August 2014 Mississippi Christian Living

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columns 9 The Way I See It Life’s Detours

10 Let’s Talk It Over The Real Promise

12 This Is My Story Mr. Bill’s Song

13 Living My Call judahseed

14 Lagniappe The Sibling Rivalry That Isn’t

16 Let’s Get Real Resolutions, Choices and Real Transformation

features

26

18 The Doctor Is In More Than Snoring

The Marquez Family

20 Food for Thought

Turning Tragedy into Triumph

Quick Menus for Busy Families

13

22 Education Connection New Belhaven Nursing Program

24 Chewed Petunias Strength Training or Battle Wounds?

42

42 Christian Commerce Professional Therapy Solutions

44 Legal Advice

20

Be Scam Savvy

48 Salt & Light Ancient Hebrew Tabernacle

in every issue

12 What’s Coming Next Month?

Chip and Christy Henderson An Honest Conversation

6 48 49 50 50

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

Publisher: MHS Publications, Inc., Member, M.I.P.A. Editor: Marilyn Tinnin marilyn@mschristianliving.com Associate Editor: Suzanne Durfey Art Direction/Graphic Design Sandra K. Goff Sales Marilyn Tinnin, Kimberly Stephens, Suzanne Durfey, Jill Waycaster West, Tara Dowden, Ashley J. Smith Jenny Ruth Kennedy Contributing Writers Ariel Anderton, Lydia Bolen, Toni Overby, Susan E. Richardson, Karen Robertson, David Sprayberry, Joyce D. Wade, M.D., Martin E. Willoughby, Jr. Cover Photography Stegall Imagery Distribution Assistants Avery Cahee, Laura Kidder, Randy Fortenberry, Andrea Sabillion, Rachel Schulte, Jerri Strickland, Priscilla Sullivan, Bob Whatley, Amanda Weems

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

Mississippi Christian Living is committed to encouraging individuals in their daily lives by presenting the faith stories of others and by providing information that will point every person, at every stage of life, to a deeper, authentic, personal, and lifechanging encounter with Jesus Christ.

Views expressed in Mississippi Christian Living do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by the Mississippi Christian Living staff to insure accuracy of the publication contents.

However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be or is assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2013 by Mississippi Christian Living, Inc. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Mississippi Christian Living is published monthly and is available at high traffic locations throughout the metropolitan area.

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4 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

➺editor’s letter Sufficient Grace for Tough Times “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

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❝

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.

❞

– Peter Marshall

6 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

think our whole culture has lost the virtue of patience, for the most part—but certainly patience in affliction. As children, nobody really expected

us to demonstrate it, but we were supposed to obtain it along the path towards maturity. I think I used to get on my daddy’s last nerve when we were loaded up in his big Buick (trust me, Buicks were BIG in those days) en route to visit grandmothers or begin a much needed summer vacation. The city limits of Indianola were barely out of sight before I raised the question, “When are we going to get there?”

I’ve asked that same question of God several times. Do we ever get to a point in the pursuit of Christlikeness that we don’t stumble with the burdens or tremble with fear in the anxious situations that we can’t fix and can’t erase altogether? Sometimes I just think I ought to be doing this whole Christian life a lot better. It’s just that oftentimes when we’re in the middle of a storm of epic proportions and we read something like 2 Corinthians 4:17 that says, “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all,” I am not soothed. I’ve experienced a situation or two that did not feel at all “light and momentary,” and the certainty of “eternal glory” seemed much too far in the future to provide me a bit of comfort in the present. Does anybody know what I mean?

Bible teacher Beth Moore tweeted a few months ago these words that have resonated inside of me. “Sometimes trusting God amounts to making peace with something that won’t fix. Sometimes you let it go. Sometimes you hold it broken.” The extraordinary grace that God gives us in those disappointments and heartaches is a treasure, a supernatural ability to be okay when life is not. Isn’t that the picture of Scripture’s term, “Peace that passeth understanding?” And you better believe the world notices what it cannot explain.

Our cover story offers the perfect illustration of that extraordinary grace and a big chunk of courage. Twenty-five-year-old Nicole Marquez was a promising dancer and actress whose dreams were altered significantly in a six-story fall from the top of her apartment building six years ago—hardly a “light and momentary” interruption of her well-orchestrated plans. But hers is not a story about defeat or despair or bitterness. It is about triumph over tragedy, abundant blessing, and a little glimpse of glory right here in the present.

Someone so much wiser than I am once said, “You can’t always control your circumstances, but you can control how you react to them.” If, indeed, God is the omnipotent God of the Universe, then nothing comes to us that did not first come through the filter of his loving and nail-scarred hands. Oh that we might with open hands receive His grace to live each day and each circumstance in a way that honors Him and reveals His love to others.

I have long loved Elizabeth Schaeffer’s book Affliction. She offers an enduring perspective on suffering, and I have starred many passages, underlined others, highlighted a few, and almost worn out its pages over the past two decades. Her prayer is mine, and I hope it blesses you, too.

“Help me, Lord, to be what You want me to be in this, to learn what you want me to learn in this, to demonstrate what you want me to demonstrate in this, to show in this thing a flashing, vivid reality of the fact that the treasure You have given me is in an earthen vessel and that the greatness, the excellency, is all of You, God, not of me.”

Happy reading. Y

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

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the way i see it

by MARTIN E. WILLOUGHBY, JR.

Life’s Detours n 1999, the Internet boom was still going strong. Google was less than a year old and Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) didn’t even have his driver’s license. There was a dotcom fever in the

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country. Silicon Valley was exploding with new businesses trying to make their mark. I remember thinking that we were living in a unique period of time in history. I imagined what it was like to live during the California Gold Rush of 1849 when people flocked to California to find their fortune. Anything seemed possible.

The entrepreneurial spirit runs in my veins.

During this time, I received a phone call from an old friend that was starting an Internet-based real estate company in San Francisco, and he wanted me to join him to change the world of real estate. After consulting with my bride Nicki, we agreed to take this chance, so I quit my new career as an attorney to set out for California. I commuted at first, and our team worked feverishly to build the new company.

I find that He is sovereign—not me.

We were one of the first real estate companies in the country to put photos online of houses for sale. There were three other companies in Silicon Valley that started at the same time we did. We decided to join forces with one of them and merge our companies. Nicki quit her job in Jackson, and we rented a home in California near San Jose. The future seemed bright.

I came home for the Christmas holidays, and we packed up everything in our house to move. We stuck a For Sale sign in our yard and looked forward to this grand adventure.

The day before Christmas, I received a phone call informing me that our merger was off and that my business partners had decided to shut down our business.

I took stock of my situation—neither of us

now had a job AND Nicki was pregnant with our first child. Lord, I asked, “What are you doing?” We had a plan. We were moving to California. As an entrepreneur, I thought Silicon Valley was obviously where I was supposed to be. “Why did you take me down this path?” “Why did you let us quit our jobs?” “What are we supposed to do?” I asked these and many other questions. I thought I was being faithful. After years in the wilderness, I had come to know Christ in a very personal way a few years before. I could not understand where I had gone wrong.

I share this very personal story because I believe we all have these type stories. We set off down a path and then learn that God has other plans for our life.

We encounter unexpected detours in the journey of life. In Proverbs, we find the wisdom “Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.” Only God knows our future. As much as I want to map out my life, I have slowly come to understand that it is HIS plans, not mine that will come to pass.

For someone like me who likes to be in control, these lessons can be painful. I find that God has to remind me repeatedly that HE is sovereign—not me. Scripture reminds us “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD” (Proverbs 21:30). As we travel down the path of our lives, we need to learn to expect that there will be detours. We will likely find ourselves in unexpected places with unexpected people doing unexpected things. I believe our job is to embrace God’s grand design for our life and do our very best to bring glory to HIS name along the way. Y

Martin E. Willoughby, Jr,. is Chief Operating Officer of Butler Snow Advisory Services, LLC located in Ridgeland. He and his wife, Nicki, have two children, Ally and Trey, and live in Memphis, Tennessee. mschristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2014 9

MADISON WOMEN’S EXPLORER’S

➺let’s talk it over

by ARIEL ANDERTON, MT, MA, LPC, LMFT

The Real

Promise T

Nondenominational study to gain a deeper knowledge of God’s Word This year’s study:

God’s Perfect Plan BEGINS

Thursday, August 28, 10 AM FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

Liz Pittman 601.951.8351 or Gerry Cain 601.856.6008

of First Baptist Church Jackson

Christian Counseling for Individuals, Couples and Families ◆ Anxiety ◆ Marital Issues ◆ Pre-marital Counseling ◆ Divorce Recovery ◆ Family Issues ◆ Addictions ◆ Support Groups ◆ Intellectual, Academic, ADHD

Evaluations

Evening appointments Fees based on family income

Dr. Charles Boudreaux, Director First Baptist Jackson ◆ 431 North State Street

601.949.1949 www.SummitFirst.org

10 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

here is a lot of pain, suffering and daily frustration in this fallen world. As Christians we are

taught and aim to encourage one another in the midst of these times. One verse we may say to each other is, “for those who love God all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28 ESV).

We tend to mean a few different things by this. We may mean that though you are suffering now God has something good in mind connected to this we can’t see yet; let’s wait together and see. We wait and search and try to pin point what God meant by bringing that suffering by connecting the lesson or some other aspect to future events and circumstances that are good.

We may also mean to say this loss or pain seems bad, but it really is not because God is going to make it good somehow. There is an assumption lurking in the background that because I am a Christian and because I love Jesus bad things should not happen to me as much or when bad things happen something better will come along to make up for it. But is this actually the promise from God? No. Further into the same passage it says, “for those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29 ESV). All the same types of bad things, sufferings, losses and pain will happen in this life to Christians who love God as to unbelievers. And they really are bad things.

When Jesus loses his friend Lazarus in death, Jesus does not gloss over the bad circumstance looking for the good that He will do in raising him. He stops and weeps.

