churches in the community who can meet those needs. Lifeline administers CarePortal and recruits and trains participating churches.

MDCPS Commissioner Andrea Sanders stated:

“In four years as Commissioner, I have learned that this

“ In four years as Commissioner, I have learned that this work is hard, and we cannot do it alone. A state agency will always be a poor substitute for family, and we need the support of the church and community to meet the ever-growing needs of children and families.”

- MDCPS Commissioner Andrea Sanders

work is hard, and we cannot do it alone. A state agency will always be a poor substitute for family, and we need the support of the church and community to meet the evergrowing needs of children and families.

“MDCPS has more than 4,000 children in custody. The agency’s partnership with Lifeline and CarePortal has allowed many children to remain with their families.

“Parenting is one of the hardest jobs on the planet, and many parents ﬁnd they need extra support and mentoring to be successful. Families Count provides a loving, nurturing relationship for parents, as well as practical techniques for parenting. The relationship may last well beyond the six-week program and gives parents conﬁdence during stressful times.”

John Noblin, state director of Lifeline, said: “Through our Families Count classes and our administration of CarePortal, Lifeline is able to connect churches with local parents whom CPS has determined have speciﬁc needs relative to their children. People who have never dealt with CPS may not realize that the agency’s primary objective is to restore the biological family whenever possible. Our programs allow churches to help CPS accomplish their goal while helping these families function the way God designed them to.”

Trent Allen, Lifeline’s Manager of Church and Community Connections, added, “This amazing partnership gives the local church a wide-open door to bring the good news of Christ’s love to children and families who ﬁnd themselves in a very vulnerable place ... We remind the volunteers from the churches to keep this mantra in mind: ‘We are all broken people serving broken people … people made in the image of God serving others also made in the image of God.’”

If you think your church would like to hear more about Families Count or CarePortal, please contact Trent Allen at trent.allen@lifelinechild.org. Y

John Noblin is a lifelong Jacksonian and member of First Presbyterian Church. He holds B.A. and J.D. degrees from Ole Miss and has served as Lifeline’s state director here for ﬁve years. He has been married to Jill for 34 years, and they have two adult daughters who also live in Jackson. You can email him at john.noblin@lifelinechild.org.

Share your story for a chance to receive a $2,000 scholarship to be used at the college or university of your choice! APPLICATIONS OPEN: Thursday, August 1. TO FIND INSTRUCTIONS AND DETAILS:

• Visit bit.ly/CLF2025

• OR visit MSChristianLiving.com, go to the “Christian Leaders” tab, and click “Christian Leaders of the Future”

• OR ask your school counselor

RTS providing care, equipping counselors for biblically based mental health

More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States suffer from a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) is responding to the ever-growing need for counseling with a biblical worldview by offering accessible mental health counseling, as well as educating and preparing the next generation of counselors.

The Counseling Center at RTS, located off Meadowbrook Road in Jackson, is committed to providing the community with well-trained counselors who assist people with a variety of challenges, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, stress disorders, abuse, self-harm, anger, and marital problems. The Counseling Center offers services based on a sliding scale determined by annual household income, making counseling available to those who may not have access otherwise. In addition, these services can be offered to individuals and couples across the state through telehealth.

To address the growing demand for mental health services, it is also crucial to prepare future counselors. The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program at RTS integrates a biblical worldview with clinical mental health counseling. Not only are students who graduate from this program prepared to become licensed professional counselors, but they also have completed numerous hours of theology coursework, which equips them with a strong theological foundation from which to counsel clients.

The RTS MAC program is unique due to academics, cohort structure, and on-site clinical experience. Students are taught skills in clinical mental health and marriage and family counseling. The cohort format benefits the students by providing a support system that shares the vision of helping God’s people while completing their intense preparation. Another benefit is the chance to finish the required clinical internship through the on-site clinic at The Counseling Center. While most programs require

students to source their internship, RTS MAC has the clinical site and supervision built into the program. After receiving at least two and a half hours of weekly supervision and consultation, students’ skills strengthen signiﬁcantly.

The Counseling Center at RTS offers affordable, biblically based mental health care throughout Mississippi. Through Reformed Theological Seminary’s Master of Arts in Counseling program, RTS prepares future counselors who will bring hope and healing to their communities. By interweaving theological foundations with clinical training, RTS is shaping the future of mental health care, ensuring that compassionate, well-equipped professionals are ready to serve both the church and our communities. Y

Kim Shirley is senior director of communications and marketing at Reformed Theological Seminary. She is dedicated to using strategic messaging to develop resources that support and guide others on their faith journey.

‘To: God, Love: Ansley Claire’

hen I was a little girl learning about the character of God and the classic stories of the Bible for the ﬁrst I would often imagine that my prayers were not just prayers, but letters of correspondence between me and the Lord.

Protecting What Matters Through

These letters of mine were stored in a mailroom at the top of my head, and the mailroom was as I imagined God’s throne room in heaven to be: a magniﬁcent room covered in clouds with a jewelcovered throne next to a prayer-carrying mailbox. Each letter had a heart-shaped stamp on the outside along with a big address on the front: “To: God, Love: Ansley Claire.”

Every time I would talk to God, I would imagine that my prayer went straight into the mailbox next to God’s throne as a letter, always sealed with a heart stamp and the same address. I would routinely see His face light up while He took in the words of my letter as I was praying it; His eyes were always the caring, soft eyes of a Father receiving a special letter from His beloved daughter.

