Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine May/June 2019

THE MAGAZINE May/June 2019 Issue 24

Father’s Day Appreciation

TIFFANY FENNELL

Waiting On God

LARISSA BREWER STAY AT HOME MOM

APRIL BIGHAM

Defying The Odds

AN EXCLUSIVE SOIREE & FASHION SHOW

more inside…

PRESENTS THE 5TH ANNUAL EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE

SECURE IN HIM August 31, 2019 from 9am-1pm Two Mississippi Museums, 222 North Street, Jackson, MS

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Speakers are:

LaTanya DeLoach Kimberly Campbell • Mya Bell • Joanne Bell Wright • Maya Schopmeyer • Juanita Ward •

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased AT WOMANTOWOMAN5.EVENTBRITE.COM For more information, contact Joanne Bell Wright at 601-398-6733 Empowering Women Beyond Their Circumstances

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L

ife brings about new challenges, new changes, new opportunities, and so much more. My 43 years on this earth has taught me change is inevitable.

Relationships change; our appearances change; everything changes.

For the month of June, we want to share life with you. Whether we talk about Mother’s Day this past May or Father’s Day in June, we want to share life in its splendor, with all of its trials.

But we want to share how at the end of it all God is still there.

Mothers give life and nurture us and birth us into this world. Fathers give us identity; they help us determine who we are and who we are to become. I feel when you grow up without their guidance and “knowing,” it leaves a hole only God can fill. Sometimes I wonder why there are so many fatherless children in the world, and I wonder why God allows us to grow up without a father being present if it is true fathers give us identity.

Now, my father was in the house with me and my siblings. My parents blessed us with a two-parent home, but I know you can still grow up not knowing who you are or who God means for you to become even if you come from an in-tact home. I think in all of this, God wants to be our Father, our ultimate go-to. He wants us to come to Him for whatever we need and to trust in His timing to meet those needs. I read in the Bible how God is a jealous God and He will not be second to anyone or anything. I have lived long enough to know that to be true.

Learning to trust God to be whoever we need Him to be, when we need Him to be just that, is one of the most important, fulfilling and peaceful things we could ever do. Will you learn to trust Him and depend on Him? It’s time to try.

Love ya much!

Joanne

In This Issue Larissa Brewer, Stay At-Home Mom.............................................................................06 The Love Story of Sarah Joy & John Killebrew, Jr........................................................16 National Day of Prayer for Law Enforcement Officers..................................................20 Waiting on God-The Fennell Family.............................................................................24 April Bigham-Defyingthe Odds.....................................................................................28 Women in Music..........................................................................................................31 Women in Business.....................................................................................................32 Women in Real Estate..................................................................................................33 Women in Nursing.......................................................................................................36 Wall of Nurses.............................................................................................................37 Pet Appreciation Week.................................................................................................38 Mya Bell’s Collection of Nature Photos........................................................................39 Let Me Be A Father......................................................................................................41 Father’s Day Appreciation............................................................................................42 Nature Photography Day..............................................................................................46

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 24, May/June 2019

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LARISSA BREWER Stay At Home Mom

It is my pleasure to share a part of the story and the journey of Larissa Brewer as an athome mom. She is one of the sweetest moms I have met. We met at Pinelake Church, Madison Campus in 2016 shortly after she and her family moved from Nashville, Tennessee. Here is her story of being an athome mom.

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Have you always wanted to be an at-home mom?

“I have been at home with my children for nearly 10 years.

Before I was home, I was working as a bank teller, and I really enjoyed it. I planned to return to work soon after my scheduled maternity leave ended. However, after bringing our first child home from the hospital, my heart could not bear the thought of not being around her for the majority of the day. Walking away from work relationships and the income was difficult, but we committed it to

prayer, and believed God would provide, and He has.”

Do you see this as a ministry and do you feel it is your purpose to be an at-home mom?

“Yes. In the Bible, when Jesus and the disciples began ministry, they left things behind in order to follow Christ. Likewise, I walked away from opportunities and feel that what I’m doing is what God has called me to for this season.

I try to apply 1 Peter 5:2 to my motherhood daily. My goal is to tenderly lead my little ‘flock’ with an eagerness to serve God.”

I was working as a bank teller, and I really enjoyed it. I planned to return to work soon after my scheduled maternity leave ended.

However, after bringing our first child home from the hospital, my heart could not bear the thought of not being around her for the majority of the day.

Left to right, Josh, Aaron, Larissa, Aiden, Audrey & Aly

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What are the pros and cons of being an at-home mom?

“The greatest thing about being at home is never missing a moment. I love being the one to correct and nurture my kids through life’s difficult moments.

I love being able to explore with them and watch them discover new things. I love helping them develop healthy life-giving friendships. I love the opportunity to discover their interests and to help develop them. But, as with anything, it doesn’t come without difficulties. At times, it can feel lonely. Relationships take intentionality and planning.

I can also feel unaccomplished at times, because there is an endless to do list.”

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed being an at-home mom?

“Yes. I think both moms that work inside the home and who work outside the home can feel overwhelmed at times. After all, ‘a mother’s work is never done.’

I have two elementary children to teach and two little ones that need my constant attention.

When I feel overwhelmed, I realize that I need to ask for help. I’ve heard it said that the Proverbs 31 woman delegated her tasks. So for me, that looks like asking my children to help complete age-appropriate chores. Also, scheduling a date with my husband, meeting up with a friend, or running an errand.”

How do you schedule your down time with the Lord?

“Most of the time, being alone with the Lord happens at night after my kids are in bed.

