Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine May 2020

THE MAGAZINE

May 2020 • Issue 30

10 Takeaways from Being Quarantined

Brenda Myers

The Battle Is Not ours

Josephine Gardner

ALS Awareness

more inside…

Shay Greenwood

How Home School Worked For Her

Together, we have the strength.

Education

MCADV provides training sessions, special events and resource materials to all sectors of the community, including law enforcement, professional, civic groups, and services providers.

Public Awareness

MCADV conducts ongoing statewide media campaigns aimed at specific target audiences including action-oriented communications to victims and the public as well as building public awareness about domestic violence in various entities within the community at-large.

Technical Assistance

MCADV provides training, support, resources, and capacity building to member shelter programs and coordinates efforts between programs and other community service agencies to enhance the strategies and programs for victim service provision as well as provide referrals to domestic violence shelter programs and other available services.

Resource Distribution

MCADV maintains information on domestic violence resources and services including stalking, teen dating violence, domestic violence and the faith community, victims’ rights, and elder abuse.

Legal Services

MCADV conducts the coordination of legal services to victims of interpersonal violence associated with the shelter programs, such as family law matters and other non-tort legal services in civil court matters.

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

1-800-898-3234 SUPPORT@MCADV.ORG MCADV.ORG

Brenda Myers, CEO and Founder

JOURNEY INSURANCE SOLUTIONS, LLC

LIFE INSURANCE

Building Wealth and Security for Life's Journey

WHO WE ARE?

WHAT WE DO?

We are a multi-line life insurance and finance agency specializing in wealth building and financial literacy.

We have over 150 providers which allows us to give our clients the Power of Choice.

We offer our clients products that address reallife challenges so they can have the financial flexibility and stability they need via life insurance, mortgage protection, retirement strategies, business solutions and much, much more.

RETIREMENT PLANNING

ANNUITIES

LONG-TERM CARE

GET IN TOUCH 769-572-5737 | 805 S. Wheatley St. Ste. 540 Ridgeland, MS 39157 | www.journeyinsurancesolutions.com

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE

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contents MAY 2020 In This Issue

Publisher & Editor

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Joanne Bell Wright

19 Ways To Support Your Mental Health During Covid-19 1Don’t allow COVID-19 to distract you

Assistant Editor

from your mental health issues.

Dr. Brenda Wilder

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ALS Public Awareness A wife held her husband’s hands and wept softly as the doctor told them the news ...

Layout Design

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Ahmed Allaudin

Brenda Myers Brenda Myers was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi where she ...

Staff Photographers

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Mya Bell

Staff Writers Dr. Brenda Wilder Dr. Amanda Lucas

Mya Bell is a 17-year-old Mississippi School of The Arts student with a ...

Cover Photo Chandler Greenwood

Mya Bell's Abstract Photos

Shay Greenwood

Features 20

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Shay Greenwood : Homeschool and Home Business Mom Shay Greenwood is an Entrepreneur, Business & Style Coach, Author, ...

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Cystic Fibrosis Awareness

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Kiev Adair lives in Texas with her two children, Devon (age 22) and Leiki ...

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Kaitlyn Anderson

The Battle is Not Yours We often feel that when problems arise in our lives, it is up to us to fix them ...

Website

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womantowomanwithjoanne.com

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness: Josephine Gardner Jennifer and Avery Gardner have 2 beautiful children, Sully (6) and Josephine ...

Subscribe

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bit.ly/joannebellmag

Ube’s Journey from Muslim to Christian Ube is a Hinds Community College student from a small country in ...

28 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.

All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Woman to Woman is funded by advertising and sponsorship.

Ten Takeaways From Quarantine Covid 19 has changed the world in a short period of time. There are essential ...

Kiev Leiki

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We celebrate you and appreciate you!: Happy Mothers Day! The word “Mom” means different things to different people. For Belinda ...

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Joy Through Trials Chloe Shivers, a Junior at Park Place Christian Academy (PPCA) in Pearl, ...

36 Brenda Myers

Josephine Gardner

Chloe Shivers

RECIPE Margarita Cake Ginger Crinkles

What's coming next month: Father's Day Love

622 Duling Avenue Jackson MS 39216

COTACT WITH US 601-398-6733 woman2woman.joanne@yahoo.com

Joanne’s Desk HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Being a mother has been the joy of my life for 25 years now. I am not perfect and my children are not perfect, and together we are perfectly imperfect. In the interview with our cover story Shay Greenwood, she says, “Give yourself grace.” Grace to make mistakes and learn from your mistakes. Grace to fall down but get back up even better.

Grace to say no. Grace to not be ok sometimes. Grace to be yourself.

We as mothers give all we have plus a little extra to make sure that our children have what they need. We protect them at all costs, and we sacrifice our bodies to give them life, we sacrifice sleep and rest, which are two totally different things, because we love these little ones that steal our hearts from the start.

So, take today to smile, take a couple deep breaths, and give yourself a pat on the back. You are a mother, and whether you are a natural mom, a step-mom, a foster mom, a Grandmom, a sister mom or an aunt mom, being a mother is the most wonderful gift we can receive.

Smile, it’s your day and Woman To Woman With Joanne Celebrates You. Happy Mother’s Day to you. YOU ARE SIMPLY AMAZING! And remember, give yourself grace.

Love ya much!

Joanne

We as mothers give all we have plus a little extra to make sure that our children have what they need.

Staff

Dr. Brenda Wilder Assistant Editor

Dr. Amanda Lucas Staff Writer

Christine Davis Virtual Assistant

Kaitlyn Anderson Staff Writer

Mya Bell Staff Photographer

CLINTON MUSIC CONSERVATORY

All ages: Piano,Voice Lessons Preschool Ages: Kiddy Keys Contact Dr. Brenda Wilder, Piano & Voice 601-918-3026 brendawilder@comcast.net or Shardae McAfee, Piano 601-906-4130 shardaemcafee@gmail.com

Join the Fun!

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19 WAYS

To Support Your Mental Health During Covid-19 1

Don’t allow COVID-19 to distract you from your mental health issues. We all have mental health, and 1 in 4 of us suffers from a mental health condition.

Or as my grad school professor wisely said, “It’s not us therapists versus you, the clients. We’re all in this together and we’re all on the spectrum at one time or another.”

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Ask for help. To quote Michael Jordan, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” and some other insightful being, “There’s no such thing as a stupid question.”

Practice online yoga. YouTube is an amazing platform for home workouts. Google the “Yoga with Adrienne” channel to get the (downward-facing dogs barking).

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Have compassion for the panic-buyers. Many of us enjoy a good laugh at the toilet paper memes, but maybe the only thing standing between Lisa and another panic attack is the fact she’s able to grab six jumbo rolls of Charmin.

