Mississippi Christian Living June 2022

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JUNE 2022

Roosevelt and Shay

Greenwood

Outlasting stage 4 cancer and other storms

What happens if Roe is overturned?

Happy Father’s Day!

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contents JUNE 2022 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 11

PUBLISHER

MS Christian Living, Inc. EDITOR PHOTO BY STEGALL IMAGERY

Katie Eubanks katie@mschristianliving.com

Roosevelt and Shay Greenwood share their journey through prostate cancer, a tornado, and other challenges.

“We do everything big,” Shay says. See page 16.

MANAGING EDITOR

Suzanne Durfey ART/GRAPHIC DESIGN

Sandra Goff

Since his diagnosis, Roosevelt has spent more and more time playing the organ, which he learned as a teenager.

SALES

Holly Dean, Suzanne Durfey, Ginger Gober CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

columns 8 As I See It When mothers have to be fathers

10 Modern Motherhood Mama, raise that future father!

12 Mission Mississippi Moments How we can be unified without being uniform

14 This Is My Story How ‘I’ll pray for you’ changed my life

24 Food for Thought From morning to night — 3 winning recipes

Chris Fields, Erin Kate Goode, Dan Hall, Dr. Fred Hall, Mark Hikes, Courtney Ingle, Laura Knight, Laura Lee Leathers, Anna Claire O’Cain, Janet Thomas, Pastor Reginald Walker COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Stegall Imagery DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS

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

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

601.345.1091

25 Lagniappe

mschristianliving.com

Two generations find their home at St. Catherine’s

26 Community Outreach What happens if Roe v. Wade is overturned?

What do you call your father? See page 28.

28 A Cup of Encouragement What do you call your father?

cover story 16 Roosevelt and Shay Greenwood Outlasting stage 4 cancer and other storms

feature 22 Canopy expanding solutions with new school

29 Tough Questions Have I really forgiven my friend?

in every issue 6 Editor’s Letter 30 Quips & Quotes 30 Advertiser Index

Coming next month

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

Views expressed in Mississippi Christian Living do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by the Mississippi Christian Living staff to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be or is assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2022 by MS Christian Living, Inc. Mississippi Christian Living is published monthly and is available for free at hightraffic locations throughout the tri-county area. Subscriptions are $29 a year.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Mississippi Christian Living, P.O. Box 1819, Madison, MS 39130.

38 years,

EDITOR’S LETTER

On water sports and finding God’s will

I

CARLI ANN PHOTOGRAPHY

magine floating on your back in the middle of the reservoir.

6 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

You’re wearing a lifejacket, and as you float like a dead bug, your heels rest on a small surfboard on the surface of the water. About 20 feet ahead of you, a ski boat idles. Connecting you to that boat is a rope, which you grip by a loop at the end.

When you say you’re ready — as ready as you’ll ever be, anyway — the boat driver steps on the gas. The force pulls you upright, and you find yourself standing (or squatting) on top of that surfboard while clutching the rope for dear life.

After a couple seconds, you fall. But next time you last a little longer. Eventually you stay upright for nearly a minute. This is called wakesurfing. (Well, technically you’re supposed to let go of the rope. But you try that and see what happens.)

Before I got in the water, I watched from the boat, first as the driver gave a tutorial from the dock, then as he and his brothers each took a turn wakesurfing. I listened to what they said as they coached each other. I paid attention to their feet on the board. I watched as they pulled the rope tight when it slackened up, so any acceleration wouldn’t jerk their arm out of the socket.

After all that, and with plenty of instruction during my many attempts, I succeeded at my version of wakesurfing. And yes, I felt like a pro athlete.

Wouldn’t it be great if life were always that straightforward? You’re given a goal, a demonstration or three, and continual coaching as you try and try again. Maybe it’s hard, maybe it takes a while, but after a time, you reach your goal.

But what if you don’t know the goal? Or how to get there?

We know our big goal as Christians: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Matthew 22:3640). But there are so many ways to do that, right? To put it in terms of watersports, we could surf, ski, or even drive the boat. Each one would get us across the lake.

And what about more specific instructions?

Maybe you feel like you’ve been doing things right, but you’d really like God to tell you yes or no, now or wait. Can you tell I’ve been there?

I recently started reading a book called

“Finding God’s Life for My Will.” Read that title again. If you’re as confused as I was, maybe the subtitle will help: “His Presence Is the Plan.”

When I flipped the book over and read the back, fluorescent green letters caught my attention: WHAT IF GOD WANTS YOU TO MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT ALL THE ANSWERS? Those words thumped me in my hard head, and I knew I had to start reading.

Author Mike Donehey (lead singer of contemporary Christian band Tenth Avenue North) explains, “I gave up begging to know God’s will and began to ask His life to come and change my will.”

In other words, yes, God has given us plenty of instructions in the Bible for how to follow Him — but sometimes when we’re facing a specific choice, He’s not going to direct us left or right. He wants us to seek Him, not just His answers.

His presence is the plan.

Naturally, if we spend more time with Him, we’ll probably do a better job following His plan for our lives. But the point is the relationship, not the road map. The whole reason He sent Jesus to pay for all our sins was so those sins would no longer separate us from Him. He wants to be WITH us.

So when we’re barely staying upright and we don’t know where to steer our surfboard (or even how), let’s seek God’s help. But more importantly, let’s seek Him. He might not tell us exactly what to do.

Sometimes His will might be for us simply to move forward in faith based on what we know.

But if we ask, He’ll give us the wisdom and strength to make the right decision and carry it out.

May we be grateful that He does, and may we seek Him all the more.

Must-reads in this issue:

● Our cover story on Roosevelt and Shay Greenwood and their journey through stage 4 cancer (page 16) ● What happens if Roe v. Wade is overturned? (page 26) Y

Katie Eubanks katie@mschristianliving.com

mschristianliving.com ❘ JUNE 2022 7

AS I SEE IT

by DAN HALL

When mothers have to be fathers For your Maker is your husband — the Lord Almighty is his name — the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. – Isaiah 54:5, NIV “For your Maker is your Husband … ” Being a single mom has to be one of the most challenging jobs on earth. Living daily with the normal pressures of bills and housework, managing menus and taxi service, and being the chief party planner and lead therapist, alternating between dictator and friend. Not to mention the weight of shepherding a vulnerable heart. Many times, quite alone.

Add to that, single moms can often feel judged or pitied by society.

In 1992, vice presidential candidate Dan Quayle criticized the fictional character Murphy Brown for choosing to keep her child when the father chose not to stay. It was an interesting twist: Quayle was trying to elevate the role of fathers but inadvertently criticized the courage of a woman raising her child alone. I’m not affirming the show; I’m simply noting how unconsciously myopic we can be.

I have found that “Statistics say … ” has never helped lift the burden off a mom already weighed down with the thousand emotions she navigates every day. We can’t argue with statistics, but we can defy them.