Death is a very bad thing. Period. Jesus takes our pain seriously. He did not turn to Lazarus’ relatives and say “this will all turn out for good”, but rather he was with them in their grief.

When we suffer it will make us more like Jesus. Our pain will not be in vain. Our suffering leads to sanctification. Jesus did not suffer so that we would not have to, but that when we suffer it would be part of our transforming into Christ’s likeness. The promise is abundant life not better life circumstances. And here my brokenness shows.

I really want my life to work out. I really

want to stop struggling and hurting. I really want to stop being afraid that I will lose what I do have that I love. I scramble to defend, fix, prevent, and control these things. Here I realize I’m running after God’s gifts rather than God. How humbling. In Jesus’ grace and response to our prayers there will certainly be times when bad is avoided or bad did lead to better after all, but let’s stay close to what is promised, guaranteed. We will have pain in the process of becoming like Jesus.

And it will be worth it.

My thirsty heart relaxes to hear this summed up in “our bad things turn for good, our good things cannot be lost and the best is yet to come” (Keller) . The cross for Christ fulfilled rather than hindered his mission and

There is an assumption lurking in the background that because I am a Christian and because I love Jesus bad things should not happen to me as much… so it is for us. Our crosses, our life’s trials can only fulfill God’s mission in our life to finish the work He started in us, redeeming us to our true selves in Christ. The good we are promised is in total. We would be wise after a trial not to wait a month, a year, a decade to see what good will come from it though we may see fruit that soon. The promise is that our life, taken as a whole, is worked out for our good conforming us in Christlikeness.

There is not a balance sheet for believers that we get a good event in our life for every trial.

But nothing can truly be lost. All will be returned to us that is Love and Life. Let’s remind each other of this every day. Because of Jesus our suffering is temporary and our life is eternal. Y

Ariel Anderton, MT, MA, LPC, LMFT, is the child &adolescent therapist for Summit Counseling. She and her family have lived in the area since 2006.

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mschristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2014 11

➺this is my story

by KAREN ROBERTSON

Mr. Bill’s Song Finding HELP for yourself or a loved one shouldn’t be difficult.

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s the church service ended, I gathered up my music books from the piano where, as pianist, I played each Sunday. I made my way out of our sanctuary, pausing to speak to several friends. That’s when

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Mr. Bill stopped me. He was a tall, distinguished man in his eighties, a longtime member of our church and a particular fan of the hymn arrangements I played for offertory music. “I liked that song you played,” his big voice boomed as he grasped my hand. “I want you to play that at my funeral!”

“OK,” I chuckled, “I’ll write your name down on that page so I won’t forget.” I grabbed a pencil from my purse, scribbled a note on that page of music…and promptly forgot about it.

Time passed and one day Mr. Bill’s daughter called and told me that he had died.

She asked if I would play a selection of hymn arrangements at his funeral service and inquired if there were any particular songs I would recommend. I suddenly recalled her father’s request made years earlier, and, though I couldn’t remember which hymn it was, promised to look through my music and find her father’s favorite.

Having been a pianist for almost fifty years, I had amassed an extensive collection of music books. But I was determined to find Mr. Bill’s song, and so began the daunting task of searching for one small handwritten note, As I flipped through book after book and didn’t find anything, I searched more diligently.

Throughout the next few days I looked through stacks of piano books, slowly turning page after page, glancing at the top of each page and dropping them into a pile on the floor that grew along with my disappointment.

The night before the funeral I tackled the last pile of books, but still could not find Mr. Bill’s favorite song. By bedtime I gave up, totally frustrated. “Lord, if it’s here you’re going to have to find it!” I sighed, and went to bed.

The morning of the funeral I arrived at the church armed with several books of hymn arrangements, yellow sticky notes flapping from the edges, marking songs that would be appropriate for the service. I confessed to Mr. Bill’s family my failure to locate their Dad’s special request, and they graciously told me that they understood. Still, I felt sad. As a musician and a friend, I really desired to honor my older friend’s request.

Sitting down at the piano, I randomly

selected a book from the pile stacked on the seat beside me and turned to a page I had bookmarked. The hymn was the old classic, Rock of Ages, and I began to play it quietly as mourners filed into the church.

As the timeless melody filled the sanctuary, something on the bottom corner of the page of music caught my eye. Trying to read it while playing the music was a challenge, but slowly it dawned on me what I was seeing. I gave a small gasp of astonishment. There, faintly penciled on the bottom corner of the page in my handwriting were the words, “Play by request at Mr. Bill’s funeral.” In all my searching I had missed the tiny note, I realized, because I had been hurriedly looking for it at the top of each page.

I played the final chords of “Rock of Ages,” my eyes brimming with tears and my heart exploding with joy. A coincidence, you say?

That out of the dozens of books I owned I would bring that book to the church, and of the many I brought I would select that particular book, and of the many hymns arrangements within that book I would open it to that one particular song? I think not.

I prefer to see it as a miracle from the One who sees all things, even when we do not--a gift from the Great Musician who longs to comfort us in times of grief. As my fingers moved up and down the keyboard that day, I knew that I worshipped a God who cares about the smallest details of our lives. And I believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that Mr. Bill was listening and smiling. Y Karen Robertson lives in Southwest Mississippi with her husband, Robbie and their basset hound, Oris. When she is not writing, she helps in the family business, Berry Creek Bowls, and serves as pianist at their local church.

➺

living my call

by MARILYN TINNIN

judahseed hey describe themselves as “an end times” band, and their calling especially to the “dechurched” and the “unchurched.” As rhythm guitarist Russ Dubose says, “We’re not preaching to the choir.”

T

Their venues are usually secular, and their unique sound is described as “groove oriented rock”—a cross between Dave Matthews, The Eagles, Pearl Jam, and Third Day—but their lyrics speak the gospel in all of its hope and redemption in Christ.

The five members of judahseed claim Crystal Springs as home. They got their start as a praise band at Springs of Praise Church, and almost immediately doors began to open that took them far beyond the city limits of small town Mississippi, opening for such names as Sanctus Real and Diamond Rio. The name “judahseed” is intentionally spelled with lower case letters as a reminder that the band members are not lifting themselves up but rather glorifying the Lord. As drummer Allen Marler says, “This is a small detail, for sure, but it shows us that Christ is the priority in our ministry.”

In 2010, the band’s hit, “I Believe,” brought

a nomination for “New Artist of the Year” from the ICM (International Country Music). Their first album, produced in Nashville, definitely had a typical Nashville sound reminiscent of the band, Alabama. Judahseed’s members, however, felt a stronger pull toward rock. That sound seemed to fit better outside the church walls, but their desire to honor God with their message may have seemed like a contradiction at first.

Eventually, however, the five realized God was calling them to shine His light in a place where there was a lot of darkness. It was an exciting call and one they embrace with passion and a lot of dependence on Him. The word “Judah” is a reference to both the “Lion of Judah” (Jesus) and the tribe of Judah mentioned in the Bible. That tribe was composed mainly of musicians, and when God’s people marched into battle, the Tribe of Judah was commanded to go first, to let the enemy know God’s people were coming.

Similarly, an “End Times” band is doing the

same thing. “Seed” refers to descendants.

Clearly, Believers are Christ’s spiritual seed.

Their second album, late september, is the compilation of 11 original songs masterfully written and superbly performed and mixed.

There is a story behind most of them, and in an age where there is not a lot of soul-to-soul connection between human beings, the words in these songs touch a deep place in the heart because the topics involve issues we grapple with in this life. Check out their website at judahseed.com. Find late september in Lifeway, on iTunes, and Amazon.

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mschristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2014 13

O! How Cute Gift Market

➺lagniappe The Sibling Rivalry That Isn’t Editor’s Note: The entrepreneurial mindset is strong in these Madison County sisters. Kayce Saik and Lacie Clark. As successful businesswomen, their family roots steeped in a love for Christ and others provide the foundation for their marketplace methods.

Q:

MCL: What is the difference in your ages?

Kayce: Many people ask us which of us is older—Lacie is 2 1/2 years older than I am.

She will tell you I look older than her, but I say people think I’m older because I’m the tallest! Ha-ha!

Lacie: This is true! Kayce does look older!

Ha-ha! That is all I have to say about that.

Q:

MCL: What are your best childhood memories of enjoying each other as sisters?

Kayce: There are many, but making mud

A mind for tru .

A heart for God. Head back to school the Cute way!

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pies in the backyard, swinging from tree vines down a dirt road not far from our house, and just spending time with each other, especially during holidays.

We also have a younger sister, Payton (No, it does not rhyme with Lacie and Kayce!). We joke and say that Payton didn’t have two older sisters—she had 3 MOMS!) We both spent many weeknights and weekends traveling to watch her play in numerous softball games.

Looking back, those were some of the most memorable moments for me. The whole family was there.

Lacie: I would definitely say Christmas has always been a big deal to our family. Our situation was a little different from most families because both my mom’s family and my dad’s family would come together. We had our grandmothers, great-grandmothers and our aunts. We would all spend the night together, but Kayce and I would get to sleep in our aunts’ room that night at my grandmother’s house. I loved Kayce, but that child would never stop talking, and I needed my beauty sleep! (That’s how I’ve stayed looking so young! Ha-ha!)

We also loved going to this little cabin a friend of my grandmothers used to own. I loved it because there was no TV or telephones, just family time. We would play games and just hang out. We were always outdoors, doing anything and everything! We loved it!

Q:

MCL: What were the biggest “clashes” you ever had? Did you ever feel a sense of rivalry about something?

Kayce: Of course there were things growing up that we did not agree on, but I don’t ever remember feeling any rivalry.

I looked up to her, and wanted to be just like her. I trusted her. She actually introduced me to my husband, Damon—now 13 years ago!

