Counseling students for Christ
8 school counselors share their hearts
● ‘How God prepared us to homeschool’
● 60 countries and counting: Training students for missions
Eight metro Jackson school counselors share their hearts in our Cover Story. From left: Casey Rowland of Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Amy Thornton of Hartfield Academy, Claire Jordan of First Presbyterian Day School, Lee Ozier of Jackson Prep, Kathy Sheffield of Jackson Academy, Blair Riley of Christ Covenant School, Brandi Benjamin of The Redeemer’s School, and Paula Pratt of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. See page 26.
Dr. Kristen White shares how she went from not wanting “anything to do with” missions to traveling the world for the gospel and training students to do the same. See page 36.
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 ensure 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.
Jekyll, Hyde, or Jesus?
Irecently read Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” and I highly recommend it. Not only is it a quick, compelling thriller, but it paints a tragic picture of life apart from Christ.
Stevenson, or RLS as I’ll call him, grew up in the Victorian era, when people were judged almost entirely by how they acted in public. In other words, did they say, wear, and do the “appropriate” things? Deviating from social norms would get you ostracized, even if your actions weren’t inherently sinful — for instance, if a woman dared to be employed outside the home. How scandalous!
It’s in this context that RLS places his London protagonist, Dr. Henry Jekyll, who is highly respected both personally and professionally. To keep his reputation intact, Jekyll hides and pushes down any of his current desires or past actions that could be considered abnormal. The reader never learns what these things are, but Jekyll knows they could ruin him in the community. He strains to live by society’s laws and to act like he enjoys it.
Until Jekyll finds a loophole, or so he thinks: a concoction that turns him into Mr. Edward Hyde, who lacks all sense of conscience and looks nothing like Jekyll. Hyde romps around the city and commits (mostly) unnamed sins. Nobody suspects that Hyde and Jekyll are one and the same. Whenever he needs to become Jekyll again, Hyde drinks another concoction.
At first, Jekyll is delighted. He can do all the deviant things he wants in the guise of Hyde! Then Jekyll goes to bed one night and wakes up the next morning as Hyde — without drinking anything. The change has come involuntarily. Jekyll soon realizes he has to make a choice, or he’ll be stuck as Hyde forever. Jekyll narrates here:
“ … and it fell out with me, as it falls with so vast a majority of my fellows, that I chose the better part and was found wanting in the strength to keep it.”
I won’t spoil the ending, but I’ll tell you what this story reminds me of: Paul’s words in Romans 7.
“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” (v. 18-20)
You might as well change the last part of verse 20 to “Hyde that dwells within me.” In fact, I’ve heard that RLS got some of his inspiration for “Jekyll and Hyde” from this chapter of scripture!
The difference is, Paul takes responsibility for his sin — and takes it to Christ. “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (v. 24-25a)
Jekyll thinks his only options are:
● Grit his teeth and hope he has the willpower to be good (which he doesn’t).
● Give up and be evil.
The third and best option is to surrender to Jesus.
In the next chapter of Romans, Paul says “the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death” (v. 2) and that Christians are “predestined to be conformed to the image of (Christ)” (v. 29). God doesn’t just forgive us when we trust in Christ: He empowers us to live by the Spirit, and He makes us more and more like Jesus.
The 21st-century South isn’t exactly Victorian England, but we still fall prey to Jekyll’s false dichotomy, even as professing Christians. On Sunday, we Jekyll: We walk into church with a painted-on smile and pretend we’re not as bad as everyone else. Monday through Saturday, perhaps with a break on Wednesday night, we Hyde (pun intended): We pursue our disordered passions in the shadows.
There is a third option. We can develop relationships with trustworthy believers, admit our struggles, and seek godly accountability, which is only possible in Christ. Maybe you’re bound up in legalism; maybe you’re living in the pigsty of rebellion. Maybe you find yourself pingponging between both! Wherever you are, please don’t settle for being Jekyll or Hyde. Surrender to Jesus and be His. Y
Katie Ginn katie@mschristianliving.com
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How God prepared us for homeschooling
This back-to-school season brings a new vibe to our home. Homeschooling our two kids had become a desire of my heart, and the Lord in His graciousness granted us that opportunity. Since committing to homeschooling, I’ve started to realize how God has been preparing us for this season for years.
In 2016, I was a journalist working at the state Capitol. It was another year of political debating over Mississippi’s education funding. It was the first time I thought, “I’m not sure how I would feel about putting my kids in school.” But what did I know? I didn’t even find out I was pregnant with my first child until six months later, and by then I was convinced: My kid is going to daycare, then public school.
In December 2017, maternity leave ended, and I went back to work. In the next nine weeks, Taylor never attended a full week of daycare without illness. My entire paycheck went to daycare, doctor
CHURCH GROUPS
visits, prescriptions, and treatments.
God provided a way to bring Taylor home when my sister, who worked at the daycare, agreed to leave that job and come sit with Taylor while finishing college online and working toward a “big girl job.” For six more months, I continued to work until a friend contacted me about a job writing online. I got the job and got to come home. The owner of the website I’d be writing for, Alan Lange, also ran a staffing company.
Alan helped my sister Emi find her first “big girl job” as a legal assistant. God provided for us all.
Fast forward 18 months, and my daughter had recovered from surgery to remove her eye due to cancer. All was finally calm — for about a month, until COVID shut the world down.
Between Taylor’s hospital visits and my grandmother living with us, we fell into nearly every high-risk category. As if that weren’t enough, God provided our son, Jacob, to complete our family. Time passed, Nana moved into assisted living, and Taylor was ready for preschool. We had tried at home during COVID, but in those years, Taylor missed valuable playtime with peers. Again, God’s provision: Park Place Christian Academy was the perfect fit.
