FREE APRIL 2021
Clay & Amanda
MANSELL
Spinning plates and fostering faith ● What to do when God seems silent
● Tasting the eternal: French Impressionist coming to Jackson
5G Fast. Fiber Fast.
C Spire Fast. At C Spire, we only have one speed: Fast. Over the next three years, we’re investing $1 billion to expand 5G in Mississippi and bring gigabit fiber internet across Mississippi and Alabama. That means faster phones. Better connected homes. Smarter schools. More competitive companies. And the infrastructure to fuel growth for years to come.
That’s how C Spire does fast.
©2021 C Spire. All rights reserved.
contents APRIL 2021 VOLUME 15, NUMBER 10 PUBLISHER
MS Christian Living, Inc. EDITOR
Katie Eubanks katie@mschristianliving.com MANAGING EDITOR
Suzanne Durfey ART/GRAPHIC DESIGN
Sandra Goff SALES
Suzanne Durfey, Ginger Gober
“Rowers in Cassis at Sunset” by Atlanta native Jill Steenhuis. Read about the artist’s journey to France, and her upcoming visit to Jackson, starting on page 22.
columns STEGALL IMAGERY
8 Modern Motherhood
Clay Mansell, along with his wife, Amanda, spoke to MCL Editor Katie Eubanks about foster care, faith and business in this month’s cover story.
16 Clay & Amanda Mansell
Looking for a miracle? Look at yourself!
1 1 Mission Mississippi Moments 12 This Is My Story
14 Community Outreach
22 Jill Steenhuis
28 Food for Thought A feast for Easter (or anytine)
30 A Cup of Encouragement Time to come to the garden alone
31 Tough Questions It seems God has gone silent, and I have too
33 What’s Going On CPC Life Walk
in every issue 6 13 34 34
Editor’s Letter The Roman Road Quips & Quotes Advertiser Index
CONNECT WITH US: instagram.com/mschristianmag 4 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
Mississippi Christian Living 3304 North State Street, Suite 201D Jackson, MS 39216 Phone 601.790.9076
mschristianliving.com
Ice storm couldn’t stop Christian Leaders of the Future Pinelake honors civil rights champions with scholarship
Coming Next Month Mississippi First Lady Elee Reeves
Michelle and Randy Fortenberry, Rachel and Nettie Schulte, Jerri Strickland, Bob and Rachel Whatley
Accept, or except one another
26 Lagniappe
Faith-filled French Impressionist coming to Jackson
Stegall Imagery DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS
10 Health & Wellness
Spinning plates and fostering faith
feature
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Jesus, J. Crew and a broken vase
What I learned from dating someone on the spectrum
cover story
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Cassandra Acker, Kaitlyn Anderson, Libbo Crosswhite, Chris Fields, Dan Hall, Laura Lee Leathers, Kim Miller, Brenna Weaver
facebook.com/MSChristianLiving
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 2021 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. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Mississippi Christian Living, 3304 N. State St., Ste 201D, Jackson, MS 39216.
F U R N I T U R E
MISKELLY FURNITURE
|
JACKSON , MADISON
MISKELLYS . COM
&
| 601.939.6288
HATTIESBURG
EDITOR’S LETTER
What I learned from being dumped into a river
T
Revisiting the scene of the crime. (The water was much lower 11 years ago, and was most definitely not overflowing part of the bridge!)
6 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
his month marks 11 years since my friend Goose dropped me into a river in Arkansas. I wrote
about this a few years ago in the Clarion Ledger, but it’s worth a repeat. It’s one of my funnier memories from a mostly miserable time. It was the year my “faith” crumbled, as mentioned in my last editor’s letter. In April of that year, Goose and I drove to my hometown in Arkansas, where he, my mentor Teddie Faye Raines, and a couple of men from my home church prayed over me. The prayer time didn’t save me. Another couple months would pass before I genuinely gave my life to Christ. But I did get “baptized” during that trip. The Two Stooges Incident of 2010 happened when Goose, Raines and I drove up to the Ponca, Arkansas, area — one of my favorite places on earth. “That’s a pretty rock,” Goose said, looking down at the Buffalo River from the low-water bridge, one of our last stops of the day. “I like it. I think I want it for my granny.” He was always getting stuff for his granny. The rock was white, about the size of a man’s fist — and a few feet under water, in the middle of the river. Deeper than you could reach without your whole body going under. Oh, and the water was freezing. But Goose had a plan: From the bridge, he would hold me upside-down by the ankles, and I’d reach into the water and grab the rock. Yes, dear reader, I agreed to this. I rolled up my jeans and lay on my stomach on the bridge, my upper body hanging over. We started near the shoreline, where my hands could reach the river bottom and guide myself along while Goose wheelbarrowed me sideways. It worked for a minute. My hands found a wooden fence under the water, and I balanced myself on that as Goose dragged me to the right. My shins were scraping against the bridge, though. Then the underwater fence disappeared. The rock was still out of reach. I had nothing to balance myself with, nothing to grab. I just dangled, while Goose tried to situate my feet in his armpits in order to transport me the remaining couple of yards. (Raines took pictures, I think, but I’ve never seen them.)
First, Goose had me by a pant leg, then by an ankle. Then he’d lose his grip on a foot. He laughed and said he wished I hadn’t shaved my legs, so I wouldn’t be so slippery. Gross. Finally, I said, “Just drop me in.” “Are you sure?” “Yeah, it’ll be fine. Just drop me.” So he dropped me. I went under and took hold of the rock, and emerged heavy, drenched and cold, but I was OK. My phone was not. It was in my pocket. You could call this incident a “sacrament by accident,” since I got “baptized” (phone and all!) when I wasn’t a believer yet. But the incredible thing is, God was in it. He knew I liked adventures, and that I’d happily take a frigid dip in exchange for a good story. He knew I needed a break from my past eight months of questioning Him. He knew I needed a slap of cold water to the face, literally, and two friends to laugh about it with me. I don’t have a deep spiritual point to insert here, except this: Every moment is grace. God uses it all — the dark, the silly, and everything in between — and He loves us more than we can imagine. Why else would He give me such a “wink” when I was keeping Him at arms’ length? Only love. Why else would He send His perfect Son to die for our sins, and then give us new life through His resurrection? Only love. If you haven’t put your faith in Jesus Christ, please don’t wait any longer (see page 13 for more). If you have, enjoy looking back over some of the God-winks in your own life. Oh, and always keep a bag of rice handy in case you drown your phone.
‘Must-reads’ in this issue: ● Our feature story on Jill Steenhuis, an artist living her dream in Provence, who’s coming to Jackson this month (page 22). ● Our cover story on Clinton entrepreneur Clay Mansell and his family (page 16).
● Brenna Weaver’s Tough Questions column on what to do when God has “gone silent” (page 31). Y
Katie Eubanks katie@mschristianliving.com
3LQH *URYH LV NQRZQ DV RQH RI WKH QDWLRQɠV PRVW FRPSUHKHQVLYH WUHDWPHQW FDPSXVHV DQG ZH DUH FRPPLWWHG WR KHDOLQJ DQG FKDQJLQJ OLYHV IRU WKH EHWWHU )RU \HDUV
3LQH *URYH KDV SURYLGHG WKH KLJKHVW TXDOLW\ EHKDYLRUDO KHDOWK FDUH VHUYLFHV DQG DGGLFWLRQ WUHDWPHQW DYDLODEOH
+23( %URDGZD\ 'ULYH +DWWLHVEXUJ 06 ZZZ SLQHJURYHWUHDWPHQW FRP
MODERN MOTHERHOOD
by LIBBO CROSSWHITE
Jesus, J. Crew and a broken vase
I
recently ran across this story I had written almost five years ago, and although times have certainly changed since then, many core truths remain.