Over time, the prayers I once prayed as letters in childlike faith became doubts that the Lord wasn’t actually receiving or hearing my prayers — that He had abandoned my mailroom. In reality, I had abandoned it myself. The mailroom vision that I formed to feel closer to my Father in prayer started to collect dust because I stopped praying.

In high school, I lost my childlike faith in favor of letting the enemy’s lies cloud my judgment. Control issues, people-pleasing, perfectionism, academic validation, and self-doubt plagued my mind constantly, and I was knee-deep in an identity crisis. When I desired for the world to take notice of me, I lost sight of the Lord; the same Lord who’d read my letters when I was a little girl is the same Lord who was still sitting next to that empty mailbox and waiting to be wanted.

That intimate image of God I had created in my head as a little girl is the same image the Lord used to bring me back into the faith after I had strayed; He reminded me of His good character and His desire for a relationship. Initially, I felt the dread of turning back to Jesus and praying because I wasn’t that same girl anymore. But He met me where I was to call me home and nudged me to reopen the mailroom.

“When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.” - Jonah 2:7. Y

Ansley Claire is a recent graduate of Madison-Ridgeland Academy and is attending The University of Mississippi as a freshman journalism major. She was also named an MCL 2024 Christian Leader of the Future. You can read more of her work on her blog, actuesdaymornings.substack.com.

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.

Heath & Emily Fer

On their first date, Heath told Emily, “I’m going to marry you.” Less than four months later, they were engaged.

Emily Guthrie grew up in northeast Jackson. As a teen, she went on mission trips. Heath Ferguson grew up in rural Copiah County. As a teen — starting at age 11, in fact — he abused alcohol and drugs. But he and Emily have more in common than you might assume.

Through a winding path of broken homes, addiction, and redemption, God led Heath and Emily to each other — and to a radical transparency that marks their marriage today.

“When

I was 4, I watched my dad pack up all his stuff and leave. It’s one of my earliest memories,” Heath recalls.

After Heath’s mom remarried and the family moved to Hazlehurst, his stepdad “began emotionally and sexually abusing me from the time I was 4 to 8 years old,” Heath says.

The marriage ended for unrelated reasons when Heath

They got married December 19, 2009 – exactly six months after their first date.

PHOTO

was 8 (he didn’t tell his mom about the abuse for years). But the damage was done. “I was drunk at age 11,” he says. “I was unknowingly treating the effects of the abuse. At 14, I tried drugs.”

Growing up on a farm, “I knew how to work,” Heath says. “Coming up in my teens and 20s, I could be a functional addict.” Until he couldn’t. The arrests piled up, including one that landed him in jail in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, where he used his shoe for a pillow.

“(Friends and I) would go to northern Mexico and buy narcotics pills for cheap,” he says. “I was an embarrassment to my family.”

Finally, in his early 30s, Heath was arrested traveling back from Mexico with a number of pills that should have landed him in prison.

“Judge Mike Taylor of the 14th District Court offered me drug court instead of prison. You have to do rehab ﬁrst,” Heath recalls. He was sent to rehab on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day,

while most of his friends were probably partying.

After rehab, Heath worked to pay off tens of thousands of dollars in ﬁnes. Every day at 5 p.m., he would call a number to ﬁnd out if he would be drug tested, which happened randomly two to four times a week.

“I was pretty miserable the ﬁrst year,” he says. “I didn’t have dope or God.” Still, he managed to stay sober. “I went to see my grandfather, who was dying of cancer, because I wanted to tell him I’d gotten a year,” Heath recalls.

Heath’s grandfather MG showed him the love of Jesus.

“He didn’t ask me where I had been or what I had been doing — he just loved me. And he asked me to live with him for what turned out to be the last few weeks of his life. I got to experience his affection for me.”

Heath’s family had supported his recovery journey and offered him unconditional love — but it wasn’t until now that he started to believe in it.

“I began to believe I was worth God’s love,” he says. “I realized the gospel was for me too.”

Opening Pandora’s box

Emily knew the gospel was for her at age 6.

“My parents taught Sunday school and were very involved,” she recalls. “(At 6 years old) I started asking questions about God. I was riding in a truck with my dad and knew he would tell me the truth. I accepted Jesus in that truck with my dad.”

Emily’s dad was drafted to Vietnam, married her mom after his return, worked his way through college and law school, and started a successful oil and gas business. He loved his family, and he showed it.

“My dad grew up never being told, ‘I love you.’ He vowed to not repeat that with us.”

Emily’s young conversion ﬁt the context of a wholesome northeast Jackson life. Her family attended First Presbyterian every week. “We looked perfect from the outside,” she says.

Emily and Heath at their wedding.

PHOTOS BY STEGALL IMAGERY

However, “my dad suffered with undiagnosed PTSD from Vietnam, and my mom just wanted that perfection. It was like a pressure cooker. I was a worrier and just tried to stay under the radar.”

When Emily was in junior high, her parents’ Sunday school teacher shared how a Christian therapist had strengthened his marriage; the teacher encouraged the whole class to see the counselor, so Emily’s parents went.

“The therapist opened the box of PTSD, and my dad didn’t know how to deal with it. He stopped going. He wanted out. We were told it was like he reverted back to when he was drafted at 18 and was acting like that.”

Emily’s parents divorced. Her dad told her older sister he wouldn’t walk her down the aisle at her upcoming wedding. He remarried and moved to Vicksburg. “My mom suffered with depression, understandably,” Emily says.

One bright spot: “My dad would take me and my brother to school. He had to drive from Vicksburg every morning to pick us up and take us to two different schools. I was his baby girl, but that was pretty much the only time we would see him. I didn’t know how much the Lord would use those mornings to mend our relationship.”

