Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine June 2020 Issue

Save Our Sons

Save Our Men

Racial Reconciliation

Keep African American Fatherhood Alive

Pamela Junior Andrea Crudup Lisa Valadie April Jourdan

JOANNE BELL Mother, Protector, Covering

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 31, June 2020

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"Fear was my Friend" addresses the disappointments in life that creates fear in our spirit. Readers will identify with the author's experiences and be encouraged to disown the fear that hinders us from accomplishing our best."

Brenda Wilder

contents JUNE 2020 In This Issue

Publisher & Editor Joanne Bell

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Assistant Editor

Every year when I celebrate Mother’s Day, I take time to relish in being a mom for the ...

Dr. Brenda Wilder

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Layout Design

prejudices, injustices, implicit biases, ...

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Cover Design Ahmed Alauddin

Mya Bell

History Too Soon How do I feel about this? I feel pretty angry, furious even. Just to think or hear about ...

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Staff Writers

Staff Photographer

Being A Mother To African American Sons In America As a mother of two sons, both in a world of

Ahmed Allaudin

Dr. Brenda Wilder Dr. Amanda Lucas Kaitlyn Anderson

KEEP AFRICAN AMERICAN FATHERHOOD ALIVE

Saving Our Sons David, or Big Dave as we affectionately call him, is one of the greatest joys of my ...

April Jourdan Family

Features 24

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Why Celebrating Juneteenth Is More Important Now Than Ever “But, if this part of our history could be told in such a way that those chains ...

Mother, Protector, Covering

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Virtual Assistant

Working Together Toward Racial Reconciliation Joy Moore, Assistant Professor of Preaching at Fuller Pasadena and an ordained elder ...

Christine Davis

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Website

Mya Bell's Abstract Photos Mya Bell is a 17-year-old Mississippi School of The Arts student with a focus in ...

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Subscribe

Let it Go It may be easier said than done, especially during this current time of viruses, ...

bit.ly/joannebellmag

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June Cancer Awareness April Jourdan, cancer survivor, was born in Starkville, MS and graduated from ...

30 Lisa Valadie All rights reserved. No portion of Woman to Woman with Joanne may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Woman to Woman with Joanne is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers. Woman to Woman with Joanne maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material.

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Alzheimer’s Awareness Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia. Dementia is a broader term ...

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2020 Essential Service:Paramedic Lisa Valadie of Madison, MS is a paramedic and Community Educator for Madison ...

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What Is Father’s Day And Why Do We Celebrate It? Father’s Day is celebrated by families all around the world—and this year is no ...

38 Pam Junior

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Joanne’s Desk In the wake of everything that is going on in the world today, I wanted this issue to be a bit different. I wanted to share how important the lives of our African American men are. I have 2 biological sons and 2 bonus sons, and if anything happened to any of them, I don’t know what I would do.

My heart breaks for George Floyd and his family. I haven’t been able to watch the video of him being killed, and I probably never will. I can’t imagine that happening to one of my sons.

As the protests continue, the only thing I feel led to do is pray. With all of the racial injustice I see, with all of the Black Lives Matter, All lives Matter arguments and debates happening, we still have to find a way to live together peacefully.

The God I serve loves all people. He sent His ONLY son to die for all people, and the sooner we all come to grips with that, the sooner this world will become a better place.

My heart is grieved and troubled for the younger generation, but as they come together and protest and fight for their rights to be heard, I believe a new day, a brighter day, and peaceful days are coming.

I see change happening all around the world, as people of different races stand together to fight racial injustice. I see a world united in its efforts to finally judge people by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin.

This is the change that must be corrected. There is no superior race, only one human race. And when Jesus returns to take us home, He will not separate the blacks from the whites, He will separate the right from the wrong. He will separate the saved from the unsaved. Which will you be?

Love ya much!

I see change happening all around the world, as people of different races stand together to fight racial injustice.

Staff

Dr. Brenda Wilder Assistant Editor

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Dr. Amanda Lucas Staff Writer

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 31, June 2020

Christine Davis Virtual Assistant

Kaitlyn Anderson Staff Writer

Mya Bell Staff Photographer

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KEEP AFRICAN AMERICAN FATHERHOOD ALIVE

By Dr. Amanda Lucas

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very year when I celebrate Mother’s Day, I take time to relish in being a mom for the past seven years. I think of my own mother and the sacrifices she made for my brothers and me. When I see my mother’s face as I express my appreciation, I am reminded that as I get older, I can hopefully look forward to my son and nephews expressing their appreciation for me. But what happens on Father’s Day? Many times it almost goes unnoticed or gifts are limited to texts and/or ties, but I think it’s important to take the time to wish my brothers, uncles, step-father, and God-dad a Happy Father's Day. These men have been influential in my life, and I am aware of how much they do for others.

I don’t know what it is to be a black man in America, to feel a trickle of fear when I’m pulled over by the police, or my integrity challenged when a woman grabs her purse while on the elevator or crossing the street. I’m an African American woman in America who faces my own challenges when it comes to stereotypes, work ethic, and education.

As women, we can encourage the men in our lives who face those challenges.

In another view, a father’s day card for single mothers can truly be offensive.

They not only emasculate the black male, but they break down the values of the African American family, pushing the agenda that no black male is needed. That’s not true. Seventy percent of African American males take care of their families, even if they are not in the household; however, this mostly goes unnoticed on social media. We know there are black males mentoring sons and daughters that are not theirs and organizations led by

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men who encourage African American children towards a solid education.

Those men deserve to be recognized and appreciated. Even though I’m a single mother, I refuse to accept a father’s day card to take away the effort, time, and benevolence that an African American man can bring to a family. Single mothers live with the hope that one day a man will love her children like their own, and that’s a brave hope. Fathers that do this are to be admired.

Let’s recognize fathers day for the African American male. Find black males in our families and circles who go out of their way to help others and contribute to families. Let’s show them appreciation: uncles, stepdads, boyfriends, soulmates who treat our children like their own. It is

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 31, June 2020

a myth that we don’t need amazing black families in our lives. For the cultivation and continuation of the African American family, we must learn how to love and appreciate each other. If we don’t do that, the values of the African American family will die. Then generations will be born that don’t look for fathers or mothers. We are strong, we are courageous, and we need to know the most powerful force we can build and grow is family. Our goal should be to break generational curses and love future generations like we love history. Cheers to African American Fatherhood and it’s future! If you know an African American male who mentors or raises children who are biologically his, let him know he is appreciated. Wish him a Happy Father’s Day!

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BEING A MOTHER TO AFRICAN AMERICAN SONS IN AMERICA

By Pamela Junior, Director of Two Mississippi Museums

As a mother of two sons, both in a world of prejudices, injustices, implicit biases, detrimental to their existence in a country that was built by the ancestors, my heart bleeds. My heart bleeds because these beautiful black souls are the fruits of my lions. These descendants of kings and queens, the legacies of Mother Africa, and yet I must teach them how to survive in a world that doesn’t want to love them, because of the color of their skin.