Lacie: Anyone who knows Kayce and me will tell you we are polar opposites. I guess you could say our personalities clashed! We both have strong personalities, and haven’t and still don’t always agree. When we were younger, I’m sure my mom would probably just separate us! Somehow you grow to appreciate your differences, and we love and respect each other for them now.

Q:

MCL: Did your parents have a formula or a policy for “teamwork” as a family unit? Were there any specific hard-and-fast rules that you may have resisted when you were young, but realize now the wisdom behind them?

Kayce: There was no particular formula or policy, but we were raised to be independent, appreciate what we have, fight for what we believe in, always keep God first, and know that family is everything. It wasn’t necessarily spoken, but it was just understood. Those are the elements that cultivated the foundation for the leadership roles we now sustain.

Lacie: When we were young, if the church was open, we were there! We were in the choir, GAs, Sunday school— you name it, we were there. Our parents were young and, I’m sure, just trying to find their way in this world, but the best decision they made was for us to be in church every time those doors opened.

person you know has your back—no matter what you do, where you go, or what happens in your life. People will come and go, our situations in life may change, but we will be sisters forever.

Q:

MCL: What role did Christian faith play in your lives when you were younger and how does it shape your business life today?

Kayce: We were very blessed to have been raised in a Christian family—so many seeds were planted along the way. For me,

every effort to conduct this business in a way that is pleasing to Him. Lacie: I agree. Our Mimi was the person in our life that made sure we were involved in the church. I think we saw her involved in all of these things and wanted to do the same.

God used her to reach us at a very early age. Prayer is a big part of any Christian’s faith. In a way, she taught us how to pray.

Through prayer and faith, God has made us the women we are today. He has answered prayers and blessed us beyond anything we could have ever imagined.

Q:

MCL: Feel free to add anything else!

Kayce: My mother, and best friend, opened Relish Home Accents and Gifts in the summer of 2007. Four years later, Lacie decided to pursue her own dreams by opening Drench Day Spa and Lash Lounge in Ridgeland, and we were thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to help bring her visions to life by designing her space.

Just over a year ago, we expanded MCL: How has your our business, and God’s hand laid down Kayce and Damon Saik, left, and Lacie and Will Clark appreciation for each other each piece of the puzzle. It was another grown, as you have become adults? testimony that faith—and prayer over Kayce: We have always been a close anything and everything with thanksgiving— my Mimi was my anchor.

She was diligent in family, however in March of 2007, our father can lead you to best plans He has for your taking us to church, talking to us about God, passed away unexpectedly. My sisters and I life. We have so much to be thankful for! I praying for us, and just being a woman of grew into women that day. We spent pray that God will continue to bless each of God. At the age of 19, after a very low point countless hours talking about him and how us on this journey—and that each day, and in my life, I finally realized why my he raised us, and his expectations for us— each struggle, will bring forth a more pure grandmother had offered to walk with me finally understanding why at times he may form of whom He desires us to be. down the aisle, as a little girl, if I ever had the have seemed harsh. Now we know it was One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm urge at the end of the church service. I only because he loved us and wanted the experienced true salvation, and my Mimi was 91:4, “He will cover you with his feathers, and best for his girls. That tragic time created a under his wings you will find refuge. His the first person I called. Since that day, God bond and a reverence between us that I faithful promises are your shield and has shaped me into the woman I am today. know he would be proud of today. protection.” Y Without God, this business would not be Lacie: Definitely! You just learn what is possible. It is all His work, and we make important. At the end of the day, that’s the

Q:

mschristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2014 15

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➺

let’s get real

by TONI OVERBY

Resolutions, Choices, and Real Transformation t’s not even almost, but completely, cliché the way we set out at the beginning of every year to become new people.

I

My resolutions over the last decade have largely remained the same—to exercise, to stop raising my voice at my children, to read my Bible more often and believe what it says, to love my husband, to get over the past.

Yada, yada, yada.

By the end of the year, however, most of those habits are often left unchanged, swallowed up by the greater desire to sit on the couch and eat whatever I please while watching Dr. Phil, hollering at my four kids to stop fighting, angry at myself for not reading the Bible that morning because I was too busy nagging my husband about something he said to me in 2002.

But 2013 was different. The year before had been one of great change, of moving to a new city and acclimating my children to a new home and a new school, new routines, a new life. A stressful 2012 by any stretch, I crawled into 2013 begging for a little peace. I longed to have a year of ease and joy, the previous year being marked by a depletion of my energies and senses.

I didn’t get a stressless 2013. In many ways, 12 months brought new problems: shaky marital dynamics, family of origin relationships that needed to be nursed and mended. Crumbling finances lent themselves to stomachaches, despite our blessings of financial gain.

I made a lot of mistakes last year. But I made some profound choices as well.

I made a choice to go ‘all in’ with God, to fully believe His Word and His Promises, which are always good, even in the faceslapping bewilderment of misunderstanding what “good” really is. I finally embraced this gift called “marriage”—something that for twelve years I hadn’t fully allowed myself to do out of a fear of repeating my parents’ mistakes. I forgave my mom and dad because I hoped one day my children would forgive me—as Christians, it’s what we’re commanded to do. I decided to spend more time being graceful to my children and husband, less time being so hard on myself.

I walked my dog through the city at the

first of the year. The morning was chilly, but the sun shining brightly forced the air to feel more like a cool spring day than one of the colder days of winter. I chose the unbeaten path, through woods and down foot-borne trails, as opposed to concrete sidewalks.

Feeling dead leaves crunch underneath my boots while I walked, watching my collie sniff every inch of ground, like she hadn’t been taken outside at all the previous year, the sight of bright white clouds and turquoise blue skies and the golden sun beating down, brought me to a place of insane peace and contentment, a feeling I’d lacked almost every day of the year before.

If we can let the past go and not worry about the future, the present is all the sweeter…

We make a lot of choices over the course of a year, 12 months of decisions about life, love, the past, and the future, and mainly the present. If we can let the past go and not worry about the future, the present is all the sweeter, ready to be savored, not taken lightly until it too becomes just another product of the past, a memory we wish to hold onto or do over again.

The only resolution I made this year was to pause in those moments of reflection and thank God for the many gifts He’s given me— both perfect and imperfect. To remember life as it was, as it is now, and how I believe it will always be: a series of memories, waiting to teach us something new. Y

Toni Overby is wife to Clay and mother to Haeden, Ryleigh, Hogan, and Remi.

She lives in Oxford, Mississippi, and attempts to write in between chasing her kids and watching the Rebels play. mschristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2014 17

➺the doctor is in

by JOYCE D. WADE, M.D., F.C.C.P., D, A.B.S.M.

More Than

Snoring A

major source of bedtime stress from many couples is poor quality sleep, caused by the snoring of a bed partner. Not only is snoring-induced

sleep fragmentation detrimental to the person who is frequently awakened by the noise, the snoring could also be a sign of an intrinsic sleep disorder for the snorer, which could lead to significant health and environmental consequences.

Sleep is an important state, which is crucial for our cognitive and motor function. The average adult needs eight hours of sleep in order to avoid building up sleep debt. Lost sleep or frequently interrupted sleep accumulates as sleep debt. The greater a person’s sleep debt, the more tired the person will feel, the more impaired the person will become, the more likely the person is to become drowsy, and the faster the person will fall asleep.

Not only does positive airway pressure improve the quality of sleep for a patient with a sleep related breathing disorder, it also improves the quality of sleep of the bed partner whose sleep has been fragmented by the patient’s snoring.

Poor quality sleep and increased sleep debt has been linked to many environmental accidents such as the Exxon Valdez tragedy in 1982, and the Terrain American International Airway Flight in 1993.

Even closer to home, poor quality sleep and increased sleep debt has been documented to be associated with poor performance at work.

Second to allowing oneself adequate sleep time, the most common cause for poor quality sleep in adults is obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-related breathing disorders. Sleep-related breathing disorders are characterized as a narrowing of the upper airway during sleep that is caused by increased collapsibility and dysfunction of the muscles of the upper airway.

Snoring is vibration of the tissue in the upper airway caused by increased collapsibility and dysfunction of the tissue. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a decrease in airflow, oxygen saturation, and or total cessation of airflow for seconds. This decreased airflow causes increased fragmentation of one’s sleep.

Enlarged tonsils, craniofacial abnormalities, chronic allergies, and obesity increase the risk for this dysfunction. People with sleep18 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

related breathing disorders usually see the doctor with complaints of unrefreshing sleep, loud snoring, dry mouth, and irritability.

Significant sleep fragmentation leads to memory loss, depression, and lack of concentration.

People with moderate to severe sleep-related breathing disorders can develop dysfunction of their nervous and endocrine systems which can increase their risk for other health disorders such as strokes, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, and poor glucose control, which could lead to diabetes.

Patients who are suspected of having sleep-related breathing disorders can be evaluated by a sleep specialist. After a thorough consultation, patients who are considered at risk for sleep related breathing disorders are tested via a test called polysomnography.

This testing includes evaluation of one’s quality of sleep by measuring airflow the nose and mouth while detecting chest movement and monitoring phases of sleep and wakefulness. It is an

overnight study that usually takes approximately six hours to perform. The study is easy and painless. The sleep specialist will interpret the study and discuss the findings with the patient.

Treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders usually involve Positive Airway Pressure delivered via a mask that may cover the nose and mouth while asleep. This positive pressure serves as a type of pneumatic stent to decrease collapsibility and vibration of the pharyngeal muscles while asleep. Improvement in airway muscle tone leads to enhancement of one’s quality of sleep. Sleep improvement decreases a person’s total sleep debt.

Not only does positive airway pressure improve the quality of sleep for a patient with a sleep related breathing disorder, it also improves the quality of sleep of the bed partner whose sleep has been fragmented by the patient’s snoring.