Mornings have never worked out, because I felt rushed to try to

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make it happen before my kids wake up, and I didn’t feel like that was honoring the Lord. However, I do invite Him into the midst of our loud, chaotic, messy days, and I pray without ceasing.”

Do you make time to socialize with friends?

“Yes, socializing takes intentionality. Each week, I schedule plans with our friends. I

I love helping them develop healthy life-giving friendships. I love the opportunity to discover their interests and to help develop them. am so blessed to have incredible mom friends with children that love my children, which makes socializing a lot easier. My favorite thing to do right now is to meet up at Highland Village for a meal while the kids play in the outdoor area. I am also in constant communication with friends near and far by using the Polo app on my phone. Recently, my husband has encouraged me to meet with friends more often.

So, we are working on scheduling more of those in the near future.”

How easy or hard has it been homeschooling your babies?

“Homeschooling has been

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sweet and difficult at times. The early elementary years were precious and are dear to my heart. It was easy for me and brought me great joy to help them learn to read, write their names and calculate basic math problems. However, now having four children and an increasing academic load, we feel public school will be the best option for the upcoming fall.”

Do you find joy in being an athome mom?

“I remember very vividly my first day on the ‘job’. Taking my newborn baby girl out of the crib felt a lot like opening a present on Christmas morning. However, as more children have come into our hearts, so has more laundry filled baskets and more dishes in the sink. If I’m not careful, incomplete to do lists can really steal my joy. I believe gratitude helps me find my joy again. I’m thankful to have a supportive husband that gives me this opportunity. I also refocus my thoughts on what’s important— my children’s hearts.”

What advice would you give to another young mom contemplating whether to stay home with their babies or go to work?

“Working inside the home and outside the home are hard jobs. Both take sacrifices and strength. Being at home is not for everyone, and neither is being at work. Truly, weigh out the pros and cons of what would work best for your family. Commit the decision to prayer, and God will lead you into a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Either way, He will provide all that you need.”

Come Go With Me

DeonchentalGilbert@gmail.com

Facebook.com/TravelWithDeon

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 24, May/June 2019

Jordan Spring and William Harding Photo by Jori Gartrell

LET US SHARE YOUR HAPPINESS WITH THE WORLD! Announce your engagement with Woman to Woman with Joanne: The Magazine

Engagement Announcements:

$100 - half page with 2-3 pictures and 250 words $150 - full page with 4-6 pictures and 450 words $200 - two pages with 6-8 pictures and 750 words For more information, call 601-398-6733 or email woman2woman.joanne@yahoo.com

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INSURANCE

Awareness Day

By Joanne Bell Wright

I will talk life insurance today—one of the most important types of insurance to own—for Insurance Awareness Day on June 28. People use life insurance to leave an inheritance for their children and their grandchildren.

Others use it to save money, but most people use it for the burial when a loved one dies.

I remember growing up when my mom’s brother died, and he did not own a life insurance policy. The anguish his funeral caused—not only for his loss but because of his burial expenses—stayed etched on my 13-year-old mind forever.

My coworker invited me to a meeting at her company where they discussed the importance of being insured.

This was back in 2004. I got so excited that I jumped in and it has been my passion to educate people about life insurance ever since! Life insurance is a passion for me because I saw firsthand what it’s like to be on the other side of not having insurance. It’s the worst feeling when a loved one dies without enough money to bury them properly.

I remember growing up when my mom’s brother died, and he did not own a life insurance policy. The anguish his funeral caused—not only for his loss but because of his burial expenses—stayed etched on my 13-year-old mind forever.

Being at the funeral home, where we held the funeral service, I vividly

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recall the adults crowded in the back walking around looking so worried and talking amongst themselves.

My uncle’s casket was in place, the mourners seated, and it was time to start the funeral, but the service had

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not started. I went in the back and I heard all the distressed family and friends trying to figure out how to pay such a large sum of money for my uncle’s service. And the funeral directors refused to start the service until they knew who would cover the costs.

This memory sticks out to me more than ever as I scroll through social media and find GoFundMe accounts set up to help bury a child or family member. As parents, it’s always our plan to have our children bury us but it doesn’t always work out that way. It’s hard enough to lose a loved one unexpectedly but the added burden of figuring out how to lay him/her to rest without insurance adds undue stress to the grief.

In May 2016, my mom got sick. She stayed in the hospital off and on for three months, and she passed away on August 24, 2016.

The hardest part for me is that I never expected my mom to die.

I always saw her getting better and

walking out of that hospital. So much so, that I still fight with that right now. The good thing was, I put a plan in place for my mom before she got ill so there was a life insurance policy for her and the money to bury her as she deserved.

My nephew fell ill suddenly and died in July 2017. This was such a hard pill to swallow since we just lost our mom less than a year prior. Thankfully, my sister didn’t endure the added burden of worrying over burying her son because of the life insurance policy in place to pay for his funeral.

No one wants to consider a loved one leaving us, but dying is one of the few guarantees in life. We’re all going to leave this earth; but while we have a voice and a say in the matter, we can prepare. Our families shouldn’t be worried about money and funeral expenses when they are most distressed.

Life insurance is not the easiest thing to discuss, but it’s imperative we start a conversation. Protect your family by protecting your life.

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Diamond Owens Photo by Wil Sterling

Let us share your happiness with the world.

Announce your wedding with Woman to Woman with Joanne: The Magazine.