I brought my daughter to the school and joined the PTA. Shoot, we joined the church that operated the academy! Home is where my kids are, so I essentially lived at the school most days.
But for us, the traditional school lifestyle wasn’t a fit. At the end of the day, we were all exhausted. We weren’t getting the best of each other. We were getting what was left.
For months, I had mentioned homeschooling. My husband one day said if I wanted to homeschool the kids, he was in full support.
In every stage, God has provided.
Whether you’re homeschooling your kids or pursuing the traditional route, God’s provision remains. He provided you with your kids and with the wisdom to raise them. He provided His Word to guide you as you guide them.
In this back-to-school season, I leave you with this verse — the same one I’m teaching my kids this week — to remind you of God’s provision:
“Every good and perfect thing is from above, coming down from the Father.” – James 1:17. Y
Courtney and her husband, Jeremy, live in Brandon and are members at Park Place Baptist Church in Pearl. They have a daughter, Taylor, and a son, Jacob. Courtney is a full-time homemaker and can be reached at courtneyingle89@gmail.com.
Taylor (left) and Jacob Ingle during their school day.
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What is your role?
Outside:
Afew years ago, my daughter and I joined a mission group near San Cristobal, Nicaragua. We expected an adventure filled with service opportunities, but the real lessons came from unexpected places.
The focus was to help dig water lines for villages that lacked reliable drinking water. Local leaders had a plan, but the work needed many hands. Our crew worked alongside theirs to dig over five miles of trenches with only shovels and rock splitters.
Coming from the United States, where machinery usually does this work, reality set in. We paired off to loosen and toss rock after rock, pushing toward the required 40inch depth. Our hands and muscles hurt. However, seeing others making progress kept us going. The goal wasn’t just clean water — it was community in action.
We also spent time in villagers’ homes, helping to build indoor kitchens that were better ventilated, and caring for their children while the parents helped. Each person in the village played a vital role. Some made food, others farmed, taught, or repaired. Their lives intertwined like puzzle pieces, revealing a system of shared purpose.
One family stood out. As we helped build their indoor stove, we bonded with them despite language barriers. The men worked on mortar and framing, while some of the women and teens painted, organized, and
fed the crew. My daughter learned to make tortillas by hand under the guidance of one of the mothers. We didn’t just witness their way of life. We became part of their community for a short while.
Inside:
That trip reminds me of how much life mirrors the village model where every person matters. Whether it’s a colleague on a work project, a caregiver in a family, or a neighbor lending a hand, we all play roles that keep the whole functioning. Often our identity and even our sense of value emerges most clearly in community.
We’re not called to be everything to everyone, but we are called to offer our Godgiven gifts. Sometimes the challenge is that illness, grief, setbacks, or life transitions may realign our role or how we contribute. Even then, our value doesn’t diminish; it just changes expression.
Recovery from addiction, for example, is not done well alone. It requires the support of others, the guidance of someone who’s walked that road before, and the willingness of the individual to surrender and follow others into the lifeboat. In this example and others, healing is a shared process.
Message:
We often underestimate the power of our individual story. Like links in a chain, each one of us holds the tension for someone else. If even one link is missing, the chain breaks.
Max Lucado once said, “God is using today’s difficulties to strengthen you for
tomorrow.” Even the messy or painful parts of your story can become someone else’s lifeline. It may be what makes you the perfect person to offer hope, direction, or healing. So what is your role?
It’s not just your job or title. It’s how your life connects to others and what you pour in. Your role matters to your coworkers, your church, your family, and your community. Whether you’re a healer, encourager, planner, or helper, God has placed you in a greater story. You are essential.
See yourself the way God sees you: invaluable, connected, and deeply needed. That’s your role. Live that out to its fullest. Y
Chris Bates is CEO of AgoraEversole, a full-service marketing agency in Jackson, and can be reached at Chris@AgoraEversole.com. He and his wife, Stacy, live in Madison and have adult children and three grandboys.
Columnist Chris Bates (far right) helps install an indoor stove in Nicaragua.
THE EXCITEMENT
WHERE FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE UNITE
Metro education: New leaders, new school
Check out who’s coming on board at these metro Jackson independent schools — plus one brand-new micro-school that’s opening!
New micro-school: Empowered Prep Academy
New leader: Magnolia Speech School
Empowered Prep Academy is a Christian Learning Center that serves families with students in grades 3-12 who desire a flexible and more individualized learning environment. We specialize in supporting students who have dyslexia. We operate from a student-centered and project-based approach, which encourages students to take ownership of their education. Part of our mission is to cultivate our students’ strengths while supporting and building the areas in which they may not currently excel. Our center addresses students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. Our environment encourages and supports their spiritual knowledge and growth. We offer full-time and parttime flexible options to support families, including homeschoolers. Our founder is a former public school teacher, specialist, and she is also a homeschool parent. We are located in Jackson and are set to open on August 18, 2025! For more information, visit EmpoweredPrepAcademy.org or email info@empoweredprepacademy.org. — Nefertiti Harris, founder and director
New leader: Hillcrest Christian School
Hillcrest Christian School is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Charles E. Lacy as its new head of school, effective July 1, 2025. With more than 30 years in education, Lacy brings a wealth of experience, having served in leadership positions at Canopy CARES School, Holmes County School District, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi, and the Jackson Public School District. He is known for strategic planning programs for academic excellence, student-centered leadership, and positive school culture.
“Mr. Lacy brings a wealth of experience in transforming educational environments,” said Hillcrest board chair LaNita GainesHargett. “He has a well-established reputation for revitalizing schools, building strong instructional teams, and fostering a positive school culture where teachers feel supported and students thrive.”