I question America and myself!

As a single mother raising boys in Mississippi, I have to admit that it hasn’t been easy. People often tell me that I made raising two native sons of the South look easy. The truth is that I had a village of amazing women and men who helped me along the way. I was never too shy in asking for help from people who I felt were sincere in investing in my children’s whole being.

I also had the spiritual guidance from the heavens, their grand-parents, who helped me navigate through my own yesteryears of development.

Recently, a young lady walked into my office and wanted to talk about motherhood. I was a little taken aback because I never shared my love for my sons or ever talked mom-talk with her.

She asked me how did I accomplish such a major feat? My answer, the village came first, make sure you acknowledge that you may need help.

With your children, start infiltrating their little minds with self-love and a love for others. Create conflicts and teach them resolutions. Assist them with maximizing their full potential.

Since the recent deaths of George Floyd and other black men, my mind drifts often to the many African boys who were kidnapped by slaveholders and placed in the belly of ships to never feel the warmth of the women who bore them. I also think of a little boy, named Emmett, who was tortured to death in the darkness of the Mississippi Delta.

I worry about my sons. I’m on my knees probably praying the same prayer that my mother and grandmother prayed for me and my siblings. I worry about them, because I taught them to stand up when confronted with injustices and be vocal! I taught them to understand their greatness and to relish in it, but stay humble at all times.

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Photo by: Jay Deville Johnson

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These were just a few of the nuggets that I gave her. My last comment to her was, “I may not be around to help them think through every chapter of their lives, but hopefully I’ve given them good ground to maneuver on.”

My heartbeats are grown now. Black men are still fighting for equality, fighting for their constitutional rights as an American citizen. I know my sons are equipped to handle it, the pride rooted in their blood helps to give them that chance to win.

HISTORY TOO SOON

By Mya Bell

How do I feel about this? I feel pretty angry, furious even. Just to think or hear about what is going on rattles me. I alway knew racism existed; I just never saw it. Growing up, I thought I’d never have to experience this or live through it because it was “over”. But I'm not too sure about it now, not too sure at all.

You know, I’ve always had a kind heart. You could say the worse thing you could possibly think of to me, and somehow I still wouldn’t hate you. That’s just not who I am. I cannot hate, trust me, I tried it...it didn’t feel too good. So I’m saying, even through all of the chaos, the violence, the racism, the people mocking the lives that have been taken; I still cannot hate them. I just can’t. Truth is... I don’t want to hate them. I want to love them even more, because they need it.

Yeah, I see a lot of post on social media with people becoming angry about what’s going on, and how they respond back with rude comments!

How could they say that or they’re stupid!” Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not telling you that you cannot be angry. By all means, I’m angry too. But for me, when I see things like that on social media, yeah I become angry, but then I immediately begin to pray to God to just heal them. Heal the

weak minded, heal the lost.

I ask Him to stop the violence, the riots, because this is not the way. Not at all. Because there is only so much that we as people can do. Then we let God finish the rest. Vengeance belongs to God, not us. He’s the one who fights our battles for us. He takes care of our enemies for us. If God tells us to retaliate back, then we do it. But if He doesn’t and He's saying it’s in His hands. Then you sit down and obey and let him handle it.

I’m a young black teenage girl with four grown black brothers and a black dad and uncles and cousins. I’m scared as heck for them, so scared that I don’t know what to do, so I just give it all to God. Because I cannot worry over something I know I can’t change. I just have to have hope and faith in Jesus Christ. God does everything for a reason. We just have to be willing to wait and obey and love throughout.

That’s what we have to do through this Covid 19 Pandemic that is still going around and Racism. Yes, all lives matter! Of course, why wouldn’t they? But right now in this very moment, Black Lives Matter! If you don’t or can’t agree with that, then read Luke 15, because that chapter

pretty much sums it all up! I have hope that one day this world will change. America itself will change. I see justice because Righteousness and Justice are the foundation of Jesus’s throne.

I believe that one day we will stand together hand in hand only seeing the heart and love and character in one another, not color. Because color is not even close to defining who we are.

My name is Mya Bell and I have Hope and Faith in Jesus Christ. I know God is working right now in this very moment. Soon we will all love one another and come together as one and BE THE CHURCH! “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. Just so I tell you, there will be more Joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15-4:7”

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and the people within it seemed to only be getting worse and worse. One evening, as we were watching t.v., I was so bothered by the thought, I ran to another room to cry my fear and frustration to God. It wasn’t long into this “prayer” that he stopped me and spoke back very clearly. These were His words…. “Don’t you dare be afraid. Just as I intentionally brought your grandmother up in her time, your mother in her generation, and you in yours, so will I bring forth your children in a generation and time they will be called to effect. Don’t you dare be afraid. I will be with them and use them, just as I have done you all.” Needless to say, that word and moment changed my life.

I love my husband, like my husband, respect and trust him. He is my very best friend. I love the man he his, and ever growing to be. Years ago, I began to want to raise someone like him for this generation. So, I prayed for a son. And, not just any son, but one with character, integrity and uprightness, like my husband. Four pregnancies (including one miscarriage) later, our Lord answered my prayer.

s n o S r u O g n i Sav rudup

by Andrea C

avid, or Big Dave as we affectionately call him, is one of the greatest joys of my life. He is the last of our three children, our only boy, and even though I’m often teased about this, he is “the son I prayed for”.

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thought of God blessing me to have these men in my life. Undoubtedly, I expected nothing less in a husband, and was given that and much more.

Aside from some of the best women on this earth, God blessed me to be raised by three amazing men: my bonus-father, grandfather and my godfather. I’ve often cried at the

I never thought I would have a son.

No deep logic … it was something I simply thought would never happen.

I often recall a period in time I was afraid to have children. About 15 years ago, my husband and I had barely been married a year, but the world

David Nathaniel Cornelius Crudup, not my favorite child, but my favorite and only son…. the son I prayed for. At age 7, he’s a wild, tree-climbing, dirt & wormdigging, cart-wheeling, intelligent, respectful, joyful, biggest smilehaving little boy, who loves his daddy and adores his momma. To know and have the love of a man who knows he is loved is PRICELESS, because he truly knows how to love back. David will make a good difference in this world, not because we’re telling him to, but because everyday, we show him how. His life matters, because he is loved and was chosen to come and leave his mark in this world.This is the son I prayed for, God answered, and everything He does matters.

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Why Celebrating

JUNETEENTH Is More IMPORTANT Now Than Ever "B ut, if this part of our history could be told in such a way that those chains of the past, those shackles that physically bound us together against our wills could, in the telling, become spiritual links that willingly bind us together now and into the future then that painful Middle Passage could become, ironically, a positive connecting line to all of us whether living inside or outside the continent of Africa..." - Tom Feelings

As the Civil War came to a close in 1865, a number of people remained enslaved, especially in remote areas.