Wedding announcements:

$100 - half page with 2-3 pictures and 250 words $150 - full page with 4-6 pictures 450 words $200 - two pages with 6-8 pictures and 750 words For more information, call 601-398-6733 or email woman2woman.joanne@yahoo.com

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THE

LOVE STORY

OF JOHN & SARAH

A

cceptance into the Summer Internship at Pinelake, Madison Campus thrilled Sarah Joy. Her first thought was to attend Sunday service so she could learn a little about the campus before starting orientation the following Monday.

Little did Sarah realize that when she arrived for the worship service on May 27, 2018, her love story would begin. She looked around to discover as much as she could about the Madison campus. Sarah remembers what she was wearing and where she stood. She will never forget the exact moment her heart smiled with the acknowledgement that, Wow! That guy is pretty cute! I wonder what he does here.

Not more than a few minutes later Sarah Joy Peacock and John Killebrew, Jr. made introductions and Sarah discovered it was John’s first day on the job as a resident. “He’ll tell you I looked him up and down with a judging side glance,” Sarah said.

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“That is probably true.”

Sarah hoped to bump into John again once the internship began.

Thoughts of him never left her mind. Days passed and the second week was almost over. Sarah was working a basketball station when she noticed that John was following her wherever she went. One of her friends informed her that John had decided he wanted to learn more about her.

The following week, they left the Madison Campus for training. When the small group session finished, John walked up behind Sarah and whispered her name and said, “I have something to tell you.”

Sarah turned around, a little too fast.

She could tell what he was about to say, yet instead of what she thought he would say, John just said, “Oh, never mind.”

With a fearless smile Sarah

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said, “Telling someone you have something to tell them and then not telling them is one of the top ten rudest things a person can do.”

With a quick chuckle, John asked, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how rude is it?”

“Between an 8 and a 10. It’s extremely rude.”

“I will tell you tomorrow.”

“I will give you 24 hours. After that I will not speak to you.”

Sarah says she learned to be this bold from Jesus. “The Lord knew John would need to learn right off the cuff I was not to be messed with. It was time to learn he was up against some sass!”

The night of June 12, John spotted Sarah worshiping in a crowd of over five thousand. “I noticed how much she loved the Lord, and I

Photo credits to Leslie Pane White for the wedding pictures. The other two are by Lamar Images.

JOY KILLEBREW, JR.

saw the Spirit of the Lord through her worship. That is when I knew I wanted to marry her, even though I hardly knew her.”

Sarah was sitting with her girls the following day when John walked up and sat down next to her. Since worship had not started, they talked.

Sarah looked him in the eye and teased him about not telling her what he wanted to say to her the previous day.

John let out a deep sigh. He rambled on, searching for his words, hesitating and halting as he went, “I’ve enjoyed working with you so far…I want to get to know you better...

Cause, you know, I like you…and, I wanna, like, know you better.” Silence.

“I’d like that too. I like the way you threw your main idea in the middle of all those words,” Sarah teased. That halting conversation sparked three weeks of fun, sending random texts, a few face times’ and several phone calls.

When early July arrived, Sarah told John she prayed about their relationship and had peace about ending it. She told him she wanted to remain friends but not pursue their relationship past that.

“I know this guy is genuine and I respected that. While I hated the whole, it’s-not-you-it’s-me speech, I knew I had to make it. I knew John had earned the right to know what was going on. He needed to understand that I was not ready for anything but friendship…yet.”

Another camp started up soon afterward. While there, Sarah began to struggle with feelings of inadequacy. John sensed something was wrong. Sarah hates a guy to comfort her, but she recognized John was not the I’m-her-knight-inshinning-armor-and-I-need-to saveher kind of guy. She understood he cared about her. They were friends

and Sarah began to confide in him.

John began to comfort her, yet it wasn’t his words that encouraged her but his reminding her of Scripture. When he finished, he told her he would continue to pray for her and check on her through the rest of the time at camp.

take back the words she had shared before about ending the relationship.

She texted him and said, “I like you!”

That night the Lord made it clear to her He had different plans for her and John. She discerned that she had to

Dating was fun, but it didn’t last long.

There was a mutual realization, even before they began to date, that this

For the next few weeks of Sarah’s internship, the two kept things on the down low. Their first date was August 4, 2018.

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the ring inside. (I told her I had some nuggets for us to eat.) I explained how much I loved her and asked her to marry me. Then I took the ring out of the bag and placed it on her finger.”

The surprise was not over. John had one more in store for Sarah Joy. Excited friends and family were waiting patiently for them to arrive back at Sarah’s home so they could share in the engagement celebration. Sarah was ecstatic. This was the best day of her life and John could not have planned it better.

Sarah says it best, “I am overjoyed to marry this man and take on life with him by my side.”

serious; it was for real. Sarah told John that there was no way out of dating except engagement, and then marriage. Though she made a bold move, John took it like a champ and agreed.

John put his perfect plan into action on December 26, 2018. “I had one of my best friends help me with the set up for the proposal at Lost Rabbit in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Sarah and I had driven through the neighborhood one day during the summer, before we even started dating. She mentioned, ‘If someone

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proposed to me it would be here.’ I never forgot that.

“I had her nieces put their painted handprints on a canvas Sarah and I painted. I also had another painting we had done together weeks prior, placed on a table along with her favorite candies and soda. In the center of the table, I had the Bible opened to Proverbs 31. “After setting up, I picked up Sarah Joy from her home and drove her to Lost Rabbit.

I blindfolded her before leading her to the area where I would propose. I had a Chick-Fil-A bag with me with

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Woman To Woman With Joanne’s Let’s Talk Sessions provide a safe environment for women to come and share whatever is on their heart - burdens, struggles, joys. We invite women to share openly without fear of being judged, talked about, or broadcast all over social media.