Magnolia Speech School is proud to announce the appointment of Angy Graham as its new executive director for the 2025-2026 school year. With over three decades of experience in education and educational leadership, Graham brings a deep commitment to empowering children to achieve their greatest potential. Her passion for inclusive learning and her strategic vision make her a strong leader to guide Magnolia into its next chapter.
Mrs. Graham’s collaborative approach aligns with Magnolia’s mission to help children develop essential communication skills through personalized instruction and family support. As executive director, she will focus on continuing the school’s legacy of excellence, expanding community partnerships, and enhancing educational programs.
The Magnolia Speech School community is excited to welcome Mrs. Graham and looks forward to her leadership as the school continues to grow and serve children with hearing impairments and language disorders in Mississippi and beyond.
New leader: Mt. Salus Christian School
Mt. Salus Christian School is excited to welcome Mary Kathryn Whittle as our new head of school. A Mt. Salus graduate herself, having attended from kindergarten through 12th grade, Mary Kathryn brings a lifelong connection to the school and a deep commitment to its mission. With degrees from Mississippi State University and a master’s in counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary, she has served on both faculty and staff and now steps into leadership with a heart for ministry and growth.
“Mt. Salus isn’t about a place — it’s about the people,” Mary Kathryn shares. “I’ve experienced firsthand the impact of teachers and leaders who show up every day to teach, lead, and love students as the hands and feet of Jesus.”
Mr. Lacy stated: “I look forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to foster a structured, nurturing, and innovative Christian environment where every student can thrive.”
As head of school, Mary Kathryn is dedicated to continuing that legacy, offering a Christ-centered education that shapes minds, forms hearts, and transforms lives through the lens of a biblical worldview. Y
Nefertiti Harris
Charles E. Lacy
Angy Graham
Mary Kathryn Whittle
From insecurity to strength: How I found my worth in Christ
Growing up, I was active in church and attended a Christian university. I believed I was secure in my identity in Christ and, by extension, my worth. However, in 2019, failing a crucial career exam brought me to my lowest point. I was ashamed, especially since so many colleagues had passed it on their first try, and I felt my personal worth plummet.
During the difficult days and weeks after, God began to reveal that I was placing my identity and my worth in people, in my career, and in my facade of “everything is fine.” I was striving to be the most liked person in the room, seeking approval as a measure of my value. It was a difficult revelation, leading to repentance and a relearning of what it means to live in and for Christ, and crucially, what it means to find my worth in Him alone.
This lesson transformed how I approached my career and relationships. I began to worship differently, I stopped chasing accolades, and I learned to say no when necessary. I started stepping into the life God had called me to and understanding that my worth was in Him, not in my job title, degrees, social media presence, or relationships.
Living authentically in Christ
When your identity and worth are secure in Christ, your choices — from how you spend your time to how you dress — shift from a pursuit of fitting in or impressing others to an authentic reflection of who you are becoming. You have the freedom to pursue what matters, to serve others, and to live with integrity, all stemming from an understanding of your inherent value.
Personally, it felt like a tremendous load was lifted. I returned to my studies with renewed purpose and passed the exam. God has shaped me into the HR professional I am today, and I’m still discovering new layers of God through my identity in Christ and the continuing revelation of His immense value for me!
Join the journey to discover your worth in Christ
When I heard about this year’s MCL Women’s Retreat, Finding Our Worth in Christ, happening September 19 and 20 at Broadmoor, my heart leaped. I pray that at least one person who attends will walk away with a newfound identity and sense of worth in Christ. When your identity is firmly rooted in Christ, your focus shifts from external validation to an overflow of inner peace. It’s the freedom to live authentically — not to impress, but to express the joy that comes from knowing you are deeply loved by your Creator, and that in Him you have found your worth.
Will I see you there?
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20 Y
Nicole Brown, the creative force behind Lelia’s Southern Charm, channels her passion for fashion into inspiring content, sharing her latest finds, Pinterest-worthy outfits, and local favorites. When not curating her digital closet, she’s exploring new destinations and cultivating a community that celebrates finding the joy in the everyday! Find her at LeliasSouthernCharm.com, @leliassoutherncharm on Instagram or TikTok, and Lelia’s Southern Charm on Facebook and Pinterest.
Sharing stories of real-life Christianity the good, the bad, and the “oh my word.”
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Dr. Carolyn Weber from agnostic to Christian (August 7)
Ansley Claire Strong on surviving freshman year of college (August 21)
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Life Plan Communities support senior wellness, fulfillment
August is National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to promoting self-care, healthy routines, and overall wellbeing. Reflecting on how to maintain lasting wellness, one innovative model stands out: Life Plan Communities. These senior living options offer older adults a blend of independence, care, and opportunities for holistic support.
Mississippi’s preeminent all-inclusive Life Plan Ccommunity is St. Catherine’s Village in Madison, where a continuum of care — independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing — are all located on one incredible 160-acre campus. This means that residents can remain in familiar surroundings even as their health needs change, reducing the stress of relocating and providing peace of mind for both individuals and their families.
However, Life Plan Communities are more than just living solutions designed to help residents age in place with confidence. At their core, they focus on supporting every dimension of wellness: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual.
Physical wellness and preventative care
Like most Life Plan Communities, St. Catherine’s emphasizes active living. A fitness center, heated indoor swimming pool, and outdoor walking trails are available for residents to use as they are able. In addition, professionals specialized in fitness for seniors regularly lead exercise and wellness classes. On-site medical services and preventative care programs make it easier for individuals to manage chronic conditions and proactively maintain their health.