It is important for people with a history of snoring, daytime sleepiness, and any of the above medical problems listed to be evaluated for a sleep-related breathing disorder. Diagnosis and treatment of a sleep-related breathing disorder can improve the quality of health for the person who has it, improve one’s performance at work or other tasks, and also decrease one’s risk for accidents that could put the surrounding public at risk.Y Dr. Joyce D. Wade is a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep specialist, a Fellow of the College of Chest Physicians, a Diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, and a partner with Premier Medical Group of Mississippi in Jackson, Mississippi.

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➺food for thought

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

by LYDIA BOLEN

– John 4:34

Quick Menus for Busy Families

A ugust seems to be the busiest month of all for young families.

There is a constant late summer “rush” of trips to the pool, shopping, or even a short family vacation.

Mealtimes during the week can be pleasant if menus are easy and simplified. I have some fresh ideas for those hearty appetites! My three menus are some my own family enjoys. The key is to make dinnertime special and it can all be done without hassle with a little planning. Y

MENU ONE

MENU TWO

MENU THREE

Tomato Angel Hair Toss Texas Toast

Poppy Seed Chicken Green Beans (Heat several cans of French-style

Easy BBQ Sandwiches Macaroni and Cheese

(Found in frozen bread section of grocery)

Simple Tossed Salad (Fresh Romaine with Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing. Wash lettuce day before and make dressing ahead.)

Vanilla Ice Cream with Smucker’s Magic Shell Chocolate Fudge Topping

TOMATO ANGEL HAIR TOSS 1/4 2 1/4 1

cup olive oil cloves fresh garlic, minced cup green onions, sliced whole can plus 1/2 can (14 oz. each) petite-diced tomatoes, drained 2 tablespoons fresh or 2 teaspoons dry basil 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 8 ounces angel hair pasta Parmesan cheese, fresh grated In a large skillet, heat oil. Add garlic and green onions. Sauté one minute. Stir in tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Prepare angel hair pasta according to package directions. Drain. Toss tomato mixture with hot cooked pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese. Serve immediately.

or cut green beans. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Hormel Bacon Bits.)

Mary B’s Biscuits (Found in frozen bread section) Caramello Brownies (Use your favorite Brownie mix.

Spread half of the brownie mix on the bottom of a 9x13 pan, place 3 Caramello bars on top, and then add remaining brownie mix. Bake according to directions.)

(Bob Evans brand is already made.

Just transfer to a serving dish and heat.)

Coleslaw (Use shredded cabbage in bag and follow directions on back.)

Fruit (Use pre-cut organic fruit.)

Assorted Cookies (Bakery or grocery store)

POPPY SEED CHICKEN

EASY BBQ SANDWICHES

5 to 6 chicken breasts, boiled and shredded (Boil the day before and refrigerate) 1 carton sour cream (16 oz.)

1 can cream of mushroom (or cream of chicken) soup 1 can cream of celery soup 1/4 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Ritz crackers (1 sleeve), crushed 1 stick unsalted butter, melted Uncle Ben’s White and Wild Rice (Make the day before. Can substitute white or brown rice.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together the crushed crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds.

Mix all other ingredients together in a large bowl. Evenly spread the mixture into a 9x13 greased baking dish. Sprinkle top with the crushed cracker mix.

Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbling.

Serve over rice.

1 package pork tenderloins (2 in the package) 1 cup BBQ sauce (Use your favorite) Coleslaw (Put on sandwich or eat as a side) Buns Preheat oven to 225 degrees.

Lay out 2 pieces of aluminum foil. Place one tenderloin in the center of each piece of foil and pour 1 /2 cup BBQ sauce over each, coating entire surface of meat. Wrap the foil around each tenderloin to create two “packets” with no openings. In a 9x13 baking dish, bake 4-5 hours.

Remove from oven, open packets, and shred the pork tenderloins with a fork.

Serve immediately or transfer shredded meat and juice to a small glass dish, cover and return to oven, and set to the lowest setting until ready to serve.

Serve shredded pork on buns with extra BBQ sauce at the table.

(Adapted from amandajanebrown.com)

Remember to make memories through the kitchen— “the heartbeat of the home.”

E-mail me at lbbolen@gmail.com for any questions.

20 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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➺education connection

by DAVID SPRAYBERRY

New Belhaven Nursing Program Aids Critical Need in Metro Area very person at one time or another has been under the care of a compassionate, capable nurse.

At every hospital or doctor’s office around the country, nurses diligently care for you while you regain your health. Research has shown there is a shortage of nurses

E

working at the baccalaureate level in the Jackson area. In Mississippi, there are 1,360 projected annual job openings for registered nurses, with just over one-fourth of the openings in the metropolitan area of Jackson alone.

On June 19, Belhaven’s School of Nursing received approval by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and became the third school in the metro area to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The added nursing graduates from Belhaven University will help fill a significant health care gap in Mississippi.

The support for the nursing program has come from every part of the state and surpassed the expectations of Dr. Roger Parrott, President of Belhaven University. “I have never been involved in the launch of a new academic focus that has generated as much interest and support as our new School of Nursing has. From Governor Phil Bryant to the presidents of all state private and public institutions and

22 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

most importantly, leaders of nearly every major hospital, we have received unanimous and unprecedented support to begin our new nursing program.”

The four-year program—the metro area’s third after the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi College—falls in line with a national goal of educating nurses at a baccalaureate level. Dr. Barbara Johnson, Dean of Nursing, states, “Belhaven’s School of Nursing provides a win-win situation for nursing and the state of Mississippi. As changes in healthcare reform impact the demand for quality healthcare services, Belhaven’s nursing program is in a position to respond to the complexities and nuances of a diverse healthcare environment.”

This accreditation from the IHL was based on an evaluation of the program’s mission, goals, expected outcomes, curriculum, leadership, faculty, and support services. Dr. Dennis Watts, Associate Provost at Belhaven University, points out that because Belhaven is strategically located in the state’s biggest healthcare hub, “nursing is a natural fit and extension of the University mission.”

Current student Bethany Savoy, a junior from Brandon, said she has applied to join the school’s first nursing program class this fall.

Eugene C. Brown, Jr. “My mother is an eight-year survivor of breast cancer,” Savoy said about why she wants to be a nurse. “I was my mother’s nurse.” Joshua Jones, 25, a Belhaven junior from Madison, said he feels like becoming a nurse is a calling and added that he wants to go on mission trips to offer medical care to people who don’t have healthcare options.

Belhaven’s focus on Christian service through nursing has been a priority even at the school’s conception. According to Johnson, nursing graduates are challenged to transform healthcare through the uniqueness of Christ-inspired nursing practice.

“We want our graduates to reflect Belhaven’s Christian value of serving our communities with excellence and compassion. We believe this uniqueness separates us from other nursing programs.

We want to provide a quality nursing education program that prepares graduates to become servant leaders that value integrity and justice in all aspects of their lives.”

The Institute of Medicine recommends every state have at least 80 percent of their nurses with at least a four-year degree by 2020.

Mississippi has only 31 percent of its nurses performing at the suggested level right now. The addition of Belhaven’s program can

D.D.S., M.S.

Orthodontics Exclusively

The American Dental Association recommends that children see an Orthodontist by age 7.

The Institute of Medicine recommends every state have at least 80 percent of their nurses with at least a four-year degree by 2020.

Mississippi has only 31 percent of its nurses performing at the suggested level right now. help the state reach that goal by offering more options. “By adding a healthcare program to campus, it opens up opportunities for Belhaven to serve not only the city of Jackson but also other areas in the state,” said Watts.

Belhaven’s nursing program will not only provide more nurses in Mississippi, but help hospitals like St. Dominic Hospital, Baptist Health Systems, University of Mississippi Medical Center, and others reach Magnet status, a designation that recognizes health care organizations for quality patient care and nursing excellence. Only 6% of hospitals in the United States have obtained this distinction.

Students who enroll in Belhaven’s nursing program will have access to quality healthcare training at a university level and be part of a program that has a deep commitment to faith. According to Dr. Parrott, nursing students will have access to new state-of-the-art facilities on the third floor of the recently renovated Irby Complex.

“We have gathered a remarkably gifted group of faculty, built new facilities and provided the foundational quality of a stellar science program to put behind our new nursing school. I believe this is one of the most significant advances we have ever taken and I look forward to our first nursing students enrolling in August,” said Dr. Parrott. Y

5800 Ridgewood Road, Ste. 103 ❘ Jackson, MS 39211 ❘ 601.957.1711 125 Jones Street ❘ Madison, MS 39110 ❘ 601.853.0303 Highway 8 West ❘ Grenada, MS 38901 ❘ 662.226.7640

www.dreugenebrown.com Like us on Facebook at Dr. Brown’s SMILES BY DESIGN MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTISTS mschristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2014 23

➺chewed petunias

by SUSAN E. RICHARDSON

Strength Training or Battle Wounds?

I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” 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 42:9-11 ESV). was sitting at the table chatting with a group of women when someone brought up peer abuse. Some

I

of the women already knew that part of my past and drew me into the conversation. Most of the conversation was general, but then one woman, with the best of intents, asked me, “But it made you stronger, right? You know how they say ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ You survived so you must be stronger because of it.”

After a stunned moment I snapped, “No, it didn’t make me stronger. I know that’s what people say, but it isn’t true.” I stammered as I tried to get the words out quickly. “What happens is that this makes you pull strength you might use to build and develop in other areas and use it for mere survival.” My voice rose in pitch, “Maybe that makes you stronger at that one place, but it’s at the expense of other parts of your growth.”

She meant no offense and didn’t deserve my antagonism, but that catchphrase has become offensive to me, no matter how well meaning someone may be. The casual acceptance of past pain as somehow good and strengthening minimizes and denies the challenges many of us still live with. Worse, dismissing pain as positive keeps us from understanding what we need for recovery.

Maybe acceptance of this idea stems from the fact that Scripture seems to agree. Jesus said in John 16:33 that we would have trouble in this world. James begins his letter by telling us to count it all as joy when we face trials, because these things will develop our faith.