We all long for peace in this broken world. Peace for our kids (the Crosswhite home is currently in the “If it’s not dangerous or destructive, please don’t tattle” stage of parenting), peace for our world, for our homes and for our relationships. Ultimately, our source of peace can’t be found anywhere on this side of heaven. It’s why this season of Easter is literally soul-changing for our weary world. What is broken on Earth is made whole in heaven through Christ Jesus’ death on the cross. Back in day — the phrase moms use when speaking of the time before they had children, and time that was actually owned by us — I worked at J. Crew during my college breaks and my first few years of teaching, in order to support my shopping addiction habit. I loved every minute. I developed a love for all things gingham and tailored, and still find myself wandering in there every once in a while. One afternoon (not “back in the day”), I was feeling extra brave and had both kids with me in the store. We had almost survived the entire trip with no tears or major scenes when I turned for two seconds to scan the impressive sale rack — only to hear a giant crash that sent shockwaves through the store. I could feel all eyes on me, and then down on the floor, where
a beautiful, heavy glass vase full of headbands and dainty things had shattered into a million pieces. Broken. Everywhere. When I turned to my two criminals, Mary was silent and pointing at Russell, and Russell knew enough to utter one word that might help his case. “No,” he said as part declarative, part interrogative, as if he was trying to remind me this is a teachable moment. The staff was gracious and helpful, but I was horrified. Needless to say, I purchased two pairs of pants as a peace offering. Glass was everywhere, and it wasn’t going to be easy to clean up the mess we’d made. My brokenness was literally there for everyone to see. The image of that broken vase is exactly why I am so reliant on, grateful for, and in total awe of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Easter is the foundation of our refuge from the world’s brokenness and our own. Easter Sunday is my motherhood. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, I know I don’t have to rest on my own ability or goodness (can I get a GIANT HALLELUJAH!). My guilt, iniquities, doubts and sin all died on the cross with Jesus. We hear all the time that Jesus died for “us” — a slightly impersonal, general pronoun. But Jesus’ death was so much more — He died for our sin and shame. Jesus died for our shattered glass vases and the things we carry with us inside and hope no one ever sees. The best news? He resurrected to defeat that same sin and shame that can sometimes try to make a comfy little
home in our hearts if we aren’t careful. What I have to remind myself is that not only am I saved, but I am VICTORIOUS because of what Jesus did for me. Whew, tears fill my eyes as I write this. I am forgiven and enough because Jesus was, is, and will always be enough. My Jesus has already won my motherhood. I am off the hook — no longer only relying on my own strength. I love Jesus’ first words to His disciples after His resurrection. John 20:19 begins to paint the picture of the moment Jesus reveals that He has defeated death. When it’s just Jesus and His disciples, He says, “Peace be with you,” and then proceeds to show them His nail-torn hands and side — a reminder of what Jesus had been through just days before on their behalf. On our behalf. What did the disciples do? They rejoiced. Oh, did they rejoice. So won’t you rejoice with me this Easter Sunday? Jesus is alive. Our debt has been paid, our battle has been won, our vase has been recreated whole and unbroken, for we have been made whole in the name, the nail-torn hands, the blood and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Y Libbo Haskins Crosswhite and her husband, Clay, live in Madison and attend Pinelake. They have one daughter, Mary Thomas, who is 7 years old, and a son, Russell, who is 5 years old. She is the high school guidance counselor at Madison-Ridgeland Academy and can be emailed at lcrosswhite@mrapats.org.
EXPECTING A GREAT SEASON!
FRESHWAY PRODUCE FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED • ESTABLISHED 1989
6900 Old Canton Road • Ridgeland • freshwayproduce@att.net • 8 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
601.956.3727
BLADE FREE LASIK • LASER CATARACT SURGERY • EYE DISEASE TREATMENT • ROUTINE EYE EXAMS & WELLNESS CHECKUPS
Best-In-Class Eye Care Is Just Around the Corner
See the difference
EyeCare Professionals Is Proud To Announce The Opening Of Our Second Location At 240 Belle Meade Pointe In Flowood. To Schedule An Appointment, Call 601-366-1085 or Visit EyeCare4MS.com. mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 9
HEALTH & WELLNESS
by CHRIS FIELDS
Looking for a miracle? Look at yourself!
G
od uniquely designed us to take part in our own healing process. Not just physically, but spiritually and
supernaturally pieced the notebook back together as a sign to show you how much He cares for you. emotionally also. I would venture to say that the majority of This is how our bodies are created. They are like the supernaturally people recover from most offenses against them. If we didn’t, then we regenerating notebook. Our skin cells cycle, regenerating and renewing wouldn’t be walking in forgiveness, every 28 days. Recent studies have and that would not be very Christian. shown that the respiratory system Imagine having a sheet of paper has an extensive ability to respond Imagine having a sheet of paper and and one day tearing it or writing on to injury and regenerate lost or one day tearing it or writing on it, only it, only to discover that same sheet damaged cells. When people lift of paper whole again, with no weights, microscopic damage to discover that same sheet of paper writing on it, the next day. It’s (micro-tears) occurs to the whole again, with no writing on it, the unbelievable, so you do it again myofibrils within the muscle fiber. next day. … This is how our bodies are with a notebook this time. Writing These micro-tears stimulate the on all the pages of the notebook body’s repair response. The body created. They are like the supernaturally and detaching all the sheets of delivers nutrients that flow to regenerating notebook. paper in the notebook, placing it the muscle cells to repair the where only you can find it, only to damage and to stimulate more come back to it a few days later myofibrils to grow. Each day, your completely whole again, with no writing, as if it were new. That would immune system spots and destroys cells that could easily go on to be a miracle, wouldn’t it? The supernatural would be occurring right become cancerous. There are countless of other instances that could be before your eyes. A lot of us would think Jesus or the Holy Spirit named that point to the wonders of the human body. Every day, our bodies go through the same process as the notebook getting torn and written on, only to wake up the next day whole and new again. That’s supernatural. That’s God. Yet we act so unaware. We act as if we aren’t already walking miracles. We nonchalantly and ungratefully exist every day, waiting on the next big sign from Jesus, when He is saying, “Look at what I’ve already done. Honor Me in that first. Acknowledge that first. Show Me how grateful you are with that first, and then I will bless you with more. Show Me you can take care of what I’ve already given you first, and then you can partake in everything else I have for you.” This isn’t just a physical principle; it’s spiritual and emotional as well. I’m just using a physical example. When we begin to honor God’s creation and follow the instructions He gives for His design, our health and everything else prospers. If we open our eyes of understanding and begin to see God’s omniscience on display in His creation, then we can begin to praise and worship Him for all the things He’s done. We can understand that praise and worship are not just some words we say or sing. They are not just the beginning part of the church service, when musicians and singers lead the congregation in song. We understand that true worship is a lifestyle we are to live every day, giving glory and honor to our Creator as we live in obedience to Him. 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. 10 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
MISSION MISSISSIPPI MOMENTS
by DAN HALL
Accept, or except one another: Homophones, antonyms and race relations approached us on the field. Immediately Melvin began to talk to them in a dialect I had not heard him use. Honestly, I couldn’t understand everything being said. He later defined it as his “hood” dialect. ’m an English major. I also like to fancy myself an amateur At one point he reached his arm around my shoulders, pulling me wordsmith. Add to that my quadriplegia (absolutely no functional use close and telling his friends, “I want you to meet my friend Dan. Dan, of my arms or legs), and I have interesting encounters with the these are my homeboys.” I don’t know why I was at a loss for words, but dictation software I use to write articles like this. I just nodded. As I was dictating the title, my Dragon program kept typing “except” I realized in that moment that there were parts of Melvin I didn’t know rather than “accept,” an example of a homophone (different words that because I had never taken time to know them. And yet, he completely sound alike) and an antonym (words with opposing meanings). accepted me as I was, without apology or The irony struck me: I wanted to write an explanation. He was unashamed to introduce me article about how we need to embrace and receive to his world while knowing that it was probably one another, and Dragon wanted to write an foreign to me. (Melvin) reached his arm article about how to exclude one another. When I think about what it means to accept around my shoulders, pulling I can never remember consciously “excepting” one another, I can’t help but use that moment as someone simply because of the color of their skin, me close and telling his friends, ‘I a model for what true, biblical acceptance looks but I have struggled with many aspects of those want you to meet my friend Dan. like: “Here’s my friend, just like he is.” And to me, cultures that felt foreign to me. “Here’s my world, just like it is.” Dan, these are my homeboys.’ My first real encounter of this cultural There is no greater honor than to be included difference was when I attended my first black … I just nodded. that way. funeral. It was so “strange.” I don’t mean strange Accepting one another in Christ is also like wrong — I just had no reference point for accepting one another’s culture. Sometimes our what I experienced. I was surprised at how long it culture is blind to its inbred sin, sure, but most of the time we “except” the lasted, how many people spoke, how emotional everybody was. person simply because of what we think is “weird.” That was all foreign to my very white funeral history: a structured Take time to get to know your brothers and sisters of a different hue, a environment, file in, 30-minute service, relatively reverent, both humorous different culture, a different experience. Then embrace who they are, “in and touching stories, a solemn song, file out. order to bring praise to God.” Y I’ve learned that to “accept” my brother, I cannot “except” his culture. Melvin Anderson was director of Voice of Calvary Ministries when he and I became friends. We began working together through Mission Dan Hall is an executive and strategic coach to leaders and executive Mississippi, and over our first year together, quickly went deep in our teams. He also works with organizations on team building, conflict conversations and consequently our love. resolution and communication skills. He and his wife, Hazel, have six We were in the middle of preparing for the first Mission Mississippi rally children and four grandchildren. You can reach him at Dan@OnCourseSolutions.com. at Veterans Stadium in 1993 when a group of three or four black men
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7
I
“
”
Accepting new clients – call today! PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS, PERSONAL CARE
covenantcaregivers.com
601.856.5660 Serving Metro Jackson and Hattiesburg
mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 11
THIS IS MY STORY
by CASSANDRA ACKER
What I learned from dating someone on the spectrum
ANSLEY MORGAN
B
Cassandra Acker is a Mississippi Gulf Coast native and Jacksonian. When she isn’t obsessing over fashion trends, she is loving others intentionally — and makes a mean latte at Coffee Prose in Midtown.