Social connections and mental health
Loneliness and isolation can have serious effects on mental and physical health, particularly for seniors. Fortunately, Life Plan Communities provide a built-in social network. At St. Catherine’s, daily activities, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and communal dining keep residents connected and engaged. Strong social ties have been linked to lower rates of depression, improved cognition, and even longer lifespans.
Lifelong learning and intellectual growth
A key factor in overall wellness is intellectual stimulation — a key
focus for Life Plan Communities. Whether through guest speakers, a book club, creative arts programs, gardening, music, or games, St. Catherine’s presents occasions for residents to challenge their minds and explore new interests. This engaging environment encourages curiosity and helps keep cognitive functions sharp.
Emotional and spiritual support
For emotional and spiritual well-being, St. Catherine’s features a chapel with Catholic and Protestant services, along with Bible study groups and access to additional resources. This holistic approach allows residents to more comfortably navigate transitions, process grief, and find meaning and purpose in daily life.
Peace of mind for the future
A sense of security is one of the most powerful benefits of a Life Plan Community, contributing to reduced stress and greater overall contentment. Knowing that care options are available, whether needed now or later, gives residents and their families confidence in their future. At St. Catherine’s, independent living is available in apartments and garden homes, assisted living in Marian Hall, memory care in Campbell Cove, and skilled nursing in Hughes Center, Siena Center, and Tuscany. Life Plan Communities not only promote personal well-being but also model what it means to care for a whole person — body, mind, and spirit. To learn how thoughtful design, integrated services, and supportive relationships can help seniors thrive at St. Catherine’s Village, schedule a personal tour. Visit StCatherinesVillage.com or call 601.856.0123. Y
Enrich your life at St. Catherine’s Village, Madison’s preeminent all-inclusive Life Plan Community. Whatever your senior living needs are, you’ll find the right care at the right time.
today!
Counseling students for Christ 8 school counselors share their hearts
BY
PHOTO
JOE ELLIS PHOTOGRAPHY
MCL Editor Katie Ginn recently interviewed eight school counselors from metro Jackson independent schools about what God has taught them through their work and what encouragement they’d
like to share with parents and students. Plus, don’t miss nuggets of wisdom from more school counselors at the end!
AMY THORNTON
High-school counselor, Hartfield Academy
What she does: Guidance counseling, testing, college and career prep, course requests, and dual credit coordination. Issues she sees most: Stress and anxiety. What she emphasizes with students: Pointing them to Christ at every turn. Any time I can pray with a student, I feel like it helps them refocus on what’s most important, which is Christ. I try to remind them, there’s nothing you have been through that Jesus your Savior didn’t walk through.
Hardest part of her job: Reaching every student. I try to be present at break and lunch and make eye contact and say hello, just to get a good feel for how they’re responding. Then I follow up with hey, why don’t you come see me and we’ll just do a check-in? Once I get them in here, I can have a more in-depth conversation.
Favorite part of her job: Going on the mission trips with them, because it is so fulfilling to get to go minister and watch them minister to people. And I’m able to
really bond with them on those trips.
Biggest lesson God has taught her through her work: Everything is not black and white. (laughs) Proverbs 18:17 says, ‘The person who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.’ That helps me hold off on judging someone.
What she wishes parents understood: To just let their kids be kids, and maybe not push them so hard.
What she wishes students understood: That this is just a small portion of their life, and they’ll look back one day and what seemed monumental right now is a blip on the radar.
Her biggest wish for students when they graduate: That they would stay Christ-centered, continue to stay in church — so, continue to be who they are and not let the world change them.
BLAIR RILEY Guidance counselor, Christ Covenant School
Students she interacts with most: Mostly sixth to eighth grade and mostly
girls. But we have a guy on staff, Bobby Epps, who is part time, and he will work with some of the guys.
Issues she sees most: In elementary, it’s children who either have parents who are ill or maybe have some anxiety. The most common things are anxiety and friendships (regardless of age).
What she emphasizes with students: Number one, I pray with every student or parent that comes into my office. And I almost always give them a scripture.
With elementary kids, we talk about the THINK acronym: Is what we’re about to say true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, kind? Also, we can’t control what other people say to us, but you don’t have to let it steal your joy.
With the older kids, we talk about the ways you can be in gossip. Are you an instigator, a participant, do you listen, or do you walk away?
For anxiety, we’ll do grounding techniques.
Hardest part of her job: It’s hard to give it to the Lord and not try to take it home and fix it all.
Best part of her job: Praying with everyone. To me, it’s increased my faith.
Biggest lesson God has taught her through her work: That I can’t do this job without Him. And that the mistakes I’ve made when I was younger have made me a better counselor.
What she wishes parents understood: That God is sovereign over your child’s life. We have to be OK with them walking a different path than we might have chosen, but to constantly make eye contact, ask questions, and try to lead with a balance of grace and obedience.
What she wishes students understood: Confidence in Christ and compassion for others.
BRANDI BENJAMIN Office manager, The Redeemer’s School (K4-8)
What she does: We have counselors who come in through The Net. If it’s an occasion when they can’t come, I’ll talk to the students.
Students she interacts with most: Mostly the younger kids. The majority of the ones I saw last year were second through fourth graders.
Issues she sees most: The older students, usually it’s more about attitude. The smaller kids, it’s probably more of trying to fit in or maybe understanding rules.
What she emphasizes with students: You have to respect an adult. You can express your feelings, but in a respectful way. I will find myself trying to calm a lot of students down.
Hardest part of her job: Some situations you see that just break your heart, and you can’t do anything about it but pray.
Biggest blessing of her job: All of our students have felt safe enough to come and talk to me about things they have going on, and I feel like that’s a blessing.