Word of slavery’s end traveled slowly, and for those who were largely isolated from Union armies, life continued as if freedom did not exist.

This was especially the case in Texas, where thousands of slaves were not made aware of freedom until June 19, 1865, when Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued an order officially freeing them. Their celebration would serve as the basis of June 19 — or Juneteenth — a holiday celebrating emancipation in the US. Ironically, while Juneteenth has become the most prominent Emancipation Day holiday in the US, it commemorates a smaller moment that remains relatively obscure.

It doesn’t mark the signing of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, which technically freed slaves in the rebelling Confederate states, nor does it commemorate the December 1865

ratification of the 13th Amendment, which enshrined the end of slavery into the Constitution. Instead, it marks the moment when emancipation finally reached those in the deepest parts of the former Confederacy.

In many ways, Juneteenth represents how freedom and justice in the US has always been delayed for black people. The decades after the end of the war would see a wave of lynching, imprisonment, and Jim Crow laws take root. What followed was the disproportionate impact of mass incarceration, discriminatory housing policies, and a lack of economic investment. And now, as national attention remain focused on acts of police violence and various racial profiling incidents, it is clear that while progress has been made in black America’s 150 years out of bondage, considerable barriers continue to impede that progress.

Those barriers may remain until America truly begins to grapple with its history. “There are those in this society that still hold on to the idea that the Civil War wasn’t about slavery, it was about states’ rights or Northern aggression against slavery,” says Karlos Hill, a professor of African and African-American studies at the University of Oklahoma and the author of Beyond the Rope: The Impact of Lynching on Black Culture and Memory. “Juneteenth is a moment where we step back and try to understand the Civil War through the eyes of enslaved people.”

Source: Vox.com by P.R. Lockhart

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Working Together Toward Racial Reconciliation J

oy Moore, Assistant Professor of Preaching at Fuller Pasadena and an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, believes Christian Scripture sets forth an agenda premised on neighborly love.

Followers of Christ, said Jesus, are to be recognized by how they love one another. In the first century, Jews and Gentiles together bearing witness to the lordship of Jesus Christ, demonstrated the presence and peace of God. Ultimately, the promise of the peaceful future of God will be realized when every nation worships together, saying, “Jesus is Lord.” This is the ministry of reconciliation.

Tony Evans, in the introduction of his book, Oneness Embraced, submits that the reason there remains a problem with race in America is because of the church’s failure to understand the issues from a biblical perspective. Unaware of the philosophical narratives that have shaped our theological imaginations, our conversations and actions collapse under the weight of headlines that reveal the depth of the racial chasm within the United States. As the suffering continues, Christians must ask, “If we say we love a wonder-working God whom we have not seen, is it possible to love

our neighbors whom we do see?” This question becomes more poignant when we remember the alternative story Jesus told when asked by someone well-intentioned, “Who is my neighbor?”

We have inherited a world rife with war, dysfunctional families, creeping totalitarianism, diminished human rights, and a destructive system of incarceration. And yet it’s the church that epitomizes the brokenness of society on Sunday morning when we separate into worshipping communities that demonize those who don’t agree

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with us, disengage those that don’t act like us, and disregard those who don’t accommodate our systems of organization. The separation of church and state is a modern misnomer, suggesting that our beliefs about God do not impact our day-today practices.

Moore believes there exists a genuine desire among many to move beyond the divisions that separate races. Moore states, “I have been encouraged by the students I teach as well as members of the congregations I have served that there are in this generation Christians who desire for the work of the Holy Spirit to convert us and the communities we inhabit.

The difficult thing about biblical reconciliation is its requirement that we no longer regard one another from the perspective of human categories.”

When Moore was in elementary school, one of the first heroes that captured her attention was a woman named Harriet Tubman from Mississippi. Her story exposed an understanding of black Christianity, as some question the authenticity of being Christian when so many of the practices of racism have been authorized by the church quoting biblical texts. Tubman and other enslaved Africans demonstrated what it meant for the enslaved Africans to hear the slave masters’ religion and to summarily reject it, but then accept the God to which the slave master’s Bible testified. In allowing the biblical story to become their story, the enslaved persons began to practice a better religion. It was that witness that enabled African Americans to practice Christianity.

This understanding of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives today enables all to recognize God’s work of reconciliation among us.

When Tubman (1822–1913) escaped slavery, she worked tirelessly as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad to free others from slavery, compelled by her faith to help others still in bondage. She holds a swallow as a symbol of hope—something she

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clung to even as she addressed the systemic racism and sexism around her.

We must “realize how deep the divisions” are that exist in our society.

We must never forget that “God had a different dream for his people,” because what the Holy Spirit does to bring reconciliation among the

Reconciliation begins when Christians live out the gospel with such grace-filled welcome that hatred is transformed into love, anger is transformed into forgiveness, and segregation is transformed into community. This is the New Testament vision. As each person, in the voice that God has given him or her, witnesses to the transforming power of the risen Christ, the same Holy Spirit will enable each of us to recognize the sin that divides us and empower all of us to join together in mutual service that glorifies God. Our collapsing world desperately needs this reconciled witness from the people of God called Christians. people called Christian, God intends to do with all the world. Society has tried various programs, platforms, and promises, but too often the means of setting things right have not been submitted to the reign of God. People must innovate the current problematic situation and implement solutions that will work on a global scale. Ongoing clashes around the

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world remind us that ethnic and national divisions elsewhere are just as volatile as in the United States.

The Scriptures contain the wisdom to walk this out.

Reconciliation begins when Christians live out the gospel with such grace-filled welcome that hatred is transformed into love, anger is transformed into forgiveness, and segregation is transformed into community. This is the New Testament vision. As each person, in the voice that God has given him or her, witnesses to the transforming power of the risen Christ, the same Holy Spirit will enable each of us to recognize the sin that divides us and empower all of us to join together in mutual service that glorifies God. Our collapsing world desperately needs this reconciled witness from the people of God called Christians.

William Pannell, Professor Emeritus of Preaching and the namesake of the Pannell Center for African American Church Studies, believes reconciliation is the ministry of the church. Reconciliation is a biblical word, it is our word, and its ministry is our enterprise. Fellowship with fidelity to God requires obedience, holiness, and justice in human relationships.

The theme of reconciliation has become a dominant one in our time because of pain and underlying grievances. A race war has been brewing since the first boatload of slaves debarked on American shores and has been simmering since, with periodic eruptions such as those we’ve distressingly seen in the news of late. Animosity grows out of unrelieved pain; reconciliation is the only way to peace. This challenge could result in the finest hour for the church. In a society characterized by alienation, our first responsibility is to love one another in the body of Christ. Love precedes reconciliation, as Paul argues in his Corinthian letter—it was the love of Christ that was the wellspring of all his actions.