12 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
efore COVID-19, I had already made up my mind about what I was going to do.
I became a missionary. I watched God provide again and again for all the things I needed. Whether that was two strangers from Virginia buying me nice baking supplies for scones, or unexpected encounters with people who wanted to support what I am doing. I survived the Coronavirus. It was scary. But the most challenging thing that happened to me was dating Garrett. When I first met Garrett, I thought this could not be real. He consistently talked to me, opened up to me about his past, spoke clear intentions, and affirmed me. In March 2020, we decided to officially start dating. The challenging part? We decided to do this a week before the pandemic began. I had a feeling that something was slightly different between me and Garrett. I thought that it could be that he is way more introverted than I am. I remember moments when I was frustrated with him in social situations, and how he would casually say he was tired or didn’t feel like having a conversation. A moment came when he first told me he loved me. That same night is when he also told me he had Asperger’s syndrome. He tried to explain the syndrome to me. He talked about how he was diagnosed, his feelings about it, and what that would be like for us as a couple. I remember going home that night wondering if this was what I wanted to do. For weeks I didn’t tell anyone about it because I felt shame for not knowing. I researched and watched tons of videos. I even called a friend who specialized in working with children and young adults on the spectrum. She told me that it was going to be hard, and that the relationship would be far from normal. Garrett did tell me that night that it was going to be challenging to love him. Communication was one of those challenges. I was frustrated and didn’t know how to address it without him feeling attacked. So I prayed. The Lord told me I should love Garrett where he was. I shouldn’t try to change
him because God created his brain so unique, and He made it good. So, here are some things I’ve learned since dating someone on the spectrum:
◼
◼
◼
Patience. Funny, I already had that with the fruits of the Spirit. But it’s hard to use those fruits in everyday life. I needed patience when Garrett was having a difficult time explaining his emotions, or when he misinterpreted my emotions. I also needed patience when I didn’t understand his emotions. He just wants to be understood. Garrett’s life has consisted of his family and friends not understanding his emotions or why he does the things he does. To the outside world, it’s weird, but to Garrett, it makes up who he is. All of his quirks and things that made me love him more were the same things that he was sometimes insecure about. The reason he opened up to me so much more than to others is that I chose to sit with him, listen, and not criticize how he felt. Even if I didn’t fully understand everything, I was willing to learn with him. Recharging is more than just an introvert thing. Just like a battery, Garrett needs recharge time. I am a hardcore extrovert, and it was extremely difficult to let him have alone time. I needed alone time too, but not as much. For him, recharging looks like sleeping, turning his phone off, and having time with God. I had to respect his space when recharging happened.
The cool thing was that I was not doing this alone. He was still learning more about himself each day, and I was able to process it all with him. Some days were harder than others, but the fact is, there is grace in it all. Anytime we have questions and concerns, we can go to the Father to help us. We go to the Father because He is the one who created the beautiful minds we all have, and I am thankful for the differences. Y
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 ❘ APRIL 2021 13
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
by MISSISSIPPI CHRISTIAN LIVING
PHOTOS STEGALL IMAGERY
Ice storm couldn’t stop Christian Leaders of the Future
Our 2021 Christian Leaders of the Future scholarship finalists! Top row, from left: Alex Wroten, Annellise Bell, Noah Bates, Noah Addison, Conner Ivey, Cade Carter. Second row, from left: Lilly Marquez, Abbey Stewart, Lydia Snopek, Meagan Gautier, Jered Smith, Sydney Harrison, Macy Watts, Madalyn Gaughf. Third row, from left: Alana Richardson, Kayleigh Canoy, Madison Lampley, Lucy Blaylock, Emma Grace Dillard, Annelise Self, Bess Chinchen. Bottom row, from left: Ashlyn Williamson, Macey Steed, Emily Boyd, Katherine Marsh, Gracie Bassett, Carson Jones, Sarah Kate Grice, Anna Grace Lane.
D
espite a pandemic and the after-effects of winter weather, Mississippi Christian Living’s annual Christian
Leaders of the Future scholarship awards program went off without a hitch on March 2. In partnership with Belhaven University, MCL has awarded scholarships each year since 2009. Last year, we happily piled into Belhaven’s Billy Kim International Center without a clue that COVID-19 was about to wreck everybody’s world. This year, the pandemic was old news. We were prepared. Then an ice storm hit metro Jackson. As of Thursday, Feb. 25, just five days pre-event, Fondren Church (our 2021 venue) still had no running water. But on Friday, Feb. 26, Fondren Church Senior Pastor Robert Green sent MCL Editor Katie Eubanks three text messages in quick succession: WE HAVE WATER (followed by three water-related emojis). So the following Tuesday, we happily piled into Fondren Church — with masks, hand sanitizer, and individually bagged reception snacks — and celebrated 30 outstanding high-school seniors from all over the state. Each year, five diverse Christian adults read student applications and recommendation letters, and score each student on their character and their writing. This year proved especially difficult, since we received more than 150 applications (approximately double the number from last year)! Our girl winner, Meagan Gautier, attends school at Jackson Academy and church at First Baptist Jackson. She is the daughter of Chuck and Virginia Gautier. What impressed us most about Meagan was her love of
14 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
discipleship, both for herself and others. When she was in seventh grade, older girls at First Baptist would take her to Bible study. Now, as a senior, she has the honor of doing that for current seventh-graders. Our boy winner, Noah Addison, attends school at West Lincoln Attendance Center in Brookhaven, and church at Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church. He is the son of Luke and Robyn Addison. What got our attention about Noah was his intentionality behind his relationship with God. He knows the best way to stand firm for Christ is to stick to the basics: spending time with Him in His Word and in prayer, and surrounding himself with the fellowship of believers. Meagan and Noah each will receive $2,000 in their bursar account after they are registered at the college or university of their choice. In addition to MCL’s two scholarship winners, Mississippi Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chose another student to receive a $500 scholarship. Lydia Snopek, a cross-country runner at Madison-Ridgeland Academy, experienced a physical setback this year that kept her from performing at the level she desired. But she used this season as an opportunity to lead and encourage her team spiritually. Lydia attends Highlands Presbyterian Church in Ridgeland and is the daughter of Chris and Carla Snopek. In addition to the reception and awards ceremony, our 30 finalists participated in workshops from small business consultant Hallie Brand, who spoke about giving yourself grace while finding your calling, and retired educator Katrina Myricks, who gave finalists a practical overview of the “why”s and “how”s of growing your personal network. Our keynote
Mississippi FCA scholarship winner Lydia Snopek, second from left, with (from left) Martha Russell and Chris and Carla Snopek.
‘Gethsemane’ Gethsemane — What an incredible place! Where Christ, in love, displayed His Grace! Salvation was ultimately settled there … When Jesus fell to His knees in prayer! “Your will, and not Mine, Be Done!” Was the cry of God’s own Son! He agreed to pay the price for me … Right there on His knees, at Gethsemane! CHORUS: In a place called Gethsemane’s garden … Jesus decided to seal my pardon! The agony and sorrow He felt in that hour — Must have almost exceeded His power! But, it didn’t exceed His love for me … That love was quite evident at Gethsemane!
Christian Leaders of the Future scholarship winner Meagan Gautier, second from right, with (from left) Wayne and Ann Moore, Chuck and Virginia Gautier, and Jacob Galatas.