Biggest lesson God has taught her through her work: Compassion and nonjudgment. Some kids come in with dirty clothes or smell a certain way. So, not judging that kid, and not even taking it out on that parent, because you don’t know what they have going on.
What she wishes parents understood: That a lot of things start at home, and
although their children are with us eight hours out of every day, they still have to do their part.
What she wishes students understood: That it’s not that we don’t want to have fun … but that school is a time for learning.
Her biggest wish for students as they transition to ninth grade: That they succeed in whatever they do, they work hard, they try their best and show that they learned something.
CASEY ROWLAND
Elementary counselor, Madison-Ridgeland Academy
What she does: Meet with children if their parents or teacher refer them. But probably my main role is a character education program called God Glimpses. Every month, I go into the classrooms and do a lesson on a characteristic of God and how that informs our character.
Issues she sees most: General anxiety. In fourth and fifth grade, I see some friendship and relationship issues. But especially with the younger ages, it’s anxiety.
Hardest part of her job: I’m not called to fix it. I’m just called to sit with them in it and feel the weight of it with them. There have been nights when I’ve woken up worrying about a child. But it is a grace to me because it forces me to be dependent on God.
Biggest blessing of her job: The relationships I get to build with the kids and teachers. My principal also lets me bring the fun. We do a Friday dance party:
At the end of the day, I’ll come over the intercom and do the announcements, and then I play a song and everybody dances.
Biggest lessons God has taught her through her work: That I don’t have to have all the answers, and I don’t have to fix everything. There really is power in just being with somebody.
What she wishes parents understood: That there is no perfect way to parent your child. If you were the perfect parent, your kid wouldn’t need Jesus. God will use the things you did great and the things you totally failed at.
What she wants students to understand by the time they leave fifth grade: The Father’s delight in them. I mean, truthfully, did you wake up today and say, ‘God delights in me’? If I did, I would be a much kinder, more gracious person.
JORDAN School counselor,
First Presbyterian Day School (K-6)
What she does: I meet with students individually. I also teach a guidance lesson with kindergarteners weekly and first through sixth grade monthly.
What she emphasizes with students: With kindergarten through second grade, I focus more on identifying their emotions. Third through sixth grade, I’m teaching them how to regulate. So if they love soccer, then when your sister makes you mad, you’re going to go outside and kick the soccer ball.
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Hardest parts of her job: Helping parents and kids understand that it’s OK to feel upset and not have everything figured out. And that if you’re struggling with emotions or being motivated in school, it takes time to work through that.
Another challenge is that the kids’ days are so busy that they don’t really have time to reflect on how they feel.
Best part of her job: If we’re reflecting on the past week, and I ask, what did you do when you got mad? And they say something like, ‘Well, I used the breathing technique we talked about.’ That’s always really rewarding.
Biggest lesson God has taught her through her work: There are so many times where I don’t know the right steps or the right thing to say, and I have had to work on going to the Lord in those moments and not putting the pressure on myself to have all the answers.
What she wishes students understood: How loved and supported they are. When you feel loved and supported, you are better able to cope with things.
Her biggest wish for students as they transition to seventh grade: That they have their identity in Christ and let that be what leads them into this next phase where there is all this search for self-identity.
School nurse, preschool and lower-school counselor, Jackson Academy
Students she interacts with most: As a nurse, mostly lower-school kids. I also do
weekly visits in K4 and K5. It’s social emotional learning. First through fifth grade, I do monthly visits.
Issues she sees most: Anxiety, which sometimes is related to ADD or ADHD. Amazingly, we see a lot of anger. That’s been my goal the last couple of years — it’s fine to be mad, but we can’t hurt ourselves or others. It’s fine to be sad, but if it doesn’t get better, tell an adult. I’m trying to equip them for things that they may not be struggling with now, but it’s coming.
Hardest part of her job: Seeing kids who struggle, and you can’t fix it. As a nurse, you’re trained to fix things, so that’s hard for me.
Biggest blessing of her job: That I’m at a private school and we can talk about God.
Biggest lesson God has taught her through her work: That I can’t fix things — that He can fix things. Sometimes, He’s telling me to get out of the way.
What she wishes parents understood: Just to let them be kids. Don’t schedule every moment of their life. I can look back and see things I wish I had done differently, and that’s one of them.
What she wishes students understood: You’re going to be OK. I have kids come back and say, I didn’t think I was going to make it through third grade, but you told me I would, and I did.
Her greatest wish for students as they enter middle school: I’ll feel like I’ve done my job if they get up there and they can handle anything they face. And we have a great middle-school counselor. I feel comfortable leaving my babies with her.
LEE OZIER
Upper-school counselor of boys, director of The Learning Center, Jackson Prep
What he does: For The Learning Center, I go to the directed studies (classes) and talk to those students and teachers. That’s for students who are struggling academically but don’t have an officially diagnosed learning difference.
At any point in the year, I may hear from a teacher who’s concerned about a student, and I’ll meet with them.
We’re working on student schedules right now. After the semester begins, I’ll meet with new students who’ve transferred in, make sure they’re OK. I also teach a course in world religions.
Hardest part of his job: Making that call to a parent that their child is not going to pass the year, or if the student’s going to have to find another school.
Favorite parts of his job: We’ve had The Learning Center for four years, and we just had our group that began as ninthgraders — they all graduated on time.
And some conversations with students can get into a faith area about trust and relying on the Lord.
I really enjoy the adults that I work with as well: teachers, coaches, administrators, and staff.
Biggest lesson God has taught him through his work: To be more empathetic and less judgmental toward parents.
What he wishes parents understood: Students need to be allowed to fail so they can learn on their own. You can see those students who’ve been allowed to struggle and those who’ve not been.