“For your Maker is your Husband … ” Single moms can spiral with questions: Will my child struggle unduly without a father? Will my son develop his masculinity? Will my daughter know the safe love of a man who values her simply for who she is?

Single moms can struggle with feeling alone with all this weight, fearing their child or children will somehow be thwarted, withheld or disadvantaged in some insurmountable way. This fear can lead to either extreme: debilitating depression or frenetic chaos.

“For your Maker is your Husband … ” In this passage, God is speaking to Israel relative to the promise of His covenant.

Embedded in that promise, we see the beauty of God’s compassion for the lone heart, sitting catatonic in front of her TV, oblivious to the storyline, unsure whether to sob or go to bed. I hope that heart can hear, “You are not alone, honey — you are in My hands! I’ve got you!”

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When you cry out to Him for wisdom, He will give it (James 1:5). When you need provision, call to Him and He will make a way. I mean, your Husband is “the God of all the earth”!

You don’t throw a football well? Give it a try and trust the rest to God. Can’t sing “Baby Shark” one more time without losing your mind? Look to your Husband and say thanks, and sing anyway. After all, your Husband is “your Redeemer.”

When your child needs to know the strength of a man’s hand, hold them close and know that the strength you draw from your Husband is flowing through you to them. He’s got this with you!

“For your Maker is your Husband … ” My daughter found herself alone when the father of her child decided he didn’t want to give what it takes. I have watched from the front row how this single treasure embraced her reality, often struggling but always moving forward, putting herself through college. She went on to earn her master’s degree, covering her expenses almost solely herself, and is now being praised consistently by her colleagues and supervisors.

All while raising the most amazing, beautiful, intelligent, caring, funny, talented, and shall I say PERFECT 11-year-old granddaughter in the world.

A final word to the Christian community: In our often well-intentioned fight for the nuclear family and all the principles that we know strengthen hearts, relationships and societies, let’s not forget to lead with grace: not a grace that is blind to failure, but neither a grace that only sees in terms of heaven and hell; the grace that welcomes the broken, the alone.

Let’s embrace those facing challenges, maybe of their doing or maybe not, but nonetheless, challenges that some of us have been able to avoid.

Our unconditional love, tangible support, and community can be the very conduit of the Father’s heart to our precious sisters.

Closing thought: I have known some incredible single dads. Limited space forces me to focus on one parent only. Men, contact me if it would be helpful.Y Dan Hall is an executive and strategic coach to leaders and executive teams. He also works with organizations on team building, conflict resolution and communication skills. He and his wife, Hazel, have six children and four grandchildren. You can reach him at Dan@OnCourseSolutions.com.

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mschristianliving.com ❘ JUNE 2022 9

MODERN MOTHERHOOD

by COURTNEY INGLE

The calling continues: Mama, raise that future father!

T

How? “ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in side of eternity, you might think about how he plays with your the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4. kids. You might remember the days when you’d ride on his “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will shoulders, cry in his lap, or the one time he snuck you that last cookie after Mom said no. You might think about how he’d wake you up to take not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your you to church, or pray with you in the morning before school. hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at Maybe your dad has passed. You still remember those times, but home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when they’re bittersweet. The smell of his cologne might bring tears to your you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7. eyes. You might feel a heartstring tug over the Be patient with your son. Be diligent in his things your dad missed with your kids. You discipline.

Train him. Love him. Impress the might be hurting on Father’s Day. You wish No matter what kind of father gospel on your son in every situation you can, you could call him or visit him one more time, you had, your goal in life is not just on Sunday and Wednesday. but you can’t. to raise your boy(s) to be the Maybe you’re a certified “girl mom” with a Or maybe you don’t have any good minivan full of little ladies. You still have a memories with your dad. Maybe he wasn’t kind of father you’d want to responsibility to future fathers here! Start present. Or maybe when he was, he wasn’t the have kids with. young with teaching your daughter what to dad he could have been. Maybe he hurt you. expect from a future husband, the future father Maybe you didn’t know him. of her children, and teach her to have those high standards.

Being a mom, in this case, is the great equalizer. Because no matter Encourage your husband to be the father God called him to be. what kind of father you had, your goal in life is to raise your boy(s) to be Children emulate their fathers. the kind of father you’d want to have kids with. You can raise your son If you’re a single mom with a son, instruct him from an early age to be the husband and father you’d want, or maybe that you didn’t have. how to treat others, and hold him accountable. If there’s no father Your son could be raised to reflect the things you find to be desirable in present in his life, lean on a father figure in family, a friend, or church to a father. provide that loving and living example.

Utilize the fruits of the Spirit when disciplining your children.

Character development starts young, and between the Ten Commandments and the fruits of the Spirit, you have a profoundly simple roadmap for raising children.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; don’t put anything before God, don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t steal, honor your father and mother … All of it seems like a great outline for living, right?

Look, I said simple, not easy! Your child will fight against these things just like you did, even if he doesn’t realize that’s what he’s doing. It’s human nature. But you’re still called to it! Nothing in life that’s been worth a thing has ever been easy, and raising a future father is no exception.

Openly show appreciation to the fathers in your life. The father of your children, your own father, stepfather, your brother that’s raising kids — any of them! They need just as much kudos as us mothers do, and you’ll be a shining example to your kids about what is necessary and appreciated in a good father.

Finally, remember: No father on this earth is perfect. Your father, your children’s father, the father you’ll raise your son to be, or the man your daughter will marry, none of them are perfect. God is the only perfect Father. Point your children to His perfect example, and you can’t go wrong. Y

ake a minute and think about your dad. If he’s still on this

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

10 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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©2022 TrustCare Health. All rights reserved. mschristianliving.com ❘ JUNE 2022 11

MISSION MISSISSIPPI MOMENTS

by PASTOR REGINALD WALKER

How we can be unified without being uniform

T

he focus for this month’s Mission Mississippi Moments article, as we

endeavor to delve deeper, is Deeper Understanding. Our scripture reference is found in Proverbs 4:7, which reads, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (KJV).

To establish a deeper understanding requires the investment of time to nurture a relationship. However, for a genuine and lasting relationship to develop, there must be vulnerability. A willingness to open one’s life up to allow another in. No relationship can flourish unless there is trust. You can’t or won’t trust someone with whom you are not intimately acquainted, until you are familiar with both their character and nature. Such intimacy not only requires time, but quality time. My personal involvement with Mission Mississippi over the last 25 years has afforded me many opportunities to invest the time prescribed.

Permit me to share with you one such Mission Mississippi moment. Several years ago, Terry White (who also happens to be white), while serving as senior pastor of Crossway Church of Vicksburg (he has since retired), invited me to be interviewed live as part of his Sunday morning worship service. I was invited to openly discuss the topic of racial reconciliation. I was asked questions on what I thought whites should know from the black perspective. He shared his questions in advance so I would not be blindsided.

Most of us fear things that we don’t know or understand. Having that opportunity, I believe, led to a deeper understanding for all of the parties present. I was able to freely share my perspective, and they were able to see that all of us don’t “bite.”