BRIDGE: Christ had a choice in those fateful hours … To give up His own life in exchange for ours! Praise God He loved us and set us free! And Thank You, Jesus, for Gethsemane! The weight of the world was upon Him that day As He knelt in Gethsemane’s garden to pray! “Father, take this cup from Me?” He pled …” While sweat drops of blood fell from His head! He’d asked His disciples to stand watch, and pray … But they fell asleep as He walked away. So alone, with His Father, down on His knees — Our salvation was sealed at Gethsemane! Peggy and Gene Brown
Have a Blessed Easter Season
Christian Leaders of the Future scholarship winner Noah Addison, center, with his parents, Luke and Robyn Addison.
speaker for finalists and guests was Robert Green, who urged students and parents alike to live for an audience of One. We are so thankful for our partnership with Belhaven University, and for all of this year’s sponsors, for helping us honor our Christian Leaders of the Future! Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance First Commercial Bank Mississippi College Mississippi FCA Dr. Eugene Brown’s Smiles By Design Herrin-Gear Lexus Hinds Community College Holmes Community College
Eugene C. Brown, Jr., D.D.S., M.S. Orthodontics Exclusively 5800 Ridgewood Road, Ste. 103 ❘ Jackson, MS 39211 ❘ 601.957.1711 125 Jones Street ❘ Madison, MS 39110 ❘ 601.853.0303
dreugenebrown.com Like us on Facebook at Dr. Brown’s SMILES BY DESIGN The Clarion-Ledger BEST of 2015, 2016 Best Orthodontist in Mississippi BEST of 2017 Runner Up, BEST of 2018, 2019 BEST of 2020 Runner Up
MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTISTS mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 15
by KATIE EUBANKS
From left, Clay, Amanda holding Grayson, and AnnaBelle Mansell in downtown Clinton, just around the corner from Clay’s office.
Clay & Amanda
MANSELL Spinning plates and fostering faith
16 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
STEGALL IMAGERY
COVER STORY
C
lay Mansell has never performed in a circus, but he’s used to juggling.
From the late ’90s to the late 2000s, he owned about 10 businesses at any given time. Over the past few years, he and his wife, Amanda, have fostered 10 different children, in addition to raising their daughter, AnnaBelle, 12. (They took a break while pregnant with their son, Grayson, born late last year, but now their home is open again.) Currently, Clay owns several businesses, including The Clinton Courier and seven other Mississippi newspapers; Mansell Media, Brick Street Pops, and Lyla Grace Children’s Consignment, all in Clinton; and Twisted Pretzel, with locations at Northpark Mall in Ridgeland and Jackson State University. “I’m wired to juggle a lot of plates,” Clay says. “I get bored so easily.” Before he even graduated from Mississippi College or met Amanda, the Canton native was a business owner. “One of my friends described me as a serial entrepreneur,” he says, sitting in his office at the Clinton Courier/Mansell Media. “I would open up businesses and sell them.” It all started with a little SnoBiz treat center, which he opened at Metrocenter Mall in Jackson while still a student at MC, he says. “I had a SnoBiz on the lower level (and) an ice cream place on the upper level.” Northpark noticed him, and because he admittedly “can’t say no,” he opened four eateries there: a Hot Diggity Dog, a SnoBiz, another ice cream place, and eventually Northpark Deli. “We had Cock of the Walk Express at a gas station, Baskin Robbins at a gas station,” he says. “I opened up probably 20 different small restaurants (and sold them). Some were no bigger than this office. They were all counter service.” During that time, if he saw a SnoBiz for sale, he bought it. If somebody had a small space to lease, they knew to call Clay. He tried to keep 10 stores at once, “till it got to be too much, and then I would sell (one or more),” he says. “With food, you can’t just have one store. You can’t depend on that for your livelihood.” A few years into these ventures, he and Amanda got married. They both ran the stores, and she helped with some of the accounting. (Amanda, who hails from Brentwood, Tennessee, also came to Clinton to attend MC, and the two of them have been in Clinton ever since.) Then one of their regular customers at Mansell’s Deli in downtown Jackson connected Amanda with an accounting job at APAC-Mississippi, an asphalt company. So “Amanda got a real job, and I was selfemployed,” Clay says. Then the Clinton News stopped printing. Clay saw both a need and an opportunity. One thing led to another …
Clay and Amanda met at a Rotaract event at Mississippi College, and married in 2002.
“I have eight newspapers now,” he says. “And I’m done. I’m not doing any more.” To be clear, “they’re all small,” he says. “We have a paper in Wesson, Mississippi. It has a very part-time editor who is my staff (there).” Two years after starting The Clinton Courier in 2010, Clay founded Mansell Media, which allows him to work directly with advertisers on their marketing needs. “Ninety percent of what I do every day is The Clinton Courier and Mansell Media,” he says. He’s no longer operating a revolving door of counter-service eateries, and he doesn’t miss it. Amanda says that, many times, “I’d have to bring AnnaBelle in an infant carrier (and fill in for someone).” The Mansells still own a couple of food-related establishments: Brick Street Pops, located inside Winstead Clothing Store in Clinton, and Twisted Pretzel, for which “I don’t even have a key to the store,” Clay says. Now he mostly takes care of the behind-the-scenes work for those businesses. In addition, the Mansells own Lyla Grace Children’s Consignment, which opened just weeks before this interview. Where’d they get the name for the shop? That’s a whole other story.
mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 17
Clay, AnnaBelle and Amanda at a Mississippi College basketball game.
Nudges from God and ripping off Band-Aids “We thought we’d have a baby and then adopt, but we never did,” Clay says. “It’s very complicated to adopt.” “We didn’t know whether to do international or local (adoption),” Amanda adds. “And then you have to go to the country (if you adopt internationally). We couldn’t just up and leave at that time.” “We were listening to KLOVE one day, and Steven Curtis Chapman has an adoption and foster care nonprofit,” Clay recalls. “They were doing an adoption seminar at a church in Ridgeland.” But after attending the seminar, they were soon looking at another way Mansell cat Daisy! to care for children in need. The Mansells found themselves bombarded with examples of not adoption, but foster care, on TV. Clay felt God nudging him and Amanda. “Then Rescue 100 (a streamlined foster care training and licensing program) ran a full-page ad with me. So God’s knocking on the door, giving me money, speaking my language through ads.” He and Amanda went through the training, “but we didn’t tell anybody,” Clay says. They had completed the licensing process — but hadn’t heard anything official yet — when they got their first call. “That’s how we found out we were licensed,” Amanda says. “It was two very young babies, and we said no,” Clay says. “It caught us so off guard. One kid was like six days old.” But the calls didn’t stop there. Over the past three and a half years, the Mansells have taken care of 10 different kids — some for just a couple days, some for months at a time. “There’s not (a typical timeframe for a foster child to stay with you). 18 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
AnnaBelle in Memphis for a cheer competition.
Mansell cat Sunny!
It is the definition of not typical,” Clay says. “One time we had (two siblings), and the social workers said, ‘We know y’all are going to have them six months.’” “They came on a Friday and left (two days later) on a Monday,” Amanda says. In cases like that, “we were babysitters,” Clay says. “But if we hadn’t answered, would they go to a shelter, or sleep on the floor of the CPS (Child Protective Services) office?” On the other hand, a little girl named Lyla stayed for 10 months. She was the Mansells’ longest foster, and half of the inspiration behind the
One of the Mansells' foster daughters got to experience the beach for the first time during her stay. She loved playing in the sand, Amanda says.
Grayson John Mansell was born in fall 2020.
STEGALL IMAGERY
name of the Lyla Grace store. (The other half, Grace, is AnnaBelle’s middle name.) “You get attached immediately,” Clay says, despite the fact that he and Amanda are “only on the reunification side.” In other words, they only foster children who are going to be returned to their birth family. “(The parents) have to work a plan. Their case worker makes them stay on track.” Once the parents reunite with their children, the Mansells don’t see them again. The mother of their most recent foster child still sends them pictures — but that’s because they got close to her when the CPS office was closed due to COVID-19, and the Mansells would FaceTime her so the child The Mansells took a family vacation to Six Flags while fostering this little could see her. Normally, CPS boy, who'd never visited an would have facilitated in-person amusement park before. visits between mother and child, without the foster parents present. The Mansells have gotten somewhat used to ripping off the Band-Aid when they have to give a child back. But the first time wasn’t pretty. As part of formally ending their relationship with their very first foster child, Justin, Clay went to Justin’s daycare to meet his social worker. “He had a bigger social worker guy,” Clay says. “But I cried, in front of this big guy, and he’s probably thinking, ‘You’re a moron.’”