Execute on your side hustle, dream gig, or new job.

Time on your hands coupled with limited social interaction is conducive to thinking and doing outside the box.

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Reach out to a vulnerable neighbor, even if by phone. Ask if s/ he needs a can of tuna or a canister of disinfectant wipes.

Check in on family. Even if you haven’t spoken since the Independence Day fiasco, compassion and kindness never go out of fashion.

Loneliness and isolation are huge stressors on our immune systems.

And if there’s one thing we all need, it’s healthy antibodies.

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Play. One of the quickest ways to reverse anxiety, worries, fears, and anger is to practice spontaneity and whimsy. Now is not the time to ask an attractive stranger if you can buy him/ her a drink, but you can dance in your living room, make silly faces in the mirror, or grab your hiking boots and head out into nature.

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Journal, ask the difficult questions, face your reality, stand up to your fears, call a therapist, and practice mindful attention to the here-and-now.

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Talk about the facts. For up-todate news, listen to members of the medical profession, not politicians and Facebook. Speak to children and teens in age-appropriate language and know they will model their stress response to yours.

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

Check in with the BIG “C.B.T.” (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy). Our thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. We all have a daily choice: practice peace or practice stress. How you react to the threat of a pandemic is indicative of your level of emotional intelligence and happiness.

Especially if you do number 11.

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Read Viktor E. Frankl’s (Man’s Search for Meaning).

Relish the downtime.

Considering how often we bow in silent prayer to the "almighty"

iPhone, there’s never been a better time to slow the mind and body.

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Pay it forward. If your housekeeper, sitter, dog walker, gardener or other service providers are unable to work, consider paying them anyway.

An eye-opening story from the book Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America recounts an overworked, stressed-out single mother who comes home and smacks her kid after she spent hours restocking shelves at Target (an empathic tale regarding the plights of the working poor).

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Embrace vulnerability.

There’s nothing like a crisis to highlight what you’re made of.Others around you may need inspiration.

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Make sleep a priority. Not having to wake up at 6:00 a.m. to get the kids ready for school has its perks. During the next few weeks (or more), create a bedtime and wake-up schedule to optimize at least eight hours of quality sleep. This will allow you to face the uncertainty with more feelings of calm and being in control.

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Be responsible things. As the CDC advises, wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water, resist touching your face, cover your mouth when coughing, and follow. Stay at home orders.

Drink plenty of water.

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Ask yourself if you really need more toilet paper, water, or hand sanitizer.” If not, what are viable or DIY substitutes?

Consider at-risk populations and leave the extra canned goods and diapers for others if you have a surplus at home.

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Thank the front-liners, such as members of the healthcare community: doctors, nurses, PAs, janitors, cafeteria workers, housekeepers and office staff; grocers; restaurateurs; animal shelter volunteers, and the multitudes of intrepid souls putting humanity, compassion, and efficiency first.

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Be grateful you’re reading this right now and not hooked up to a ventilator fighting for your life.

Source: PsychologyToday.com

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ALS Public AWARENESS I Will Love You Forever A wife held her husband’s hands and wept softly as the doctor told them the news that her husband had ALS. This doctor added quietly that there was nothing anyone could do, so they needed to get their life in order and do anything they had dreamed of doing ‘someday’ before their ‘someday’ slipped out of reach.

Her husband, stunned and not sure how to absorb the diagnosis, turned to her and asked, “Will you help me through this? I’m not sure what to do next,” She tightened her grip on his hands and softly said, “I will love you forever, I will take care of you always.

As long as I live, In my heart you will be.”

And so their last chapter of life together began, each day filled with both blessings and losses that flooded their hearts with joys and sorrows. The day he found he could no longer button his shirts was the day they also welcomed a grandchild into the family. The day he could no longer stand but had friends step in to raise him up in spirits. The day he could no longer raise his fork to his mouth to eat was a day when she began lovingly and romantically feeding him.

They would weep with each loss, while he so longed to be able to wipe her tears. He would cry out, “How can you love me when I am becoming a burden and cannot share this load?” She firmly held his hands and quietly said, “I will love you forever, I will take care of you always.

As long as I live, In my heart you will be.”

Time stops for no one, and time was their enemy. His losses continued until he was stilled of all movement.

She fed him through a feeding tube, and carefully tended his breathing equipment. No longer able to speak words of love freely, their conversations were brief and focused on his needs. Move pillows. Cream on foot. Eye drops.

Suction. Bathroom. Feel sick. Hurt.

But sometimes he spelled out in frustration, “How can you love me? I have nothing to offer you except work and

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more work. You look so tired.” She wiped his eyes and took his hand, saying, “I will love you forever, I will care for you always.

As long as I live, In my heart you will be.”

The months passed and became years. They were both worn out, bone weary, wondering how much more pain he could take. The reality of life on life support with ALS meant that he would live longer but would face the worst of the worst of ALS. He became increasingly confused and upset over things, sometimes spelling out that his heart was sad. Life had settled into a routine of pain management, care, prayers, and tasks that ate up every minute of every day.

He found it hard to ask, but needed to know, “Will you always love me? How can it be so? I cannot love you like you need to be loved.” She held his hands so gently as to not hurt him more, and whispered over and over again in his ear, “I will love you forever, I have enough love for two.

As long as I live, In my heart you will be.”

And so it was.

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ALSPatientandCaregivertips)

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

"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 WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE

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BRENDA MYERS Brenda Myers was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi where she currently resides. She is CEO and Founder of Journey Insurance Solutions, LLC and an Alumni of Jackson State University and Southern Technical College, where she graduated Cum Laude and received the “Most Outstanding Student” Award in 1987. She also attended Tulane University in Madison, MS, where she majored in Political Science. Myers is a Financial Broker licensed in Mississippi and Texas and author of “Making the Decision to Purchase Life Insurance.” She is a Board Member of Dressing for Success and a member of Women for Progress, where she serves as Director of Women’s Business Networking. Myers is a member of NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) and Exhale Central Mississippi. One of ten children, Myers is the proud mother of twins (a boy and a girl) and the grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren.

Myers has been featured on Defining Moments with Larry Nicks on WPMP, Metro Morning Live with Rob Jay on WJSU and the Working Woman’s Report with Women for Progress, MS. She believes in giving back to the community through working with charitable organizations such as RECH Foundation and the Dr. Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness cause. Her company has partnered with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree to assist in assuring that each child receives a Christmas gift.