Emily and Heath with her father, Michael Guthrie (left), at their wedding.

Heath and Emily (center) with Heath’s mom, Betty Lou Warren (front, in pink), and family.

Meanwhile, a youth director named Tracy poured into Emily and her friends — urging them to share prayer requests that reached below the surface — and “we would sit and pray with and for one another. I found a safe place. My friends became family.”

Then a seemingly random trip to an Ole Miss campus ministry event proved to be a turning point: “(The speaker)

had decided to go off course that night and preach on the Lord’s prayer. (That night, the words) ‘forgive us as we forgive others’ (hit me differently). Forgive me the way I forgive my parents …”

Emily had a scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design. She had a roommate. She had also grown up as a Mississippi State fan. But the next morning, she told her dad she was going to Ole Miss, where she had heard that sermon. She majored in art, psychology, and human development, and aimed to be an art therapist for teens. Then while attending Reformed Theological Seminary, she interned with the youth group at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, where Tracy had impacted her years before.

“I didn’t ﬁnish seminary because they moved me up to Associate Director. It was Tracy’s old job.”

At this point in Emily’s life — having learned to share her heart with trusted friends, having forgiven her parents — “I thought I was an open book,” she recalls. “Enter Heath.”

‘I’m going to marry you’

Before Heath’s grandfather died, he gave Heath three words: “Go to church.” Heath followed this directive and went to Stronghope Baptist in Copiah County.

“They had a new pastor who was so kind and friendly to me. I found community, acceptance. I learned that transparency was healthy and good.”

As Heath embraced his new life in Christ and in recovery, he attended classes at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

After traveling to Oxford for a graduation party, Heath ran into Emily. They knew each other through mutual friends, but

Emily on her wedding day with her mom, Jan McSpadden (in blue), and family.

Heath (top left) with his father, Dusty (front), and siblings.

not well. She only knew his reputation as an addict — everybody knew that

Heath found Emily on Facebook and asked her out. She said no the ﬁrst time, but when he asked a week later, she said yes.

“June 19, 2009 was our ﬁrst date,” Heath recalls, now sitting next to Emily in their home in Gluckstadt. “My truck had no A/C. My dad let me borrow his. We found a little restaurant at Renaissance (in Ridgeland) — do you remember what it was?”

“Sweet Peppers,” Emily says.

“Then we hung out on her back porch. I remember telling her that night, ‘I’m going to marry you.’”

“He said, ‘If we start dating, I can’t date you for long,’” Emily recalls. “And I was like, what does that mean? He said, ‘I’m going to marry you.’ Normally I would’ve freaked out (if someone had said that) — but it just wasn’t weird.”

They continued seeing each other, and Heath kept saying things you just don’t say on a date.

“We went to dinner with friends of mine, and he says, ‘Hey, I’m Heath, I’m a recovering addict,’” Emily recalls. “And I was like, ‘Can they get to know you ﬁrst?’ I was telling my story to people I knew (but) he was telling his story to strangers.”

On December 19, 2009 — exactly six months after their ﬁrst date — Heath and Emily got married.

Their time as newlyweds in New Orleans was short. By the next summer, Emily was pregnant with their ﬁrst son — and on a visit to her doctor in Jackson, she and Heath ran into a friend of his who suggested he look into becoming a chaplain at Baptist Hospital.

The Fergusons moved to Jackson, where Heath interned at

Baptist two days a week while ﬁnishing seminary online.

Heath also went to work for Emily’s father, Michael, who was now ill. Before long, they discovered his illness was terminal cancer. Michael had long since apologized to Emily and asked forgiveness for his years-earlier behavior.

“He recognized that (my siblings and I) saw his failures and still accepted him,” Emily says. “(Likewise) we always knew if we messed up, we could tell our dad.”

Heath and Emily with their sons, MG (top) and Locke. PHOTO

(Heath and his own father also developed a strong bond, despite his leaving when Heath was young, he says. “When my dad left, he was 28. At 28, I would’ve done worse. I can’t judge him for that. He and I have a great relationship now.”)

On November 5, 2010, Michael Gerald “MG” Ferguson was born. He was named Michael for Emily’s dad and Gerald for Heath’s grandfather Milford Gerald (also called MG), who’d shown Heath the love of Jesus.

Barely a month later, Emily’s father passed away. Shortly after that was her and Heath’s ﬁrst anniversary.

“I wasn’t a very good chaplain to you,” Heath says to Emily of that time. “It’s so hard to see someone you love suffer; you don’t want to be around it. You just want to ﬁx it.”

Dealing with a birth and a death in quick succession would be a tall order for any couple, especially newlyweds. After all, they were still learning how to communicate.

“Our ﬁrst year of marriage, I thought I had broken her. I didn’t know a human could cry (that much),” Heath says. “She had a chair she would sit in, and we called it the angry chair.”

“Because there wasn’t enough room for you to sit next to me,” Emily says. “(Our marriage improved) once we learned how each one of us handles conﬂict … My dad used to yell all the time. So I shut down (during conﬂict because) I need time to process. Heath’s dad left, so Heath thinks I’m leaving when I shut down.”

“I tell (couples I counsel) that marriage is the hardest and the best thing I’ve ever done — to the fullness of both of those things,” Heath says.

‘Daddy’s been to jail?’

While completing his seminary degree and chaplaincy training, Heath was called to be pastor of a small church. He and Emily’s oldest son, MG, “had like nine mamaws” at the church, Emily says. Heath also officially became a chaplain at Baptist Hospital, before he’d even ﬁnished his training.