Despite the tears, the Mansells are happy to know their foster children are returning to their families. Many times, the trauma of being permanently separated from one’s birth family is worse than living in poverty or lack, Clay says. “They deserve to be with their parents (once they’re in a good place). It always feels too soon, but that is just the emotion.” ‘You just don’t know what they’re going through.’ Many foster children have experienced some kind of abuse or neglect, whether at the hands of family or others, when they reach the Mansell home. mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 19
PHOTOS STEGALL IMAGERY
“You learn stuff that’s not in your knowledge base. You hear about drugs, but you just don’t know (until it affects a child you’re fostering),” Clay says. For instance, one birth mother went to rehab while her child was with the Mansells. Eventually, the child was able to live with her mother at the treatment center — but the mother wanted drugs so badly, she ditched the facility and left her child, who then went back to the Mansells for a time. “(Once) the mom came back, she was in rehab (again), so we knew (the child) was safe,” Clay says. Then there are the positive stories — like getting to take a foster child to a beach or an amusement park, or shopping for clothes. Many foster kids have never had those experiences. “I took (one boy) to Walmart, and he was just draping the clothes over himself,” Clay says. “He didn’t want to take the shoes off (to check out). He was walking around the store with the shoes still connected by that zip tie that’s so impossible to get off.” The Mansells have mostly fostered babies or toddlers. The oldest so far has been 5 years old, Amanda says. One night at midnight, she answered the phone, and “all she said was,
20 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
‘No,’” Clay recalls. She’d been asked if they’d foster an 18-year-old. “They told us in training to stay a couple of years younger than AnnaBelle (with our foster kids),” Clay says. Taking in 10 different children — most under the age of 5 — in only a few years’ time has certainly been a whirlwind. Clay admits, “I do get their names mixed up. I only just now stopped calling Grayson (by our most recent foster child’s name).” But the Mansells know they’re not alone on the journey. “One of our strengths as foster parents is that everyone knows we do it. People see these kids (with us), and they just love them,” Clay says. “We were at church, and our pastor’s wife, Susan Belser, dropped everything to come talk to (our most recent foster child). We had a birthday party for Lyla, and everybody came. It was the biggest birthday party ever.” It’s not only adults reaching out, either. “It’s neat to watch all of AnnaBelle’s friends just come and accept the (foster) kids,” Amanda says. “They just want to come and play with them.” As business owners and foster parents, it was natural for the Mansells to open Lyla Grace Children’s Consignment, located on Clinton Boulevard. Net profits from Lyla Grace will go to organizations
In addition, he intentionally leaves work at work — for a few hours in the evenings. “AnnaBelle will never know how much I work,” Clay says. “(She goes) to bed, and that’s when I’ll pull out my laptop. I get more done from 9 to midnight than I do from 8 to 5.” Between office hours, church activities, extracurriculars and diaper changes, the Mansells are still pretty busy. And they never know when they’ll get their next call about welcoming a foster child in the name of Jesus. Good thing they have a handy reminder of Whom to rely on for all of the above. “My favorite Bible verse is probably the one hanging in our house,” Amanda says. That verse would be Philippians 4:13 — I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.Y
supporting foster care. The shop’s mission is summed up by Matthew 18:5, in which Christ says, “whoever welcomes one such child in My name welcomes Me.” Even if you don’t have clothes to consign, or the ability to be a foster parent yourself, “pray for foster kiddos,” Clay says. “You just don’t know what they’re going through.” One helpful reminder These days, Clay isn’t spinning quite as many plates as an entrepreneur. While he says he’s enjoyed learning different businesses “and figuring out how to make them function better” over the years, he now focuses mostly on The Clinton Courier, which allows him to invest in the community; and Mansell Media, which lets him live vicariously through his 70-something business clients “instead of opening every business under the sun” himself, he says.
Mississippi’s Premier Caregiving Service Caregivers for home and hospital specializing in eldercare, adult care, and children. Locally owned and trusted for 21 years. LICENSED & BONDED
Caregivers for Home and Hospital — Metro Jackson, Oxford, Tupelo
CINDY M. YELVERTON, Owner
601.981.3661 | If no answer, 601.291.6555 sittersllc@bellsouth.net •
WE ARE IN A NEW LOCATION!
sittersllc.com
120 Village Boulevard, Suite A • Madison, MS 39110 mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 21
FEATURE STORY
by KATIE EUBANKS
Atlanta native Jill Steenhuis has lived and worked in Provence as a full-time artist for 40 years. She’ll be in Jackson this month to sell her work and hold workshops and demonstrations (see page 25).
TASTING THE ETERNAL How this Southern-born artist found her calling in the south of France
J
ill Steenhuis didn’t know if she had any artistic talent.
her to visit Camp DeSoto for Girls, on Lookout Mountain in Alabama. Barely half a year later, Jill’s mother committed suicide.
She didn’t know if she’d ever get to visit Paul Cézanne’s studio in the south of France. She certainly didn’t know she’d fall in love with a Frenchman, work full time as an Impressionist painter, and raise three boys, all in Provence. For 40 years now, Jill has been living what appears to be a fairytale. She has not only visited Cézanne’s studio, but painted there herself. She does leave France, but mainly to sell her paintings at events benefiting nonprofits in America and Australia. This month, the Atlanta native is coming to Mississippi for several events with the Garden Club of Jackson (see page 25). “Flowering Almond Tree at l’Abeille” “My whole life was served forth on a silver platter like destiny,” Jill says via Zoom “After my mother died, I told everybody, from her home studio in Aix-en-Provence. ‘I’m allergic to’ (whatever they put in front of Much like Jill’s faith-filled paintings, there’s me). I didn’t eat,” Jill recalls. “I think I was more to that statement than meets the eye. angry inside.” She also started fibbing, and cussing “when I ‘I will pour water on the thirsty ground.’ played tetherball,” she says, now able to look When Jill was 8 years old, her mother took
22 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
back on her playground persona and laugh. The following year, her father — now raising Jill and her three younger sisters alone — sent Jill and one sister to Camp DeSoto. “They said, ‘We’re square at this camp, and you have to learn these rules and abide by these rules.’ I was like, bring on the rules. I didn’t have any rules at home. My father didn’t even know what ‘grounded’ was,” Jill says. “I wasn’t happy with myself.” Jill had attended church in Atlanta, “but it wasn’t the same as at camp, where you walk with God every day,” she says. Camp staff encouraged the girls to read from the gospels every day at rest hour, and to remember that God is always present, even on the walk from the dining hall back to their cabins. “I started thinking about that, and I really did feel His presence. I learned at a young age what faith is. ‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.’ Hebrews 11:1,” she quotes. “So I would say (my conversion) happened at camp. I was starving when I got to camp.
And I was starving again at 10 (years old) the next year, and the next year. “If I had had (both) my mother and my father, I would not have been starving. (The book of Isaiah says) ‘I will pour water on the thirsty ground.’” Because Jill’s mother had gone to Camp DeSoto in the ’40s, “I just felt like my mother was there. And it was nurturing. All of the love, and the dancing in the gym, and the views off the brow, and the camaraderie. “I was a tomboy. I was never a great scholarly child. I grew up fox hunting with my father,” Jill says. She also grew up skiing in Vail, Colorado, and coming home to an 11-bedroom house with 14-foot ceilings. Later, there would come a time when that house couldn’t be heated.