The opportunity for Myers to become an Entrepreneur presented itself during the economic downturn in 2008/2009. She was

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working at Butler Snow, the largest law firm in the state of Mississippi, as a Legal Assistant for over 8 years when the economy crashed, causing a recession where companies began to downsize. “I remember when the rumor was going around that there was going to be a layoff at the firm. I thought my job was secure because I worked with a Partner of the firm. He would call me ‘Radar,’ like ‘Radar’ on MASH, stating that I was always one step ahead of him. I would anticipate what he might want or need and before he would ask, I would already have the answer. He once told me that he would put me up against any Assistant in the firm, and I would still be the best. I recall not being upset by the company’s decision to let me go because I saw it as an opportunity to pursue other interests,” says Myers.

After being laid off from Butler Snow, Myers entered the Finance and Insurance Industry, obtaining her insurance license in 2009 and worked for one of America’s leading insurance carriers as a Unit Manager. After about a year with that company, she decided to open her own insurance agency, the Myers Insurance Group, LLC, in 2010. “Having a company with my name on it was an amazing feeling.

I was proud when I had my ribbon cutting ceremony and the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce was present, as well as a representative from the Mayor’s office and the Small Business

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

Myers is a Financial Broker licensed in Mississippi and Texas and author of “Making the Decision to Purchase Life Insurance.” She is a Board Member of Dressing for Success and a member of Women for Progress, where she serves as Director of Women’s Business Networking.

Administration,” says Myers. Fox 40 news interviewed her, asking why she started a business during hard economic times. She responded that “life insurance is a necessity, especially during difficult economic times. Businesses must realize the importance of preparing for times such as this.”

for helping others, it is her endless desire to help her community build generational wealth for their families through financial literacy. The road to financial freedom starts with financial education. “Leaving a family legacy is the goal for future generations.”

In 2019 Myers changed the name of her company to Journey Insurance Solutions, LLC. She understands that life is a journey with highs and lows with peaks and valleys, so the word “Journey” resonated with her. “It is important that we have a plan for our life’s journey and preparation is key.”

One of Myers’ favorite statements is, “People don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan.” Myers specializes in knowing the needs of her clients and helps them develop a roadmap to fulfill their wishes. With a passion

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Journey Insurance Solutions partnered with World Financial Group (WFG) in 2020. The vision of WFG is to give people from all walks of life the power to build strong, more sound financial futures. WFG’s financial professionals have helped hundreds of thousands of families prepare for a better financial future. Partnering with WFG has provided Journey Insurance Solutions the ability to be

able to offer the power of choice.

They have over 150 carriers which help their clients make informed, educated decisions about their family’s financial future. “My company has grown exponentially, and I am thankful that I had the fortitude to step out on faith and start my own business.” The dream of business ownership was instilled in Myers by her father. He would always tell her to “own land and work for yourself.”

Her father believed in family and hard work and was an Entrepreneur. “He passed away in 2018 from Cancer, but the foundation that he instilled in me is what drives me daily. I know that he is proud of me because I followed in his footsteps,” says Myers.

Being a business owner during this COVID19 pandemic has taught Myers how to survive as a small business owner. “We don’t panic, we pivot.

As life changes, we must change with it. We don’t know what the new normal is going to be after this trial is over, but we must put ourselves in a position to be able to survive and adapt to change.”

After years of successes and failures, Myers can now say that her dreams are coming true. She believes that everything happens for a reason and a season. “We take it for what it’s worth and glean what we can from it, then move on. We

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

all know the old cliché: when one door closes, another one opens.

Something far better can be behind the next door. We just need to muster up the courage to open it.”

“I am living my best life. I am in control of my happiness. I am walking into my future with my head held up, my chest stuck out, and a smile on my face, because I know that God is in control of all things and like my daddy would always tell me, ‘Watch as well as pray.’ I have learned some hard, tough lessons but the biggest lesson is to never give up. The road ahead might look rough at times, but persistence and perseverance will get you to where you want to be. It’s God’s grace and mercy that will keep you there,” states Myers.

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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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Graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Shay was able to work for a Management Research Company which allowed her to work as a Management Consultant for clients like Disney World, Toyota, Stryker Medical, and Stedman Graham (yep…Oprah’s boyfriend). In 2017, she was awarded The Encourager of the Year Award from her direct sales company that she has been a part of for 19 years.

Happily married to Roosevelt Greenwood for 25 years, she has 5 children, ages 8-24. She is passionate about helping everyone reach their fullest potential, including her children.

Roosevelt and Shay have been homeschool parents for 18 years.

Currently, Shay has an online course called “Facebook Made Easy,” and teaches within the #YourVirtualBff Insiders Group, a membership community that helps women entrepreneurs live out Romans 12:2 “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

SHAY GREENWOOD HOMESCHOOL AND HOME BUSINESS MOM S hay Greenwood is an Entrepreneur, Business & Style Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, Founder of “The Styled Life” and “The Virtual BFF’s Community for Women!”

She is passionate about helping women style-life, which could involve styling your outfit, profession, or home life, into something you love! ​Shay attended 8 different elementary schools in California because of the ups and downs coming from a divorced family. Although this could be a negative part of life, Shay is the ultimate optimist! She felt her

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experiences trained her to connect with people easily and created a love for encouraging and supporting others.

Since she was on the Dance Team and a Cheerleader in high school, she thought she would do this professionally on a football field or basketball court. She never considered that God would give her the opportunity to professionally lead, coach, and cheer online entrepreneurs, using her skills in training rooms for businesses, as well as arenas and auditoriums with audiences!

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine talked with Shay Greenwood about her experience homeschooling 5 children while being a stay-at-home mom and entrepreneur. It is our pleasure to share her journey.

“Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. This is the scripture that helped Shay make the decision to homeschool her children and to become an at-home mom.

“It was difficult for me as a brand new Christian. How do I train them if they are gone all day? That’s really when my heart started changing about what God wanted me to do. Titus 2:5 says women are to be keepers of their homes, and that really impacted me, because I didn’t realize the Bible stated that. On my way home from a Bible study one day, I called Roosevelt and said, “Did you know that women are supposed to be keepers of their home?”

He said, “Yes,” and I asked when he was planning to tell me that! “I was raised to have a job, be working in corporate

Currently, Shay has an online course called “Facebook Made Easy,” and teaches within the #YourVirtualBff Insiders Group, a membership community that helps women entrepreneurs live out Romans 12:2 “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

America, and become the president of the company. That’s where the majority of one’s time is spent.”

“As a young Christian and reading the Bible, God’s Word was teaching me that, yes, I could have a full-time job, but where was my heart for my home? God led me to quit my corporate job and be a stay at home mom. Then He led me to homeschool my kids, although I realize that is not necessarily the route for everybody.”

“A woman working in corporate business or at home needs to make home a place of peace where the kids and husband are welcomed. Even a single mom can be intentional about making sure that her kids are in social contact with others. This reinforces that she is not alone and has competent people that are contributing to the family’s lives. Be intentional and don’t allow life to just happen.”