Meanwhile, Emily needed a ﬂexible job as a new mom and found one as a realtor with Nix-Tann & Associates. Now she helps people navigate the process of buying and selling homes — something that requires clear communication and an understanding of each person’s desires.

“I didn’t know how much I’d use my psychology degree (in this job),” Emily says.

In 2016, younger son Locke was born (full name Tadlock Evins, in honor of Heath’s stepgrandfather and Emily’s grandfather). That same year, Heath was asked to be head chaplain at Baptist. He stepped away from the church a few months later.

He also obtained his master’s in counseling. While chaplain duties involve a lot of bedside prayer and grief ministry, being a counselor helps Heath meet mental health needs in the long term.

“I wanted to be more effective in caring for the (hospital) staff,” explains Heath, who went on to become a licensed

professional counselor (LPC). “The patients aren’t there very long, so you ﬁnd yourself caring a lot for the staff (over time).”

“If you walk into (Baptist) with him, it doesn’t matter who you see — they know him, and he knows their story,” Emily says.

After 15 years at Baptist, Heath just stepped away last month to become the adult and family therapist at The Woman’s Clinic, where he sees men, women, and families. (You don’t have to be pregnant, female, or even a Woman’s Clinic patient to see him.) He also practices at Cornerstone Counseling in Jackson, though he is not currently accepting new clients there.

Eighteen years ago, if a judge hadn’t shown Heath mercy, he would be serving the tail end of a 19-year prison sentence for possession with intent to distribute. Instead he met Jesus, and he met Emily — and he’s not afraid to talk about all of the above.

Even the Ferguson boys know Heath’s addiction story — though they didn’t always know all the details. After looking up his dad online one day, MG said, “Mom, did you know Daddy’s been to jail?”

“I want them to know the dangers (of addiction),” Heath says. “But I also want them to know the forgiveness and redemption that God offers. (I want people to) understand their value and worth doesn’t change on their worst day or their best day.” Y

The Fergusons love road-tripping with their boys and took them out West this summer.

Mississippi mental health RESOURCE GUIDE

For our Faith & Mental Health edition, we wanted to provide a list of people, organizations, and resources that can help with everything from suicidal ideation to intimacy problems, substance abuse, motherhood challenges, and more. Please note, many of these resources can help with far more than just the topic (e.g., “Anxiety”) under which they’re listed! Please share this article with anyone you know who might be struggling —- and never be afraid to ask for help.

ADDICTION

Harbor House Chemical Dependency Services (Jackson)

Every person faced with substance abuse issues has a unique and important story. Their journey to get to the point of needing help has been ﬁlled with uncertainty and pain. Those around them have been impacted. Their lives are not where they could be, and they have tried to moderate or stop without consistently being able to do so.

Addiction preys on the young and old, poor and wealthy, those with a family history and those without. Nobody sets out to become addicted, but substance use becomes a coping process, and eventually the person cannot stop.

Harbor House was established in 1973 to serve men and women impacted by substance abuse through residential treatment. Our mission remains to offer hope to adults by providing an effective continuum of high-quality, valuable, compassionate behavioral health treatment. Harbor House cares for hundreds of people every year who need help. Many of them are without insurance or other resources and often have co-occurring mental health issues.

Our philosophy is based on person-centered treatment planning; the one needing help is the most important part of the treatment team. Each person’s treatment plan is created to address their speciﬁc needs. The only things necessary for the person to achieve sobriety are honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness to take risks toward trusting the process, surrendering to the program, and committing to change.

We treat a substance use disorder as a chronic disease that can be

managed to improve a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Recovery takes time, dedication, and support. Harbor House staff are committed to offering support, compassion, and effective tools for change through residential services, MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment), and recovery support services so those we serve can be set free from addiction to live a life worth living. More info: 601-371-7335 hhjackson.org

Mercy House Adult & Teen Challenge (Copiah County)

Mercy House Adult & Teen Challenge is a program for men struggling with addiction. With 14 beautiful acres in Copiah County, men ﬁnd a safe “retreat” to rebuild their lives. We believe in Total Life Transformation, and the vision we have is to see Broken Families Restored One Man at a Time. More info: 601.213.8536 mercyhouseatc.com

Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services

Pine Grove is one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses, offering a variety of programs for men and women, children, adolescents and adults. Here is some wisdom from Pine Grove about the dangers of social media addiction:

Social media platforms have become central to our daily lives, offering unparalleled connectivity and access to information. However, casual browsing can spiral into an addiction, with signiﬁcant implications for mental and physical health. How does this problem develop, and what warning signs should you look for if you worry about yourself or a loved one?

Warning signs of social media addiction

Characteristics of social media addiction include an uncontrollable urge to use platforms like Instagram and X (Twitter), devoting so much time and effort to this technology that it prevents you from fulﬁlling other life responsibilities. This compulsion stems from the intermittent rewards social media platforms provide — likes, shares, and comments that stimulate your brain and encourage continuous engagement regardless of what other obligations you may have at the moment. Identifying social media addiction can be challenging, as it shares characteristics with normal usage. However, speciﬁc signs can indicate a pervasive problem.

● Neglecting your personal, professional or educational responsibilities.

● Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety or depression when not using social media.

● An overwhelming urge to refresh your feed — even in inappropriate or dangerous situations, such as while driving.

● Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy.

● A decrease in the quality or quantity of your sleep or exercise.

● Unsuccessful efforts to cut down your use in the past. Who is most at risk?

While anyone can develop a social media addiction, some groups are more susceptible.