Examples abound of the early Christians facing far worse things than peer abuse with joy. So perhaps I’m just stubborn or rebellious when it comes to handling trials.

I can’t deny that God does use trials to grow and strengthen our faith. Hebrews 12:11 offers a way to recognize God’s work: “For the

moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” The difference is that abuse isn’t discipline and doesn’t come from God. We were all born into an ongoing war between God and Satan.

Because God loves us, Satan hates us, and he knows that when we are young we are more vulnerable. His attacks are brutal, not like the carefully chosen trials God allows for our growth, and leave wounds.

Satan has no mercy on children. Rather, he knows that the more he can damage a child, the harder it will be for that child to serve God later. Not impossible, because God will not allow Satan to go beyond what He can redeem, but the wounds from those early attacks can obstruct and cripple.

I still have trouble not blaming God for what Satan has done. After all, God is more powerful, right? Yet He allows people to make sinful choices that wound others rather than blocking them. Satan knows this and uses it to his advantage.

Recognizing the difference between strengthening trials and spiritual attacks means we can treat the wounds properly. We’re no longer trying to make our pain fit where it doesn’t belong or make it go away by denying it. Instead we can embrace the healing God can and does offer through various forms of treatment.

Father, the enemy has wounded us. Sometimes our own brothers and sisters have told us we shouldn’t be hurt.

We’re left confused and in pain. Help us see clearly what we face and trust You for healing. Y

Susan E. Richardson has a passion for meeting people’s needs through the written word.You can reach her by email at Susan@chewedpetunias.com or check either of her two websites: www.chewedpetunias.com or www.nextlevelcritiques.com.

24 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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mschristianliving.com â?˜ AUGUST 2014 25

STEGALL IMAGERY

The Marquez Family Turning Tragedy into Triumph otivational speaker Nicole Marquez is in the business of hope— giving it to others— because, as she can testify, “Life happens, and fortune can change in the blink of an eye. The choices we make amid the unforeseen adversities—the choice of perspective, the choice to persevere, the choice to find the positive—those kinds of choices have a greater bearing on how we weather the storms of life than the circumstances that wreak havoc on our dreams and plans.”

If there is one thing Nicole Marquez has always been, it is consistent—consistently plucky, spunky, headstrong, and positive. It seems she was born with a smile on her face and a “can do” approach to challenges.

Certainly God knew exactly what He was doing when He put together this nymph-like creature that embraces each day as the very best day ever just to be alive.

Surviving a fall from the roof of her fivefloor apartment building in New York City on August 30, 2008, may have altered some aspects of her life in significant ways, but that consistent plucky, spunky, headstrong, and positive persona is more evident than ever.

The smile is still the first thing that grabs your attention. It is almost bigger than she is.

Up until that “bump in the road” as Nicole calls it, her career goal of acting and dancing on Broadway, looked quite promising. She was writing her own success story as the brave and talented ingenue navigating the theatre jungle of New York City. With an uncanny work ethic and that forever-positive

BRICE MEDIA

M

mschristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2014 27

Nicole Marquez Easter (7 years old)

Nicole (age 16) with brother Joseph (age 10)

A budding ballerina (age 5)

Nicole at the Festival Latina in Jackson, where she had just been crowned La Reina Latina--the Latin Queen (age 19)

Beauty and Beau pageant at Madison Central (age 15) Graduation from University of Southern Mississippi in 2006 (age 23) 28 AUGUST 2014 â?˜ Mississippi Christian Living

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An x-ray of Nicole’s neck shows where her C-5 and C-6 vertebrae were replaced after being crushed. Stabilizing rods and pins add support.

JOSH HAILEY STUDIO

attitude God gave her, she had received her certification in Pilates and had also landed a job as a personal trainer at the prestigious Cornell Fitness Club.

On the very afternoon before her fateful fall, Nicole says she had been to her “best audition yet.” She stopped off at a coffee shop on her way home, pulled her laptop out of her backpack and began sending resumes everywhere. Hours passed before she got back to her apartment and realized that she was locked out. It was a Friday night, and her roommates were nowhere to be found.

Leaving her backpack propped against the front door, she took the stairs one flight up to the roof wondering if she could shimmy down the fire escape and climb in a window in her apartment. She peeked over the lip of the rooftop at the fire escape and decided that was not going to work. After peering over the opposite side of the building down the airshaft, she considered trying to reach her own bedroom window that way, but the last thing she remembers was “also a bad idea.”

What happened next, she does not

30 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

remember. All anyone knows with certainty is that the building superintendent discovered her broken and unconscious body sprawled on her back at the bottom of the airshaft eight hours later. She had no identification on her, but the superintendent recognized the distinctive tennis shoes that walked past him every morning. The friendly little girl from Mississippi irritated the brusque New Yorker day after day by wishing him “Good morning.

Have a great day.” He called 911.

The paramedics arrived in record time and took the patient just across the street to Harlem Hospital, the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Manhattan. Her injuries were extensive, but despite several broken ribs, a punctured lung, a broken neck (crushed C-5 and C-6), a broken back (L-4), a bruised heart, a broken pelvis, and lacerations from jagged glass beneath her, Nicole was still breathing. Her prognosis was poor. She was admitted as a Jane Doe while the police detectives searched for her roommates or anyone who could give a positive identification.

Meanwhile in Mississippi It was a beautiful—but hot—Saturday afternoon in Madison, Mississippi, that last weekend of August. Susan Marquez was at home. Larry was working at the Country Club of Jackson where he has been the Clubhouse manager for the past 27 years.

They were planning an anniversary dinner at Ruth’s Chris that evening celebrating their empty nest. Son Joseph was starting his sophomore year at Jones Community College and daughter Nicole was supporting herself and successfully chasing her dreams in NYC. When the telephone rang, Susan’s eyes fell on the Caller ID, NYPD. Her heart skipped a beat.

A polite detective identified himself giving few details explaining only that Nicole had been discovered unconscious outside her building. He continued to talk, but a shaky and disbelieving Susan could not tell from his words whether Nicole was dead or alive, if she had been mugged, or stabbed, or worse.

He gave her the telephone number of the

BRICE MEDIA

mschristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2014 31

emergency room at Harlem Hospital saying only that the last time he had spoken to the doctors there, Nicole was still alive.

It took several tries to reach anyone in the emergency room. After being disconnected by the switchboard a few times, someone in the ER finally came to the phone and a frantic Susan blurted, “I got a call from this detective who says my daughter, Nicole Marquez, is there.”

The voice replied, “We don’t have anyone here by that name.”

By this time, Susan wondered if someone was playing a horrible joke on her. If only. Then a physician picked up the call asking Susan if her daughter had any distinguishing marks on her body.

Picture this terrified mother imagining every inch of the perfect baby girl she had birthed and bathed and diapered as an infant. There were no birthmarks—not even a freckle! And then she remembered something that had been a source of discord between them a few years earlier.

Nicole had gotten a small star tattooed on her wrist while in college. Susan had been furious about it.

But that tattoo was incredibly important in that moment when Susan was 1,200 miles away. In an instant, Jane Doe became Nicole Marquez.

That is so like God. Nothing is ever random—even a tattoo that a mother had chalked up to a childish decision. You have to think God knew all along. Nicole was going to need a “distinguishing mark!”

Miracles in Mid Air When Susan got off the phone with the physician at Harlem, she immediately called Larry, told him the bits and pieces she knew.

He came home right away, and they began trying to get the first available flight headed toward New York City. It would be the following morning on Southwest, and Susan booked it. It would take her as far as

“

down. They were both wearing JSU T-shirts.”

Given the circumstances of Susan’s trip, it is amazing that she began a conversation with a stranger at all, but she did. Asking if he had attended JSU, the father allowed that he had, that he liked to go back for a football game at least once a year, and that he had taken his young son to this one. He now lived in Baltimore.

He politely asked where she was headed, and she found herself telling him about Nicole’s accident.

This stranger began to ask the most pointed questions about where her daughter had been taken, what had been done so far.

It was clear to even a distraught Susan that this man had some medical training. So she asked, “Are you a doctor or something?”

Medical training? A little.

He was on staff at Johns Hopkins, an assistant professor of anesthesiology and critical care. Susan pulled out the notes she had scribbled and told him what she knew.

He was concerned that Nicole’s neck had not been stabilized and felt that was critical to her maximum outcome and it should be done immediately. He also said that she really needed to be transferred to Columbia Presbyterian for the procedure. Susan looked at him and said, “Well, I am just a mama from Mississippi, so how do I make that happen?”

He said, “I can make some phone calls.”

When the plane landed in Baltimore, Dr. John Sampson said, “Follow me,” and Susan did.

The stranger began to ask the most pointed questions about where her daughter had been taken, what had been done so far. It was clear to even a distraught Susan that this man had some medical training. So she asked, “Are you a doctor or something?

Seasons Assisted Living

Baltimore where she would be on standby for the next leg of the journey. The second available seat was on a Delta flight around noon, and Larry took that one.

Even here, as Larry and Susan, were booking their flights and figuring things out, God was so out in front. Susan explains, “When I got on the plane Sunday morning— you know how you don’t have seat assignments on Southwest—there was this young man and his little boy sitting in the bulkhead. The aisle seat was open, so I sat

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What Next?

It was 4:30 a.m. the next morning, September 1, when Larry and Susan met Nicole’s surgeon in the hallway at New York Presbyterian. Susan says she took one look at this fresh-faced young doctor whom she describes as “Doogie Howser” and confesses that the first words out of her mouth were, “Are you any good?”

He said, “Yeah, I’m pretty good.” It turned out that he was head of his class, chief resident, and to say he was brilliant is an understatement. To see him, however, on any

34 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

of the many YouTube videos that pop up when you look for “Nicole Marquez” is to completely understand Susan’s misgivings!

The surgery lasted 10 hours, but it did stabilize her neck. It accomplished exactly

what Susan’s Southwest seatmate, Dr. John Sampson, had told her had to happen for Nicole to have any hope of future mobility.