What he wishes students understood: That they would appreciate the adults who are working with them, and also simply be kinder to themselves and others.
His biggest wish for his students when they graduate: To become not just wealthy but also good citizens. That they would serve and extend God’s kingdom on earth.
Article continues on page 34
KATHY SHEFFIELD
PAULA PRATT
your social life, and they have to look perfect on social media. It makes me worried for this anxious generation.
Favorite part of her job: Watching them grow up from ninth through 12th grade. I have this little ninth-grade group I’m an advisor for, and I cannot wait to watch them become seniors, taking on leadership roles on campus.
Biggest lesson God has taught her through her work: To be the reason students feel welcome and seen and heard and valued and loved and supported.
failed or I didn’t get what I wanted, I really just grew during that moment.
What she wishes students understood: So much of our anxiety or friction is caused by a wrong tone of your voice or maybe even that negative tone in your brain. ‘My best friend is mad at me.’ Is she really, or did you just hear that tone? If they talk to her, they realize, ‘Oh, I just took it the wrong way.’
Director of college counseling, St.
What she wishes parents understood: To help their kids understand that failure is not a measure of their worth, and it’s just a chance for a new start. Whenever I’ve
Her biggest wish for students as they graduate: For them to love deeply, to have the courage to do what is right, to have the wisdom to know what matters. And to be placed in the right town, college, and job where they will be able to use their gifts. Y
Andrew’s Episcopal School
Issues she sees most: These teenagers feel like they have to be perfect, especially in these elite schools. My job is to remind them, you’re made in God’s image. Give yourself grace.
Hardest part of her job: As an adult, you’re great at what you majored in. In high school, you’ve got to be great at math and English and science and sports and
More
school counselors offer encouragement for parents and students
BETH HOOKS
Mt. Salus Christian School, Clinton
As the school year begins, I would encourage parents to establish healthy rhythms and routines as a family, particularly for their students. Prioritize family time, and don’t overbook your child’s schedule. Students need adequate rest in order to show up to school each day ready to learn and grow. Encourage your student that they can do the hard things! Help them foster independence and responsibility that will prepare them to be successful. Letting your child experience disappointment and even failure builds resilience, which often leads to learning, growth, and maturity. Make home a soft landing place for your child, where they know they are loved for who they are, not for what they do. Make a point to get
to know your child’s teachers and school counselor. The school counselor has a variety of resources available to help your student be successful. Have a great year!
LESLEY CANNADA
Dean of students and guidance counselor, Clinton Christian Academy
I always look forward to a new school year and the new opportunities for both parents and students. Parents, being present and patient is the foundation of your student’s success. Your support helps them navigate challenges. Students, enjoy the journey! Mistakes help us grow. Embrace each day as a new opportunity. One of my favorite parts of my job is watching the senior class prepare for their journey after graduation. Y
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60 countries and counting: Dr. White trains students for missions
Growing up in a Baptist church in Oklahoma, Kristen White knew all about missionary Lottie Moon — who served in China for 40 years and died starving, giving her food away to Chinese children, in 1912.
If that was missions? “I was like, ‘I don’t want anything to do with that,’” Kristen recalls, laughing.
Still, as a high-school senior, she felt the Lord calling her to ministry, specifically “to train and equip God’s people for acts of service.” When she told her church, the music minister said, “I would bet money that what you end up doing in ministry, you haven’t even heard about yet.”
He was right. It would be seven years before Kristen heard the word “mobilization.” Today, she has mobilized thousands of people to preach the gospel of Jesus among the nations.
For the past nine years, she’s been doing that as chair and professor of international studies at Belhaven University in Jackson. But long before then, God had to give her a heart for missions.
‘Babbling like a 2-year-old’
In Kristen’s office at Belhaven’s Billy Kim International Center, colorful studentdrawn posters fill the walls. Hats of all kinds adorn a hat rack. Miniature flags represent each of the countries Kristen has visited — 60 and counting.
It was during her own college years that missions finally clicked for her:
“I took a course (that) helped me understand God’s heart for the nations,” she says. “In Genesis 12, God tells Abraham, ‘I will bless those who come from you’ (and ‘all peoples on earth will be blessed through you’). We’re blessed to be a blessing.
“And prior to that, I thought missions was only in Acts, and some trips that Paul took. Understanding that that’s the theme that connects all of scripture was the aha moment. Finally, I understood my purpose.”
The following summer, in 1997, she visited East Asia. After graduation, she spent two years there, teaching English and learning the local language — as best she could, anyway.
“I had found a lot of my worth in how I performed in school. And now (I was) babbling like a 2-year-old (trying to speak the language),” she says. “You feel like, ‘I’m not good at anything anymore.’ (But) my third semester there, moving into my second year, was probably my best.”
She started expanding her “bland” palate and enjoying the local food; the people she met were amazing; and one moment stood out:
Dr. Kristen White in her office at Belhaven University’s Dr. Billy Kim International Center.
Kristen (far left) with some of her neighbors, who became her community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kristen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and credits the disease with helping her be more “human” in the classroom.
Kristen (second from right) with Belhaven grads.
Kristen (far right) on the “Sound of Music” tour in Austria in 2007.
Kristen with a friend in East Asia.
Kristen (far right) recently visited her 60th country to scout a possible mission trip for students.
“I had a Christmas party at my house, and I was playing the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in the background. They were singing ‘Happy Birthday Jesus,’ and I heard a little girl ask her mom, ‘Who is Jesus?’ And her mom said, ‘I don’t know, I’ve never heard that name before.’ That’s when you realize, this is why I’m here.”