Upcoming Events for

2019

Let’s Talk Sessions are held at the Mantle once a month.

June

June 20th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

July

July 18th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

October

October 17th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

August

August 30th-31st - Annual August 31st Empowerment Conference, 5th Annual Empowerment Friday Night-A NightConference of Worship 6pm - 9pm 9am - 1pm Saturday-Conference Speakers Two Mississippi Museums 1oam - 2pm 222 North Street Jackson Ms Location To Be Announced

November

November 21st - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

September

September 19th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

December

December 19th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

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National Day of Prayer for Law Enforcement Officers

Above are names and pictures for the group of officers on the steps.

Hinds County Sheriff department. Pictured (l-r) Sgt. Sherilyn Taylor, Investigations; Sgt. Petrine Gathrite, Raymond Detention Center; Lt. Cheryl George, Raymond Detention Center; Lt. Latasha Holmes, Investigations; Deputy Vertie Albrecht, Court Bailiff; Deputy Erica Moore, School Resource Officer; Investigator Helen Brown, Investigations Not Pictured are: Madison County Sheriff Department Deputy Sheriff Sklye Tillis Deputy Sheriff Skyler Smith Master Sergeant Kim Henderson Sergeant Myeisha Wilson

Clinton Police Department Officer Maria Conner Officer Mandy Shurak Officer Renita Jordan Officer Whitney Ryan Officer Shekinah Smith

We also recognize Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and Jackson Police Department for their service as well as the men who serve. Be safe and God bless you.

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Used Books, Coffee, Breakfast, Beer & Snacks Come snuggle up in our newly renovated space!

In Midtown Jackson on the corner of West St. & Millsaps Ave Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

1619 N West Street, Jackson, MS 39202 coffeeprose.com

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WAITING ON GOD Tiffany Fennell and Her Family’s Story

By Joanne Bell Wright

ministry paired a mentor mom with an expecting mom who guided the expectant mom throughout her pregnancy, providing emotional, mental and physical support.

T

iffany Fennell received a diagnosis few are ready for and even fewer receive at the tender age of 21: ovarian cancer. She and her yet-to be husband were still only dating as students at Mississippi State University. The last thing on her mind was having children, so she took her doctor’s advice and had a complete hysterectomy.

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starting families. Her desire for a family grew within her but she knew she could not have children of her own. She and Keith examined adoption and multiple avenues but left with uneasy feelings or dead ends.

The two eventually married and for many years neither gave any thought to having children. Their busy lives were inward-focused and self-absorbed. The two traveled, spent generously and did as they pleased. Their focus was climbing the proverbial corporate ladder.

They daily sought the Lord in prayer, deciding that they would leave the outcome in His hands. Tiffany and Keith knew they would have to remain open and faithful to follow His leading. God revealed His plan and their patience was well-rewarded after waiting seven long years. A plan greater than they had ever hoped to imagine was about to unfold, and it was better than anything they could have orchestrated on their own.

As her thirtieth birthday came around, Tiffany noticed many of her family and friends were settling down and

Tiffany was working at a local church that had a ministry for unplanned pregnancies called Lifesavers. This

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A young girl came through the ministry alone and searching for answers. She did not know what to do with her unborn child. Her mentor mom mentioned there were plenty of couples who would love a child but could not have one of their own. She referred her to the Fennell’s as an example.

The pregnant girl began to pray about her options and decided on adoption.

After she sought the Lord’s guidance, the girl contacted Tiffany and asked if

for Christ. That is a ministry that involves patience, love, selflessness, grace, hope, and endurance, all of which come only through Christ.”

When it comes to those who may be considering adoption, Tiffany offers this advice: “Be patient! Seek God and His plans. Don’t rush into anything. Be diligent and open doors only as He leads. Then, only move when He does. Trust in His plan for you. Only through prayer and petition can God’s perfect will come to you. Jeremiah 29:11 promises God has plans to prosper us, plans for peace, hope and a future. We can claim that promise only in His timing and His grace.”

she would be interested in being the mother to her baby.

compared to God and His mighty grace and love.

The offer overwhelmed Tiffany with surprise. Her elation grew as she and Keith remembered how they had left the prospect of becoming parents in the hands of God. Now, they were ever thankful for His perfect plan and His perfect timing.

The first thing the Fennell’s did was to move from their hipster apartment to a large suburban house with a yard. Tiffany didn’t run out and buy a minivan; she compromised and purchased a nice, safe SUV. Life changed in an instant from me to Mom and from us to family. “It was no longer my goal to advance my betterment,” Tiffany said. “Now, I had been gifted with this precious little girl to grow, instill Christian values, and develop into a person who would impact God’s kingdom.”

Three weeks later, the Fennell’s held a new baby girl in their arms. Tiffany soon realized that becoming a mom was surreal with myriad drastic life changes in such a short interval.

She had longed for a child for many years and now the enormity and weight of that decision hit her hard as she realized she how she responsible now for this tiny life.

In that moment she realized her life was small and incidental when

Tiffany reminds us that, “Being a parent of any child is a ministry. We are called to put aside self and grow our children into spiritual warriors

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Self Love

By Joanne Bell Wright

I

looked up love in Webster’s dictionary. The first meaning was “a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.” The second meaning was “a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.”

Then I searched for self-love and Webster’s said “the instinct by which one’s actions are directed to the promotion of one’s own welfare or well-being, especially an excessive regard for one’s own advantage.” A second meaning said “conceit; vanity.”