The impression from colleagues in psychology, pastoral care, and counseling is that reconciliation is hard work! It requires confrontation and getting beyond mere words to true feelings and attitudes, many of which we may be unaware.

The glue that holds so much of a city together, certainly in black communities, is the church. Here the city’s potential leaders come for nourishment. Here its teachers, musicians, scholars, and families find inspiration and hope. The urban church is the hub of the community in ways foreign to its suburban counterpart. For this reason, the urban church carries a burden not required elsewhere.

Society needs to start with recognition of the issue, confession that it exists, and a willingness to change. James Earl Massey, distinguished preacher, professor, and dean emeritus at the Anderson University School of Theology, in a sermon at Dallas Theological Seminary stated, “The fulfillment of the whole world is tied up with the dynamics and the deeds with everyone who lives in the world. When we come to understand that, we will no longer separate anyone uncaringly to live apart and die in an unfriendly, segregated ocean of isolation, suspicion, or neglect—not when we value each other as persons.”

Pannell says the Bible is understood one way in a poor neighborhood and quite another in a wealthy neighborhood. Each are approaching the Scriptures with different eyes: one’s point of view is determined largely by one’s point of viewing. Preachers spend an inordinate amount of time urging congregants to go into the world and communicate the good news.

The truth is, the church is already in the world from nine to five every day and most of the night. An enormous Christian presence is already situated where the world hurts. The problem is, it does not always know what to

do there. In addition to defining a relationship with God, spirituality also defines the shortest distance between people. Reconciliation, at heart, is a spiritual issue.

Latasha Morrison has jumped headfirst into the messiness of racial reconciliation, wading through the hard conversations in search of the hope that can only be found on the other side. Morrison founded the Be the Bridge group in 2016, and her book of the same name suggests steps for the reader to form their own Bridge groups, with a process that is easy on paper, but challenging in practice. “I like to tell people that this is going to be uncomfortable,” Morrison said. “It’s going to be hard, and you’re going to want to quit.

This work is absolutely worth it. I’m excited about what God is doing in the hearts of people."

Be the Bridge has three essential steps to reach reconciliation: Lament, Confession, Reparations. Through those three things, neighbors can work to find peace. The process of lament begins with breaking down false historical narratives.

Understanding the past is essential to understanding where society is now and what influence these painful events have had on our neighbors, our communities and our churches. Morrison says that “when your blinders are removed, it’s about relearning and readjusting and recalibrating your belief systems… and that’s painful work. It’s awkward and uncomfortable.” Even worse, she continues, “a lot of people stop because it’s too painful for them.”

Proximity is another important aspect of racial reconciliation. Morrison explains, “Proximity and relationship has to be intentional, you have to be willing to listen to people and learn from people, and be very intentional about how you come into that space.”

There are plenty of people who are proximate to diverse people, but there is no internal change. Part of reconciliation involves seeking to

understand that person, even the parts that are uncomfortable, and seeing some change in your own heart.

The final step to reconciliation is reparations – something that Morrison urges readers not to skip. If one has suffered through the actions of another, reparations can reach true reconciliation. Morrison says this can look like anything from using your resources to open a memorial or museum, supplying needs, restoring what was taken, or allowing the wounded to speak. Morrison never promises this work will be easy. But for her, verses like John 13:35 bring hope. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

“I think what’s important in this work is to really see people as image bearers of God,” Morrison says. One of the main themes of Be the Bridge is simply to sit down with someone and listen to them.

Listen to their history, their cultural experiences, share in their pain and their joy, and come to have a deeper understanding of each other.

Morrison’s belief is that unity can be found in diversity. She writes that “too many Christians believe that the ultimate goal should be seeing the world without color.” But “in the love of the family of God, we must become color brave, color caring, color honoring, not color blind. We have to recognize the image of God in one another. We who have been forgiven much must be quick to show that same grace and forgiveness to others. It doesn’t take a million people to change the world, just a few dedicated people that are given over to the Kingdom of God.”

Article adapted from https:// fullerstudio.fuller.edu/workingtogether-toward-racial-reconciliation/

by Joy J. Moore and William E. Pannell, and How to Be the Bridge : Practical Steps to Racial Reconciliation by Bethany Pyle.

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Mya Bell's Abstract Photos Mya Bell is a 17-year-old Mississippi School of The Arts student with a focus in Vocal, Theater and Photography.

She is the daughter of Joanne Bell Wright.

To view her website go to MyaBell-2021.weebly.com. Follow her on Instagram @myabell_photography

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MOTHER, PROTECTOR, COVERING 24

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y prayer for my children has always been, since they were first born, that God would cover them and keep them safe. I prayed that He would be a protective shield around them and everyone connected to our household. I prayed that if any evil came close to them, it would only bounce off, because of the shield. I prayed that we would always love each other and look out for each other no matter what.

To think that they still have to live in a world where they are not judged by the content of their character, they are not judged by those beautiful smiles that light up a room when they enter, they’re not even judged by their talent, their ability to love beyond how they’re treated, or their work ethic. For some people, they are solely judged by the color of their skin.

My biggest worry was that someone would mistreat my children and do something to harm them. I was always watching people like a hawk whenever I was out with my children, and I worried constantly when I wasn’t with them. I remember praying to God and asking Him to help me trust Him with my babies because it was consuming me, the worry that someone would harm them. In the midst of my prayer, I remember God distinctly saying, “I am no one’s grandfather. I am their Father, just like I’m your Father and I will protect them just as I have protected you all of these years.”

I have stood on those words and trusted Him throughout their lives and He has done just what He said.

When my bonus sons came into my life over a decade ago, they were immediately added to my prayers, and they have had my heart and been a part of our family since that time. It still amazes me how much the four of them look alike.

My heart breaks to see what is going on in the world today. The killing of our African American sons, husbands and family members is at the forefront of the media and it has brought me to my knees again.

These are my sons and their lives matter. They are handsome, kind hearted, they have smiles that light up

the room. They are very mannerable, they say yes sir, no sir, yes mam and no mam, and they know how to treat people. They love their family and their friends.

I’m so proud of my boys and the young men they have grown to be.

They are hard workers and they’re willing to fight for what they believe in. They work for what they want, and they don’t sit around waiting for someone to give them anything.

They don’t quit or give up easily, they go after what they want until they achieve it.

Sometimes they don’t even want me to help them because they want to achieve something on their own without mom’s help. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you’ve raised two young men who know how to work hard for whatever they want and to watch them see the fruit of their work is amazing.

In certain situations, it doesn’t matter that my son cheers at the University of Alabama. Nor does it matter that he works two jobs to support himself while in school. It doesn’t matter that my other son cheered at Jones Junior College or that he coaches and teaches young children how to cheer and tumble in a gymnastics gym. It doesn't matter that one has finished Barber School and is now a licensed Barber or that the other works hard long hours to support himself. In certain situations, none of that matters.

I pray and long for the day when we all will be judged by our character and not our skin color.