1980, to attend the Marchutz School of Fine Arts, she couldn’t speak French. On her third day there, she met a handsome French guy who couldn’t speak English. Jill’s sister Lee was also there, taking French classes. The two women went jogging around 9 p.m. — something French women never did — in order to burn off some pastries and croissants. As they were jogging, two men in a vehicle stopped to ask (in French) for directions to the nearest village. Jill and her sister thought maybe the men were looking for a garden. A garden would be a nice place to jog. So the two women got into the car. Fortunately, the men did nothing more than take them to a café, where more calories were consumed. That evening led to a double date, followed by a single date on the beach for Jill and her beau, Serge. “I was bilingual in two months,” she says. A golden ticket Meanwhile, she learned the language of Jill’s favorite activity at Camp DeSoto creativity at the Marchutz School. was crafts. Her father prodded her on in “I’m so glad I learned (technique) first her artistic endeavors, she says. On (at Sweet Briar). Because then the vacations, “my dad would say, ‘Jill, get beautiful part of the creative way, I out your things and draw,’ while he read learned at the Marchutz School,” she says. the paper.” “They said that Cézanne said if you Regardless of all that, when she have 90 percent talent and only 10 turned 16, Jill didn’t want an easel for percent discipline … you will go her birthday. She wanted a car. nowhere. If you have 90 percent “I was hoping that my father, not discipline and 10 percent talent, even if having a wife to tell him what to do, you have no talent, you can be hanging would know,” she recalls. “So I walked to in the Louvre.” the driveway and looked for the fourShe didn’t know if she had talent. But wheeled gift, and it wasn’t there. she knew she had “determination, will, “(But) he was so proud (of what he’d drive, passion for my art, and for nature gotten me). I saw it was a book of Paul and for God,” she says. At the Marchutz Cézanne’s paintings. In order not to School, she learned to put those Jill’s “Keeping Watch Over His Sheep” (top) and one of her many hurt his feelings, I looked at the book passions to work. paintings of the French Mont Sainte Victoire, a landmark with him. … all of a sudden there were “That’s what they taught me, was overlooking Aix-en-Provence that was also painted by her artistic these paintings of mountains, this hero Paul Cézanne. the discipline to paint every day. That mountain Mont Sainte-Victoire that’s was monumental.” here (in Provence). So everything was going great. She was world, told her to pursue her passion. “It was just this act of destiny that brought growing artistically, and she’d met the man of “He said, ‘Jill, look at this book of Sotheby’s everything together.” her dreams (to whom she is still married, “40 (auction items). They’re selling these paintings Still, as a freshman at Sweet Briar College in years and three sons later,” she says). There was for (very high prices). Go for it!’” Virginia, Jill didn’t know what to major in. She just one little problem: She had no income When she graduated, her dream was to visit took art courses, “but I thought it couldn’t be from the sale of her paintings. the south of France, see Mont Sainte-Victoire possible to major in art because I wasn’t any When she begged her father to let her stay in person, and “get to know (Cézanne) better,” good,” she says. “But my (art) teachers for Marchutz’ yearlong program, which was the she says. encouraged me.” equivalent of a master’s degree at the time, he Unbeknownst to her, her father had When she finally told her father, “Daddy, “scraped together what funds he could,” she says. said, “If you can learn to live modestly and I’m majoring in art,” she thought he wouldn’t paint extravagantly, you can stay.” “To my astonishment, at my graduation (he) allow it. By that time, he had gone bankrupt. So she managed to live on $500 a month. gave me a ticket to go to the south of France.” “(There was a) recession all over the nation. That included rent, food and art supplies. She His boat sunk,” Jill says. “But I had my faith.” Bilingual romance and $500 a month walked everywhere in order to save money. Her father, disillusioned with the business When Jill arrived in France on June 16, She also got to paint at Chateau Noir, where mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 23
Jill and her family. From left, Alexander (in boxing gloves), Jimmy (James) Ruffato, Serge Ruffato, horse Danilo, Jill Steenhuis, Sergio Ruffato, and dog Laska.
Cézanne had lived and painted for 30 years. Marchutz School founder Leo Marchutz had his studio there for 25 years before he died, and the chateau owners rented the 11 studio spaces to artists. Jill had her studio there from 1981 to 1995. “It was just amazing to be there and to be able to paint exactly where Cézanne had lived and painted,” Jill says.
Switching from artist to art dealer, or “Jekyll to Hyde,” as she says, isn’t quite as tough. She’s enjoyed living her creative life in France, and her business life in America — though the artist shows up here, too. Some of Jill’s upcoming events at the Mississippi Museum of Art include
Jill’s meditation spot. “I find that painting is a way to be silent and practice contemplation (too),” she says.
minutes,” she says, laughing. “In my workshops, I teach that the way to bypass your intellect is urgency, to paint fast. Because otherwise if you sit there and think about it, the intellect comes and takes the reins.” For Jill, painting is more of a prayer than a project. “I find that painting is a way to be silent and practice contemplation … in an Playing Jekyll and Hyde action way,” she says. “And during that In 1985, Jill turned a corner. time, I have to practice self-abandonment “I had my first art show in Atlanta,” she and receive. (The result is) greater than says, “and I sold 24 paintings, so it gave me what I would’ve created with my intellect. $6,000. So it was like, this made a year’s “If you are open to receiving grace worth of income! So I was on a roll.” during that prayer time of creating that Since then, she has lived on the painting, celebrating nature, celebrating income of her art. She rarely shows her that creation that the Creator gave us … work in galleries, but travels every six Cézanne said art exists to make one taste months for art shows benefiting the eternal.” nonprofits. In Jackson she’s done shows That being said, “the modern viewer for Stewpot, the Boys and Girls Club, doesn’t want you to state it all,” she says. Peyton’s House, and Make-A-Wish. “That’s why I like Impressionism.” “It’s been so rewarding to me to work Despite being a Christian artist, Jill that way .... I’ve made some deep isn’t “as keen on painting a portrait of friendships,” she says. “Everything I do, Christ,” she says. Instead, she trusts the painting the painting and selling the viewer to fill in the gaps when looking at painting, has meaning for me. I just feel I her work — whether it depicts the good Mont Sainte-Victoire in a photograph (top) and in another of don’t want to do anything that doesn’t Samaritan, a shepherd (the Good Jill’s paintings. have meaning.” Shepherd?), or a wisteria bush. The travel hasn’t always been easy. demonstrations by the artist herself. A word to “If I didn’t have faith in the viewer, I would “(In the early days) it was wrenching, to leave the wise: Don’t be late. paint (every detail),” she says. my toddlers for five weeks, before the Internet, “Twenty to 45 minutes and the painting is Instead, she gives us a taste of the eternal. It’s before cell phones, to put a quarter in a phone done,” she says. up to us to imagine the full feast. Y and say, ‘I’m in Oklahoma City … ’” Fortunately, “But it took me 40 years to get (that fast). So all three of her sons are grown now. I tell people it takes me 40 years and 45 24 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
COME BLOOM! WITH JILL Jill will be in Jackson for a week as part of the Garden Club of Jackson’s “Art, Soul and Bloom!” fundraiser, which will help transform The Mississippi Museum of Art’s Payton City Garden into a landscaped Alyne Payton Cutting and Culinary Garden, a place for the engagement of students and visitors alike. Events are at the Mississippi Museum of Art except where noted. Art, Soul & Bloom! Events 6–7:30 p.m. Monday, April 12 — Preview & Toast View and purchase Jill’s paintings, scarves, book and calendar, as well as sculptures and jewelry designed by her middle son, Sergio Ruffato. “(His artwork) really does pair with mine,” Jill says. Also, the GCJ Member Showcase will feature floral designs, photography, botanical arts and needle arts, all created by GCJ members and inspired by Jill’s paintings and Provence. 6:30–8 p.m. Tuesday, April 13 — Sunset Plein Air Demonstration Jill’s painting from this event will be available in a silent auction. 9:30–11 a.m. Wednesday, April 14 — Feature Presentation Event Hear Jill share her story of growing up in Atlanta and finding her destiny in Provence. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 14 — Film Screening: ‘Painting the Invisible’ Jill’s younger son, James Ruffato, will show the documentary he made about his mother, and answer questions afterward. Jill will also perform a live still-life painting demonstration. A portion of the proceeds from this night will go to Camp DeSoto for Girls.
“It should be called an art and faith workshop, because I do readings from the monk Thomas Merton, Flannery O’Connor, every day I do readings to get (participants) in the right mindset, to get them out of their to-do list and get into the creative mind,” Jill says. “And I teach them about mixing colors on a palette and to delete the intellect and let go. So the whole workshop is about letting go.” 2–5 p.m. Monday, April 12 — Drawing workshop Bring a pencil and drawing pad, and get creative! 2–5 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, or Wednesday, April 14 — Pastel workshop “My focus is color and the true creative process of taking in nature through the senses to activate one’s unique inner poetry,” Jill says. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday, April 15, and Friday, April 16 — Oil painting workshop in Katie Breese’s gardens All workshops are open to beginners as well as artists of all levels. “I’m much more about the experience of creating (than the result),” Jill says. “I used to love fishing as a little girl. You have a wonderful time, whether you catch a fish or not.”
Workshops with Jill 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, April 10, and Sunday, April 11 — Oil painting workshop in Gloria Walker’s gardens
GCJ event tickets are $50 each. Workshop prices vary. Space is limited. Visit gardenclubofjackson.com/bloom for more info, and visit gardenclubofjackson/bloom-reservations to buy tickets.
Art, Soul & Bloom!