● Teenagers and young adults, who are native digital users and frequently rely on social media for social validation and connection.

● People with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression may use social media to escape or alleviate their symptoms.

● Lonely, marginalized or isolated people might depend on social media to stay connected, which can spiral into addictive behavior.

Social

media

addiction vs. technology addiction

While social media addiction is a form of technology addiction, there are distinct differences.

● Speciﬁc vs. general: Social media addiction is speciﬁcally about compulsive use of social media platforms, whereas technology addiction can involve a broader range of digital devices and activities like gaming, browsing and streaming.

● Social interaction: Social media addiction often begins with seeking approval and interaction from others. Meanwhile, technology addiction can be completely solitary, focusing on content consumption or interactive engagement with digital interfaces.

Find freedom from social media addiction at Pine Grove

Social media addiction is a growing concern with severe physical and mental health implications. Recognizing the signs and understanding the risk factors can help resolve this modern-day challenge. At Pine Grove, we expertly treat clients struggling with social media and other forms of technology addiction, helping them regain control and achieve a healthier, more balanced life. Please visit pinegrovetreatment.com and call 888.574.4673 to start restoring your well-being today. (See ad on page 5.)

William Magee Center (Oxford)

The William Magee Center for Alcohol & Other Drugs and Wellness Education is dedicated to transforming students’ lives by providing education, intervention, and support services to enhance well-being and foster success at The University of Mississippi. The William Magee Center provides education, resources, and support to change and improve students’ lives. More info: olemiss.edu/mageecenter

ANXIETY

Cornerstone Counseling (multiple locations)

Cornerstone Counseling is led by a passionate team of counselors with a heart to serve and provide personal care. Here is some advice from one of our professionals: Philippians 4:6 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” I want to focus brieﬂy on the phrase with thanksgiving. We have two types of gratitude: state gratitude and trait gratitude. State gratitude is being grateful in a moment. Trait gratitude is being a grateful person. A grateful person can see God’s love in every situation.

The phrase with thanksgiving needs to be understood in the context of “do not be anxious about anything.” Sometimes the opposite of anxious is not calm but thankful. Perhaps gratitude is one way to ﬁnd peace in the middle of a storm.

Reader, you may experience storms that cause signiﬁcant anxiety. Gratitude most likely will not cure that anxiety completely, but gratitude can be a means to ﬁnd a peace that surpasses all understanding. Do not feel shame if you struggle with gratitude, and do not be afraid to seek help for any of life’s struggles. – Justin Kelly, PhD, LPC-S.

More info: Cornerstone.ms

AWARENESS & SUPPORT

National Alliance on Mental Illness (Mississippi)

Started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table, The National Alliance on Mental Illness — Mississippi was chartered in 1989, and has blossomed into a leading voice on mental health. We work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need. More info: namims.org

CHURCH-BASED COUNSELING

Summit Counseling (Jackson)

First Baptist Jackson started its Summit Counseling program in 1983 as one of the ﬁrst church-based Christian counseling ministries in the Southeast. Over the years, Summit has impacted thousands of individuals and families throughout the Jackson metro and Mississippi. We believe Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor who desires for us to ﬁnd healing and life.

Summit is a catalyst for hope and has a proven record of restoring lives — whether clients are facing premarital / marital issues, parenting, aging, depression, anxiety, trauma, or grief. Our therapists are licensed and trained to meet clients’ presenting problems and offer help through a multitude of counseling modalities.

My vision is to continue to meet the needs of those who come through our doors, so they understand they are cherished by the One who matters. No matter what they have done or what life has dealt them, God wants to make a way.

Summit is in the process of becoming a Medicaid provider and plans to apply for Medicare. Our fee structure is a sliding scale, and we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi. For those unable to pay for counseling, master’s level interns will see clients for free. We also provide EAP (employment assistant program) to help businesses in the metro and the state with their mental health needs.

In addition to individual counseling, Summit facilitates several groups: Caregivers’ Support, for those whose spouses participate in FBJ’s Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s patients; Grief Share, Divorce Care, and starting this fall, Cancer Survivors Group. Summit is the host of the annual Hope Conference — Lighting the

Way to Cancer Survivorship.

FBJ is a downtown church FOR Jackson, and Summit is uniquely positioned to accomplish this with our counseling ministry that feels called to bring hope and healing to a city that desperately needs it. – Don Waller, director, Summit Counseling More info: 601.949.1949 FirstBaptistJackson.org

COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Hinds Behavioral Health Services (Jackson)

Since 1971, Hinds Behavioral Health Services (HBHS) has specialized in community mental health services for adults, youth, and those living with substance use disorders.

One in 5 people live with a mental illness, and many disorders often begin during childhood. Hinds Behavioral Health Services’ NFusion Metro system of care helps individuals between the ages of 0-21 transition into adulthood through a stigma-free environment, activities, groups, counseling, wraparound services, and peer support. Participants must have emotional or behavioral problems or be involved with two or more child-serving agencies. Your church can help individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Hinds Behavioral Health Services’ Congregational Recovery Outreach Program provides mental health and substance use disorder education, resources, and outreach to faith-based organizations. The program builds supportive environments and connects individuals living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders to quality healthcare. For more information about mental health programs, visit hbhs9.com.

COUNSELING (various specialties)

Compass Christian Counseling (Flowood)

Compass Christian Counseling is a group of professional clinicians who understand the importance of a personal relationship with Christ and the transformative work He can provide in our lives. We want to help individuals and families facilitate positive change and personal growth in their lives. Please reach out to us at admin@compassccms.com or 601.228.6907.