When I look at those boys now grown men, I see those two little boys playing outside together, riding bikes, flipping and tumbling together. I see those two little boys coming to meet us for the first time. I see young men that I am proud of. What do you see when you look at them? Only your heart knows your truth. Their lives matter.

Watching them look out for each other and take care of each other like brothers should, fills my heart with so much joy. Hearing them talk on the phone sometimes because one is away from home knowing that they keep in touch with each other and still check on each other is an answer to my prayers. Knowing that they’re going to be there for each other no matter what, has been my prayer since they were born.

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Let it Go

By Kaitlyn Anderson

It may be easier said than done, especially during this current time of viruses, economic uncertainty and fear.

It is easy to submit to anxiety and giving up. Trust me, I get it. I suffer from anxiety, and it is easy to feel like I am in a dark place where there is no way out, but that is not the case. We are not alone in this battle - millions of people suffer from anxiety and depression, and some never get the help they need to conquer emotions and overcome anxiety. My friend, you are not alone, because God sees you and cares about you. The Bible says to cast all your cares on Him, because he cares for you.

This is not just a quote to be tossed about like a good luck charm; this is a command from a loving and caring Father who not only sees you, but He made you.

With anxiety comes panic, worry, doubt and depression. In the book, Don’t give Up, Kyle Idleman says much of our anxiety results from the refusal to humble ourselves and ask God or anyone else for help. We feel like giving up because we have insisted on carrying the weight on our own. Think about some anxiety you’re dealing with and ask yourself, have I asked anyone to help me? This is important because in order to get better, we must realize that we are not meant to carry this burden alone; we must LET GO and let God carry it for us. There are several steps to fight anxiety.

1. Listening to music - for me, listening to music brings a sense of calmness and peace to my life. I love to sing and dance, but sometimes just listening to music can take my mind off whatever is bothering

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me. I love a variety of music, but something that really brings peace to me is worship music. So, find a place where you can sit down, relax, and listen to your favorite songs. Let it ease your mind and take you to a different peaceful place.

2. Talking - Sometimes talking out issues to others can really help. I am blessed to have people in my life who care about me, and I can trust them. My mom is one of those people, but I also have a counselor.

Being able to have someone listen without judgement is a great feeling.

3. Entertainment - Watching a favorite movie/tv show, playing a favorite game, or listening and dancing to a favorite song are fun and entertaining ways for distraction, providing new activity and taking the mind off worrying.

4. Going for a walk – Getting outside to walk in the neighborhood, go to a park, and get fresh air helps clear the mind. It gives space to sort things out and calms the body and mind.

5. Going to God - Talking to God has been a great way for me to express my emotions, although God knows everything before it even happens and is not surprised by how we feel. Knowing that He is listening and bringing me through it helps calm me, and it’s even more exciting and awesome when He shows you what He can do.

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JUNE CANCER AWARENESS

By Brenda Wilder April Jourdan, cancer survivor, was born in Starkville, MS and graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, MS in 1997. April met her husband, Chris, while in college at Mississippi State University, and they married in 2003. During their 17 years of marriage, they have lived in Brandon, Bolton, Clinton, and currently Flora, MS. They are parents to two beautiful young ladies, Maily Adeline (13) and Merritt Jean (10). Maily is an artistic, musically inclined child, and Merritt loves sports and being outside.

April began working at Baptist Hospital Cancer Center in 2003 as a receptionist in the radiation therapy department. This began her career in the medical field, which April considers amazing. In 2008 she began working for Medical Management Service as a receptionist at the Clinton MEA and now works at the corporate office as a Billing Manager. At work, April has many different areas of responsibility.

She has 4 medical coding certifications, manages the auditing of provider’s charts and, offers education, as needed. She loves her job.

April’s cancer journey began when she noticed some blood in her stool and became concerned, but she kept it secret for 6 months, telling NO ONE. She finally told one of her doctors, who scheduled a colonoscopy a few days later. Looking back, April realizes there were other symptoms she had ignored, thinking they were stress related, such as weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, and irregular bowel movements.

Upon the diagnosis of cancer, April’s

first reaction was shock. Chris was told she had a cancerous tumor while April was in recovery from the colonoscopy.

When Chris told her, there were tears, lots of tears. In time by herself, she asked God “Why? Why me?” She was 36 years old with two beautiful little girls that needed her, and she needed them. “After a couple of days, I told myself to snap out of it and get back to the real world. This cancer wasn’t going to be the boss of me! I told the world and asked for prayers, and I got them. I believe a positive attitude and a strong belief in God can get people through anything. There is no room for feeling sorry for myself, I do not allow it.”

The first treatments April received were radiation and chemo in 2016.

Radiation included 6 weeks of daily treatments. Chemo consisted of

wearing a chemo pump for 6 full weeks. April would go in once a week to change the needle in her chemoport and apply new dressings. After surgery to remove parts of the rectum and colon where the tumor was involved, there was the placement of an ileostomy or “poo bag,” as her children called it. This allowed what remained of her rectum and colon to fully recover (they were sewn back together, called an anastomosis). After 6 weeks the ileostomy was reversed, and all intestines put back in use. After 4 days in the hospital, April was discharged to go home. After 6 weeks of recovery, she received another round of chemo, which consisted of a weekly infusion.

After that, no evidence of disease was found. April considers herself lucky to have had no side effects of the radiation and limited side effects from the chemo. The worse side effects

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were tingling in her extremities and the inability to touch or drink anything that was cold.

In 2019 there was a recurrence of the cancer. April started having some foot pain in December, and the pain continued to grow to the point where she had to have pain medication to function, but even with the medication, the pain was never gone, just not as bad. Unfortunately, a cancer spot was found located in the soft tissue on the inside of her hip bone. Following a surgery with no results and a 2nd opinion, she was referred to MD Anderson in Houston, TX. A tumor was found on her internal iliac nerve that explained the extreme pain she was in.

Finally, she had a diagnosis but was not one time sad or mad about it. She was just ready to fight it.

While at MD Anderson, April consulted with multiple doctors, who met to discuss her case. The only option was surgery. In July of 2019 she checked in for a 4-hour surgery, but the surgery lasted 14 hours. April faced a difficult recovery. There was an incision from her back all around the side and ending in the front. Her abdomen was wrecked with scar tissue from the other surgeries, which had to be repaired. As a result of the surgery, April no longer had the use of her left ankle and foot, called drop foot. She will be required to wear a brace the rest of her life, as well as take PT. She stayed in the hospital for two weeks and had many complications while there, developing a DVT in her left lower leg (blood clot), severe kidney infection, and several other issues. Her Mom, Karen Maily, stayed in Texas with April, assisting with daily activities and pushing April to get up and start using her leg, splint, and walker. After two weeks, April was able to leave Houston and adapt to her new life, using a walker.

