Ellen Skrmetti: Hey Jesus, It’s Me

January 3, 2024December 28, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Cover Story

Ellen Skrmetti wants you to know that God wants you to have fun. The Birmingham comedian, who is known on social media for her “Hey Jesus” sketches and reels, believes that God is interested in all aspects of your life–even the absurd, sometimes outrageous ones–and she’s dedicated to sharing joy and laughter with Christians and non-believers alike. Her Instagram and TikTok popularity (she has 192,000 and 35,000 followers on the two platforms) has given her a unique audience, and Skrmetti says she’s confident it was God who gave her these opportunities.

Finding Comedy During Covid. Skrmetti was always the “funny one” in school, but it wasn’t until 2020 that she finally got serious about her dream of being a comedian. She’d enrolled in comedy classes and was due to start a new one the Thursday before Alabama announced its lockdown due to the Covid pandemic. “I’d just come home from Target to get stuff to make sanitizer when I heard the news. I cried and told my husband it was all over,” she remembered. “But, then Second City started offering online classes.” She kept busy during Covid taking comedy and writing classes through Second City–an improvisational comedy company based in Chicago that has been the starting point for such actors and comedians as Bill Murray, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler. And when one of her teachers told her that people were gaining an audience on Instagram and TikTok without knowing how to do standup, Skremetti took it as a challenge. “I told myself, ‘I know how to do standup,’ and maybe I can turn my standup into reels,” she said. “Covid had me do things backward and try something I might have never done otherwise.” She spent the rest of 2020 and 2021 honing her comedy craft and deciding what direction she wanted her work to take and leaped onto Instagram and TikTok (both @justskrmetti) in January of 2022. In the beginning, Skrmetti said most of her viewers were family and friends–but that she held tight to a prayer she made when she first posted. “I prayed every morning and every day, ‘Please do something so big it could only be you.’ I prayed about the people who would be watching the videos, not just the sheer numbers, and trusted God to do something with it,” she said.

Ellen Skrmetti with husband — Ellen Skrmetti was born in Ripley, Mississippi. She and her husband Tim lived in Jackson before moving to Nashville and then Birmingham.

She decided to not pay for clicks and instead relied on the organic growth of her channels. Early followers came from girlfriends sharing with other girlfriends, or mothers sharing with their daughters. “It was just my friends and family members laughing and enjoying it. It grew as slow as molasses,” she remembered. “From January to September, it grew from 700 to just 1100. I began to wonder what to do.” Skrmetti began, though, to celebrate her audience– small as it was. She then re-defined what “viral” meant to her and celebrated when she got 5000 views. And she vowed to keep going. “I knew if I stopped, I would never know what could happen.” And then Queen Elizabeth passed away. Srkmetti’s husband Tim is a huge fan of London’s Arsenal soccer team, and he bemoaned the fact that the team wasn’t playing because of the planned funeral for Queen Elizabeth in October 2022. She began to wonder: how would the funeral of Queen Elizabeth be handled in the South? And would it interrupt the airing of Alabama football games? “I decided to recreate every phone call I’d ever heard my Mom make when someone in the church died. It was the idea that Grandma’s not doing good, and we may have to get her in the ground before kickoff,” she said. “The video blew up on TikTok that day, then followed up on Instagram. Then people who watched it went back and watched my reels from the past, then followed me.” Today that post on TikTok has 1.6 million views.

Ellen Skrmetti and Laurie Franklin — Besides being great on stage, we found out Ellen is also an excellent cook. Check out one of her go to recipes here.

Other posts and skits have evolved on Skrmetti’s social media channels, including her “Hey Jesus, it’s me” series and others where she posts as reporter “Kitty Potter” and other characters. “I was so nervous to be myself at the beginning that I started acting like these characters. The first was Kitty Potter, who is a reporter based on Kim Basinger’s Texas character in “Ready to Wear,” and then one day I did the ‘Hey Jesus’ bit asking Jesus if it’s okay if I pray for my co-worker to get a tapeworm. It’s just based on crazy things in my life.” Ultimately, Srkmetti wants her comedy to show that God wants us to come to Him with anything in our lives. “You can give Him a joke, give Him thanks, give Him anything, and not just at night or in the morning,” she said. “There’s truly not a second of the day that He doesn’t want communication.”