The Counseling Firm (Madison)

Dr. Jennifer Hogue specializes in mental health. The Counseling Firm’s mission is to help improve well-being, assisting clients with past and present trials by encouraging hope, breaking cyclical patterns, and enhancing cognition emotionally, spiritually, and physically to achieve their purpose with healthy awareness for a victorious life. Contact: 601-622-6337 or 444jrh@gmail.com

Crossroads Christian Counseling (multiple locations)

Crossroads Christian Counseling, established in 1989, is a ministry of the Rankin County Baptist Association. Crossroads’ mission is to assist individuals, couples, and families in ﬁnding healing in the midst of difficult times.

Crossroads’ counselors are educated, trained, experienced, and equipped to help children, teens, adults, and senior adults.

Crossroads’ offices are located in Pearl, Ridgeland, Kosciusko, Laurel, Hattiesburg, and Biloxi. Also, many of our counselors are certiﬁed to counsel via telehealth.

Crossroads’ administrative staff can assist in ﬁnding the right counselor for you. You can call 601.939.6634, or ﬁnd us on the internet at crossroadscounselingms.com.

Christian Counseling

If you are a Christian counselor searching for a place to counsel either full-time or part-time, please contact us. Our experienced administrative staff handles nearly all of the time-consuming paperwork, freeing counselors to do what they’ve been called to do: help people who are hurting.

Elizabeth Taylor, LPC (Brandon)

Licensed since 1997 and in private practice in Brandon for the last 10 years, you can expect to ﬁnd a safe, comfortable space during our counseling sessions. My counseling approach will always come through a Christian worldview coupled with compassion, kindness, patience, and truth. More info: elizabethtaylorlpc.com

KMC Counseling (Ridgeland)

Maybe you often feel overwhelmed, worn out, or like you’re running on empty. Life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes those low points just seem to go on and on. Whether this is a new feeling for you or it’s an old, unwanted friend, you don’t have to face it alone. If feelings of shame or worry about being a burden have kept you from seeking help in the past, know that you are God’s creation and are deserving of receiving help. Everyone has inherent worth, no matter what they’ve survived or what they’ve done. My goal is to extend Christlike compassion to others in the way Jesus has extended it to me. – Kate Crawford

After working in community mental health, university counseling, and an active private practice group, Kate committed herself to providing a more client-focused approach to treatment. She founded KMC Counseling in Ridgeland in 2022.

More info: 601-647-9400 kmc-counseling.com

Red River Counseling (Ridgeland)

Red River Counseling was founded in 2018 by Dr. Branden Henry, a licensed counselor and marriage therapist who also teaches counseling courses at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson and Orlando. Red River has sought to provide the best therapeutic services in an accessible way to our local Mississippi community. Simply put, they seek to:

Heal Hurts

Empower Change

Restore Relationships

Recover Life to the Full

Some of the specialties they offer through their in-house referrals are ketamine-assisted therapy, K9-assisted therapy, life and recovery coaching, sex therapy and addiction counseling, marriage and family counseling, trauma treatment through EMDR and experiential somatic intensives, and a multitude of other therapeutic modalities.

Red River Counseling offers therapy, coaching, and psychiatric services to individuals, couples, and families. Their diverse clinicians are trained and experienced in helping with addiction, trauma, PTSD, grief, depression, anxiety, relationships, parenting, recovery, anger, and many other issues.

They are located on Lake Harbor in Ridgeland (near Friendship Park) and provide guidance, local resources, and transparency on their website at RedRiverCounseling.net. You can also reach them by email at office@redrivercounseling.net, by phone at 601.780.7400, or by scanning their QR code on page 42.

Let us help you Recover, Heal, and become Empowered.

Watershed Counseling Associates, PLLC (Jackson)

For over a decade, Watershed Counseling has provided the Jackson metro and surrounding areas with compassionate, professional counseling. Our team of experienced therapists is committed to walking alongside you on your journey of healing and reclaiming joy. We understand that life’s challenges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, or any other life issue, Watershed is here to support you with a Christ-centered approach that integrates faith and proven therapeutic techniques. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, couples, and families.

Let us help you navigate your watershed moment and ﬁnd peace and restoration. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the ﬁrst step toward a brighter future. watershedcounselingms.com

FAMILY REUNIFICATION

Journey of Hope Counseling (Madison)

I’m a wife and mom of six, as well as an LPC who loves to work with kids, teens, and adults. My favorite work is in family reuniﬁcation. I love helping families reconnect in meaningful, healthy ways! Reaching out to talk to someone is the BEST type of self-care. – Michelle Hamilton, LPC-S, NCC, BC-TMH. Contact: 601.668.3738 or Michelle.HamiltonLPC@gmail.com

MOTHERHOOD COUNSELING

Krista Woods Counseling (Ridgeland)

Motherhood can be challenging, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. My mission is to provide a supportive space where you can release stress, embrace self-compassion, and grow in conﬁdence. I’m here to help you ﬁnd the support you need to experience more joy in your journey as a mom. More info: kristawoodscounseling.com

PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION

Three Oaks Behavioral Health (Ridgeland)

assessments, psychiatric medication services, and personalized treatment plans for all ages. More info: 769-231-9414 EssentialTouchstones.com

SEX & INTIMACY

Doxa Renewal Clinic (Ridgeland)

Three Oaks Behavioral Health is a private, freestanding mental health facility offering partial psychiatric hospitalization and intensive outpatient services for adults and adolescents addressing emotional challenges and chemical abuse issues. For over 23 years, Three Oaks has served patients in developing personal growth, promoting hope and healing. Our team of professionals includes board-certiﬁed psychiatrists, counselors, and registered nurses.