During the last year, April has come a long way. She no longer needs the walker and walks everywhere on her own strength. This includes regular trips to the UMMC cancer center at the Jackson Medical Mall. coordinate with her doctors in Jackson so she can receive chemotherapy treatments at UMMC. After 6 treatments every other week in Jackson, April returned to MD Anderson for her progress to be checked. Scans were performed, and there was no good news. The cancer had spread to her spine (T4),

During the last year, April has come a long way. She no longer needs the walker and walks everywhere on her own strength. This includes regular trips to the UMMC cancer center at the Jackson Medical Mall.

Her physicians at MD Anderson

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and there were small lesions seen in her lungs. Since the lesions were too small to biopsy, it is still not known if they are cancerous. April started radiation and chemotherapy again in Jackson, and as a result, the lesion on her spine shrunk. More follow-up scans were performed, and a new lesion on her spine was found (S3/4).

This area would be hard to treat because she had previous radiation treatment to the pelvis area in 2016.

After consulting with the radiation oncologists in Houston and Jackson, April knew more radiation was a risk, but with a good plan and careful treatment, she received 24 more rounds of radiation (two a day) to the pelvic area. After that was completed, more follow-up scans indicated the lesion on T4 was GONE, the lesion on S4 was GONE, and the lesion on S3 appears to be shrinking. Lung lesions were the same, with no change. April believes that is scarring in her lungs, not cancer.

The current 2020 treatment is chemotherapy every other week.

Monday, May 18th, 2020, was her 18th chemo. The side effects of this treatment have not been easy, but April knows they could be worse.

She has EXTREME fatigue, stomach issues, and loss of hair. April took a bold step and bought a wig with real hair that is matched to her regular hair color.

with April’s entire family. They gave her strength, which encouraged April to not allow cancer to take her chance to be with her daughters as they grow up. April and her Dad, Bill Maily, have always been close and talked pretty much every day. The cancer diagnosis has brought them even closer, making them talk about serious, not fun topics, causing a deeper love between the two.

April returns to MD Anderson in June for a follow-up visit. She is ready to WOW the doctors with the miracles that have been happening in her life.

It is rare that a metastatic disease (which spreads to other parts of the body) goes completely away. April is hoping the spot on S3 is gone. She knows her life is a miracle.

The Jourdan in-laws, Cecil and Myra Jourdan, stayed with Chris and the girls while April was in Houston. Myra keeps their freezer stocked with food, using her amazing cooking skills something useful for the entire family.

April’s brother-in-law, David Jourdan, has also been a strong support system during the cancer journey.

In dealing with cancer, the Jourdan family has tried to keep life as normal as possible, and there were basically no issues until COVID-19. Their children are now 100% quarantined because of April’s medical condition.

April considers herself lucky that God gave her a husband who is willing to be the maid and cook, along with two beautiful daughters who want to help make her as comfortable as possible.

April has two amazing parents that have loved and supported her throughout life and an older sister, Layne Bonner, with whom she is super close since her cancer diagnosis.

April believes in “God things. I believe he was preparing me for this fight when he placed me at MEA. Having a background in the medical field has helped me, because through this journey, I actually understood what was happening healthwise. I am thankful to work for an amazing company that has stood behind me and supported me for the last 4 years.

I have NEVER stopped working and just took off for my surgeries. My work friends have been by my side throughout the ordeal, and I can’t imagine life without them.”

April’s Mom, Karen, has been with her EVERY STEP OF THE WAY, handling all the mundane activities their trips, assisting with appointments, shopping, and cooking. Karen has not been sad, stressed, aggravated, or boring.

She helped April do things a grown woman should never have to ask her mother to do, but it was done with no complaints. Karen made April get up and walk, not allowing her to lay in bed and feel sad for herself. Karen is now one of April’s best friends and confidants, and they talk daily.

A silver lining to the cancer experience was a closer relationship

April takes inspiration from other cancer survivors and their stories, but she also inspires herself daily. “Can’t stop, won’t stop!” is her mantra. She refuses to feel sorry for herself and will continue to fight!

A favorite scripture for April is Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence for things not seen.”

This encourages April to have faith in things for which she hopes, prays, asks God, and those things not seen.

“I believe from the day you take your first breath on this earth, God has a plan. This is my life, this is my plan, and I embrace it. I recently read that you have to love your cancer. Hate

only brings bad thoughts and those are not allowed,” says April.

Another favorite scripture is Psalm 23:4 “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

April says, “One of the most important things you have to remember is that even through all of this, He will never leave your side. He is always there to talk to, and sometimes the responses are surprising. It is also surprising to learn the way an illness can help others.”

April’s advice for women recently diagnosed with cancer is that, “it’s ok to be scared, there is no shame in that. Take on your emotions, make them a part of you. Own them. There will be days of being scared, unsure of your future, in pain, and feeling seriously ill. Take the time to grieve these things for yourself. Get your cry out, get your mad out, and then accept these things. Don’t let them take you down, you have the strength to overcome.

Be your own advocate, speak up at doctors’ appointments when you have questions or concerns. Embrace the cancer diagnosis and make it part of your daily life and family. The diagnosis of cancer doesn’t just effect the patient, it effects every single person in your life. And as horrible as it seems, you have to be the one to control the reactions of everyone around you. Be positive.”

One of April’s pain management doctors had never met her. He came to visit and said “I had to come meet you face to face. I hear so much about you and your positive attitude, and so do all the other staff in this clinic. They admire your attitude and your fight, you inspire them to be better people, to live a more positive life.” This made April’s day/month/ year/life. She wants an attitude that inspires others.

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ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia. Dementia is a broader term for conditions caused by brain injuries or diseases that negatively affect memory, thinking, and behavior. These changes interfere with daily living. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Most people with the disease are diagnosised after age 65. If diagnosed before then, it’s generally referred to as early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic ongoing condition. Its symptoms come on gradually and the effects

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on the brain are degenerative, meaning they cause slow decline.

There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and may improve quality of life. Anyone can get Alzheimer’s disease, but certain people are at a higher risk.

This includes people over age 65, those with a family history of the condition, and genetics. One gene in particular is of interest to researchers, Apolipoprotein E (APOE), has been linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms in older adults. Blood tests can determine if one has this gene, but keep in mind that even if someone has this gene, they may not get Alzheimer’s The

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opposite is also true: Someone may still get Alzheimer’s even if they don’t have the gene. There’s no way to tell for sure whether someone will develop Alzheimer’s. Other genes could also increase the risk.

Alzheimer’s and dementia aren’t the same thing. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. There’s no single expected outcome for people with Alzheimer’s. Some people live a long time with mild cognitive damage, while others experience a more rapid onset of symptoms and quicker disease progression. Each person’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease is different.

Dementia is a broader term for conditions with symptoms relating to memory loss such as forgetfulness and confusion. Dementia includes more specific conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and others, which can cause these symptoms.