I learned God’s Word, the more I was assured I was doing the right thing.”

“I wanted my children to love Jesus, and homeschooling for me was never about academics. It was always about their relationship with the Lord. I was standing on Deuteronomy 6:5-7 where it says: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.’ To me that sounded like homeschool. Further in that chapter it basically says if I do this, then God will take me into splendid cities, which I did not build. He will dig cisterns that I didn’t dig. I stood on those scriptures by faith. Now that I look back, I see those verses became real in every single one of my kids. I didn’t do this. God did.”

After being homeschooled for elementary life, Shay’s two oldest boys, Noah and Jacob, entered middle school at Germantown High School. “They enrolled in public school because private football ended at the age of 12, and both really wanted to play football, which they love.”

“Entering public school for Noah wasn’t a big deal. Jacob struggled with things like getting all his stuff in his backpack when the bell rang and getting out on time on time? It was the culture of school that required him to

adjust, because homeschool kids just leave their stuff out on the kitchen table.

We started memorizing scripture, and Roosevelt would take them to school, memorizing scripture on the way. One of the scriptures was Joshua 1:9, ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong, be courageous, do not fear, God is with you wherever you go.’ That established the fact that no matter where one is, God is the gateway. The boys had a solid foundation on which to build.”

Shay’s advice for Moms who have tried being a stay at home mom or tried homeschooling and found it didn’t work for them is to “let it go.” “The biggest battle that we have happens between our ears. The doubt grows when we listen to ourselves instead of talking to ourselves. We compare ourselves to culture, the next mom, and the ideal Proverbs 31 woman. Why can’t I be like her? You know, she had handmaidens.

I can’t be like her because I don’t have enough people that I’ve hired on my team, so we can’t compare. We have to give ourselves grace. Don’t compare yourself to others, and give yourself grace when things are not going the way you think they should.”

Homeschooling and being a stay at home mom isn’t for everyone. Did God call you to do it? Evaluate how you can make it work. Ask God for wisdom...He says he will give it to us when we ask. He fearfully and wonderfully made you and equipped you to do all that He has called you to do. Keep focused on that and you can’t go wrong for you or your family.

“Homeschooling is hard. “I remember one day, three of the children were running around in the living room, and I thought to myself, ‘what have I done’?

But I knew that God called me to this ministry to my children. I believed He was going to help me, and the more WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE

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Cystic Fibrosis

AWARENESS Kiev Adair lives in Texas with her two children, Devon (age 22) and Leiki (age 11). Devon is a personal trainer at a local gym and pursuing the goal of opening his own gym and online stock trading company.

Kiev became aware of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) when Leiki was around 6 weeks old and wasn’t nursing well, plus having labored breathing. Kiev took her to the pediatrician, who diagnosed Leiki with pneumonia.

They were sent home with an inhaler and antibiotics. Her symptoms improved slightly, but she was still having problems with her breathing that was causing more issues with nursing. After 2 rounds of pneumonia, Kiev spoke to her mother, Shannon Shumate, of Jackson, MS and explained Leiki’s symptoms and diagnosis. Shannon suggested that Kiev kiss Leiki on the forehead to determine if she tasted salty. Leiki indeed tasted salty!

After online researching which caused much distress in Kiev, she made multiple pleas to Leiki’s pediatrician and pulmonologist to hav e a sweat chloride test, where a technique called iontophoresis is employed in order to produce a volume of sweat. The technique requires the application of a tiny (painless) electrical current that medically stimulates maximum sweat production. The patient’s forearm is commonly used.

Prior to November 2009, the CF screening for newborns wasn’t a part of the heel-prick newborn screening

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done on babies. Leiki was born in April 2009. After a false-positive test and more probing of doctors to determine what was making Leiki sick, on August 18, 2009 @ 5 months old, Leiki was diagnosed with CF. Shortly after the diagnosis on August 26, 2009, Leiki was hospitalized for CF complications.

That’s when they found out what their future lives would

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

encompass. Initially, the doctors advised them to keep Leiki away from sick people, discouraged day care, provided a litany of breathing treatments and a daily schedule, and gave them numerous written resources for education on CF. The main goal was to continue her daily breathing treatments, keep her caloric intake high, and assure she was isolated from people that were or had been recently sick.

Kiev’s initial reaction to the diagnosis was FEAR of the unknown.

“Not knowing if I was going to be able to keep her healthy, I was devastated and shocked. Then I went into what I like to call “Mama Bear” mode. How do I attack this disease and allow us to win the daily fight?”

Life with CF is a delicate balance of the necessary medical treatments and living a ‘normal’ life as much as possible. Leiki has 10 breathing treatments per day, 4 different inhaled medications, and takes up to 26 pancreatic enzymes with meals and snacks per day. The enzymes help her pancreas process fats, proteins and carbohydrates so she can absorb the maximum number of calories.

A daily routine of prescribed breathing treatments, snacks and meals high in calories and physical fitness has proven to be our best defense to combat CF. Sometimes the hospital can’t be avoided, since the common cold, flu, and airborne fungi can cause an infection that Leiki’s body is unable to combat.

With the current Covid 19 virus, Kiev has treated the situation as she would during FLU season. Additional washing of hands, more sanitizing of surfaces and overall staying isolated from others is important.

Our hometown went on “stay in place shelter” 2 weeks after Leiki and I had already been on self-isolation.

The covid-19 situation is a HUGE learning experience for people to now understand what a CF person’s life is like when there’s a threat of viruses, common colds, flu, and strep throat.

Certain precautions are necessary for Leiki’s health since she is school age. We stay informed of the number of cases of FLU, strep, and various other viruses associated with the school, and Kiev works closely with Leiki’s teachers. “I have voluntarily pulled her from school and done intermittent homebound schooling with her to avoid catching anything.

I educate her teachers every year on CF and the importance of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as volunteer at her school to assure Leiki still

enjoys school life and can participate as much as possible.

Kiev has wise advice for other parents dealing with a new diagnosis of CF. “CF will seem overwhelming at first, and that it is ok. There are many resources through the CF Foundation to help guide you through the struggles and involve your trusted loved ones and family friends in knowledge and care of someone with CF. Build a ROUTINE for daily medical therapies, physical activity and

eating. I can’t stress that enough. Do not overwhelm yourself with personal research or the ‘what ifs’. Be kind to yourself, and all will fall into place.”

In the last 10 years since Leiki’s diagnosis, the CF Foundation has backed pharmaceutical companies in finding treatments and potentially a cure for the disease. Since 2009, 3 oral medications have been developed and prescribed to patients daily. In October 2019, a 4th oral medication that is showing the best and most positive results (TRIKAFTA, a combination drug of the 3 initial medications) was passed for production by the FDA. This newest drug is the only one that Leiki qualifies for the treatment of CF symptoms. She is eligible to start the physical testing and protocol to be prescribed the medication in the fall of 2020.