The next surgery, September 11, stabilized her lower back. In a few short weeks, intense rehab would begin.

Nicole obviously had a long road ahead of her. The Marquez’s would have gone to Timbuktu to ensure Nicole had the very best care, but practically speaking, New York was a long way from home and their support system, and it was incredibly draining on their finances. If there might possibly be another option, other than NYC, they wanted to know.

In the beginning, Nicole’s precarious state from one day to the next made it impossible for her mother, father, and younger brother Joseph to think about anything except being near Nicole. But as Susan says, “The reality was that Larry needed to be here at home to work. I started saying, ‘Will you please check Methodist Rehab because I know people with spinal cord injuries who have been there.’ They kept blowing me off telling me there was a place in Atlanta if I really thought we needed to go closer to home.”

Susan’s reply was, “That’s not the point. Atlanta. New York. It’s all the same in how it is going to affect our family.” She continued to ask them to just look at Methodist Rehab. If it lacked what Nicole needed, then she would move on and they would figure it out. She felt like all of her pleas fell on deaf ears for days, and then, the physical therapist appeared one morning with an incredulous look on her face.

Her news was there are only 13 certified spinal cord injury centers in the United States and—bingo—one of them is Methodist Rehab in Jackson, Mississippi.

Susan, who, like her daughter, has a resilient sense of humor deadpanned, “You don’t say.”

The therapist went on to tell them how important it would be for the family to be together in the midst of their support group—she reiterated every single thing Susan had been saying for days. Whatever their new “normal” was going to be, it would be best to discover it or

BRICE MEDIA

He got on his cell phone, disappeared for a few minutes to take his son to the restroom, and came back to say, “Everything is going to be okay.” With that, he handed her his card.

Before Susan could ask him anything, her phone rang, and she turned to answer. It was Harlem Hospital and a doctor calling to tell her that there was a good chance Nicole would not survive, but that if she did, she would be a quadriplegic for life.

When she turned around, Dr. Sampson was gone.

What could “everything is going to be okay” possibly mean in the context of this devastating conversation she had just had with the ER doctor at Harlem?

She had no option but to wait for her flight to Long Island, which was another nightmare. She waited hours for a seat.

When she finally arrived in NYC that night, her phone rang about the time she reached the baggage claim. It was the doctor at Harlem Hospital telling her that Nicole was about to be transferred to New York Presbyterian. Second time in two days God had shown up to do “beyond all we could ask or think.”

Too huge to be random.

Larry arrived at Harlem Hospital long before Susan and in time to ride in the ambulance with his daughter.

It was very, very good to have Larry there to shoulder a lot of the uncertainty in those first few days.

It was very much “touch and go” at New York Presbyterian. Nicole coded three times.

Now I can...

return to the spotlight

After falling six stories from the roof of her New York apartment building, Nicole Marquez woke up in the hospital on a ventilator with crushed vertebrae and other injuries. In her mind, she knew that she had worked hard for many years to reach the level of a dancer on Broadway. “At that point, I knew what I had to do. I had to start all over again, and I was prepared to do just that,” she said.

With the motto “You Can’t Stop This Dancer,” Nicole put all she had into the rehab process, amazing her doctors and therapists. “I came to Methodist Rehab in a wheelchair, and thanks to the skilled therapists, I walked out,” she said. All the while, she encouraged the other patients to give it their all, always with a smile on her face.

Today, Nicole is back in the spotlight, doing choreography and traveling the country as a motivational speaker, inspiring audiences with her message of perseverance and hope.

Nationally recognized center of excellence for rehab after a stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury or amputation.

For more information, visit methodistonline.org or call 601-364-3434 or toll-free 1-800-223-6672, ext. 3434.

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Physical Therapy and Beyond

create it in the very place they all loved most. So the challenge of the day was how to get Nicole, in her present state, back to Mississippi and, ultimately, to Methodist.

After all, it’s not like she could just walk her little self down the jet way to get on a commercial airline.

Larry and Susan began to research this hurdle.

And God Shows Up—Once More There were so many critical criteria involved in transporting a patient in Nicole’s condition. She had to remain lying down. She had a trachea tube and was basically on life support 24/7. A pulmonologist and a critical care nurse would need to be with her throughout the transfer. The air ambulance could fly out of Teterboro airport, a stone’s throw from the hospital, but with a price tag of about $15,000. Because there was a rehab hospital in NYC with the services Nicole would require, there was no way insurance would pay even one penny toward a transfer to Mississippi.

Back home, word had spread quickly about Nicole’s accident. The broad and diverse network of friends, co-workers, church family, and the entire Jackson metro community looked for daily Caring Bridge updates on Nicole. Her story had made the national news. Every one—friends and strangers alike—constantly communicated their prayers for recovery. The question most often asked was, “What can we do to help?”

The outpouring of love was never more evident than a month later when Larry and Susan were able to secure that special air

36 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

Nicole’s brother, Joe, designed this T-shirt—the back says FIND YOUR BACKBONE—to help raise funds for her August trip to California for a weeklong dance intensive with AXIS Dance, an able and disabled body dance company. (For more details, visit Nicole’s website: www.youcantstopthisdancer.com)

transport to bring their daughter home to Mississippi. Several made monetary gifts; some held fundraisers. It was a collective effort beautifully executed. “It was difficult for us to accept at first,” says Susan, “but the spirit of generosity was so strong, and it made it possible for us to pay many medical bills.”

It was late September when the air ambulance delivered their precious cargo to Hawkins Field in Jackson. Nicole’s first stop was Specialty Hospital where she had two physical therapists (she describes them as “phenomenal”) who began the arduous rebuilding process. She had a few tedious hurdles to climb before she was ready to begin the next phase of rehabilitation at Methodist.

Nicole pushed hard, encouraged by her therapists who went above and beyond the call of duty because they recognized how hard she was willing to work. She left Specialty four weeks later ready to put herself through the most demanding physical challenges of her life as a full-time patient at Methodist Rehab.

Physical therapy sessions are practically nonstop for hours each day. Progress came in baby steps—but progress did continue.

Every tiny victory was a celebration.

Three-and-one-half laborious and unremitting months later, she did what nobody had thought she would ever do—she walked out! Wobbly and with a little help, but she did it. In Nicole’s mind, it was a new beginning, but just a beginning.

Even after discharge from the hospital, physical therapy continued on a daily basis as an outpatient. Six years have passed, and periodic outpatient physical and occupational therapy continues as well as regular work with a personal trainer, Eclesius Franklin.

The upbeat attitude, coupled with Nicole’s extraordinary grit and quick wit, has been a

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Bill Thomas, PT/Owner

magnet drawing every professional involved in her recovery to fall in love with her. Much like a personal fan club, they have all remained in touch these many years. As she looks back over the specific individuals who played a part—from the neurosurgeons and many other physicians to the nurses and the physical therapists—she sees the hand of God at work. There has always been a connection and a level of communication between them that had a language all its own. It was as though God reached down and made certain that Nicole’s “handlers� were tailor-made for her specifically.

Nicole credits her supportive family as an essential piece of the “putting-Humpty Dumptytogether-again� miracle. There is a lot of good natured banter in the Marquez family circle.

Laughter comes easy, and the affection for each other is apparent.

Nicole says, “One thing I really enjoy about my family is that nobody is giving me, you know, nobody is giving me special attention. They are like, ‘we’re going to treat you the way we’ve always treated you.’ That makes me feel so happy.� “Somebody was always there,� Nicole says of her fivemonth hospital stay. Their presence and strength kept her strong and positive.

Joseph, who is six years younger than Nicole, took on a “coach� role in the beginning.

He postponed his sophomore year wanting to be close to Nicole. He was her great motivator, setting the glass of water just out of reach so that she had to stretch her limits just a little every time. Larry came by every day on his way to work, and he was always going to make his little girl smile.

Susan recalls Dr. Sampson, the Heavensent physician she met on the Southwest flight on that frightening first leg of her journey, telling her that her job was to be her daughter’s advocate. He told her to ask questions, to speak up because, as he said, “We, in the medical field, can be a little bit intimidating.� And Susan took that advice to heart. “I realized,� she said, “that the more I asked questions, the more everybody was

willing to explain things to us.�

At first she focused only on whatever the immediate crisis was. She tried not to think beyond what was right in front of her. When she tried to pray, the words would not come.

See what everyone is talking about!

Sorting It All Out Susan was the picture of strength and composure on the outside. She was trying hard to be the same self-confident, in-control mother she had always been, but she was not feeling in control of anything. She kept the Caring Bridge updates flowing, fielded calls answering the constant question, “What can we do to help?� with “Please pray.� And yet, she was finding it very hard herself to actually pray.

There was a degree of anger at God in those first days. Understandable questions like, “God! What is this? I have faithfully prayed for this child every day and every night. I trusted her to you!� Then, she would feel guilty questioning God, but her human mind wanted Him to please explain why this had happened to Nicole. It was just so hard.

One afternoon, several weeks after the accident, things in Nicole’s room were very quiet when Susan’s “aha� moment came. Until then, she had only asked why. She had not really stopped to listen.

It came to her as clearly as BRICE MEDIA if God sat down beside her and looked her in the eye because she knew He was speaking to her heart very personally. “Susan, I did take care of her. I carried her down, lay on the ground with her until she was discovered. I made sure the best EMTs and paramedics got there to move her across the street to the hospital. And the best doctors were there to stabilize her and got her home.

I put that doctor on the plane with you. I am putting the pieces together—I am in control.�

She knew at that moment that whatever their new “normal� was going to be, it was going to be the perfect plan of a loving Heavenly Father. She did not understand the

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“why,” but she no longer needed to. That was a turning point for her.

Susan, a well-known, freelance writer, is presently working on a book from a mother’s perspective. “It will be a faithfilled testimony of the lessons we learned as a family,” Susan says.