WE OFFER:

● Adult psychiatric PHP facilitates skill sets to manage depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief and loss.

● Adult substance abuse PHP addresses coexisting psychiatric and chemical dependency issues.

● Adolescent PHP for ages 13 to 18 addresses depression, anxiety, anger, and ADHD.

● Intensive Outpatient Program offers group and individual counseling for individuals needing less intensive treatment for depression and anxiety.

Specialty individualized tracks to address eating disorders and trauma recovery are also available.

Anyone in need of care is invited to contact us for a FREE conﬁdential comprehensive screening. No referrals are needed. Call 601.898.3080.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

Essential Touchstones Psychological Services

Essential Touchstones, established in 2018, specializes in intensive, evidence-based, and multi-modal therapies for adolescents, adults, and families. Our mission is to heal individuals and families from the inside out. We offer comprehensive

Sexuality is an important building block of a healthy relationship, designed by God to channel intimacy and closeness in marriage. Contrary to popular belief, most people will experience intimacy problems at some point in their lives. In some cases, these problems are easily resolved, but sometimes they remain persistent and can be a source of conﬂict, misunderstandings, and frustration.

There are lots of physical and psychological reasons why sexual dysfunction can happen. Many people who seek medical treatment for their problems also turn to a therapist for complementary help. Although there is no miracle cure to solve sexual problems, a qualiﬁed clinician can help facilitate change in the life of an individual or a couple. At Doxa Renewal Clinic, we are uniquely qualiﬁed to facilitate those hard conversations with ease and sensitivity, integrating theological training with psychological approaches.

Dr. Marti Witherow combines extensive clinical experience and high professional standards to help her clients deal with sensitive intimacy-related concerns. Her approach is based on empirical research and evidence-based practices widely accepted in the sexual medicine world. She works proﬁciently at the intersection of psychology, sexual medicine, and Christian faith since sexual issues are often best addressed in a treatment team of clinicians.

More info: DoxaRenewalClinic.com

SUICIDE

988 Lifeline:

24-hour access to trained crisis counselors for kids and teens

Kids and teens these days face all kinds of pressure. Life can be tough. Overwhelming. It’s a world that’s different from the one their parents grew up in.

But they also have resources their parents didn’t have. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to offer access to trained crisis counselors for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress. That could mean thoughts of suicide, emotional distress, a substance use crisis, or any other mental health issue.

There are too many people experiencing mental health distress without the care they need or knowing what support is around them, especially young people.

In 2022, there was one death by suicide in the United States every 11 minutes. Shockingly, suicide was the second-leading cause of death in both 10- to 14-year-olds and 25- to 34-year-olds. The 988 Lifeline launched that same year, providing an easy way to reach a caring, trained counselor no matter where you live.

The Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provide free and conﬁdential support through calls, texts, and chats. The three-digit dialing code of 988 is available for calls and texts, and online chats are available at 988lifeline.org. Mississippi has one of the highest in-state answer rates in the nation, meaning that when you contact the Lifeline from Mississippi, a fellow Mississippian is answering — someone who knows our state, our people, and the challenges our friends, neighbors, and families face.

Never hesitate to reach out for help, whether that means asking friends or trusted adults for support or contacting 988.

For more information about services and support near you, call the Mississippi Department of Mental Health Helpline at 877.210.8513. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, any time is the right time to call.

Mission Vigilant — For the 22 (based in Madison)

My name is Susan Cleland, and I lost my oldest son, Michael Vinson, to veteran suicide in 2019. Before he died, I had no idea that suicide was such a threat to military life until the day I learned that the high-water mark of such deaths was 22 veterans per day.

Because we want to support our veterans and their families who continue to struggle with silent battles, we established the nonproﬁt Mission Vigilant — For the 22 in March of 2022. Last year, we helped 28 Mississippians receive 69 sessions of counseling anonymously. We also provided funding to supply GriefShare materials at various churches.

My family and I now feel that our calling is to use our network to provide support, resources, and outreach services for military veterans, ﬁrst responders, and their families. Our partners include Cornerstone Counseling, Lifeworks Counseling, Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare, Deﬁning Wellness Centers Inc., First Responders of Mississippi, Stronger Together Foundation, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, Mothers of Veteran Suicide, and 5th Squad.

Another resource we offer is the book “Mission Vigilant: A Mother’s Crusade to Stem the Tide of Veteran Suicide,” which I cowrote with author Sherye Green.

For more info, visit missionvigilant.org.

TREATMENT CENTERS

Capstone Wellness (located in Arkansas)

Capstone is a leading residential treatment center dedicated to helping young men ages 18-26 and teens 14-17 overcome selfdestructive behaviors, mental health struggles, and compulsive behaviors. With a focus on individual and group therapy, a proven clinical team, adventure therapy, and supportive canine companions, Capstone provides a comprehensive and supportive environment for healing and growth.

At the heart of Capstone’s approach is a commitment to providing exceptional care with an unmatched client-to-therapist ratio of 2:1. This ensures that each young man receives personalized attention and support throughout their journey. The dedicated team of therapists and staff at Capstone are passionate about helping young men develop the tools and skills they need to lead fulﬁlling and meaningful lives.