When I read the differences in the definitions between love and self-love, it almost seems like self-love is a bad thing. Growing up, if you acted like you loved yourself or believed in yourself a little too much, people called you arrogant, conceited or even selfish, but in Matthew 22:39 it says “thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

That means we should love ourselves first so we know how to love our neighbors or anyone else.

As women, we pride ourselves on taking care of everyone else first and putting ourselves last. Maybe it’s because that’s what we saw our moms do, or maybe we feel guilty if we take care of ourselves first. My daughter and I went shopping the other day, and I had the hardest time deciding to buy something for myself.

I experienced a myriad of emotions from frustration to indecisiveness, to even anger after I completed the purchase. There was this overwhelming

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thought I should spend the money on something more important, like an upcoming bill or something else other than three shirts for myself.

But get this, I also bought something for my husband and it wasn’t as hard to purchase something for him as it was to buy something for myself. I even felt excited to give him a gift, but I didn’t feel that way about myself.

We put ourselves last and make sure everyone else is okay before we take care of our own needs as women.

Recently, I found that putting everyone else’s needs and health before our own is irresponsible. So many people depend on us to do so many things, yet it is just as much our responsibility to take care of ourselves first as it is to take care of our families. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day and we forget to take care of ourselves.

We have to take care of our mental health by getting out with friends to have a little girl talk and laugh out loud as much as possible. Those manicures and pedicures and even the occasional makeover are good for our mental health, too. We have to take care of our physical health by exercising, and we have to take care of our body by eating healthy and watching what we put in our bodies.

It’s imperative to take care of our emotional and spiritual selves by making time to study God’s Word and renew our minds daily.

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We take care of our spiritual selves by being careful of what we allow to get into our minds. We must do as it says in Proverbs 4:23 and “guard our hearts with all diligence for out of it flows the issues of life.”

Being a little selfish is just as important as being selfless. It’s okay to steal some time for yourself to enjoy your favorite candy and not share with the kids. It’s okay.

I’m reminded of the lyrics to a Whitney Houston song, “learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.”

These words resonate in my mind the older I get. It’s time we learn to love ourselves, just like the Bible teaches us to love others. Learning to love yourself truly is the greatest love of all.

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Spotlights

April Bigham Defying The Odds

A

pril Bigham faced adversity at an early age. Born in Champaign, Illinois, and as a ward of the state, she spent most of her childhood in and out of foster homes. She became a parent for the first time at age 17. Needing to provide for her family; she began what would end up being a twenty plus year career in the home health care profession. While raising a family and immersing herself in her career, she soon realized she was losing herself while taking care of everyone else.

In addition, she began to experience some significant health issues. Bigham relocated to Jackson, Mississippi, in 2011, believing being close to her family would be just what she needed.

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After raising a family of four children, three boys, and one girl, and spending over 20 years in the health care profession, she made a life-changing decision to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a fashion model. With the support and encouragement of family and friends, she submitted photos for an online model competition, the Curvy Idol. April remained determined to become successful even though she did not place in that first competition.

While taking time to learn from her experience and work on her craft, a second opportunity to take part in the Curvy Idol came about and this time, the results were much different as she

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 24, May/June 2019

ended up being the first runner up. Her confidence soared and she continued to build on her newfound success.

Bigham’s journey in the fashion industry has not been a traditional one by any means. She has defied the odds by pursuing a passion that had been inside her since she was a teenager. She refuses to let traditional standards of beauty box her in, as her mission is to push the envelope of what society says it means to be beautiful.

April aspires to use fashion modeling as a platform to promote a healthy positive self-image and self-esteem

in men, women and children of all ages. She is committed to using her platform as a model, actress and caregiver to empower children who are in the foster care system to reach their fullest potential by setting an example and being a beacon of love, hope and light.

April Bigham is on the fast track to expand her brand and has since graced the runways of many more events including the Mississippi Fashion Week Spring Show 2016, 2017 and 2018; Fashion Week Unleashed 2016 Lipstick Lounge Private VIP Poolside Fashion Show 2016; Super Models JXN Anniversary Event: Royalty on the Runway; Mississippi Fashion Week Fall Show 2016 and 2017; Pink the Runway Fashion Show 2016, 2017 and 2018; Rock the Runway 2017 and 2018; and over 40 plus shows to date. Woman to Woman with Joanne: The Magazine, Jackson Expose’ magazine, and Moi magazine featured April and she appeared on the cover of the book, “My Name is Lola.” The success of

her modeling events has created opportunities in the acting arena as she has served as an extra in the films “Soul Damage,” “Girls Trip,” “Empire,” and “Cloak and Dagger” amongst other movie trailers, videos and theatrical shows. She has also played the lead role in “My Name is Lola,” the prequel of “Soul Damage.”

She starred in “How Much,” a love ballad video, and held roles in “Welcome To Alphaville” and “When The Branch Breaks.” She was also a brand ambassador for Fondren’s Fashion House and is a current brand ambassador for Ridgeland Eye Care, Soiree and Skynsweet.

April hosted the second annual Exclusive Soiree and Fashion Show at Soiree in downtown Canton, Mississippi, on May 11th to celebration and pay honor to National Foster Care month.

Since 1988, the month of May has been set aside to acknowledge children living in the nation’s child welfare system, foster parents who have dedicated their lives to

METHODIST

Children’s Homes of mississippi

Through Jesus Christ, Methodist Children’s Homes brings hope and healing to hurting children in Mississippi.