Everyone has episodes of forgetfulness from time to time. But people with Alzheimer’s disease display certain ongoing behaviors and symptoms that worsen over time. These can include memory loss affecting daily activities, such as an ability to keep appointments; trouble with familiar tasks, such as using a microwave; difficulties with problemsolving; trouble with speech or writing; becoming disoriented about times or places; decreased judgment; decreased personal hygiene; mood and personality changes; and withdrawal from friends, family, and community Symptoms change according to the stage of the disease.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means the symptoms will gradually worsen over time. Alzheimer’s is broken down into seven stages: • STAGE 1. There are no symptoms at this stage but there might be an early diagnosis based on family history.

• STAGE 2. The earliest symptoms appear, such as forgetfulness.

• Stage 3. Mild physical and mental impairments appear, such as reduced memory and concentration. These may only be noticeable by someone very close to the person.

• STAGE 4. Alzheimer’s is often diagnosed at this stage, but it’s still considered mild. Memory loss and the inability to perform everyday tasks is evident.

• STAGE 5. Moderate to severe symptoms require help from loved ones or caregivers.

• STAGE 6. At this stage, a person with Alzheimer’s may need help with basic tasks, such as eating

and putting on clothes.

• STAGE 7. This is the most severe and final stage of Alzheimer’s.

There may be a loss of speech and facial expressions.

As a person progresses through these stages, they’ll need increasing support from a caregiver. A doctor will likely do several tests to determine the diagnosis, including mental, physical, neurological, and imaging tests. For early to moderate Alzheimer’s, the doctor may prescribe medications such as donepezil (Aricept) or rivastigmine (Exelon).

These drugs can help maintain high levels of acetylcholine in the brain, a type of neurotransmitter that can help aid memory.

To treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s, a doctor may prescribe donepezil (Aricept) or memantine (Namenda). Memantine can help block the effects of excess glutamate, a brain chemical that’s released in higher amounts in Alzheimer’s disease and damages brain cells.

The doctor may also recommend antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or antipsychotics to help treat symptoms related to Alzheimer’s, such as depression, restlessness, aggression, agitation, and hallucinations.

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes may help manage the condition. Some believe that vitamin E can help prevent the decline in mental abilities, but more research is needed. Researchers are focusing on overall healthy lifestyle habits as ways of preventing cognitive decline. Some suggestions are quit smoking, exercise regularly, cognitive training exercises, a plant-based diet, consume more antioxidants, and maintain an active social life.

If a loved one has Alzheimer’s, a family member may consider becoming a caregiver. This is a fulltime job that’s typically not easy, but can be very rewarding. Being a caregiver takes many skills, such as patience, creativity, stamina, and the ability to see joy in the role of helping someone you care about live the most comfortable life they can. As a caregiver, it’s important to take care of yourself as well as your loved one.

With the responsibilities of the role can come an increased risk of stress, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise.

If you choose to assume the role of caregiver, you may need to enlist the help of professional caregivers as well as other family members to help.

Source: https://www.healthline. com/health/alzheimers-disease

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2020 Essential Service:

PARAMEDIC

by Brenda Wilder

Lisa Valadie of Madison, MS is a paramedic and Community Educator for Madison Fire Department. She has 4 children and 2 granddaughters. Lisa has been an EMS since 1987 and a paramedic since 1989. Her Mom was a nurse, so Lisa grew up listening to medical stories and watching nurses caring for others. Lisa knew she was interested in the medical field, although nursing didn’t really interest her. Growing up watching Emergency, a show about the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lisa was aware that type work appealed to her. In June of 1987, she was with her family, and they were first on the scene of a car crash. Lisa panicked and did not like the feeling of not being able to help.

After researching, Lisa found an EMT class that started later that year and signed up. Looking back now, Lisa realizes God had His hand in her career and still leads her today!

Lisa attended Ms. Gulf Coast Community College in Pass Christian and began working in Biloxi with Amserv Ambulance, then later moved to Mobile Medic, based in Gulfport.

It was there that Lisa furthered her education in paramedic school, and she has enjoyed the relationships she’s developed and the lives she’s changed through the years.

“I think the biggest responsibility we have is to take care of ourselves spiritually, emotionally, and physically,” said Lisa. “With this job, you don’t learn everything you need in school, and that’s it. It’s a constant learning process: new skills, new drugs, new

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technology. One of the things I enjoy is working with new EMTs. I feel we can learn from each other, combining my old school ways and their new ways.”

Lisa’s typical day has changed during the past few months and reminds her of Groundhog Day! Being with the Madison Fire Department for 14 years, Lisa has gone from working in ambulances to a fire department, which was a good change for her. “I’ve been blessed with a great chief and fire brothers! So many of them have helped me on my spiritual journey. My job as Community Educator is fun. I have the opportunity to talk to schools,

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teachers, churches, and civic groups on safety and injury prevention. One of the programs we have in Madison is teaching our community children CPR, first aid for choking, and other valuable first aid knowledge. Once again, I feel it’s God’s intervention,” said Lisa.

In 1999 Lisa was at her doctor’s office, and a headline about car seat misuse and car seat technicians in Readers Digest caught her attention.

“At the time, I was working with Rankin Medical Center on ambulance service, and since I had 4 children, I thought I knew everything about car seats; however, I wanted to know more and

thought this was something, as a paramedic, that I needed to learn so I could teach the knowledge to others.

Soon after that, I was in the first car seat technician class in the state.

It was a week-long experience and one of the most important classes of my career! After I became certified, I reached out to fire departments and EMS agencies on what we need to look for at crashes and how to better assess patients involved in crashes. That class led to the job I have now. I’ve also worked with MDOT and helped develop the Rover Rollover Simulator program,” shared Lisa.

and how could she have reached this family and prevented this tragedy.

When Mississippi was trying to pass a booster seat law, she reached out to Jansen’s mom, Julie, who helped Mississippi get a new booster seat law passed. Julie said at the scene that night that Jansen loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian, so she brought a bag of stuffed animals to give to pediatric patients. Lisa still

When asked about how one can get started in EMS training, Lisa said EMS is a good stepping stone to whatever one is interesting in doing! The class is one semester at a community college and teaches advanced first aid and what to do in an emergency (something everyone needs to know!). Having a mentor is always good, and one needs to be strong physically, so exercise and eat healthy!

“Over the years, I’ve worked on many calls.

People want to know what the worst thing I’ve seen.

Trust me, there are plenty, but my answer is ‘the call that could have been prevented, not wearing seat belts, no smoke alarms in a house fire, or someone that has drowned.’ That is one reason why I love my job, I’m teaching others how to make better choices and giving people safety measures about which to think. Will they listen?

Hopefully! If I can reach a few, I’ve done my job!”

Lisa says the calls that she still thinks include: the Jackson Fire Dept shooting, the Pearl High School shooting, and Jansen Wright. Jansen was a 6 year old from Brookhaven.