At the time of the event, Terry and I had probably known each other for about eight years. Through our monthly Mission Mississippi pastors’ gatherings, he and I had developed a friendship and had even dined at each other’s homes. Although I had already developed this relationship with him, my respect for his commitment to create racial harmony soared that Sunday. As a pastor, I understood the scrutiny he may have endured.

Not only had he invited a black pastor from a black church to his all-white church, he’d invited one of a totally different denomination.

That demonstrated the trust he had in me.

In the 14th chapter of Romans, there was 12 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

dissension and disagreement among members of the early church over matters of diets and holy days, with each side convinced in their own minds of their own rightness. Still today, there are many polarizing issues that seem to push us apart, when Christ shed His blood to bring us together as one.

If we exert all of our efforts focusing only on that on which we disagree, there will always be division. However, we need not be UNIFORM to be UNIFIED. My wife and I have been happily married for nearly 40 years, and

“ There are many polarizing issues that seem to push us apart, when Christ shed His blood to bring us together as one.”

there are still many things on which we disagree. But we have both learned to accept those differences and allow the love of Christ and our love for each other to help us to disagree without being disagreeable. In that same chapter, the apostle Paul encouraged those believers in Rome to do the same: “follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith we may edify one another” (v. 19).

When you open your life or your world to someone, you run the risk of them abusing that trust. I readily admit that such vulnerability puts one at risk of being hurt.

However, the rewards that true relationships afford (in marriage or friendship) present benefits that make the risk worthwhile.

Over the years, I have personally developed friendships with ministerial colleagues, both white and black, that likely would not exist outside the purview of Mission Mississippi. The deeper understanding that we have for one another can be directly attributed to the platform that Mission Mississippi provides. #DeeperUnderstanding Y Reginald Walker and his lovely wife, Sherry, have been the senior pastors of Word of Faith Christian Center in Vicksburg for 21 years. They have two adult sons and five beautiful grandchildren.

mschristianliving.com ❘ JUNE 2022 13

THIS IS MY STORY

by MARK HIKES

How ‘I’ll pray for you’ changed my life

P

rayer is a huge part of our journey with Jesus, but I didn’t

first day at Madison United Methodist, it was just your normal good ole church service until the scripture was read: “Look to the Lord and his always think that way. If you’d asked me 20 years ago if I strength; seek his face always” (1 Chronicles 16:11). I had the weirdest believed in God, my answer would have been, “Sure … doesn’t feeling. It was like I was the only person in the congregation, and the everybody?” In 2013, I realized I was missing the most important part pastor was speaking directly to me. We returned the next several about Jesus: knowing He wants a relationship with me.

Sundays, got involved in a small group, and became members by Growing up, church was confusing. Mom wanted to raise me in the Christmas. We had found a church home.

Catholic church, but she lost that argument with When we first moved here, I heard, “I’m Dad, who was Protestant. I remember two praying for you, brother” a lot. I would smile, and important things about my church life growing up At that moment, I got sometimes laugh, and think to myself, “Who are — going EVERY Sunday, and that church was never part of anything else around me. We never my command: ‘If you’re you kidding, you ain’t praying for me.” I was actually cynical about it. Until a co-worker asked talked about God outside of church. I just figured going to pray for him, you me about our son DJ, who was having some that was normal.

During college, I didn’t go to church at all, pray for him right now.’ I health concerns. Though the issues were not too serious, it was enough to keep these two parents really, until I met my wife, Natalie. Our first was shocked.

That voice worried. My co-worker said, “I’d like to pray for church got us through our wedding and our son got my attention. you and your family.”

DJ’s baptism. Our attendance had a lot of ups and I was polite and said, “Thank you, I appreciate downs, and once our pastor retired, we stopped that.” But here’s the catch: He meant RIGHT going. Isn’t that the way it works? Your pastor THERE. He reached out and grabbed my hand. NO WAY, this guy is not retires and you retire with him? We were in no hurry to find a new going to pray for me right now, in the middle of a store! But he did. He church until Jack was born. grabbed my hand and he prayed for me and my family. I finally In February 2012, we moved to Madison and tried several churches. witnessed someone carrying out their prayer, and he did it in the middle Neighbors told us about their church and convinced us to visit. On our of an aisle with customers all around us. I mean, when we opened our eyes, there were customers waiting for us to help them.

Several weeks later, one of my managers came to my office. His wife was sick, and a series of tests were planned. We talked about the business side of things, but I assured him his focus should be on his wife. I said, “I’m going to pray for you and your family.” Then I immediately thought, “Wait, what? Where’d that come from?”

At that moment, I got my command: “If you’re going to pray for him, you pray for him right now.” I was shocked. That voice got my attention.

So I asked if I could pray for him right now, and although he seemed a little uncomfortable, he allowed it. I moved closer, put my hand on his shoulder, and prayed. I can’t even tell you what I said.

When he left the office, I just sat with my head in my hands replaying the “God things” that had happened over the past few months. I called Pastor Jim and told him to clear his calendar. I was on the way. We met and talked for hours. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior that day, and Jim was my witness.

Those months leading up to February 13, 2013, changed my life … and my family’s life … forever! Much has happened in my relationship with Jesus since then, but it’s a longer story. Read more in my first book, “15 Minutes with Jesus,” and the full story in a future book, “Journey with Jesus / My Spiritual Checkpoints.”

Visit greatamericanpublishers.com or call 888.854.5954 for more information. Y

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”

Mark Hikes lives in Madison with his wife, Natalie, and two sons, DJ and Jack. They share life with four rescue animals: three dogs, Yetti (Akita), Emma (Australian shepherd), Maggie (red bone coon hound), and one cat, Charlie. Mark is a member of Madison United Methodist Church, where he serves as a family group leader.

14 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

mschristianliving.com ❘ JUNE 2022 15

COVER STORY

by KATIE EUBANKS

Roosevelt and Shay Greenwood

CHANDLER GREENWOOD

Outlasting stage 4 cancer and other storms

From left: Jacob, Chandler, Shay, Adam, Roosevelt, Bria and Noah Greenwood.

16 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

R

oosevelt and Shay Greenwood don’t do anything halfway. If they experience a storm (literal or otherwise), it’s a roofripping monster. If they experience a victory, it’s against insurmountable odds.

“We do everything big,” Shay says.

Twenty years ago, Shay woke up to the sounds of a tornado. She and Roosevelt had four kids at the time — all 5 years old and under.

“Roosevelt had already cleaned out the closet. The light fixtures, I remember the noise,” she says, making an eerie whooshing sound — two short bursts followed by one long one. “It was the electricity being sucked out of the house.”

Shay and Roosevelt grabbed the kids and hunkered down in the closet.

“You could hear the click (of) debris hitting the windows. And then the windows being blown out.”

“And the roof being taken off,” Roosevelt says. But the hallway and closet were still intact.