Methodist Children’s Homes seeks to bring restoration to children and youth who have been neglected or abused.

By the end of their time with us, we hope to see that they find reconciliation with their biological families, love within an adoptive family or success as a productive, independent individual.

For over a century, Methodist Children’s Homes has cared for Mississippi’s most vulnerable children. During this time, we have worked to help and provide for thousands

supporting those children, child welfare professionals, volunteers, mentors, policymakers and others who support children in foster care.

It is also a time to raise awareness for the need to adopt the thousands of children needing permanent homes and support for policies and a positive framework that promotes success for every child.

As a former foster child, Bigham understands the unique needs of those living in the system. Her story of triumph continues to inspire others to believe that they too can survive foster care and achieve well-being. As an actress, model, and caregiver, she uses her gifts to empower and uplift those who aspire to achieve personal and professional success.

The sky is the limit for Bigham as she continues to work to break the mold in this ever-growing and ever-changing industry and raise awareness for the needs of all children and parents in our foster care community.

of children who have suffered complex trauma. By the end of their time at MCH, we hope to see them find reconciliation with their biological families, love within a foster family or achieve success living independently.

Viewed from a Trauma-Informed perspective, our approach to care recognizes that many children and families enter our program due to histories of abuse, neglect and/or traumatic experiences. Our model strives to empower families to become actively engaged and achieve their goals through a variety of evidence-based interventions.

MCH serves children and adolescents through age 21 who have experienced complex trauma. Therapeutic services include individual, group, and family therapy, case management and wraparound services.

MCH employs approximately 90 people.

For more information about Methodist Children’s Homes of Mississippi, go to www.mchms.org or call 601-853-5000.

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Spotlights

The Second Annual Exclusive Soiree And Fashion Show

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 24, May/June 2019

Spotlights

A PASSION

TO SEE LIVES RADICALLY CHANGED Davy Flowers is a worship minister and songwriter who carries a passion to see lives radically impacted by experiencing the presence of God and the reality of His love. Originating from Houston, Texas, Davy has been leading worship and writing music since her teenage years where she came to faith in Christ and had her life flipped upside down by the power of His love and grace. Over the years, Davy’s music has been inspired by her personal journey of being made whole and alive by the very intimate care and love of the Father. Her music is an infusion of her personal story of healing and triumph through her friendship with Jesus. As a result, her heart's desire is to write music that connects broken and weary

hearts with the heart of a loving and personal God. Davy currently lives in Jackson, MS, where she serves as a Worship Minister at Pinelake Church.

“Be.long To be in the hands of.

To have a rightful place.

To have a home.

I started writing for this EP a year ago but I’ve been living this story since I took my first breath. Walking out years of abandonment, striving and straining culminating in the glorious realization that “home” is a Person. The Person of Christ. The only place we will ever

be FULLY known, FULLY loved, FULLY accepted, and FULLY enjoyed is in His presence. I have struggled through so many “seasons” of wilderness only to find out that the promised land is Christ Himself and the place of belonging that I’ve been chasing was mine before I even had the opportunity to earn or lose it. These songs tell the story and speak the truth.

Music has been inspired by my personal journey of being made whole and alive by the very intimate care and love of the Father.” -Davy Flowers Her album is available on Itunes, Apple Music, Amazon and Spotify

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Spotlights

WOMEN IN BUSINESS D eonchental Moore Gilbert is a wife, mother and entrepreneur. She is married to Terrance Gilbert of Jackson, Mississippi, and she has three children, Ashley, Michael, and Ariana. Ashley and Michael are college students and Ariana is in high school.

Gilbert was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she resided until her mother died in 1989 when she was just 13 years old. Eleven children, ages ranging from two to 15 years old, were left motherless and were sent to live with different family members.

Gilbert moved to Houston to live with her aunt and uncle, where she graduated high school at the top of her class in only three years. At age 17, she went on to attend college at Southeastern Louisiana University.

In 1992, she met the man who would later become the father of her children; they married and moved to Jackson, Mississippi.

“We later divorced and I decided to go back to college. I received

my undergraduate degree in management at Belhaven University, and I later went on to earn my masters in early childhood education from Walden University.

“After six years of marriage, I found myself a divorced, single mother,

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I pushed myself to be the best at everything I did. With my selfmotivation and my faith in God, I was able to gain promotion after promotion. This allowed me to pull my family out of financial failure and become financially stable.

“In 2011, I was able to walk away from my job as a retail store manager making over six figures annually to open my own childcare business. I opened my first child care center licensed for 150 children and was able to grow my business and finance it through self-motivation and personal wealth. Because I didn’t allow myself to give up or allow others to discourage me, I currently own three childcare locations across Hinds and Rankin counties. working 60-80 hours per week to take care of myself and my children and to pay childcare fees. During my years as a single mother, I worked as a retail manager for WalMart Stores Inc., and I was a store manager for The Home Depot, Inc.

“Recently, I have become a certified travel agent who not only books and sells travel, I also sell travel agencies to driven, goal-oriented individuals who seek to own their own businesses.

“As a single mother, there were days I didn’t know where our next meal would come from. Not having any family or support in the state of Mississippi made it very hard.

As a loving mother determined to not receive government assistance or let my children ever go without,

entrepreneur. I enjoy traveling the world and working with children and families. In 5-10 years, I see myself coaching and mentoring teenage women and adults into learning how to overcome adversities to acquire wealth and financial freedom.”