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE

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The Battle

is Not Yours W

By Kaitlyn Anderson

e often feel that when problems arise in our lives, it is up to us to fix them on our own. There have been many times that I tried to fight my own battles or have others fight my battles for me, and the result did not work out as I had hoped. The problem was I wasn’t letting God fight my battles for me. When we stop and trust God, we are surrendering control and pride to Him. I must remind myself daily to give my battles to God.

something to happen: a relationship, a friendship to be mended, or some other trial. I would try to determine what I could do to make it happen or ask a friend to help, and it became a very stressful time. I felt that things weren’t happening for me, but they were for others around me. I didn’t realize that God had a special plan for me, and the things that concerned me then could have prohibited my future success.

Surrendering can be hard because there are moments we desire the results in a certain timeframe, but sometimes victory requires is a waiting period. I have learned, even in the waiting periods, to pray without worrying. My mom is currently facing a big battle, and she has struggled with trusting because she is worried about the future. Her battle is one of the biggest tests of her faith, and she must practice patience and pray for peace. She is learning to trust and let God fight for her victory.

Joyce Meyer said to be calm, stop trying to figure out the answers, and turn focus to God. Her words personally touched me because once I gave my battles to God and focused on Him, victories started happening that were better than what I could have planned. When God fights our battles, He shows us a better and wiser plan.

In high school, I experienced times when I had to let God fight my battles.

There were moments when I wanted

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

I’d like to share a few of my favorite battle songs: “See a Victory” by Elevation Worship, “Surrounded (Fight my Battles)” by UPPEROOM, “The Battle is Not Yours” by Yolanda Adams, and “The Anthem” by Todd Dulaney and Elevation Worship.

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE

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CYSTIC FIBROSIS AWARENESS

Josephine Gardner

By Dr. Brenda Wilder

J

ennifer and Avery Gardner have 2 beautiful children, Sully (6) and Josephine (4). Jennifer says their children are such an adventure, and they like to keep things very simple and not have their lives defined by Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The family loves nature walks, the beach, and the mountains. This is a sneak peek into their lives with CF. The Gardner's were made aware of Josephine (Josie) having Cystic Fibrosis from her new-born screenings.

Josie wasn’t fully diagnosed until about 6 months after several sweat tests. Josie’s pancreas became insufficient, she began to lose weight, and there were multiple hospital admissions until she was 10 months old. She suffered pancreatitis twice, with ultimate failure of the organ. Josie takes Lipase to digest her food. Jennifer remembers this as a long tedious process.

reactions varied from day to day and even moment to moment. Jennifer knew it was okay to allow all of their emotions, but she also recognized that in Jesus Christ, her footing could be sure. Bad news is not a shock to God, and the Gardner's knew they could lean on Him and trust that He would be faithful to walk with them through whatever the disease progression would present. The diagnosis was a shock to Jennifer, and it hurt deeply! 4 years later, she is now at peace with the diagnosis.

Jennifer says she is grateful for Josie’s medical team: Dr. Walker, Dr. Josie, and Dr. Catherine. The diagnosis was hard to accept initially, but the medical team guided her through the process. Others who made a difference were Nurse Chelsie and Melissa, the Social Worker. Jennifer credits them with keeping her sane during the beginning months. A strong support team is important.

Life with Cystic Fibrosis was rough in the beginning, but now it’s the family’s norm. Jennifer says, “It isn’t an inconvenience as some think, it’s all in what you become accustomed to. Before each meal, the normal routine is that Josie takes 6 pills before each meal and 3 to 4 pills with snacks. We do “shaky” treatments with breathing treatments 3 to 4 times a day, which consist of a vest filling with air and vibrating the mucus in her lungs to break it up.” Currently that is Josie’s only treatments, and her overall health is phenomenal.

Receiving a diagnosis of a terminal illness can be quite shocking. Some may feel immobilized, others heartbroken, some relieved to have a diagnosis for what has been a mystery illness. Natural reactions to such news vary, and the Gardner’s

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The Gardner's goal is to live life fully and not show fear of the unknown to Josie. They find it best to follow the

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

THE GARDNER'S WERE MADE AWARE OF JOSEPHINE (JOSIE) HAVING CYSTIC FIBROSIS FROM HER NEWBORN SCREENINGS. JOSIE WASN’T FULLY DIAGNOSED UNTIL ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER SEVERAL SWEAT TESTS. doctors’ suggestions, provide the best care possible, and at times, follow a Mother’s intuition. Avery immediately implemented “Shelter in Place” when the Covid 19 virus started, so Josephine has not left the house since the beginning of March.

The family is sanitizing and praying.

Jennifer says sometimes there’s a “voice inside” that tells her she can’t handle the CF life, that she’s not good enough, not strong enough, that she’s failed too many times, so it’s better to just give up before the next failure. At times she has felt tired, discouraged, disheartened, and disappointed; however, the Bible has much to say on this topic, and it calls fear out for what it is – a liar. Reading the powerful words in Scripture encourages her to never give up. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9. This verse gives Jennifer strength..

CF treatments into life and keep going. At some point you have to decide whether to let CF define you or to push forward, accept what is, and keep the faith!”

The advice Jennifer would give to other families dealing with a new diagnosis of CF is “to accept that your child has a terminal illness, and that God hand-picked you to parent that child.” Don’t let your life be consumed with ‘SICKNESS.’ Live as normal a life as possible. Incorporate

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UBE’S

Journey FROM MUSLIM TO CHRISTIAN

By Dr. Brenda Wilder

U

be is a Hinds Community College student from a small country in Africa. Her country is ruled under a dictatorship, and both of Ube’s parents secretly were active in an Islamic political group. Her grandfather was an activist and has been arrested, so the Islamic religion was important to the family.

In Ube’s country, girls must abide by a set of rules which are not written to read, but understood by the people. Women were taught to be submissive to men, which made Ube mad. As a nine-yearold, Ube was required to wear the Islamic scarf and did not know who God was; however, there was a rebelliousness against the Islamic religion within her.

Ube enjoyed activities such as Kung Fu, Taekwondo, and biking. Every summer she would learn new skills, including crochet, playing guitar, and developing a mini-business selling wallets. Ube discovered books and learned the French language first, then English. She was hungry for the opportunity to read and traveled to the largest library in their country’s capitol city to read.

While in the capitol city of her country, Ube discovered a Catholic church with

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beautiful architecture and felt a weird attraction to the church; however, it was only open to tourists. She sneaked into confession where the priests spoke in Latin. Ube saw a cross with Jesus hanging on the wall and began having feelings never experienced when attending the Muslim mosques. She cried about Jesus being in pain on the cross and wondered why that happened.