“He started screaming out to God to save us,” Shay says. “And I’m patting (our son) Jacob, thinking, ‘What is happening?’ and feeling around for the kids because they were quiet.”

When Roosevelt heard the tornado move away from the house, he started thanking God aloud. “And I’m like, ‘What are you thanking God for?’ because I couldn’t hear it,” Shay recalls.

When they emerged from the closet, the house was destroyed, the roof over the living room was gone, and their youngest child’s crib was filled with bricks and wood.

Years later in 2016, when Roosevelt was diagnosed with cancer, he and his family remembered the tornado. “(We knew) God was still going to be faithful, even in this,” Shay says.

Still, “All of us were thinking, ‘Really?’”

Shay and Roosevelt were married on May 7, 1995.

noticed her too. “You know how you can feel somebody staring at you … ” she recalls. They wound up on the same ‘I’m not moving to Mississippi’ flight. In D.C., they saw each other again at baggage claim.

Roosevelt grew up a pastor’s kid in Roosevelt approached and “made small talk,” he says, and Mississippi, while Shay was raised in they learned they were attending the same conference and Nebraska and, after seeing an aunt’s even staying at the same hotel. He was recruiting for Jackson spiritual transformation, gave her State University. heart to Jesus at age 23. Gradually, she “My boss normally went on this trip, but he couldn’t go learned how to live that out. and sent me,” Roosevelt says.

“Not a lot changed at first. That’s He and Shay had breakfast together the next morning, what I tell people when they want to went on a date the night after that, and were engaged three Roosevelt went from the beginning stages judge someone (who might be new to months later. of muscle atrophy to now walking one or the faith),” she says.

“I knew (she was the one) before three months,” Roosevelt two miles at a time.

“People would bring things to me says. “We were together for five days, and I came home and — ‘You know, you shouldn’t be doing this’ — and I wasn’t offended. I told my dad, ‘I met my wife.’ He smiled and said, ‘Oh yeah?’” would figure out how to get out of (whatever behavior it was).”

Over that first breakfast, Shay said, “I’m not moving to Mississippi.”

Two years later, she was living in Atlanta and working for Gallup Famous last words. when she went on a recruitment trip to a college conference in “I just let that (remark) fly over my head,” Roosevelt says.

Washington, D.C. “You have to go with where God calls you,” Shay says. Even if you She noticed an attractive man at the Atlanta airport. Apparently he have no idea what’s coming.

mschristianliving.com ❘ JUNE 2022 17

PHOTO BY STEGALL IMAGERY PHOTO BY STEGALL IMAGERY

‘Nothing was touching the pain’ Early in their marriage, Shay traveled a lot for work. Roosevelt earned his master’s degree at Jackson State and started working in administration at the Canton school district.

After they started having kids, God called Shay to be a stay-home mom — while she was pursuing her master’s to be a licensed counselor.

“I feel like God was telling me I’d be able to do (counseling of some kind) without the degree.”

She started working from home for Premier Designs, the Christian jewelry company, and did jewelry shows in women’s homes.

In 2009, not even a decade after the tornado, the Greenwoods lost another house, this one because Roosevelt was let go from his job after budget cuts at the school district. The family moved into a rental.

And the hits kept coming: In September 2016, Roosevelt was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, after experiencing what appeared to be a weightlifting injury.

He and Shay were at the gym, and he was doing leg extensions.

“Right leg, no problem, 10 reps. Left leg, same weight, and I couldn’t 18 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

move it. But I forced it up, 10 reps,” he says. “I had a strange sensation from my lower back all the way down my leg to my toes.”

The pain lasted for weeks. He went to the chiropractor. He took hot showers. He slept on the floor. He took ibuprofen.

“Nothing was touching the pain,” he says.

Finally, when he couldn’t get a timely MRI scheduled elsewhere, he went to the Shay provides fashion tips and hospital. The MRI there detected encouragement on Facebook and Instagram @shaygreenwood. cancer lesions in his back.

“His PSA level was 1,490.

That’s prostate specific antigen,” Shay says. “Normal is 0 to 4. Above that, you probably have cancer.” In addition, “Men become paralyzed (with prostate cancer, and I later learned) that process was happening. He could barely get on his toes. Atrophy was happening.”

Roosevelt underwent a bone biopsy and prostate biopsy, started chemotherapy, and immediately scheduled radiation appointments.

The oncologist, Dr. Guangzhi Qu, estimated Roosevelt had 18 to 24 months to live.* Normally, Dr. Qu was pretty straightforward with patients. “(He’d) tell you how much time you had,” Roosevelt says.

In this case, the doctor kept Roosevelt’s prognosis to himself. The Greenwoods didn’t know why he wouldn’t give them a timeline — but now they think it was God. “Our daughter had the opportunity to move to Houston (Texas). She would not have moved (if she had known),” Shay says.

While undergoing radiation treatments, Roosevelt took two morphine pills a day, Percocet for breakthrough pain, and Valium at night. Looking back on it, “that makes me teary,” Shay says. She hadn’t realized how much pain he’d endured before being diagnosed.

As Roosevelt’s cancer journey continued, “I didn’t read up on it because she was reading it all,” he recalls.

“I wanted to know so I could watch him and see if there was a symptom we needed to look at,” she says. “If this treatment stops working,

In 2001, a tornado flattened homes in the Greenwoods’ Madison neighborhood, but the family hunkered down in the closet and emerged unscathed. In the newspaper photo above, their home is the one with the black car out front.

we’d go to the next one.”

Roosevelt did five rounds of chemo and 25 rounds of radiation. He was scheduled for a sixth round of chemo but did not receive it because he got strep throat.

However, “my body started to heal,” he says. He was on his way to a remarkable recovery. *Roosevelt has outlived his prognosis by more than three years.

‘Have you considered My The late Glen Petty, pictured here with his wife, Jane, had the same diagnosis as servant Roosevelt?’

Roosevelt, and the two became longRoosevelt’s survival has distance friends. not come easy.

“He would always say, ‘No matter what, I win,’” Shay recalls. He’d either live to enjoy his family, or start enjoying eternity with Jesus a little early.

In fact, “There were times when I just wanted to die,” he says. He wondered why God was allowing him to go through this.

Shay’s response: “Because God is saying, ‘Have you considered My servant Roosevelt?’” That’s what He said of Job, who honored God despite losing everything.

“John Piper wrote something called ‘Don’t Waste Your Cancer,’” Shay says. “In other words, use it for God’s glory. We were determined to do that.”

Shay has a friend whose husband, a doctor, prepared her to support Shay when Roosevelt passed. But two years after his diagnosis, Dr. Qu pronounced a miracle. Roosevelt not only had lived, he was faring far better than expected.

The Greenwoods gathered all five kids at the hospital when they learned of Roosevelt’s diagnosis.