“I love being a wife, mother and

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Spotlights

WOMEN IN

REAL ESTATE Theresa Friday was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. She attended Callaway High School and Jackson State University. She married Andrew Friday Jr. twentytwo years ago and they have one son, Jeremiah, a junior at Murrah High School and one daughter, Jala, a 6th grader at Smilow Prep.

Theresa remembers why she became a real estate agent, “Day after day for several years, I entered the doors of sadness because I was working at a job with no raise or upward mobility, just to pay bills and remain unfulfilled. I knew something was wrong, and I felt an emptiness inside me and a longing to do something bigger.

“As a child, I dreamed of owning a business. Entrepreneurship has always been a part of me. I decided in 2005 that it was time to pursue my own business and I did. I started part time while continuing to work my full-time job.

I decided in my mind that my first year in the real estate business would be successful, and soon, I would be able to achieve my goal of transitioning from working for

someone else to working for myself.

I liked the idea of increased income, a flexible schedule, and unlimited possibilities.

“The two reasons I pursued a real estate business was to earn an elevated income and add value to people through home ownership.

“The advice I would give to a young lady that desires to get into real estate is to just do it. And once you become a real estate agent, focus on building a brand by selling yourself. Since you will be your greatest asset to your business, you first have to believe you can do whatever you set your mind to. “In my business, I received what I expected. Are you expecting too little? Are you expecting too big?

I am a faith-based entrepreneur and I believe that whatever I ask God, He is able to do, plentifully and at a high level, but it is all according to your faith. Trust God and yourself to build a brand. If you don’t have confidence in your services, no one else will.

Real estate is a people business so don’t just sell real estate, build relationships.”

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Life Insurance If someone you love relies on your income, you need life insurance.

Call Joanne for a free quote at 601-398-6733.

Photo Credit: eugenesergeev/Adobe Stock

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WOMEN IN NURSING Toni Wright-Young became a nurse after witnessing her mother, Ozie Greenwood, take care of her mom and other sick people. “She worked at the health department in Yazoo City, Mississippi, for twenty years, so I grew up around doctors and nurses being in the clinic. My mom was in the nursing program but had to quit to take care of me and my brother since she was a single mom.”

“After graduating Yazoo High School, I became pregnant with my son Azareus who is now 18 years old. I worked minimum wage jobs to take care of him until I applied for nursing school which had been my lifelong dream.

I was thrilled when I received my acceptance letter to Hinds Community College in Vicksburg, Mississippi. “I drove to Vicksburg Monday through Friday from Ridgeland, Mississippi.

It was exhausting, but I knew I had to keep going for my son, and I wanted to make my parents proud. Some days I cried; I prayed; and some days, I was angry. I had so many emotions fighting me.

“It was one of the hottest summers ever, and I was driving an old Honda Accord with no air conditioning, but I had a goal and I had to accomplish it. After 12 months, I graduated with my licensed practical nurse degree. I took the NCLEX-PN [National Council Licensure Examination-Licensed Practical Nurse] and passed on the first try.

“Sixteen years later, I pursued my RN [registered nurse] degree, and it wasn’t easy. I failed many times while trying to gain my RN license, and I lost close family members to cancer during that time.

“I was a single mom working and going to school to pursue my nursing degree. I lost relationships and friends because we were on different paths. I had so many obstacles along the way. Sometimes I had just enough money to feed me and my son and nothing else. My God was always there for me even though I thought He had left me.

“I now work for Kindred Hospice and I love all of my patients. I feel like God wanted me in hospice to comfort His children before they leave this world.

“My advice to anyone that wants to get into the nursing field, is no matter what, never give up. No matter what comes your way, don’t give up. If this is what your heart desires, keep going until you achieve your goal.”

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 24, May/June 2019

Wall of Nurses (In Honor of Nurses Appreciation Week in May, we wanted to honor some of our nurses) We appreciate you for the care you provide

Adrienna Rivers RN, BSN

Amy Green BSN, RN

Cassandra S. Cannon RN

Fo'Taysha Berry, LPN

Mary Coleman MSN-Ed, BSN, RN

Mary Williams RN-MSN

Monica Davis - Certified Nursing Assistant

Paige Trammell LPN

Sharetha Jenkins RN

Tracey Neyland LPN

May 6 was National Nurses Day and May 6-12 was National Nurses Week.

National Nursing Assistants’ Week was June 13-20 and National Nursing Assistants’ Day was June 13.

In this combined May/June issue, we honor and thank the nurses and nurse assistants that take care of all of us, often when we are at our worst.

Thank you to those we have pictured and to all the many of you for whom we don’t have pictures.

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Pet Appreciation Week Pics

We Love Our Pets Angie Jackso

Ramb

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 24, May/June 2019

and Haz

el

emos an

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Mya Bell’s Collection of Nature Photos

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 24, May/June 2019

Let Me Be A Father

Nothing has shifted me as much as having a daughter. One question changed my life forever: Would I want my daughters to marry a man like me? The reverberations of that question continue to ripple changes in my life even now.

Honestly, I never had the relationship I’ve wanted with my daughters. Society has influenced us to accept that fathers are only protectors and providers, but I had a deep need to nurture that never quite got fulfilled. I wanted to be a part of their mental and emotional development. Don’t get me wrong; we had limited conversations about boys and some issues they had with their friends. But not impactful talks about what kind of women they should become.

I didn’t expect I should be the authority, but I felt I had

some insight to offer. Of course, I voiced my opinions, but the girls responded with giggles and “ain’t that cute” type of remarks.