Ube would tell her parents she was going to the library in the capitol city but was really returning because of the church. At the age of seven, Ube’s dad would wake her at 3:00 AM and beat her with a copper device because he felt she was not following the Islamic religion, which included praying five times daily.

It was humiliating to have her brother watching as she was beaten.

A Revolution came to Ube’s country, which closed churches, locked Christian websites, and children were taught in school that Christians were evil. After the revolution, Ube desired to travel and study abroad. She was still confused about religion and would go to the roof and talk to God like He was a person. She asked God for guidance to find the right religion.

She truly wanted God and felt peace when talking to Him. At the completion of the senior year of school, students must take an exam that the government uses to choose the

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

college path for the student. This exam was haunting Ube because it would choose her career major. Ube was so concerned about the exam that she became depressed, developed a rash, and thyroid problems, and as a result, froze when she took the exam. She did pass, but the score was not as high as Ube had hoped, and she was placed in the English major for college. Her chosen college was three hours away from her parents and in the countryside. The major was too easy for Ube, and her depression continued.

For her second year of college, Ube applied for a highly selective international scholarship where only sixty out of six thousand students are chosen through a background check and interview. Ube was interested in studying mental health.

She contacted the American Embassy and was accepted for the scholarship program. Her major would be psychology, and her placement was at Delta State University in Mississippi.

Ube became involved in the Delta State community, and when she attended a community church, she had the same feelings from long ago when she was in the Catholic Church in her home country.

She began regularly attending church and Bible studies, each time bringing a list of questions she wanted to ask. In October of 2016, Ube decided to officially announce that she is a Christian and was

baptized. She had some good Christian friends who gave her support and encouragement.

When first arriving in the United States, Ube was wearing her scarf or a turban, but now she felt freedom as she had never experienced before. She took off the scarf but tried to keep this a secret from her family. Her mom saw the turban in a picture and called Ube crying about how she was not following their religion and how she would go to hell. Ube became afraid of her family and began having panic attacks. Her health continued to decline, and she experienced seizures because of the fear of her family. Her Mom requested she visit some Muslim friends in Washington, DC, which Ube did, but it made her feel uncomfortable. Ube had a necklace cross that she wore 24/7. Her family saw the cross and discovered Ube was to be baptized. Ube was honest with them about not wearing the scarf. They became even angrier, so Ube saw an attorney to consider asylum as a religious refugee. The attorney said she could present her case to the court. One of her American friends invited her to stay with his parents in the Mississippi Delta.

Ube’s family disowned her, and her uncle threatened to kill her. Her Mom wanted her to marry a Muslim. The stress continued to cause seizures, and Ube was hospitalized. The medications she was prescribed made her feel drugged and like a walking zombie. She couldn’t think properly and was praying for direction, feeling that the worse abuse to experience was emotional abuse. After the scholarship program was complete, Ube was required to return to her home country, which she did. When Ube arrived in Paris on her trip home, her mom required her to wear the scarf again.

Back in her home country, Ube had no Bible or anything Christian for encouragement. She became scared in the summer of 2019 and desperately wanted to return to the United States.

Her parents refused. Ube was crying and felt trapped in her room. Her parents had taken her passport, her cross, antidepressant medication, and internet access. She would walk to a local center to obtain access to the internet. Her parents took her to a doctor who was an Islamic preacher, who thought Ube had a demon. Ube prayed for a miracle in her life and asked her friends to pray.

During these trials, Ube felt even closer

to Jesus and had many conservations with Him. She had faith that Jesus could do the impossible. A professor at Hinds Community College, Mr. Hall, heard about Ube’s faith and became interested in her life. He spoke with Dr. Muse, the college President, about Ube going to Hinds CC. Dr Muse gave her permission to attend Hinds, even after the registration date had passed.

Ube had no resources and had to pretend about her Muslim faith at home for safety reasons. Ube told her parents she needed to travel to Algeria, and they returned her passport. She went to a cousin’s house to call the Embassy, because something was leading her in this direction. The Embassy gave her permission to return to the United States for five years. Mr. Hall booked her flight.

Fortunately, her parents had a political conference to attend, so Ube took a taxi to the airport with only a backpack. There was an earlier flight available, which Ube accepted, and was placed in first class.

Ube turned off her phone so her family would not have access to her. She was in emotional turmoil beginning the sixtyhour journey to America, and when the plane was in international airspace, Ube cried with relief. The person sitting next to her asked if she was ok.

Ube arrived in the United States and began her studies at Hinds CC in September. Her battle to freedom has not been easy. Her American Christian friends and her church give her strength and support. Ube remembers where she came from and realizes that freedom could be taken away from American churches and that Christians need to be praying to continue their freedoms.

Ube can apply for a green card in September of 2020. She is in American on a student visa and can’t work a full time job, so she may choose to complete her studies at Hinds CC and graduate in the summer of 2020. Her future desires are to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and remain in the United States.

As a Christian, Ube often thinks about her family. Her parents are highly intellectual and hold strong conventional Muslin beliefs. They are not monsters, and Ube knows their actions were because they loved her and thought they were saving her. Ube prays for them to become Christian.

Her parents have lived in the shadow of their truth and wanted Ube to be a lovely, obedient child. Ube is working to establish a healthy relationship with her parents and witnesses to them about her Christian faith. Her prayer is that one day their hearts will turn to Christ.

Last year Ube was filled with anger and confusion, but she has matured enough now to comprehend that life is too short to have enemies, especially her parents who raised her and assured she had a good education, which allowed her to be saved. Ube stated, “If we want to be in the image of God and honor Jesus, we cannot resent someone who hurt us. We pray for them and try to help them. At least that’s how I see it.”

Anyone who would like to be a prayer partner and support system to Ube can contact her by sending an email to Dr. Brenda Wilder at brenda.wilder@hindscc. edu. Any suggestions for a college who would scholarship Ube’s future studies in neuroscience would be welcome.

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Ten Takeaways FROM QUARANTINE

By Dr. Amanda Lucas Covid 19 has changed the world in a short period of time. There are essential workers, non-essential workers, and employees working for home. In addition, there are workers who are suddenly unemployed, and their waiting game can be difficult, stressful, and a bit overwhelming.

Suggested below are ten steps for encouragement and peace in our chaotic world, a type of quarantine bucket list.

1

Clean your space. Now is a great time to get reorganized and super clean all the closets and laundry room. Redecorate, and update areas you’ve been meaning to get for years. Take those old clothes you don’t wear and donate them.