Nicole’s Plan B When Nicole was a college student at USM, she set her mind on a career in theatre and dance. Even though she had been away from dance for several years at that point, and even though USM is known for a very tough dance department, and even though she had to basically start ballet from the most elementary lesson as though she were five years old, she did it. There was never a second she doubted that it was worth every hour, every late night, and every ounce of effort. After graduating, she went on to study in highly competitive and selective programs at places like the Berkshire Theatre Festival and the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Kentucky. Many of those connections made it possible for her to get to New York in the first place.

Four weeks post-accident, when Nicole waved goodbye amid much fanfare at Presbyterian hospital, she was still connected to a respirator and had a trachea tube attached. To the many medical personnel who came to give her a hug and wish her well, she mouthed, “Thank you for everything! I’ll be back, and I’ll dance on Broadway.”

The story of the aspiring dancer who survived the fall from the top of her apartment building had already made national news.

Word of her spirit and her fight spread literally everywhere. A few months later, as Nicole had regained some mobility as well as her voice, invitations began to come in asking her if she might tell her story here

and there—Rotary clubs, chambers of commerce, and then the annual kickoff meeting for the New York Presbyterian Hospital’s annual meeting for physicians and managers at the New York Hilton, the International Women’s Leadership Conference in Honolulu, the Black Hills Brain Injury Conference in South Dakota.

She was featured on CBS’s The Early Show.

Suddenly, Nicole was using all of her training on stage, in front of an audience, communicating with an audience, but in a very different way than she had originally envisioned. Nicole says, “How could I ask for more?”

“Before the accident, I had a single, overarching goal for my life. When it was derailed, I had no choice but to reevaluate everything.

‘Broadway’ was the simple way to describe what I wanted, but when I dug deeper, I understood that what that word really represented was a desire to perform and reach out to people. And I realized that was something I could still do.”

Her dreams of dancing have not been taken from her. In fact, she has danced on several occasions and has been invited to participate in a summer intensive in August with the renowned Axis dance company of Oakland, California. “I’m not willing to give up on my longtime goal to dance, maybe even on the big stage in New York City,” she says. “But these days, I’m more willing to take things as they come.”

For now, Nicole’s motivational speaking BRICE MEDIA career has a life of its own.

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“...but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). tarting Professional Therapy Solutions (PTS) a little over a year ago, Bill Thomas’ prayer was to be able to minister through therapy, one patient at a time.

S

When the clinic was being built, His family wrote scriptures on the concrete foundation to symbolize that God is the foundation of this clinic and they want him to be glorified in all that they do.

Bill says that spending time with each patient is a priority for him and his team. Bill’s desire is to have a personal atmosphere for everyone. When someone is hurting and needs physical therapy, they need to know they are cared for as a person. PTS wants them to know that their team has the best interests of the patient at heart, and is committed to helping them heal so they can resume a productive and enjoyable lifestyle.

Regardless of your age and activity level, physical therapy can help prevent injuries and improve wellbeing. The treatment programs at PTS offer one-on-one treatment sessions that are uniquely deigned for each patient’s needs, and require skills and equipment that the patient would otherwise not have access to. PTS

42 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

provides a wide range of physical therapy for sports medicine, industrial, and neurological injuries, as well as pain management programs.

Professional Therapy Solutions stands out for its extensive specialized orthopedic and sports rehabilitation training. First, muscle strength, flexibility, joint mobility/stability, neurological integrity, and muscular/cardiovascular endurance is assessed. Next, your ability to perform daily activities is tested prior to creating a custom-designed, rehabilitation program that will address each need. One of the most important parts of the treatment plan is home education, which allows you to treat yourself and be aware of precautionary measures that not only help you heal, but can also prevent injuries in the future.

While millions of Americans suffer every day with chronic pain, very few people know that physical therapy offers life-changing strategies and coping mechanisms for dealing with, limiting, and overcoming the pain. Bill is specially trained in pain management techniques that will make a profound impact on your quality of life.

With 20 years of experience in the field, Bill Thomas recognizes how

(Left to Right: Josh, Micah, Sarah, Becky and Bill Thomas) When Bill constructed his clinic, His family wrote scriptures on the concrete foundation to symbolize that God is the foundation of this clinic and they want Him to be glorified in all that they do.

disabling pain can be and the long-term effects it can have on your life. By working closely with your physician, he and his team at PTS help provide the most comprehensive treatment plan with the most successful outcomes.

SOME OF THE SERVICES PROVIDE BY PROFESSIONAL THERAPY SOLUTIONS ARE: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Manual Therapy HIVA MAT Myofascial Release Therapeutic Exercises Soft Tissue Mobilization Electrical Stimulation Thermal Agents Splinting Gait Training Ergonomic Training Balance Training TENS unit set up Functional Capacity Evaluation Post-Offer Employment Screening Work Conditioning Work Hardening Massage Therapy: Sports and Rehabilitation Massage to Traditional Swedish Massage by Licensed massage therapist Tina Rodabough LMT870

For more information, call 601.898.1818 or visit www.madisonpts.com. Y

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by ELIZABETH WYNN

Be

SCAM Savvy

ow can we protect vulnerable family members from unscrupulous individuals who want nothing more than to cheat them out of their hard earned savings? First of all, we need to know how

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to recognize fraud. For example, if you notice an excessive amount of junk mail or an unusual number of sales calls targeted toward an elderly family member, it’s crucial that you investigate. More than likely, it’s probably harmless, yet annoying, marketing fanfare, but it could also be a warning that your loved one is targeted for financial fraud.

➊

The Grandparents Scam

Rip off artists will call an unsuspecting elder and say something like, “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” The innocent senior will immediately respond with a name, and the scammer has all the information she needs to be able to establish a fake identity with little effort. The scammer will claim to be in trouble and ask for money to solve an unexpected problem. She may say “I’m stranded on vacation with friends” or “I’ve been hospitalized” and need money for medical expenses or to get back home. The trickster will then ask for money to be wired through Western Union, MoneyGram or another untraceable method.

HOW TO AVOID. Immediately check the story with other relatives, even if the caller says, “Don’t tell Mom!” Also, remember this. With the internet, especially social media sites, anyone can find virtually anything about you and your relatives, whether it’s true or not. So, don’t be fooled if a suspicious caller knows specific and personal details about your life and family.

➋ Social Security or Medicare Scam

With this scam, thieves steal personal information by misrepresenting themselves as Medicare or Social Security agents.

The senior receives a call from the con artist announcing new benefits or the need to send a new identification card. With immediate urgency, the agency needs to update personal information. After this information is obtained from the unsuspecting victim, the thief will then contact the SSA or Medicare and change the victim’s payment routing information to their own bank accounts.

HOW TO AVOID. ALWAYS be cautious of phone calls or emails requesting personal information. Seniors can take a preemptive step by notifying the SSA to block all account changes not made in person at www.socialsecurity.gov/blockaccess.

44 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

➌ Funeral Scams

The FBI warns about two types of cemetery or funeral scams used on seniors. In one method, scammers read obituaries and contact the grieving widow or widower and claim that the deceased owed them money or preordered a gift for the survivor and never paid for it. The second method is perpetrated by disreputable funeral homes to capitalize on a family’s unfamiliarity with the cost of funeral services. The funeral home will add unnecessary charges to the bill and often without permission from the grieving family.

HOW TO AVOID. The loss of a close family member is an almost unbearable experience. If you have a close friend or a family member who is a little more removed, it’s probably best to let that person make the funeral arrangements.

If someone claims that the deceased owed them money, ask for a receipt or a signed legal document as proof.

Or better yet, tell them to file a claim against the estate.

Take the time to educate yourselves and your senior adult loved ones. Just like the flu virus changes annually, prompting the need for a new vaccination, these and other scams will soon be obsolete as we find ways to fight them. And scammers, in turn, will evolve new kinds of schemes.

With the internet, especially social media sites, anyone can find virtually anything about you and your relatives, whether it’s true or not.

The Internet has an abundance of information regarding senior fraud; check out The National Trade Commission’s, AARP’s and the National Consumers League’s websites. Remember, the best defense is always a good offense! Y

Elizabeth Wynn is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and practices law in Ridgeland. She and her family live in Madison.

David J. Gandy, M.D., F.A.C.S., C.I.M.E. Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery • General Adult and Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery • Workers’ Compensation Evaluation and Treatment • Independent Medical Evaluations • Arthroscopic Surgery • Joint Replacement – Partial and Total • Foot and Ankle Surgery

(601) 981-7212 24 Hour Answering Service 971 Lakeland Drive, Suite 950 (W. Tower, St. Dominic Office Building) Jackson, Mississippi 39216

HOWELL KYLE & WYNN, PLLC ATTORNEYS AT LAW

YOU·VE WORKED HARD FOR IT³WHY THROW IT AWAY? While you are alive, you can and should make all decisions and manage your personal affairs. What if you become incompetent? What happens at your death?

Who will take over and manage your affairs? Will it be someone you chose or the court chose? How is that done? Will it be outside of court or in court? The same questions arise with the distribution of your assets. What about protecting your FKLOG·V LQKHULWDQFH IURP D GLYRUFH RU D ODZVXLW" :LOO \RXU KDUG-earned savings go to the nursing home? Have you ever asked yourself these questions?

Howell Kyle & Wynn, PLLC is committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to avoid these types of situations which can be financially and emotionally devastating to your loved ones. Below are some items to consider:

Our life expectancy has increased, but are all of us going to be in good health in our old age?

Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing what the future holds for ourselves and our families.

Howell Kyle & Wynn, PLLC is dedicated to providing you and your family a plan that offers true peace of mind.

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www.HowellElderLaw.com mschristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2014 45

If I gave everything I have to the poor & even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

– 1 Corinthians 13:3

real love.

real acceptance.

www.star93fm.com

46 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

➺

salt & light

Ancient Hebrew Tabernacle Coming to College Drive Church full-scale model of the ancient Hebrew tabernacle (www.jacksonsanctuary.com) built in the wilderness by the Hebrew nation will be on display and available for tours at College Drive Church from August 23 – 31, 2014.