Featuring Artist Jill Steenhuis April 12 - April 14, 2021 The Mississippi Museum of Art $50 per ticket for each event Monday, April 12 Preview & Toast 6–7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 13 Sunset Plein Air Demonstration 6:30–8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 14 Feature Presentation Event 9:30–11 a.m.
Wednesday, April 14 Film Screening: Painting the Invisible 6:30–8:30 p.m. Details and registration at gardenclubofjackson.com
mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 25
LAGNIAPPE
by KIM MILLER
The John and Vera Mae Perkins Scholarship at Jackson State University will be awarded to first-generation college students who want to stay in Mississippi and “develop better communities here,” said Pinelake Church Senior Pastor Chip Henderson. From left, Deborah Perkins; Dr. Andre Leona Hinds, assistant professor of public policy at Jackson State University; Chip Henderson; Dr. John Perkins; JSU President Thomas K. Hudson; and Elizabeth Perkins.
Pinelake honors civil rights champions with scholarship
L
ast month, Mississippi’s largest Southern Baptist church donated $200,000 to establish an endowment fund at Jackson State University to create a scholarship honoring John and Vera Mae Perkins, two of the state’s oldest living civil rights leaders. John Perkins is thrilled that Pinelake, a predominantly white congregation, is teaming up with the black community in Mississippi to provide a scholarship at the historically black university. “God is reconciling our hearts to each other,” Perkins said. “This scholarship will help put knowledge in the minds of young people who might not otherwise have access.”
26 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
Fifty-one years ago, John Perkins suffered a severe beating by a white deputy in Brandon that almost cost him his life. As he recovered in the hospital, Perkins struggled with bitterness but chose love instead. Senior Pastor Chip Henderson of Pinelake said, “Dr. Perkins has taught me what it looks like to show grace, forgiveness, and love to people who have hurt you deeply. Some people talk a good game, but rarely live it. I’ve watched Dr. Perkins teach a message of grace and live it out without demands or accusations. His example makes me want to be a better man and a better Christ-follower.” Shawn Parker, executive director-treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board,
appreciates Perkins’ courage and compassion. “Dr. Perkins is truly a hero that should be celebrated by both the black community and the white community. He demonstrates the love of Jesus in ways that bring the races together,” Parker said. “I hope this scholarship becomes a lasting tribute to Dr. Perkins’ courage and Christian compassion.” John Perkins had many reasons to hate. As a teenager, he deeply admired his brother Clyde, who was honorably discharged from the U. S. Army after serving in World War II. His brother’s life was cut short in 1946 when a deputy shot him. The officer had commanded moviegoers outside a theater to “shut up.” When Clyde continued to talk to his girlfriend,
PHOTOS CHARLES A. SMITH/JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY
the officer clubbed Clyde on the head with a stick. His brother grabbed the stick, and the deputy shot him twice in the stomach. During the 1960s, Perkins was beaten, kicked, and spat upon while he participated in civil rights boycotts. In February 1970, the beating that almost killed him happened after he went to check on 19 young men who had been arrested at a march in Mendenhall. Law enforcement officers in the Brandon jail beat and tortured Perkins so severely that two-thirds of his stomach had to be removed. Despite enduring horrific injustices, Perkins chose to put aside bitterness and show God’s love to his fellow man. “I seldom talk about the details of that beating because I don’t want to use it in a prideful way to punish whites,” Perkins said in “One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race and Love.” “After that beating, I spent a good deal of time in the hospital. I was broken in body and in spirit. I came to understand that my reaction of anger,
hate, and bitterness was as bad as the action of the white jail guards who had beaten me. At that point I was able to see my own brokenness.” Pastor Henderson admires how Perkins has allowed God’s love to shape him. “Our desire is to honor the legacy of love Dr. Perkins has given us,” Henderson said. “This scholarship is to help first-generation college students. Dr. Perkins wants it to be awarded to students who have a desire to stay in Mississippi and develop better communities here.” Perkins hopes others in Mississippi will consider helping young black people receive a college education. “This scholarship is a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds that grows quite large,” said Perkins. Parker agreed. “I hope it will be an example and challenge for other white Christians to follow. If other churches follow suit, it will have a lot of value in continuing the conversation. Those interested in the John and Vera Mae Perkins Scholarship or any other scholarship at
Some people talk a “good game, but rarely live it. I’ve watched Dr. (John) Perkins teach a message of grace and live it out without demands or accusations. His example makes me want to be a better man and a better Christ-follower.
”
– Chip Henderson
JSU can apply at jsums.academicworks.com. The JVMP scholarship will be awarded annually starting in 2022. Y
“This scholarship will help put knowledge in the minds of young people who might not otherwise have access,” said Dr. John Perkins, right, pictured here with Chip Henderson, senior pastor of Pinelake Church. mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 27
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
recipes by JAY MORGAN
A feast for Easter (or anytime) For a few recipes worthy of Easter Sunday dinner — but with a twist — we went back to our friends at Friday Night Porch Party. We’ve got
Y
PHOTOS COURTESY FRIDAY NIGHT PORCH PARTY
three words for y’all: Marinated. Lima. Beans.
MARINATED LIMA BEANS
BELZONI ARTICHOKE-RICE SALAD
24 ounce package frozen lima beans ½ cup white vinegar ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup bacon drippings 5 green onions, chopped 8 slices of bacon, fried crisp and crumbled (Save the drippings.) Salt and pepper
2 packages chicken flavored rice ¾ cup green bell peppers, chopped 8 green onions, chopped 16 stuffed olives, sliced 2 6-ounce jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained and marinade reserved ⅔ cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon curry powder
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place the lima beans in a boiler and cover with water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring lima beans to a boil and cook until tender, about 30 minutes. In a small boiler, combine the vinegar, brown sugar, and bacon drippings. Heat until warm and set aside. Drain the lima beans and transfer to an 8½ x 11″ baking dish. Pour the reserved sauce over the lima beans. Top with the bacon and green onions. Bake for about 30 minutes.
Cook rice as directed on package, omitting butter. Let cool. Combine peppers, onion, olives and artichoke hearts, then fold into the rice. Mix reserved marinade with mayonnaise and curry powder; toss over the rice mixture. Serve in a large dish. Yield: 12 servings Source: “The Festival Cookbook”
BILL FAULKNER’S GRILLED HAM 1 half ham of your choice 1 can of Coke ¼ cup liquid smoke
Heat your grill to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the Coke and liquid smoke. Place the ham on the grill using direct heat. Baste the ham with the Coke mixture about every 15 minutes, cooking the ham on all sides. Cook for about an hour.
Jay Morgan and his wife, Lou Anne, have been hosting Friday Night Porch Parties for 25 years, including at their current home in Madison since 2004. Jay invites whomever God puts on his heart during the week, and cooks like a crazy person! Follow them on Instagram @fridaynightporchparty and check out the recipes at FridayNightPorchParty.com. (Headshot by Kyle Hancock Photography.) 28 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
SAY GOODBYE TO JOINT PAIN &
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT OR WALK IN TODAY! CAPITALORTHO.COM 601.987.8200
mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 29
A CUP OF ENCOURAGEMENT
by LAURA LEE LEATHERS
Time to come to the garden alone The flowers are beginning to bloom. Birds, bees, and butterflies start to loom. Meanwhile, I come to the garden alone, To be in His presence, before His throne. Like a dried, withered seed, seemingly barren, I come, But in the Gardener’s hands, like a beautiful plant, I become.
I
sn’t it amazing how a seed that looks withered and dead produces new life? Sometimes an individual’s life can be like a
seed. There are days when we are weary, withered and worn, especially after dealing with so many of life’s issues. Life is stressful! It seems like more and more stress is being added to our lives, without any subtractions. I’ve thought about starting an Overwhelmed Anonymous group, but I couldn’t come up with the step program because I was too overwhelmed! When life is overwhelming, it is time to go to the garden — alone. As I thought about this particular tea theme, the hymn “In the Garden” came to my mind several times. Read the words of C. Austin Miles’ song slowly: I come to the garden alone / While the dew is still on the roses / And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, / The Son of God discloses. We need to come to the garden alone because our focus should be on hearing the Master Gardener’s voice, with no distractions. I come to the garden because I can vividly see things growing, maturing and producing fruit. Only He can transform a dried-up seed. Just as a seed needs dirt, light, water, pollination and cultivating, He provides us with the Living Water, the Sonshine, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the ability to take away the weeds (sin), which want to choke out our growth. The more we read and study the Bible and pray, the deeper our roots grow.