Shay with Savvi co-founder Jenn Ashby (second from left) and other Savvi team members. mschristianliving.com ❘ JUNE 2022 19

PHOTOS BY STEGALL IMAGERY

“We would see people, and it was almost comical. They’d be so excited to see him (alive),” Shay says. “We saw a nurse early on, and then we saw her later, and she was bawling. She said, ‘It’s not normal for you to look and feel this good.’ We were fighting through it (still), but seeing people’s emotion told us it was a miracle.”

Roosevelt explains what happened to his cancer: “Basically, it’ll always be in my body, but it’s asleep. Like the queen in an anthill,” he says.

“The worker ants have been killed, but the queen ant has been put to sleep,” Shay adds.

Rob Futral, the Greenwoods’ former pastor at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison, heard that analogy and said, “We know the King of Kings can kill that queen ant.”

Currently, “On a daily basis, (Roosevelt) doesn’t feel 100 percent,” Shay says.

He takes multiple shots and pills, including a monthly bone shot — bone breaks are another common side effect of prostate cancer — and a hormone-resistant chemo pill that lowers testosterone.

“A lot of times as men, we chase the women,” Roosevelt says. “(Shay) has to chase me now. So that’s different.”

Going out in the sun is also different. “We have to ask, how hot is it going to be, and how long am I going to be out there?” Shay says.

Sleep apnea, heart palpitations, dehydration and fatigue are also issues — and Roosevelt has developed diabetes due to taking the steroid prednisone with the chemo treatment Zytiga. Chronic use of steroids can lead to this.

Naturally, “we’ve hid out more than most during the pandemic,” Shay says.

But the bottom line? Roosevelt is alive. He can walk a mile or two. (“I can run if I want to,” he says with a laugh.)

He can’t work, but he can play the organ, which he keeps in a spare bedroom. He’s been playing since he was 15, currently plays for two different churches on Sundays, and has only missed one Sunday in five years due to illness.

“It gives him something to focus on other than himself,” Shay says.

He’s not taking any pain medication. And that pesky PSA number went from nearly 1,500 to undetectable, which is “not the norm,” she says.

“I’m still in all the Facebook support groups for this. … Men who were diagnosed after Roosevelt have died.”

20 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

#GreenwoodStrong When Roosevelt was first diagnosed, one of the kids posted on social media and included the hashtag #GreenwoodStrong. This family had lost two homes and were about to endure yet another trial, but they were determined to get through it together.

“From there, we started being vocal,” Shay says. Each time they posted, they’d include that hashtag.

In December 2019, Roosevelt and Shay published many of the #GreenwoodStrong posts as a book, “If Love Could Heal: Our Family’s Story of Love and Survival Through Stage 4 Cancer.”

One person who found encouragement through the book was a man named Glen Petty who lived in Louisiana and had the same diagnosis as Roosevelt. The two men would talk on the phone and pray together, and Roosevelt calls him “a good friend.” But they never met in person.

That long-distance friendship blossomed at a time when the nation felt more divided than ever.

“All the racial (unrest) had started after George Floyd’s murder (in 2020),” Shay says. “Glen was an older white man from the country in Louisiana. I looked him up (on social media). They couldn’t be more opposite.

“To watch them talk on the phone and listen to them pray together, if the world knew and saw and experienced what these two guys were doing for each other … Race doesn’t matter, politics doesn’t matter. It’s just one human being to another.”

Glen and his wife, Jane, were going to come visit for a couples’ date during the pandemic: “Glen wanted to take us to dinner and a Zach Williams concert in Madison, and pay for a hotel night for us — but it got (postponed) because of COVID,” Shay says.

“He’s gone on to be with the Lord now,” Roosevelt says.

Glen is a good reminder for the Greenwoods that their story ultimately is not about them. That’s what their writing coach told them when they were preparing the book.

“Every time somebody says they bought (the book), I want to go down the list and say, ‘It’s not very well written, it’s just taken from Facebook posts … ’ but God said no, don’t do that,” Shay says. The book didn’t have to be a literary masterpiece — it only had to help people.

While Roosevelt developed a friendship in 2020 thanks to their book, Shay embarked on a new career venture. She’d been with Premier Designs for 20 years and was a senior leader, but the company was not

doing well in the pandemic. (Premier closed in December 2020.)

A Premier colleague sent Shay a short video promoting a new athleisure clothing company called Savvi.

“She was actually scared to send it to me, because she knew that I didn’t want to have anything to do with building a team ever again,” Shay recalls. But then she pressed play.

“It was as if I wrote the video. It was using language like, ‘We want to help women look and feel their best; we want to help them style a life of their own design.’ I was saying these things all the time.”

Shay joined Savvi in May 2020, and the clothing line officially launched in September 2021. She’s now one of the company’s top leaders, with a team of approximately 185 people around the country, and maintains a social media presence full of fashion tips, fun, and encouragement. (Look for her first “Faith, Fashion and Fitness” column in our next issue!)

“All I get to do is do what I do best — which is love women (and) make a difference in their lives,” she says.

‘Why are we so amazed?’

When asked what God has taught them through their journey, Roosevelt says: “I often say (God has) taught me that life doesn’t happen like you expect it to. Usually at this time (of life), you are retired or close to it, and preparing to enjoy your children and their children. Those things can still happen, but not the way you expect. And be grateful for everything.”

Shay has a hard time picking just one lesson learned.

For instance: “When you accept Jesus as your Savior, your life belongs to Him. But the world says you can create your own reality.”

But what she lands on is God’s love for His children.

“I don’t think I really understood the overwhelming love of God until we went through (cancer),” she says.

“And it’s not about being good or bad,” Roosevelt adds. God’s love is based on His character, not ours.

“We stand in amazement over us asking God to (heal Roosevelt) and then He does it. Why are we so amazed?” Shay says.

“God is faithful regardless of our circumstances, and He’s faithful when we’re not.” Y

mschristianliving.com ❘ JUNE 2022 21

FEATURE STORY

by ANNA CLAIRE O’CAIN

Canopy expanding solutions with new school

C

anopy Children’s Solutions, based in Jackson, is a nonprofit organization providing a host of interventions for children in all 82 Mississippi counties. CEO Dr. John Damon shares about Canopy and the services they provide — including Canopy’s new school, currently under construction in Ridgeland.

“We have the new school that we’ll be opening in the fall, which is The Canopy School,” he shares. “It’s a school that is for kids with different and diverse learning abilities.”

John says that the new Canopy School will be a space to serve children who have been diagnosed with conditions such as dyslexia, autism and ADHD. Kara White, Canopy’s head of school, shares how the new addition of The Canopy School will provide even more solutions for Mississippi children.

“The Canopy School is such an exciting new solution for both Canopy and the children of Mississippi,” Kara says. “We know that children learn and develop in different ways, and The Canopy School will provide an innovative school environment for children who need an individualized educational solution.”

Kara says that The Canopy School will include small classes with teachers who are specially trained to work with students of varying learning styles. Kara shares that the highly qualified staff at the new school will also provide on-site services such as counseling, dyslexia therapy, speech and occupational therapy, and ABA (applied behavioral analysis) therapy.