From Asia to California to Jackson
When Kristen returned to the States in 2000, she went to seminary in California with a plan to head back overseas after getting her master’s (two, actually — one in theological studies and one in intercultural studies).
While she was in seminary, the school asked her to serve on their short-term missions sending team. Meanwhile, she started studying how the U.S. state department trained people for overseas work.
“I thought, ‘Oh, surely we in the church can do this too,’” she recalls. The church was on point in training people to teach the Bible, but she was discovering the much-needed additional element of equipping people to engage different cultures.
That became the focus of her master’s thesis — and her new career. She started as an adjunct teaching intercultural communication at California Baptist University, while also mobilizing 400
Bookcases in Kristen’s office display a miniature flag from each country she has visited.
students, staff, and faculty for missions each year.
She loved it all. But she wanted to be in the classroom full time. She wanted to train more “kingdom professionals,” meaning both future missionaries and those who simply have a heart for the nations, as we all should.
So she completed a doctorate and started applying for teaching positions in her field at Christian universities. She got a call from Belhaven and was asked for a phone interview.
Kristen had always worked for Southern Baptist institutions. Belhaven was Presbyterian. She prepared accordingly. When the interviewer said, “I just have one more question,” she thought she knew what was coming.
Then he said, “You know Belhaven is located in Jackson, Mississippi, right?”
Culture shock, community, and cancer
Kristen has lived everywhere from Oklahoma to East Asia, San Francisco, and southern California — but the hardest move of her life was relocating to Mississippi, she says.
“The first three years were challenging. I had been here about three months, and a colleague said, ‘You really won’t be accepted into the community until you’ve been here 12 years.’”
Not to mention the fact that Mississippi has fewer passports per capita than any other state. For globetrotting Kristen, that was culture shock.
“ I had found a lot of my worth in how I performed in school. And now (I was) babbling like a 2-year-old (trying to speak another language).”
“But after three years, when the Lord made it clear to me He had not left me here, He had kept me here, I began to build community,” she says. “I’ve initiated relationships that go beyond the obligatory birthday party.”
She and her neighbors got to know each other during COVID and still meet over a fire pit once a week to this day. Kristen also builds community through a book club and a women’s fantasy football group.
“Each week, as we compete against one another, we meet for coffee or lunch and pray for one another,” she says.
Meanwhile, at Belhaven, Kristen teaches courses like intercultural communication, world religions, and current global trends. But again, not all of her students are future “missionaries” in the traditional sense.
“Some of my favorite students are my global studies minors. Maybe they’re creative writing majors, and they’re thinking about how to write characters
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that are really true. Well, you have to understand culture. You have to understand we’re (all) going to talk differently, think differently.”
Another way her classes defy expectations: Those colorful posters on her office walls are final exams, she says.
“You have to, in 20 minutes, draw out what you’ve learned, and then get up and explain it in front of the whole class, and integrate the books you’ve read, the key themes. If you can do that in a single poster, you’ve got it.”
She also knows a class is going well if she herself is continuing to learn, grow, and gain new insights. The same could be said of her life outside the classroom.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer (in) 2023. That spring semester, my students … realized I was human,” she says. “And then there was a real crucible: Does Dr. White really practice what she preaches?”
The first thing God asked her to do when she was diagnosed was thank Him for it.
“But that was because I’d gone on a journey starting seven years prior when He asked me to thank Him for (my mom having early onset) Alzheimer’s. It took me a year. Myself, my sister, and my dad all got to a place where we could thank God for that.” Kristen’s mother, Pat White, passed away in 2018 after an eight-year battle with the disease.
Kristen underwent many surgeries but is now cancer-free and will be on medication for the next several years in order to stay that way. She also believes she’s a better professor now — her struggles have made her relatable. “I’m a fellow sister in Christ with my students.”
‘Trust that God is using it’
Kristen will turn 50 in February, and she has never been married. She’s a lot more content with that now than she used to be.
“The 30s are probably the hardest. That’s when, for me, I suddenly discovered I was single. Doesn’t mean there wasn’t a desire to be married at one point, because there was. You pray through that,” she says.
“The 40s have been a lot better. What I consistently focus on is, singleness is a gift. There are pros and cons to both (singleness and marriage). I have amazing friends who are married and have kids. But my married friends are constantly telling me all the things they’re envious of.”
For those struggling through singleness
A hat rack in Kristen’s colorful office holds a variety of hats — yes, including a “brain” hat on the left!
or any other season, she says, “Trust that God is using it” — however short or long it turns out to be.
Just as Kristen couldn’t thank God for Alzheimer’s right away, the gratitude might take a while. But “we constantly need to position ourselves to thank Him for where we’re at now,” she says. “There’s a refiner’s fire in that.”
Travel tidbits
Her most recent trip: A country she’s never visited, in Western Asia. “It’s a scouting trip to send students,” she says. Favorite place she’s visited (besides her two -year stint in East Asia): Southern Germany or Austria. “The hills really are alive with the sound of music. Yes, I have been on the ‘Sound of Music’ tour. It’s fantastic. It’s the only place I’ve wanted to see in all four seasons.” (And by the way, the vast majority of Kristen’s travels are for missions, “but I can also enjoy a good vacation in Italy,” she says.) Y
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*See Holmescc.edu for full qualification details. Holmes Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or genetic information in its educational programs and activities, employment practices, or admissions processes. The following administrators have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI, ADEA, and Title IX are coordinated by the Vice President for Compliance and Institutional Research, Henry B. McClellan Administration Building, Post Office Box 369, Goodman, MS 39079, Phone: 662-472-9429, compliance@holmescc.edu. Inquiries regarding compliance with Section 504 and ADA are coordinated by the Disability Student Services Coordinator, M.R. Thorne Vocational-Technical Building, Room 110, Post Office Box 369, Goodman, MS 39079, Phone: 662-472-9088, disabilitysupportservices@holmescc.edu.