Ellen Skrmetti with kids — Ellen’s family attends Prince of Peace Catholic Church and son Nik attends Prince of Peace School. Church is integral to their family life, and she encourages Christians to find a church home where they feel welcome.

Finding a Way to Comedy. Although Skrmetti didn’t start taking comedy classes until she was 41, the desire to perform came from an early age. “I was always the class clown and my report card always said something about how much I talked,” she said. “It was always more important to entertain than to get good grades.” When she competed in the Miss Mississippi contest at 18, however, she remembers having extreme stage fright for the first time and making a deal with God about being on stage. She prayed that if God would get her off the stage, she’d never do it again. Now, she knows how misguided that prayer was. “I was naive because I took that as His word, and I didn’t get back on stage for a long time,” she said. “But one day I felt it in my spirit and God told me that He never took that bet. That was the devil trying to hold me back.” From that moment, Skrmetti consciously worked at taking classes and learning more about the craft of comedy until she got back on stage again– even though she was nervous to do so.

Ellen Skrmetti on stagejpg — Ellen’s schedule for 2024 includes shows across the Southeast, including ones in January in Nashville and Atlanta plus one at the StarDome Comedy Club in Birmingham on February 2, 2024. You can enter to win tickets to the Birmingham show on February 2, 2024! Click here to learn more.

Today, Skrmetti uses her current situations and family life for her on-stage and online inspiration. She and her husband Tim live in the Bluff Park area of Hoover with their children Meg, 14, and Nik, 9. Many of Skrmetti’s skits and posts are inspired by life with her family, or from memories from her childhood. In deciding what type of comedian she wanted to be, she often wondered if there was a place for her style; she learned that there was a need for the clean humor she provides. “Stories about my family are funny, and I’m confident that those stories about my children, raising my family, and my childhood are the ones I need to tell,” she said. “I need my mom and my Sunday School class members to have fun at my shows.” With Covid in the past, Skrmetti now does stand-up comedy shows in addition to her social media posts. And her family members and church friends have become some of her most staunch supporters and audience members at shows at places like StarDome Comedy Club in Birmingham and Zanie’s in Nashville. Skrmetti said that her presence at such comedy clubs is proof that Christians can provide high quality- and funny- material. “There are Christians in comedy, even though they don’t label themselves that way. People like Steve Harvey and Chris Pratt are always happy to tell people where their inspiration comes from, and I never shy away from telling people I’m here because of my prayers,” she said. “I don’t really like to call myself a Christian comedian. I’m a Christian who is a comedian.”

Hey Jesus It's Me cover — *Hey Jesus, It’s Me* will be released in September of 2024, but the book can already be pre-ordered on Amazon. Learn more about the book and Ellen’s comedy tour at www.ellenskrmetti.com.

Looking to the Future. Skrmetti said she can now look back at that prayer she prayed for God (“Do something so big it can only be you”) and know that it was answered. She continues to post online and gain followers while also doing stand-up. She has also written a book based on her comedy routines. She met a literary agent through Instagram who loved her skits and asked if she’d be interested in writing a book. Her book proposal was accepted, and she signed a contract with Hachette for Hey Jesus, It’s Me: I Have Questions, Comments, and Concerns. The book, which releases this September, includes fun essays that have an “a-ha” moment of life and faith. The book-writing experience, she said, is an example of something she could have never imagined for herself. “Instead of praying, ‘God get me on stage,’ I prayed an unlimited prayer. I prayed that however big He wanted to make it, let’s do that,” she said. “It’s so amazing to see every door open.” Skrmetti likes to say that God will never show you the entire staircase of His plans. “I was at a point where I didn’t see the other steps,” she said. “I had to be patient.” That patience paid off- with followers on social media, with a book deal, and with the answering of what some might call a wild dream to succeed in comedy.

-Cheryl Wray is a freelance writer and book author who lives in Hueytown. She’s also the coordinator of the Southern Christian Writers Conference.