2

Dress your best. When dressed better, you feel better, even if just lounging around the house. Make a schedule so the days won’t blend into one another. Get up everyday and put on makeup. Try going outside, cook breakfast, read a book, or sit on the porch and enjoy the weather. Facetime or Zoom a friend, which can boost energy and help you feel normal and relaxed, plus keep your self-esteem in check.

3

Spa Day is essential. Treat yourself with a pedicure, manicure, or other self-care to feel renewed. Relax and spoil yourself.

4 5

Binge watch all your favorites. Now is the time for you to watch all your favorite shows.

Turn Chef. Now is the time to try new recipes or perfect recipes that have been passed down through generations.

6

Hobby it out. Take time for your hobbies or create a new one. Start a business, create new products,

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and have virtual parties with friends. Put your energy toward something that can be mentally relaxing and maybe even make money. The old saying is true: an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. A great idea would be to visit the inspirational pinterest, where one can find recipes, arts and crafts, home projects, and even hair and spa ideas.

7

Take a nap. Get some beauty rest. Take time to relax and spend time in prayer, which can reduce stress and eliminate insomnia that one may feel.

8

Go outside. Just because we’re social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t go outside to escape your clean space. Try going for a walk, a bike ride, or even sit in the front yard and enjoy the fresh air. Start a garden or build a barbecue pit.

9

Read and then Read again. Now is the time to find favorite authors and their new publications. Self-help books can lift you out of a funk or depression. Keep a journal or enjoy adult coloring books, which gives time to think and ponder on daydreams and passions, also instilling new ideas and refreshing visions. If suffering from grief or financial woes, books can give encouragement and wise advice. There are free pdf’s online for some books and audibles on YouTube.

10

Pray. In uncertain times we must remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We must walk by faith and not fear, since strength is undoubtedly our greatest asset. Be strong mentally, be compassionate to others, and remember people are angry and scared.

Be the face of compassion and reason, a light of hope in these dark and trying times. No matter what, live your best life, safely!

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

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We celebrate you and appreciate you!

Happy Mothers Day! CELEBRATING MY MOTHER, Belinda Williams

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION Linda Mowry Hailey

By Kristi Williams Shorter

By Kim Mowry Darby On Mother’s Day, I celebrate my mother, Linda Mowry Hailey, and what she means to me. Being a mother myself, I understand the hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice she put into raising my brother and me. She has always been there for us and made time for us and our families.

She is a strong Christian woman who prays for us daily.

The word “Mom” means different things to different people. For Belinda Williams, being a Mom has always meant putting her kids first and pouring God’s love into every moment. The countless hours, days, and years Belinda has invested in praying for and serving her family is something to be admired. Her home has always been open to everyone, and she has been called “Mom” by more than just her own children. There hasn’t been a school play, recital, performance, or even a heartache that she has missed. She has provided guidance, wisdom, friendship, love, and laughter at every turn. Nothing brings her more joy than simply spending time with her kids, and now her grandkids. Her smile is contagious, and her love is unconditional. To Belinda’s kids, the word “Mom” means strong foundation, prayer warrior, encourager, constant supporter, and greatest blessing.

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My father passed when we were children, so Mama raised us during our teenage years and young adult life. She stood by Daddy’s side throughout his cancer trials, always there for him as a wife, cook, housekeeper, prayer partner, and a listening ear. She has been and still is a positive role model and the backbone of our family. Thank you, Mama, for everything. WE LOVE YOU!

CELEBRATING MY MOTHER, Diane Shorter

By Craig Shorter As a Wesson native, CoLin Community College and USM graduate, plus the wife of a U.S. Air Force Captain, Diane Shorter has served many roles; however, her role as “Mom” is the one for which she is most adored. Most women would dread raising 3 young children while their husbands were fighting in Desert Shield/Storm, yet Diane faced that challenge with faith and grace. Most women would fear a diagnosis of breast cancer, yet Diane fought and conquered that enemy. Most women would grow weary of always caring for others, yet Diane has never buckled. It is clear that Diane is an extraordinary woman that has instilled in her children the value of keeping God first. She still serves her three grown kids and their families as a mentor, faithful prayer partner, and friend. Mom, thanks for leading by example. We all love you.

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CELEBRATING MY MOTHER, Cheryl Short

By Naomi Short My mother, Cheryl Ann Short, was born in Frankfurt, Kentucky and is one of the most friendly and humble women I know. She is a sister, wife, friend, retired nurse, and comedian.

She continually encourages me to NEVER GIVE UP and thank the Lord each step of the way! Her career in nursing speaks for her diligence and understanding for all people. I’m blessed to have been guided by such a wonderful person. She has a lovely soprano voice and a green thumb!

Her hugs are the greatest source of comfort, and her smile is refreshing, especially through difficult times. Each day I learn something new about her and from her and look forward to sharing this love with my children!

CELEBRATING MY MOTHER, Hazel Lee Jourdan Miller

FELICIA SANDIFER

You are awesome my sister and you are a great mom! I love you girl! Joanne

By Jewel Miller Brown I celebrate my Mother, Hazel Miller, because of all she has done for me and because of what she means to me. Mother is currently 89 years of age and is a dedicated Christian who cherishes her family and loves her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mother is a shining example for all to follow and speaks her mind about right and wrong in life. She resides at The Claiborne in Starkville, Mississippi, and always welcomes family and friends to visit. May God continue to bless and keep her.

HELEN RUTH SANDIFER This is a picture of my mom when she was younger. She has always been beautiful to me and she was the best mom anyone could ever hope for. I love you and miss you mom.

You’re forever in my heart. Joanne

GWEN BELL My grandmother is very loving, and kind and so sweet. I really enjoy visiting and catching up with her. I love how she always stays fit and healthy. She is the best and I am so happy to have her as my grandma. Love, Mya.

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MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION Mamie Augusta Wallace Marshall

By Sophia Marshall Chapman The Eighth Wonder of the World

CELEBRATING MY MOTHER, MARTHA LORAINE BOX

By Brenda Wilder During my Mother’s 87 years on this earth, she was God-loving, family-oriented, and a friend to all.

She didn’t work outside the home but busied herself with taking care of our family, cooking, sewing, assisting on the farm, attending church, and entertaining friends.

She was an honest woman, even to the point of returning money to a store that had given her too much cash back. My Mother was strong and guided me to become a Christian, something for which I’ll forever be grateful. During the hard times in life, I always remembered my Mother loved me, which gave me strength and peace. She wasn’t perfect, but she was the perfect Mom for me.

She is in heaven now, and I love and miss her deeply.

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If there was a search for the

undisputed 8th Wonder of the World, it would be my mother, Mamie Augusta Wallace Marshall.

She embraces the responsibility of motherhood with her entire being.