I would try to impress on my daughters how I had lived every phase of being a male they will encounter as they flirt, date, and eventually marry. But because I was “Daddy” they didn‘t always take me seriously. Fathers should answer two fundamental questions in the lives of their daughters. One, you are good enough and two, you are pretty enough. I felt limited in both regards. Although I did my level best to show and tell them; I don’t think I was allowed to teach them how.

Beauty is a matter of perspective, but self-confidence is a matter of self-actualization. My daughters would take my scoffs at “why do you want to get color contacts

By Maximus Wright and wear this revealing clothing” as me being a protective father. They assumed I didn’t want them to get noticed by the little boys—this was true—but I also didn’t want them to develop a psyche that promoted attention over self-worth or the intrinsic belief they had to change their looks and very beings to be considered attractive.

Raising daughters has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, but it has also been one of the most helpless. Considering my daughters are still growing, I hope that those seeds planted will grow into trees thereabout we will sit and one day discuss intricately how good and beautiful resolve, empathy, and not trying to be seen truly are. There is a biasness in my affection and when I tell them they are absolutely beautiful, but there is also truth and healing if they accept it.

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Fathers Day Appreciation

Katie Oldham and Andy Oldham

ank you my wonderful Dad! Th Happy Father’s Day to ie. I am nz Ke for w for me and no for always being there r Papa, he as ly on t no ie e Kenz thankful for how you lov Thank e. rol o more of a fatherly but also stepping up int ser to clo ily fam r t and leading ou you for following Chris ! you Him! We love

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Nicole Brown and Danny Brown

when I was instilled in me starting “My father has always with Christ, ip sh on rtance of a relati a young girl, the impo you have if id sa He . ne to everyo and to always be kind t you do. ’ll always go far in all tha those two things, you led it in de mo he r teach me, but Not only did my fathe my dad, to y Da r’s the y. Happy Fa his life, even to this da Nicole Danny Brown! - Love,

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 24, May/June 2019

Monica Stewart Wilson and Dr. Peter H. Stewart

dding ter H. Stewart at my We This is my dad, Dr. Pe time me sa the at is spoiled but 22 years ago! My dad d an t en tal e, tim his h s wit generous. He is generou n ica Afr ny years recruiting wisdom. He spent ma ool dental and medical sch for American students very a ll sti is He i. pp & Mississi throughout Tennessee d an y nting to waste mone humbled man, never wa s kid ers oth ed his kids and I love that he has push ne we can be. I wish everyo t tha st be to be the very ve. ha I like d could have a da

Tameka Dyon and Esaw Wilson, Jr

Forever my best friend

. I love you Pawpaw.

Debbie Springer and Gary Wright

of the ashes in our s brought beauty out I love my Dad! God ha re thankful! mo d I couldn’t be lives in many ways an WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE

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Sunny Holliday, John Gooch and Leigh Ann Patterson

d ay Sunny Holli daughters, is wns h o d n n h a o J John Gooch Ann Patterson(right). ter, h g u h a g d ei is nd, MS. H (left) and L a el g id R so in ot g & cial Cypress Dep les all of the marketin ny d n ha y owns Sun Leigh Ann, epot. Sunn D rm. fi ss n re ig yp es C d media at n interior a is h ic h D w ign, ather’s ay!

Holliday Des d a H a p py F a d r u r our o h is w le model fo “We want to enabling ro n a ” g s. n u ei b es r J fo g us to live Thank you for teachin family, and

Joanne Bell Wright & Leonard Sandifer

t man I kn the stronges to y a D s er lways.

Happy Fath Love you a

ow!

Druanne Clack & Kermit Canterbury

Grace and Matt Guillory

Happy Father's Day to

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the greatest dad ever!

out 1950 in re of us, ab tu ic p or of te ri vo e was past My Dad’s fa pi, where h ip ss n our o si e is er M , ton. We w es Charleston rl a h C h Churc onage next m the pars First Baptist o fr l o o n. I ch S d ay oto was take way to Sun hen this ph w h y. rl rc u ea d ch loved him door to the y’s girl and was a Dadd

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 24, May/June 2019

Jaime Wright and J. Maximus Wright as this world h f the heroes rd, o o l w al g is n h o s oes. But am ad. He keep d er ll h at y ca th I an ve at m d has with a lo the guy th t. This worl e e’s loyal too more than m h s d ed d ir an in m t m The greates ad es re n e e done, it d. He’s ho e is not on av en h er ep th ey , d th n ad s h ca g ever is you at thin a gold, on th out a hero, and the gre it’s good as reatest one. ab g r e ea th h I is e en ,h Wh of my father never ends.

Mya Bell and Tony Bell

Tameka & Socrates Garrett teful that eternally gra am I e. ag y y life. ter at ever present in m Fathers mat ways been mine has al

ead Start 07 at my H taken in 20 happy my as w so re as tu w This pic ere and I th g n so t. I got to a en g san appy mom h a Program. I as back w is me. Th erything was dad could co was like ev it ! , ay ad D d 's y er m ath with ad. Happy F spend time I love you d to normal.

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National Nature Photography Day With Friends

Debbie Springer - Mountains of Colorado (1)

Debbie Springer - Mountains of Colorado (2)

Tara Morrison - Flowers in the Garden (1)

Pamela Walters - Return from a friends Mountain

Tara Morrison - Flowers in the Garden (2)

Al Halbert - Sunflower in the Garden

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 24, May/June 2019

A Special

Thank you to Our Sponsors State Bank & Trust Renesant Bank Allstate Steven James Agency Sanjo Security Systems CNC Integrated Payment Systems

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 24, May/June 2019