Kara says, “I like to describe our school as a ‘one-stop shop’ for parents who are seeking a wide range of educational services to help their children thrive. … We really take a therapeutic approach to education, with the understanding that we have to nurture and place equal emphasis on addressing our students’ academic, social and emotional needs.”

Kara shares why these types of solutions are so greatly needed for Mississippi children. “We know some kids may fall through the cracks,” she says. “The current systems may not have the resources or expertise to identify how each child learns best and provide the necessary learning supports for that child to be successful.”

She continues, “I want to help these children and families by addressing the needs of the 22 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

A rendering of The Canopy School, opening in Ridgeland this fall.

whole child — academically, socially and emotionally — in a collaborative environment.”

Kara believes that parents, teachers and specialists can all work together to eliminate barriers to student success.

Helping the whole child In addition to the soon-opening school, Canopy does so much more. John shares that the three main areas of services provided by Canopy include “behavioral health, social service, and education solutions” for children all across the state. “We have about 15 offices around the state (and) each of those offices goes into the homes with community-based services,” he says.

“

The current systems may not have the resources or expertise to identify how each child learns best and provide the necessary learning supports. … I want to help these children and families by addressing the needs of the whole child.

”

“You can think of our solutions in three big buckets. (First) we have behavioral health solutions (where) we have traditional outpatient clinics in Jackson, Gulfport and Hattiesburg.”

John also notes that Canopy has a psychiatric residential treatment facility known as the CARES Center, where children with more intense needs can receive 24-hour care and help for trauma they’ve experienced.

“In addition to the CARES Center, Canopy also offers a variety of community-based solutions,” John says. “We have community-based

mental health wraparound solutions that are in all 82 counties where we go in the homes for kids who need intense mental health solutions.”

He explains, “we take those (solutions) into their own home and community.”

Another part of Canopy’s behavioral health solutions includes services for those who have been diagnosed with autism. “We have an autism early intervention center of excellence, and we help kids that are neurodiverse (and who are) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.”

John shares that the second big “bucket” at Canopy is their education solutions. In addition to The Canopy School, “we offer CARES schools for children who aren’t functioning well in their local public school and have a special education ruling and they’re referred out.” He continues, “those kids can come to our school for a season and then as they’re performing well, go back to their home school and reintegrate back into their local school district.”

John shares about the third main way that Canopy provides solutions: “The third bucket is our social service solutions,” he says. “That starts with what began our organization in 1912 — adoption. We’ve done (more than) 7,000 adoptions in our history.” John says that Canopy provides adoption and maternity services and therapeutic foster care where they recruit, train and license therapeutic foster families.

John notes another service that Canopy provides is known as family preservation and reunification, a process in which alleged abuse or neglect (to children) is reported and investigated.

“We are tasked to go into the home and work with that family to see if we can keep that kid and family together,” he says. “We have a 97 to 98 percent success rate of keeping them together.

(We’ve) diverted about 5,000 kids since 2019 from entering the state system through that one program.”

may be taken out of the home in the middle of community for a school for students with diverse John praises the Canopy staff for such the night due to abuse or neglect. … They have a learning needs.” tremendous accomplishments: “Our psychologist and a physician who will conduct She continues, “I’ve long believed that God staff are just heroes — they’re amazing.” evaluations and make sure they’re okay and find will place opportunities in our lives if we are John continues by sharing about more out what the next step in their life is going to be. ” willing to put in the work, and this school is a services that Canopy provides through their perfect example.” bucket of social service Kara also shares that she has solutions: “We’ve got statewide been blessed with a group of likefamily support services that we minded educators and community have across the state (and) our stakeholders who share her LINK program that is commitment to providing quality connecting families with the services to students. “Having resources they need to prevent worked with students who learn that call from happening to the differently for most of my career, I state for abuse and neglect.” place a strong emphasis on He continues, “we also have understanding and valuing the a child advocacy center in differences that make students Gulfport and Pascagoula.” The The Canopy School Business Manager and Canopy Children’s who they are,” she says. “This is a Head of School Admissions Counselor Solutions child advocacy center allows Kara White.

Sarah Perkins.

CEO Dr. John Damon. core value at Canopy: the space for professionals to Relationships matter, and our conduct forensic interviews for children Working and serving by faith differences make us stronger. following abuse. Once their story is told to a Kara says that faith, hard work, and the “I’ve always said that while success looks trained interviewer and clinician, their account passion to help others is what allows her and the different for every child, every child can be a can be taken to court to prosecute the offender staff at Canopy to meet the unique needs of the success story if we can help them uncover their and connect the child with the services children whom they serve. In her case, “The talents and use those for good.” they need.

Canopy School has been a labor of love for me For more information about Canopy Children’s John shares an additional solution provided and so many others who have held strong to the Solutions, call 601.352.7784 or visit mycanopy.org.

by Canopy for children in need: “We have a belief that there was an unmet need in our children’s shelter in Vicksburg that’s for kids who Y

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mschristianliving.com ❘ JUNE 2022 23

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

by CHRIS FIELDS CAMILLE MORRIS

From morning to night — 3 winning recipes

H

appy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures!

June is National Men’s Health Month, so I am going to share some of the things I do to stay healthy spiritually, mentally and physically — including a couple of healthy recipes (and one that’s just tasty).

During my work week, my typical morning includes prayer, reading the Word, and gym time. I usually do an hour of resistance training and 45 minutes of cardio. My preferred cardio method is the elliptical, which

BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE After my workout I will normally enjoy a smoothie made with fresh fruits and veggies.

3 1 1 3 12 4 2-3 2 6 3 6

scoops whey protein powder bunch fresh spinach bunch fresh kale (5.3 ounce) Oikos Triple Zero Vanilla Greek Yogurts ounces vanilla almond milk ounces water drops vanilla extract for flavor Fuji apples, cut into cubes ounces raspberries handfuls blueberries ounces blackberries (Sometimes I sub strawberries for the black and blueberries.)

Blend ingredients in blender. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later. Makes 2 smoothies.

24 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

allows me to read while I do it, but sometimes I run and listen to my book.

If I have an early meeting, I’ll combine my devotion with my cardio.

This is my routine, and it isn’t for everyone, but all the elements I try to include are necessary to strengthen me spiritually, mentally and physically. I encourage you to develop a daily routine that includes all these elements. (Weekends are usually a little more lax. I don’t get up as early.) Y

SPINACH FRITTATA Some mornings I sub a meal for my smoothie. My go-to is a spinach frittata.

10 eggs ½ cup milk (to give fluffiness and tenderness to the cooked egg texture) ½ teaspoon sea salt fresh ground pepper 1½ tablespoons olive oil 2 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (I use frozen diced potatoes) 1 large red pepper, diced small 1 bunch or 6 stalks diced green onion, white and light green parts only 2 big handfuls baby spinach, roughly chopped ½ cup feta cheese crumbles

Preheat oven to 450° F. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Set aside.