Individual therapy plays a crucial role in the Capstone program. Through one-on-one sessions, young men can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and conﬁdential setting. Therapists work with each individual to identify underlying issues, develop coping mechanisms, and cultivate healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Group therapy provides an opportunity for young men to connect with peers who share similar experiences. In a supportive group setting, individuals can learn from one another, develop empathy, and gain a sense of belonging. Group therapy also fosters the development of important social skills such as

communication, cooperation, and conﬂict resolution.

Capstone’s canine companion program offers a unique and therapeutic experience for young men. Interacting with dogs has been shown to have numerous beneﬁts for mental health, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Dogs can also provide unconditional love and companionship, which can be especially important for young men who may feel isolated or alone.

Adventure therapy is another integral component of the Capstone program. Through activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing, young men can challenge themselves physically and mentally. These experiences can help build selfesteem, conﬁdence, and a sense of accomplishment. Adventure therapy also provides opportunities for teamwork, cooperation, and problem-solving while working to replace some unhealthy coping mechanisms with positive recreational activities.

Capstone is a program built on faith and clinical excellence. Our Christ-centered environment offers a spiritual foundation for healing and growth. The heart of Capstone’s approach: “Every person is made in the image of God to love and to be loved at a core-to-core depth of intimacy with God, self, family and friends while using their unique gifts for a meaningful purpose.” It is in the depths of struggle that God gives opportunities to grow and to develop deeper relationships, strengths and a passion for a purpose.

Capstone is more than just a treatment center; it’s a community where young men can ﬁnd hope, respite, resilience,

and a path to healing. With a focus on individual and family care, therapeutic modalities, and a supportive environment, Capstone is committed to helping young men overcome their challenges and live fulﬁlling lives. More info: CapstoneWellness.com

WOMEN’S ISSUES

Wendy Maxwell, Restoration Counseling Group (Ridgeland) You’re facing a major life change you didn’t anticipate that has you at a breaking point. Perhaps it’s debilitating thoughts keeping you stuck in dysfunctional ways of reacting and coping, increasing your stress, anxiety and depression. You may feel paralyzed. Perhaps it’s getting harder to function day to day, as if you’re in free fall.

I see and help people daily just like you. It’s a challenge to confront faulty ways of coping, thinking and relating. I work with clients to make sure the process isn’t overwhelming. The techniques learned and the changes established will allow you to have conﬁdence that you can manage whatever comes your way. I help women and teens with depression and anxiety improve their ability to handle stress and change so they gain strength, conﬁdence and a new perspective that allows improved relationships, improved ability to handle stress and hardship, and overall peace of mind. More info: 601-832-7450 RestorationCounselingGroup.com Y

St. Dominic’s Comprehensive Cancer Program

Since 1988, St. Dominic Comprehensive Cancer Program has introduced some of the most promising, leadingedge treatment options available right here in central Mississippi. As pioneers in cancer treatment, St. Dominic’s opened central Mississippi’s ﬁrst freestanding cancer center in 1997. Starting in 2005, St. Dominic’s began offering clinical trials for women with gynecologic cancer, giving patients access to the newest or alternative forms of treatment for their complex conditions closer to home.

In 2006, St. Dominic’s introduced the area’s ﬁrst computer-aided detection for breast MRI and was the ﬁrst to offer women in the MississippiLouisiana-Arkansas region a minimally invasive radical hysterectomy through the daVinci robotic system.

St. Dominic’s was the ﬁrst hospital in the state to offer RapidArc radiation therapy in 2009, which uses Image Guidance Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to deliver some of the most advanced and precise radiation available. The Cancer Center now provides HyperArc, the latest in advanced stereotactic radiosurgery technology with a TrueBeam linear accelerator.

In 2013, St. Dominic’s opened the Hands of Hope Mastectomy Boutique. The ﬁrst of its kind in the Jackson area, this boutique provides products and services such as mastectomy bra ﬁttings, caps, and scarves, uniquely tailored for cancer therapy patients and survivors.

In 2017, St. Dominic’s was recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 100 hospitals and health systems in the nation with great oncology programs.

With countless awards, such as the 2023 Catholic Charities Samaritan Award; the HealthStream Excellence Through Insight Award for radiation therapy; two accreditations for breast biopsy that helped St. Dominic’s Center for Women’s Health become an ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center; and many other achievements, St. Dominic Comprehensive Cancer Program has established itself as a hospital with a lasting positive impact on the community.

St. Dominic’s has repeatedly received accreditation with Gold Level Commendation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The program also received the Commission on Cancer’s highest honor, the Outstanding Achievement Award in 2009, 2015 and 2018, making St. Dominic’s the only hospital in Mississippi to have received this award three times.

Much of their success is thanks to a multidisciplinary and compassionate team focused on individualized patient care with improved outcomes.

“Our Cancer Center team members address the cancer patient’s needs and take care of them as if they were family,” says Mechale Mayﬁeld, Oncology Service Line Administrator.

St. Dominic’s team members provide more than just a service to each patient. They offer warmth, compassionate hearts, words of encouragement, and most importantly, hope.

Learn more about St. Dominic Comprehensive Cancer Program at stdom.com/cancercare. Y

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

~ 2 TIMOTHY 1:7, KJV

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

~ DEUTERONOMY 31:8, ESV

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

~ ISAIAH 41:10, KJV

“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.”

~ PSALM 34:17, NLT

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

~ PSALM 42:11, ESV

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

~ 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4, NLT

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.”

~ PSALM 40:1-3, KJV

“Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”

~ ISAIAH 43:1B, KJV

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

~ PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7, NLT

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

~ JOHN 14:27, ESV

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

~ ISAIAH 26:3, KJV

“For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?”

~ PSALM 18:31, ESV