A

Travel back over 3,000 years into the desert between Egypt and Israel where more than two million people banded together to build a tabernacle for their God. Each element in the tabernacle had deep significant meaning to the Hebrew people which will be explained in the tour.

Tours will run daily from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., August 23-31, with tours for special groups in the mornings by appointment. Like the Old Testament tabernacle, carried from camp to camp by the Hebrews in the wilderness, the replica spends a lot of time traveling. Messiah’s Mansion is based at Oklahoma Academy, in Harrah, Oklahoma, but it is transported across the U.S., from Ventura, Calif., on the West Coast, to Cumberland, Md., on the East Coast, and then back again—nearly a dozen times a year.

Operated by the staff and students of Oklahoma Academy, Messiah’s Mansion has been in operation since 2003. The students, along with many volunteers, have completed over 50 exhibits in many states, Canada and Jamaica. Just to set up the Messiah’s Mansion at College Drive Church in Pearl, MS will require 300 local volunteers to operate and 700 man hours of labor for set up alone, after its arrival on the academy’s semi.

Pastor Richie Halversen of College Drive Church says, “What I think this brings to the community is a chance for folks to see a little bit of history, experience what the tabernacle was like and better understand the meaning of the tabernacle to the Hebrews that’s described in Exodus.”

Messiah’s Mansion is surrounded by colorful tent-like walls, suggesting lighthearted play, but once inside the walls, the tour guides let visitors know that the tabernacle was very serious business. The Messiah’s Mansion founders tried to include every item that was inside the original tabernacle. The modern tabernacle is built to scale and is intended to look just like the original.

The tabernacle and its furnishings were essential components of worship in the lives of the ancient Hebrews. Anyone who has studied the history of the Israelites in the first five books of the Bible knows the tabernacle was the representation of God’s presence with His people. It’s imagery also pointed in every sense of the word to the future revelation of God among His people—Jesus himself.

This is such an opportunity for Believers to see—not just in your mind’s eye—something that is so enormously significant to our Christian faith. If ever a picture was worth a thousand words, it is here!

Contact Jthomas4951@comcast.net or call 601.506.9750 for group tours or more information. Y

mschristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2014 47

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When you think of trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, you may think of soldiers returning from battle. Unfortunately, more ordinary events ranging from childhood sexual abuse to divorce also can lead to PTSD, and standard treatment may not address PTSD symptoms with these other traumas. Authors Shelly Beach and Wanda Sanchez address both the PTSD connection and offer God’s hope and healing to distressed women.

Love Letters from the Edge, however, is not a clinical book explaining trauma, but a practical one of hope and encouragement for women who may feel alone during recovery.

For twelve weeks readers hear the voices of others dealing with similar challenges, along with Scriptural encouragement.

Each reading begins with a letter to God expressing the isolation and questions common to recovery. The authors then offer a Scripture-based letter from God addressing issues raised. The day ends with journaling questions or activity suggestions and a prayer.

Special weekend sections give a change of pace, suggesting extra time for reflection.

The authors do not intend the book to take the place of therapy or other recovery, but as help through the process. Any woman walking the recovery journey needs a copy of this book. Christian counselors, pastors, recovery group leaders, and anyone else involved in helping with recovery should be aware of the book. The contents and the extra material in the supplemental appendices are all excellent.

Highly recommended. Y Susan E. Richardson is a writer, critique reader, and former Christian retailer with a passion for meeting people’s needs through the written word.You can reach her through her website www.nextlevelcritiques.com.

MOVIE Summer Snow Since its beginning in 1977, The American Family Association (AFA) has spoken out for traditional values and family-friendly themes in television and film. Summer Snow, released this summer, is AFA’s first feature length faith-based film—and if the trailer is any indication, it is a top-notch production sure to leave you begging for more.

The story line involves a family affected by the sudden death of the mother. There are three heartbroken children and their father left behind trying hard to pick up the pieces and carry on. The void left by the mother’s death has left a gaping hole in the heart and soul of each. It is the cherub-faced little sister, Hallie, played by Rachel Eggleston, who teaches us clearly that one life can make a profound difference in a dark world.

Jeff Chamblee, director of American Family Studios, says, “The film also tackles the challenges that grief and sadness can bring and shows that love is what pulls us together.”

This is a movie the whole family will enjoy.

Bring your Kleenex, but know you will get lots of chances to laugh, too!

Although shown in certain theatres across

the country in late July, the film will premiere on the UP Entertainment channel on Sunday, August 17 at 7 p.m. CDT, and again on September 1 at 8 p.m. CDT. (You can view the trailer on YouTube or visit Summer Snow on Facebook.) Y

➺

events calendar August 9 5th Annual TRI4LIFE, at the Fannin Landing Boat Launch on the Ross Barnett Reservoir at 7 a.m. 1/3 mile open water swim, 16 mile bike and 5k run.

Event proceeds support the Center for Pregnancy Choices. For info, visit tri4life.net or 601.713.2322.

Door prizes and samplings galore from area caterers, venues, and bakers. Admission is $17 if you pre-register; $20 at the door.

August 16 Bright Lights Belhaven Nights. From 5:30– 9:30 p.m. Family-friendly event featuring live music on five stages, local artists, food from local restaurants and a special children’s activities area. Tickets are $5 each.

August 16

FLORA August 23 The 44th Fun in Flora at the Calico Fair. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Live and silent auctions, raffle for a Big Green Egg, live entertainment, children’s activities (bring children in swimsuits); Barbecue chicken or hamburger plates, Country Store, and MS Blood Services Bus., 601.879.8642 or contactfif14fumc@yahoo.com

JACKSON August 5 Music in the City at the MS Museum of Art in Trustmark Grand Hall. 5–8 p.m. In partnership with St. Andrew’s Cathedral, the Museum hosts Tom Lowe and John Paul with three piano and violin sonatas of Johannes Brahms.

Free, donations welcome.

August 7 Fondren After Five. 5–8 p.m. Come enjoy the live music, vendors, artists, and the unique shops that are Fondren. Family-friendly.

August 10 The Premier Bridal Summer Show at the Hilton at 1001 County Line Rd.1–4 p.m.

Brides can plan their wedding with one-stop shopping. Mississippi’s top wedding professionals will be there, all under one roof.

Hunger and 1-Mile Fun Run for the kids begins at 7:30 a.m. Registration at 6:30 a.m. or online at MStrackclub.com. Proceeds benefit Stewpot.

New Hope Baptist Church at 5202 Watkins Drive hosts its 20th Annual Moman & Harris Memorial 5k and Health Fair. Begins at 7:30 a.m. Register online at MSTrackClub.com.

Back to Mayberry! Take a trip back to 1960 with your old pals Andy, Barney, Otis, Aunt Bee and the crew. Special bluegrass music by the Warwicks. A fundraiser for the Faith InDeed Foundation presented by Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Call 601.853.1090 or 601.853.0393 for tickets. Picnic supper 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. show.

August 23-31

Fish Tale Group presents Voices of Freedom Summer at the MS Museum of Art. 7:30 each evening with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Fish Tale Group Theatre is a nonprofit that performs ministry through theatre productions. Voices is a historical drama of the Civil Rights struggle and events in Mississippi during the summer of 1964.

Individual tickets and limited group reservations. Contact Betty@FishTalegroup.org.

August 23 Mississippi Craft Show at the Trade Mart from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Enjoy a juried event showcasing strictly Mississippi Handmade art and crafts. An official event of Governor Phil Bryant’s Year of the Creative Economy.

Stewpot’s 1st 5k Race/Walk Against

August 1

PEARL

August 14 – 17

August 23

MADISON

“Messiah’s Mansion,” a replica built to actual scale of the ancient Hebrew Tabernacle, will be on display at College Drive Church at 110 College Drive (right off Hwy 80). Tours will run daily from 1–7 p.m. and by appointment.

Visit jacksonsanctuary.com or contact Jthomas4951@comcast.net for more details.

August 30 5th Annual Eastside Son Run 5k and 1Mile Fun Run sponsored by Eastside Baptist Church. Race begins at 7 a.m. on Riverwind Drive at the entrance to Mac & Bones. Preregister online at MStrackclub.com or on race day at 5:45 a.m.

MERIDIAN August 14 – 16 The 14th Annual Conference on Alzheimers Disease sponsored by the MS Department of Mental Health will be held at the Riley Center. For details, call 877.210.8513. Y

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We believe that every moment matters. Maybe that’s why so many families believe in us when it comes to choosing a hospice provider. Ask us about volunteer opportunities. Provide the gift of companionship and a listening ear to a family facing a life-limiting illness. For more information or to receive our free DVD, “Hospice and Your Loved One,” call 601-983-3193. gentiva.com/hospice

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mschristianliving.com ❘ AUGUST 2014 49

AUGUST 2014

BRANDON

➺quips & quotes

ADVERTISER INDEX

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

✂

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

– ISAIAH 40:31 ESV

It’s not how many times you get knocked down that count, it’s how many times you get back up.

– George Custer

Age wrinkles the body.

Quitting wrinkles the soul.

– DEUTERONOMY 31:6

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us – HEBREWS 12:1

Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

– Douglas McArthur

Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world.

So long as you can sweeten another’s pain, life is not in vain.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – ISAIAH 43:18-19

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.

– Dolly Parton

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races, one after the other.

– Walter Elliott

I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

– Christopher Reeve

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

– John Holmes

– Helen Keller

There are no short cuts to any place worth going.

Mental toughness is many things and rather difficult to explain. Its qualities are sacrifice and self-denial. Also, most importantly, it is combined with a perfectly disciplined will that refuses to give in. It’s a state of mind—you could call it “character in action.”

– Beverly Sills

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50 AUGUST 2014 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

– Vince Lombardi

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