(Instead of a bowl, I’ll often use a 4-cup liquid measuring cup, because it’s easier to pour the eggs with the spout.)

In a 10- to 12-inch oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and sauté, stirring occasionally, for at least 5 minutes. Potatoes will start to turn golden brown and should be fork tender.

Add red pepper and green onion and continue to cook until they start to soften, then stir in baby spinach. Continue to sauté until spinach has wilted.

Turn off heat and pour eggs evenly over top of vegetables. Crumble the cheese on top, then carefully transfer skillet to oven. Bake about 15 minutes or until edges of frittata are turning golden brown and the middle has set. Makes 6 servings.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA I do partake in meals that wouldn’t seem healthy, but nothing is bad if done in moderation. This recipe is a favorite of my wife. I prepare it occasionally when I’m trying to score some points.

2 skinless chicken breasts 3½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (I use Ragin’ Cajun Fixin’s) 2 tablespoons butter 2-2½ cups heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons sundried tomatoes ¼ tablespoon salt ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper ¼ cup green onion 8 ounces angel hair pasta ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Cube chicken and place in a bowl. Add Cajun seasoning and toss to coat.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté chicken in butter until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat and add heavy cream, tomatoes, salt, pepper and green onion, and heat through.

Boil angel hair pasta according to package directions. Drain. Add sauce and chicken to pasta and let stand about 20 minutes for pasta sauce to thicken. Add Parmesan and enjoy.

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

LAGNIAPPE Submitted by ST. CATHERINE’S VILLAGE

Two generations find their home at St. Catherine’s

W

hen it came time to retire and move to a more carefree and

cared for environment, two generations of families found exactly what they were looking for at St. Catherine’s Village.

Located in Madison, the all-inclusive Life Plan Community provides the right care at the right time through independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing — all in a protected and picturesque 160acre wooded setting.

After David Keith retired from BellSouth, he and his wife, Dorothy, decided they were tired of keeping up a yard and all the maintenance that came with their Madison home. They crunched the numbers and realized it was within their means to move to independent living at St. Catherine’s, where they wouldn’t have to worry about landscape chores and everything else that comes with home ownership. Thirteen years later, the couple is still in their “penthouse” apartment on the senior living campus.

Dorothy was excited to come to St. Catherine’s because it offered a more carefree lifestyle, plus a full continuum of senior care. While she may not cook meals daily, Dorothy serves on the food committee and is famous for her banana bread. And while they don’t have to spend their time cutting the grass, both David and Dorothy remain avid gardeners.

Before moving to St. Catherine’s, the Keiths were neighbors with Bennett Smith’s mother, who became close friends with Dorothy. In fact, Dorothy introduced her daughter, Gina, to Bennett, and the rest is history.

Bennett and Gina are married and now live at St. Catherine’s too.

Bennett and Gina moved to St. Catherine’s during a difficult time of the pandemic, after living in an historic home in Hattiesburg for 45 years. They were familiar with St. Catherine’s not only from the Keiths but also because Bennett’s mother had lived there.

“When trying to find the best place for Mom, I remember researching retirement communities in Hattiesburg, Jackson and southeast Mississippi,” said Bennett. “St. Catherine’s Village always rose to the top of the list. We became even more impressed when Mom transferred to assisted living, because the care she received was so wonderful.”

When the time came for the Smiths to retire, they hoped they too could find their home at St. Catherine’s. In their 70s, they really wanted a two-

From left: Bennett and Gina Smith with Gina’s parents, Dorothy and David Keith.

bedroom, two-bath independent living apartment overlooking the lake, and they were willing to wait for it — five years, to be exact. In the end, everything worked out perfectly.

“The staff was so kind and helped us develop a plan,” said Bennett. “And we appreciate that we have the opportunity to move to a different level of care if ever necessary.”

Today, the two families live in separate buildings on the St. Catherine’s campus, so they remain close — but not too close. The Keiths are much busier now that the Smiths are their neighbors, and Gina is following in her mother’s footsteps, becoming famous for her homemade bread.

“We’re all excited and looking forward to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren visiting,” said David of their family. “Maybe someday, they’ll be the next generation to call St. Catherine’s Village home.”

To learn more, visit StCatherinesVillage.com or call 601.856.0123. Y

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mschristianliving.com ❘ JUNE 2022 25

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

by KATIE EUBANKS, ERIN KATE GOODE, LAURA KNIGHT, AND JANET THOMASy CAMILLE MORRIS

What happens if Roe v. Wade is overturned?

T

he United States Supreme Court is expected to rule by the end of June on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the first case that could overturn Roe v. Wade, which

made abortion a constitutional right nearly 50 years ago. An overturning of Roe would make abortion illegal in Mississippi except in the case of rape or when the mother’s life is in danger, but each state could restrict or allow abortion as it sees fit. MCL asked three Mississippi pro-life organizations what they will do if Roe is overturned.

Erin Kate Goode Executive director, Center for Pregnancy Choices Metro Area

At the CPC Metro, we have been praying and preparing for the Dobbs decision. No matter what the court decides, the CPC Metro and pregnancy resource centers across the state will continue to play a vital role in the lives of women who are facing unplanned pregnancies. If Roe is overturned, Mississippi residents will likely be targeted by abortion providers in other states. We must continue to address the circumstances and pressures that cause women to consider abortion if we truly want to see it become an unthinkable option.

The CPC Metro has increased our outreach and expanded our services so that we can reach even more women and serve them more comprehensively beyond the pregnancy decision. Our community has overwhelmingly responded and built a growing network of ongoing support through mentoring, support groups, practical education and resources.

No matter what the court decides, the CPC Metro will be here to offer support and hope to women facing unplanned pregnancies.

We are honored to serve together with you as our community’s response to the abortion crisis, and to extend the love of Christ to those who are most vulnerable. Join us as a volunteer or supporter by visiting cpcmetrofriends.org. Your donations are tax-deductible and may qualify for individual or business tax credits.

26 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

Laura Knight Board president, Pro-Life Mississippi

Pro-Life Mississippi is hopeful that the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn the egregious decision of Roe v. Wade. If Roe is overruled, we expect the abortion industry to continue spreading deception, and Pro-Life Mississippi will continue to share the truth. PLM will always stand for life in all stages, even in a post-Roe era.

The mission of Pro-Life Mississippi is to equip people to protect life each day in their own community, and to build a culture of life one relationship at a time. Our district network stands ready to reach each local community with the truth about abortion, infanticide and euthanasia, through tables or booths at local festivals, community awareness campaigns, pro-life speaker events, and church-based outreach ministries.

Pro-Life Mississippi was instrumental in lobbying for the recent bill offering $3.5 million in Mississippi tax credits for donations to charitable pregnancy resource centers. PLM will continue to support abortion vulnerable women by referring them to these PRCs, as well as providing some direct assistance through PLM’s own benevolence fund. We also hope to influence future policy that would continue to foster a culture of life ethic in Mississippi.