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How the Dominican Republic showed me God’s love
Going to the Dominican Republic taught me a lot of things, but it mainly taught me how amazing God’s love really is. As a kid, I searched for love in a lot of places. Broken family, failed friendships, and self-doubt left me feeling empty inside. I would constantly try to please everyone in the room, do anything for anyone to feel appreciated, or mold myself into someone who I thought would fit in best. Although some of this would make me content for a little while, I was never truly full. I was still searching for something to fill the void inside me.
One night at Pinelake Madison, we were worshipping at a church camp, and for the first time, I felt God’s love — the only thing that would remove the empty feeling I had. Throughout my faith, I have realized that sometimes loving people is the truest way to show God to someone. I by no means have been perfect at it, but growing my love for the Lord and strengthening my relationship with Him has definitely made it easier.
I thought going to the Dominican would be one of the best ways to show God’s love to others. Little did I know that I would leave the Dominican learning more about love myself. The school and church community in the Dominican was something I had never experienced. Every single person, no matter the age, had a smile on
their face and immediately gave you a hug. I was amazed that no matter how many times I would not understand them in the conversation, they would keep trying to pursue a friendship with me. It reminded me that no matter how many times God works in my life, no matter if I see it or not, He never stops wanting to have a relationship with me and love me. The community there did not care how much they had or even what we brought for them; they truly just cared about us.
The experience I had in the Dominican was such a reality check for my life. I realized how important it is to fully love others. Bringing the idea of fully loving others back into my life meant that I would love others because we are all God’s children, not because of who the people were, what they have accomplished, or their appearance. I was taught by the Dominican Republic community that simply loving people because they are people is the most important and genuine type of love. God truly used the Dominican as an opportunity to show me how loving others is just as simple as that, but so very important. Y
Hey everyone! My name is Emma Kate Poole. I am a rising senior at Madison-Ridgeland Academy. Some of my favorite things to do are dance, read, and spend time with my friends and family! My favorite Bible verse is Galatians 2:20. I hope you enjoyed my column!
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.
New era of surgery arrives at St. Dominic Health
Precision. Comfort. Confidence. These are words patients may associate with surgical care at St. Dominic Health as the hospital welcomes the arrival of the most advanced roboticassisted platform available today — the Intuitive da Vinci 5® surgical system.
Long known for its commitment to compassionate care, St. Dominic Health is taking another bold step forward by introducing a system designed to make surgery less invasive and recovery easier — all while empowering surgeons with tools that improve precision, vision, and control.
The da Vinci 5® was designed with patients at the center. “The system simplifies setup and allows us to manage more functions independently from the console, which can help reduce overall procedure time and improve operating room efficiency,” said Dr. Paul Seago, a gynecology and oncology surgeon and chief clinical officer at St. Dominic Health.
“Plus, we now have the capability to consult in real time with colleagues in other locations during a procedure — bringing broader expertise into the operating room when needed.”
The da Vinci 5® represents a leap in surgical innovation. With more than 150 design improvements and 10,000 times the
computing power of its predecessor, it offers a future-ready platform that’s already reshaping what’s possible in minimally invasive surgery. Among its features is Force Feedback — technology that allows the surgeon to feel the pressure being applied to tissue, translating to gentler, more careful movements during procedures.
The team at St. Dominic Health is actively preparing to begin robotic-assisted procedures with da Vinci 5® later this year. For patients, this means greater access to advanced surgical technology — without leaving Mississippi.
Jeremy Tinnerello, Jackson market president, says, “We’re not just investing in technology — we’re investing in better outcomes, more options, and more compassionate care for our community. The da Vinci 5® is expected to help reduce complications, minimize scarring, and shorten recovery times for patients.”
“ The system is designed to make surgery less invasive and recovery easier — while empowering surgeons to improve precision, vision, and control.”
For the surgeons behind the technology, the benefits are clear. This system is designed to support better outcomes.
“The enhanced console is more comfortable and customizable, which can improve focus and reduce fatigue during long or complex surgeries. We also benefit from truer colors and higher resolution imagery, which supports better decision-making and potentially better results,” shared Dr. Jenetta Thompson, a general surgeon at St. Dominic Health.
With its focus on innovation, integration, and patient-centered care, the da Vinci 5® represents more than just a new machine — it’s the beginning of a new era in surgery at St. Dominic’s. And with it, patients can move forward in their health journeys feeling secure, supported, and expecting excellence. Y
St. Dominic staff watch the da Vinci 5® surgical system being tested.
“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”
~ PROVERBS 18:17, ESV
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
~ PSALM 139:14, KJV
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
~ GALATIANS 2:20, NLT
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. “
~ JAMES 3:17, ESV
“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.’”
~ GENESIS 12:1-2, ESV
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
~ JAMES 1:17, NLT
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
~ PROVERBS 1:7, KJV
“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”
~ PROVERBS 17:28-28, ESV
“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
~ EPHESIANS 5:15-17, NLT
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
~ PROVERBS 12:15, KJV
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. “
~ COLOSSIANS 3:16, ESV
“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
~ PROVERBS 11:2, NLT
“For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.”
~ LUKE 21:15, KJV
At St. Dominic Health, we’re focused on serving you in a manner dedicated to excellence, innovation, clinical expertise and respect for who you are as a person. We take every possible action to provide the highest level of care – when and where you need it. Our highly skilled team members each share this focus: excellence in healthcare. They’re the reason we’ve earned so many honors and accolades through the years. It is our honor and our mission to serve you and this community.