His family was moving to Georgia and coming back to load household items. It was raining, and the vehicle he was riding in hydroplaned on I-20 West near Brandon. Jansen was ejected and killed. At the time, Lisa was organizing a lot of car seat checkpoints and educating whoever would listen! When something like this happens, Lisa thinks about not having done enough

technology has changed. She advises reading the owner’s manual for your vehicle and child restraint guidelines.

Keep a little one rear facing until they are at least 2 years old. Keep them in booster seats until the seat belt fits them, probably around 8 years of age. No child should ride in front seat until they are at least 13 years of age! Safekid.org provides tips for parents and suggestions for finding a technician such as Lisa to assist.

has a stuffed cow (because that was Jansen’s favorite) to always remind her to keep working on making a difference.

Lisa wants the public to be educated on car seat regulations, since

One of Lisa’s favorite bible quotes is Isiah 40:31. When she reads scripture, she feels as if it is talking to her, like God knows what she needs to hear. Lisa wrote a prayer that she keeps with her: “Lord, give me the strength, compassion, and knowledge to do my job well, physical strength to carry the weak and injured, and compassion to be nonjudgmental.

Instead of looking at the surface, help me to look deeper. Give me knowledge and wisdom to perform the skills I have studied and learned. No matter what tasks or obstacles You may put before me, I will be able to handle them with courage, knowing You are with me! Amen.”

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WHAT IS FATHER’S DAY

And Why Do We Celebrate It? Kaitlyn Chamberlin

F

ather’s Day is celebrated by families all around the world— and this year is no exception.

While it’s certainly going to look different due to social distancing measures, Father’s Day will still be happening all around the world.

While your dad probably enjoys being showered with gifts and love on this special day, that wasn’t the case with the average dad back when the day was first created over 100 years ago.

Father’s Day is on June 21 this year.

The history of Father’s Day is quite long and controversial. Mother’s Day actually came first (it was celebrated as far back as the 1860s and declared a national holiday in 1914) and paved the way for Father’s Day. The history of Father’s Day goes back to 1908 when a church in West Virginia held a sermon to honor 362

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men who were killed the previous year in a coal mining explosion. This was the country’s first-ever event to strictly honor fathers, but it was just a one-and-done thing.

The following year, however, a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd started her quest to establish Father’s Day as a national holiday.

Dodd was one of six raised by her single father and thought fathers should be honored the same way as mothers. After a year of petitioning her local community and government, Dodd’s home state of Washington celebrated its first official Father’s Day on June 19, 1910. Over the years, the celebration of Father’s Day spread from state to state, and after a long fight it was finally declared a national holiday in 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed it into law.

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 31, June 2020

Woman to Woman With Joanne extends a Happy Father’s Day to all Father’s and Grandfathers!

Dad quotes: “Dad is, and always will be, my living, breathing superhero.” – Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin.

“I used to wonder why I had hair on my legs, but now I know it’s for my toddlers to pull themselves up with as I scream in pain.” Comic Jim Gaffigan.

“By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.” –Charles Wadsworth, classical pianist.

“You can tell what was the best year of your father’s life because he seems to freeze that clothing style and ride it out.” –Jerry Seinfeld.

“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” –Clarence Budington Kelland, author.

Allen Bell

JaQuan Frelix

Thank you for being an amazing Grandpa. Thank you for also always giving me lectures when I needed them. (Haha) I love you Pa. Happy Father’s Day.

My mountain top. There has always been a glow about you. Whenever the sun shines, so does your smile.

Please stay at peace with yourself.

Happy Father’s Day. Love Jessica, JaQuan, Jr. and Madison.

“When I was little my dad had me convinced the ice cream truck only played music when it was sold out.” –Anonymous.

“Any man can be a father but it takes someone special to be a dad.” –Anne Geddes.

“The only thing better than having you as a dad is my kids getting to have you as a granddad.” –Anonymous.

“Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow.” –Reed Markham, educator and author.

Love Mya

Leesaw Jordan

Leonard Sandifer

“Before I got married I had six theories about raising children; now, I have six children and no theories.” –John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester.

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me. –Jim Valvano, college basketball coach.

“I would say my greatest achievement in life right now—my greatest achievement, period, and I’m still trying to achieve it—is to be a wonderful father to my kids.”

—Bo Jackson.

To My Papa To the best guy I’ve know. No matter what happens, may God shine his light upon you. I love you so much. Love JaQuan Frelix (Quan)

Leyon Sandifer My brother. You have always been there for me when I needed you most, even when I didn’t know I did. You are an amazing man and an amazing father and I am so proud of you.

Love you Big Brother.

Joanne

I love you Dad. You have always been the best example of a hardworking man and father who provides for his family. I love you always and Happy Father’s Day! Love, Joanne (Spoony)

Naomi Short and Robert Curtis Short, Sr Robert Curtis Short, Sr., is a courageous and diligent Evangelist, grandfather, father, husband, brother, uncle, organic vegetable farmer, and comedian. I am so thankful that he spent time with me to learn piano and other musical skills. He has shown outrageous encouragement and been a wonderful teacher, from life skills to gardening skills . I am grateful for his compassion and love! Naomi Short

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 31, June 2020

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WOMAN TO |WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE Call us today on 601-355-3889 Email: admin@dependablesourcecorp.com

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SPRINGTIME BEIGNETS & BERRIES Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • •

1/4 cup butter, room temperature 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water (120° to 130°), divided 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast 1 large egg 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour Oil for deep-fat frying Confectioners’ sugar Berries and whipped topping, optional

Directions • Beat butter, sugar, salt and cinnamon until crumbly. Beat in 1/2 cup water and evaporated milk. In another bowl, dissolve yeast in remaining water; add to milk mixture. Beat in egg until blended.

• Add 2 cups flour; mix until well blended. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover; refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

• Bring dough to room temperature.

On a floured surface, roll dough into a 16x12-in. rectangle. Cut into 2-in. squares. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Drop beignets, a few at a time, into hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.

Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. If desired, serve with assorted berries and whipped topping.

Nutrition Facts 1 beignet: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, trace fiber), 1g protein.

Source: tasteofhome.com

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 31, June 2020

NORTH AFRICAN CHICKEN AND RICE Ingredients • 1 medium onion, diced • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds) • 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1 teaspoon sea salt • 1/2 teaspoon pepper • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder • 1 cup golden raisins • 1/2 to 1 cup chopped pitted green olives • 1 medium lemon, sliced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water • 4 cups hot cooked brown rice

Directions • In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, combine onion and oil. Place chicken thighs on top of onion; sprinkle with next 7 ingredients.

Top with raisins, olives, lemon and garlic. Add broth. Cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 4-5 hours. Serve with hot cooked rice.

• • Test Kitchen tipsHeavily spiced with a mixture of interesting ingredients, the cuisine from North Africa may be a bit unfamiliar, but we know you’ll fall in love with the interesting new flavor combinations.

• If olives aren’t your favorite, don’t leave them out entirely, but go with 1/2 cup.

Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 386 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 31, June 2020