Janet Thomas Executive director, Choose Life Mississippi

Choose Life Mississippi celebrates 20 years of financially supporting approximately 40 Mississippi pregnancy care centers through the sales of Choose Life specialty tags totaling nearly $4 million! Blessed to be a blessing helping women overturn Roe every time they choose life, Choose Life Mississippi will continue in a postRoe America to help pregnancy centers do the incredible work for LIFE that they do to provide compassionate physical, emotional and spiritual support to women in their unplanned pregnancies. Y (See CLM ad on page 7.)

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mschristianliving.com ❘ JUNE 2022 27

A CUP OF ENCOURAGEMENT

by LAURA LEE LEATHERSby CAMILLE MORRIS

What do you call your father?

M

How do you and I come before the Almighty, holy, righteous God? First and foremost, we need to recognize that we can’t.

We gain access to the throne room only through the atonement of Jesus Christ. He is our “great High Priest.” One of the passages I often refer to is Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV):

any years ago in Augsburg, Germany, my Sunday school teacher, Mary Nell, and I met once a week to pray together. Our weekly prayer times stopped when she and her family moved to Nuremberg. So we decided to spend a few days in each other’s homes as much as possible. During those mini-stays, I watched a Christian family interact. One of the things I enjoyed the most was watching the interaction of her two daughters with their father, her husband, Fred. They didn’t call him Daddy, Dad or Father. Instead, he was Papa.

A distinctive name This name was foreign to me. I had never heard anyone call their earthly father Papa. It was unusual, different, and a term of endearment. When the young girls said his name, they beamed, and he glowed. It was his unique name, and I loved it! There were many things I learned as I watched this Christian family. But at the top of my list was that if I ever had children, they would call their father Papa, and our children did.

What name do/did you call your father? I decided to do a survey asking others this question. The number one response was Daddy. Next was Dad. Not one person mentioned the name Papa. I found that very interesting, and I wondered why. Could the answer be that it is a name for a grandfather?

Years later, whenever our family would be in a group setting, I watched as fathers turned their heads whenever they heard the name Daddy. Was it their child calling? When my children called, “Papa,” their father was the only one who heard that distinctive name and responded to his child’s call.

In the Old Testament (Exodus 3), Moses asks God what to say to the children of Israel when they ask for God’s name. “What shall I say to them?” (v. 13) God replies, “I AM WHO I AM” — His distinctive name. Continue reading; in the following verses, God explains this name. It is a memorial to all generations.

28 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Paul Leathers with his son Waylon.

Robert Leathers with his daughter Abby.

Delighting in His name In the second part of the survey, I asked, how do you address God when praying? The number one response was Father. Other examples were Heavenly Father, Lord, Dear Lord, Father God, Father and Lord Jesus, and Abba.

When I am in church or with friends and someone prays, I listen for their salutation.

How do they call out or address God?

Many years ago, I heard a professor friend of mine begin her prayer by saying, “Gracious Heavenly Father …” What? Why would you add the word “gracious” before “Heavenly Father”? Her reply was simple: We have access to His throne room because of His grace, and I want to come humbly before Him with thankfulness for that grace.

How grateful I am that I can come boldly to His throne of grace and obtain His mercy, knowing I can trust Him to supply grace to meet all my needs. And you can too!

I don’t remember my earthly father ever praying with me, but I have memories of my praying for him. It has made me aware that the most significant work an earthly father can do is pray for his children and teach them how to pray to our gracious Heavenly Father.

Dads, by what name do your children call you, and how are you teaching your child/children to pray to their Heavenly Father?

Happy Father’s Day! Y With either a pen or a garden tool in her hand, Laura Lee focuses on her three passions: freelance writing, sharing and serving through hospitality, and cultivating Lady Laura’s Garden. You can contact her at laura.l.leathers@gmail.com or visit her website, LauraLeeLeathers.com.

TOUGH QUESTIONS

A LAWYER’S TRUE THRILLER ABOUT

by DR. FRED HALL, LPC

“The Greatest Love Story Ever Told!”

Have I really forgiven my friend?

QUESTION: I thought I had forgiven a friend who hurt me, but I’m still upset when I’m around him. How do I know if I’ve truly forgiven him?

ANSWER: What a great question, reader, and one toward them, but the freedom forgiveness many of us have asked time and time again. It brings is for you. Failure to forgive is like you is just as relevant now as it has been for years. drinking a cup of poison and expecting it to Let me start by saying forgiveness is not a hurt the person who injured you. That doesn’t feeling, it is an act. Forgiveness is at the happen. Forgiveness releases the person from volitional level. Forgiveness is something that the payment, but more importantly, it releases is a part of my will — that you from the emotional I intend to do. I can and psychological loop of choose to forgive, or I can overwhelm, despair and Forgiveness is not choose not to forgive — it negativity. forgetting what has is my decision.

Lastly, forgiveness does Forgiveness is not not mean you have to happened to you, nor forgetting what has making excuses for the trust that person in that happened to you, nor area again. If they violated person who hurt or making excuses for the you, they violated you. person who hurt or offended you. It might Don’t make excuses for offended you. It might still them. Set up your still hurt, and the hurt, and the egregious boundaries, hold your egregious wrong done boundaries tight, get the wrong done to you might to you might still be still be factual; those healing you need for things do not change. yourself, and move on. factual; those things Forgiveness does not Healing is for you. do not change. require that you feel Forgiveness is the door to compassionate or get you there. They might sympathetic toward the never apologize or person who hurt you. Forgiveness is the act of acknowledge what they did, but once you have letting go of a debt owed to you by that person. received your own healing and strength in that Proverbs 19:11 says, “Good sense makes one area, you no longer need that apology. You are slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an no longer handcuffed to them or that offense.” Simply put, forgiveness is about you, situation. Enjoy your new freedom. Y not them. It includes them or is directed

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

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ATTY JOE RAGLAND, J.D., LL.M., LL.D. Personal Injury Trial Attorney/Workplace Injuries Tel. 601-969-5050 • Info: www.raglandministries.org Click CONTACT to subscribe to Ragland Newsletters

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

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. ~ LUKE 15:20, ESV

~ JOHN 3:16, ESV

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. ~ PSALM 103:13, ESV

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ~ EPHESIANS 6:4, ESV

The righteous who walks in his integrity — blessed are his children after him! ~ PROVERBS 20:7

Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.

~ PROVERBS 4:1-2, ESV

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

~PROVERBS 3:11-12, ESV

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And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. ~JOSHUA 24:15, ESV

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Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

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~ MATTHEW 7:9-11, ESV

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In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

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~ PROVERBS 14:26, ESV

Smiles by Design,

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. ~ PSALM 68:5, ESV

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But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. ~ ISAIAH 64:8, ESV

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ~ 1 JOHN 3:1, ESV 30 JUNE 2022 ❘ Mississippi Christian Living

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. ~ PROVERBS 23:22, ESV

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For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

~ ROMANS 8:14, ESV

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