My mother’s a prayer warrior, a quiet storm, and the best listener. She provides spiritual food that comforts the soul and nourishes the body. She covers your children with prayer. She is fierce when it comes to protecting her family. She often states that “I’m a little piece of leather, but I am well put together.”

She stands in her truth and encourages others to stand in theirs.

My mom embraces change and evolves with time. She knows that time is filled with swift transition and builds her hopes on things eternal, “holding to God’s unchanging hand.”

JESSICA FRELIX I am so proud of you and the mother you are to my June Bug and Maddie! Keep going neice!

You are doing great! Love, TJ

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MARY CHRISTOR

One of the best moms in the world. Sister, I am proud of you and all you do. Love you.

PATRICIA SANDIFER

OZIE GREENWOOD Moma, you always have been and always will be my Superhero! Love Speedy.

You are the greatest and I am so proud of you. You have overcome so much and I want you to know you are amazing. Love you sister!

Joanne

ROSEMARIE PHIPPS My mom is a woman full of strength, love and dedication.

Rosemarie Phipps, has been a blessing to many people. Many have given her the title of mom, speak of how they felt her love, and share stories of how she changed their lives. My mom, a retired school teacher and 10 year breast cancer survivor, has worn her beautiful smile through the hardest times of her life.

Her stubbornness to give up, and power to keep going are two traits that I’m proud to say I have learned directly from my mom.

Mommy Poo, I love you to eternity and back, Thank you for being who you are, and I’m proud to call you my mommy. Happy Mother’s Day, Mommy Poo!

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JOY THROUGH TRIALS

By Dr. Brenda Wilder

Chloe accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior in 2010, when she was seven years old. Although she was young, she knew that God was talking directly to her.

Chloe Shivers, a Junior at Park Place Christian Academy (PPCA) in Pearl, Mississippi, has a powerful testimony of how God turned overwhelming sadness into joy!

Chloe accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior in 2010, when she was seven years old. Although she was young, she knew that God was talking directly to her.

After making her decision public, Chloe was baptized on April 11, 2010.

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There have been many major sad events in Chloe’s young life. The first event began on November 7, 2013, when she was in 5th grade. Her Dad and she woke up at the exact same time and found Chloe’s Mom on the floor almost completely paralyzed. Chloe didn’t know what had happened to her. She told her Mother that she loved her and moved the coffee table out of the way so the paramedics could get through.

Later that morning, her Grandfather took her to school, where her class had special prayer for her Mom. Her Mom was admitted to St. Dominic’s hospital in Jackson, MS, where she was diagnosed with Guillain Barre’ Syndrome, a neurological condition that damages nerves and can paralyze from head to toe. She spent a few weeks in the hospital and was then transferred to Methodist Rehab for intensive rehabilitation therapy.

On December 13, 2010, about a week before Chloe’s Mom was to be discharged from rehab, Chloe was so excited because she was finally going to be able to spend the night with her Mom. Her excitement and happiness soon turned into sadness when that evening, her Papa and Granny came to the rehab to tell them that her Dad had been in an accident and passed away. At the time, Chloe didn’t really know what happened and thought he had just wrecked the car. She kept asking God why couldn’t her Dad have just made it home. He was so close, wrecking the vehicle on their street, about a minute from their house.

Once again, her Park Place School and Church rallied around her and her family, making sure they were taken care of both physically and spiritually.

As time passed, Chloe was told that her Dad had actually committed suicide. Again, she didn’t understand why he would do this to her family with all that was going on with her Mom. At that time, Chloe was only ten years old and her brother was age one. “I will never know what was going through his mind that day, but I do know he loved us and that he knew the Lord.

He was just in a different kind of pain of his own. I will always remember my last words to him were, ‘I love you’,” says Chloe.

In 2014 Chloe’s Granna became sick with a different type of Guillain Barre’ Syndrome and had to go through the exact same experiences as her Mom, such as being paralyzed and enduring rehab.

In 2016 when Chloe was in 7th grade, she was checked out of her Bible Class and discovered her Papa had passed away from Stage 4 Colon Cancer that he had been fighting for three years. Chloe shared, “This hit me really hard because I loved that man so much, and I never did anything without him. He was my best friend.”

because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.’ I am claiming this scripture. I will graduate from PPCA in 2021, and then continue my education at Mississippi State University. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, my plans are to pursue a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.”

Another scripture that encourages Chloe is Proverbs 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Chloe shared, “There are no dry bones here!”

Although these life events were not joyful, Chloe was able to endure the difficult years because she was able to find joy through God, her church, family, and friends. One verse that has strengthened her then and now is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.

Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Many say this is their favorite verse because it is popular and easy to remember, but Chloe says this is her favorite verse because it is real to her!

Even though she had no clue what to do during the difficult seasons, she did know God had a plan for her life, and although she had questions, she knew He only wanted goodness and joy for her life.

Chloe continues faithfully attending Park Place Baptist Church, where people love her, encourage her, and want the best for her. “I have been blessed with an awesome Pastor, Ministers, Spiritual Leaders, and Mentors, as well as great friends that have laughed with me, cried with me, and helped me in school and life in general while navigating the teenage years,” says Chloe.

“Whenever I struggle to feel joyful, I choose to reflect on how God has saved me and always meets my needs. I learned that I might not be able to control my circumstances, but God can. When faced with problems and trials, God uses them to produce faith, perseverance, strength, and character within me. As Romans 5:3-4 states, ‘We also glory in our sufferings, WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE

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MARGARITA CAKE Ingredients

Directions

• 1 package lemon cake mix (regular size) • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant lemon pudding mix • 1 can (10 ounces) frozen nonalcoholic margarita mix, thawed • 4 large eggs, room temperature • 1/2 cup butter, softened • 2 tablespoons lime juice • 3 teaspoons grated lime zest • GLAZE: • 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar • 3 tablespoons lime juice

• Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 10-in. fluted tube pan. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, margarita mix, eggs, butter, lime juice and zest; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.

• Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Meanwhile, combine glaze ingredients. Drizzle over cake.

Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 284 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

TasteOfHome.com

GINGER CRINKLES Ingredients

Directions

• • • • • • • • • •

• In a large bowl, cream shortening and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in egg and molasses. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt and cloves; gradually beat into creamed mixture.

3/4 cup butter-flavored shortening 1-1/2 cups sugar, divided 1 large egg, room temperature 1/4 cup molasses 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

• Refrigerate, covered, until firm, about 1 hour.

• Preheat oven to 350°. Place remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a shallow bowl. Shape dough into 1-in. balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 in. apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

• Bake until set and tops are cracked, 10-12 minutes. Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts 1 cookie: 118 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

Source: TasteOfHome.com

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020

Willie Jones President & CEO

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE : THE MAGAZINE • Issue 30, May 2020