Time for tea! So right now, please take a moment and prepare a pot (notice I didn’t say a cup) of your favorite tea. Currently I’m using Raspberry Rose Hibiscus from The Republic of Tea. Place a tea cozy under the pot and place it on a tray, along with your favorite teacup and a scone or muffin. Head out to your garden or back porch. Be sure to bring your Bible, pen and journal. Pour yourself a cup of tea. Turn to Genesis 1 and read the account of creation. What new things did you observe? Pour yourself another cup of tea and go to Luke 5:16, ESV; John 18:111; and Matthew 26:36-46. ◆ What did you notice about Jesus? ◆ Was He overwhelmed? ◆ Take a few moments to record your thoughts about these passages
of scripture. ◆ Ask God to take away the feelings of being overwhelmed and
replace them with His peace, wisdom and guidance for your life. ◆ Ask for creativity and the ways He wants to use you to produce
fruit for His kingdom purposes. Time for gardening! Finally, pick up a pack of your favorite flower seeds (perhaps forgetme-nots) and plant them in a pot or create a friendship garden area. As they grow, and while you are cultivating, pray for your friends and the strangers you will meet this year. Ask God to show you ways He can use you to bring encouragement to them. Don’t wait until you are overwhelmed with life to go to the garden alone. Instead, begin each new day walking with Jesus. By the way, tea did originate in the garden! Y In this new season of her life, Laura Lee hopes to focus on her three passions: freelance writing, sharing and serving through hospitality, and cultivating Lady Laura’s Garden, a cut-flower farm. You can contact her at LauraLeeLeathers.com.
Sunnybrook Estates is a strictly rental independent living retirement community offering spacious apartment living. Low monthly rates with NO long-term lease or buy in required. Rent includes meals, housekeeping, transportation, activities, on-site movie theatre, central heat and air in each apartment and more!
Fabulous Activities ✻ Beautiful Surroundings New Found Friendships ✻ Fine Dining 200 SERENITY LANE, MADISON, MS 39110
sunnybrookestates.net 30 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
CALL 601-856-4050
To inquire about Sunnybrook Estates
TOUGH QUESTIONS
by BRENNA WEAVER, LPC
It seems God has gone silent, and I have too ANSWER: Sometimes silence is not always as golden as the idiom would like us to believe. I have also experienced moments when it seems God has gone silent, and in response, I went silent too. You are not alone, my friend. Unfortunately, our silence, unlike like God’s, can be sinful. In his book “Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament,” Mark Vroegop writes, “Giving God the silent treatment is the ultimate manifestation of unbelief. Despair lives under the hopeless resignation that God doesn’t care, he doesn’t hear, and nothing is ever going to change. People who believe this stop praying.” Is your silence prayerless? Prayer is essential in the life of a believer. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us, “Pray without ceasing.” It sounds easy; we know it is not. I imagine there are moments when the silence is deafening, and one does not know where to begin with prayer. The fact that you have asked, “What do I do?” shows that you value your connection with God, and you want the lines of communication to open freely again. Take some time to consider what silenced you in the first place. Unanswered prayer? Frustrations with life circumstances (loss of employment, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, etc.)? Family or friends pushing boundaries? Make a list. Journal. Ask those closest to you if they have noticed your silence, and what they think could be the cause. After you have carefully pondered that, consider what you are wanting to say to God. You might be thinking, “I don’t know what I want to tell God,” out of fear it would be inappropriate to say, “I want to know why or how or what; I want answers.” Some Christians do not believe it is good to question God. Nonetheless, scripture shows us that questioning rightly is OK. Psalm 44:23-24 says, “Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?” Psalm 88:14 says, “O Lord, why do you cast my soul away?” Job questions God. Jonah questions God. John the Baptist questions Jesus. On multiple occasions, the disciples question Him, too. Questioning is not always bad. Plus, He already knows the questions in our hearts, so to verbalize them humbly and honestly is OK. Also, contemplate the ways you believe God has gone silent. Has He gone silent, or have you stopped hearing and responding? Even if He seems quiet, it does not mean He is not listening. 1 John 5:14 tells us, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” Break your silence. Go to God in prayer. He will hear you and draw near to you. He is faithful. He loves you. Hebrews 10:23 reminds us, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”Y
Subscribe for home delivery!
HAVE 12 ISSUES OF
delivered to your door for $29! Brenna Weaver is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ridgeland working with clients 18 years and older. She has experience as a secondary education teacher and children’s therapist. When not working, she enjoys reading, eating good food, and traveling.
601.790.9076 mschristianliving.com C H E C K ~ C R E D I T C A R D ~ PAY PA L mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 31
32 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
WHAT’S GOING ON
by KAITLYN ANDERSON
Attorney Job: The Adventures of a Great Lawyer! “A Masterpiece in Jurisprudence!”
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.”
T
he CPC Metro Area is a nonprofit with medical clinics that exist to listen, encourage, and equip expectant mothers to make the choice for life. On May 1, the CPC is hosting a Life Walk as part of that mission.
The walk will be held at Flowood Nature Park, at 4077 Flowood Drive. Registration
is from 8 to 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 9.
ATTY JOE RAGLAND, J.D., LL.M., LL.D. Personal Injury Trial Attorney/Workplace Injuries Tel. 601-969-5050 • Info: www.raglandministries.org Click CONTACT to subscribe to Ragland Newsletters
How can you help?
The CPC is asking for volunteers to come out and support the walk. The goal is to have 60 partner churches, each represented with a team. A walk ambassador will recruit a team of 10 walkers from his or her church and lead the team. Each walker’s goal will be to raise $250 to help the CPC continue offering lifesaving services to women of the metro area. Participants may also walk individually or with their families. More about the CPC
The CPC relies on donations from churches, businesses and individuals in order to operate. The CPC has two medical clinics for women who are considering abortion or who might not know the steps to take for their unplanned pregnancy. The CPC
You will be moved by the keepsake letter written from a father to his daughter diagnosed with leukemia that was inspired by the one common denominator to all things good — the act of giving. Now available at amazon.com
EGBO
provides counseling, parenting support groups, and contacts with adoption agencies. The CPC is now also partnering with churches to lead support groups. Currently, eight churches in the Jackson metro area are equipped, trained and ready to help. Register for the Life Walk at cpcmetrofriends.org/lifewalk. For more information on the Life Walk or the CPC’s support groups, call 601.487.1063.
Ev
eryt
hni
n
n g ’s G
eO a onna B a
k!
egbosmiles.com mschristianliving.com ❘ APRIL 2021 33
QUIPS & QUOTES ADVERTISER INDEX
✂
{
CUT OUT THE SCRIPTURES AND QUOTES AND PLACE THEM AROUND YOUR HOME FOR DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT!
}
ADVERTISING PARTNERS
PAGE
Belhaven University...................................................2 C Spire..................................................................................3
“…I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he died, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
Capital Ortho ...............................................................29 Choose Life...................................................................32 Covenant Caregivers................................................11
~ 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17–18, ESV
Everything’s Gonna Be Ok!...............................33
~ JOHN 11:25-26A, ESV
EyeCare Professionals............................................9
He is the ‘first fruits,’ ‘the pioneer of life.’ He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so.
Spring is the surging up of latent life under the warmth of the sun and the moisture of melting snow. Have you sensed the fragrance of spring? Is not the warmth of God’s favor beginning to stir the latent life of this great church? Is not the God of hope about to apply to us this promise? ~ John Piper, “The Spirit of Spring”
Freshway Produce......................................................8 The Garden Club of Jackson...........................25 H.E.A.L. Mississippi...................................................10 Insight Group Real Estate.................................20 Joe Ragland .................................................................33
~ C.S. Lewis, “Miracles”
Mascagni Wealth Management ...................36
Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and He will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation of the field. ~ ZECHARIAH 10:1, ESV
May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God!
Miskelly Furniture ........................................................5 Pine Grove Treatment Center ............................7 Rusty Healy Agency................................................31 Sitters, LLC......................................................................21
~ DEUTERONOMY 32:2–3, ESV
Smiles by Design – Dr. Eugene Brown .....16
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ~ ISAIAH 43:19, ESV
Let us press on to know the Lord; His going out is sure as the dawn; He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth. ~ HOSEA 6:3, ESV
According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. ~ 1 PETER 1:3B-4, ESV 34 APRIL 2021 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living
Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company ................................29 St. Dominic's ................................................................35 Stegall Imagery .........................................................29 Sunnybrook Estates..............................................30 Twin Lakes ........................................................................9
MASCAGNI WEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC. IS A REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISER REGISTERED WITH THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.