November 29, 2023November 28, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Danna with great niece in kitchen looking at camera

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The title of Danna Standridge’s latest cookbook proclaims that “happiness is homemade,” and that message is something she conveys in her recipes, stories, and social media presence. Standridge and her husband David, an Alabama state representative for District 34, believe in the importance of family togetherness–and, in many cases, that starts in the kitchen and dining room with homemade recipes and traditions.

Danna holding books in kitchen — Danna Standridge says she always wanted to write a book but is amazed by how that vision played out. “I’d always say that I wanted to write a book but thought it might be a biology book when I was a teacher,” she said. “I didn’t know that God laid the plans to write the bicentennial cookbook for Alabama.”

Celebrating Alabama’s Cooking. Standridge shares family recipes and stories on her Facebook page (“Danna Standridge”) and YouTube channel (@dannastandridge8749) and through her cookbook Happiness is Homemade, Y’all, but her time in the spotlight started with Alabama’s official bicentennial cookbook published in 2019. Time to Eat, Y’all: Celebrating the Culinary Heritage of Sweet Home Alabama was Standridge’s first foray into publishing and came as a surprise to her. Its popularity, though, paved the way for Standridge to share her experience with Alabamians as they struggled through the 2020 pandemic.

As her husband’s assistant, Standridge often had requests from fellow legislators and other state officials for cards with his contact information. She decided to be creative and passed out recipe cards. “Then, out of the blue I got a call from the Alabama Department of Tourism, and I just assumed they wanted to talk to David,” she said, “but they said they wanted to talk to me. They told me that they’d heard I like to cook, and could they talk with me about a bicentennial cookbook. I immediately told them that I was their girl and that I love cookbooks.” In a subsequent meeting with tourism officials, publishers, and book designers, she laid out her ideas by telling them funny stories from her own family that revolved around favorite recipes and meals. “Write down those family stories, and author this book,” they told her. The book came out in conjunction with Alabama’s bicentennial celebration, with proceeds going toward care of the state capital building. It sold out through several reprints.

Danna with husband in kitchen — Standridge’s husband David serves in the Alabama House of Representatives, representing the 34th district.

Then, when the Covid pandemic hit, Standridge’s husband told her she needed to do something to uplift people during the difficult time. “David really takes care of people in his district, and he had a real heart for what they were going through,” she said. “One day he came to me and said, ‘You’ve got to do something. These people don’t know how to cook during this time, and they need encouragement.’ So, I did it.” She got onto Facebook and began sharing stories and recipes. The first video was of her “Ugly Biscuits,” and people responded. Today, her Facebook page has more than 75,000 followers and her YouTube channel has more than 100 videos on recipes, exercises, and encouragement. She said that she sees her work on social media and in her cookbooks as a ministry. She said she hears from people regularly who are encouraged by her simple stories. “At a funeral after Covid I had a woman tell me that she was embarrassed because she’d gained 12 pounds during the time because she’d started making bread,” Standridge said. “I told her that we’d all been in a similar situation. During Covid, people were learning to cook at home. But they also were lonely and needed a way to deal with things.”

While growing her online presence, Standridge also released her second cookbook in 2020. Happiness is Homemade, Y’all was her own cookbook with her own stories and recipes, as opposed to the state cookbook. “The stories in the book mean so much to me,” she said. “They come from my family, my parents, my grandparents.” After Covid ended, she also began speaking to groups and churches with the goal of giving people hope. One story of encouragement she shares comes from her great grandmother’s life. “When I’m speaking to groups, I tell of my great uncle who survived being a prisoner of war in Germany,” she said. “My great grandmother was making biscuits for her family when she found out that he was coming home after 18 months in prison. And today, I have the rolling pin she was using at that moment.”

Danna Standridge in kitchen with red apron — Recipes in her newest book, *Happiness is Homemade Y’all*, include Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, Ugly Biscuits, Nanny Swann’s Chicken and Dumplings, Granny Dera’s Sweet Potato Pie, Momma Holt’s Sausage Gravy, and many more that come from her own family. View her carrot cake recipe here.

“Food is at the heart of everything we do,” Standridge said. Through her cookbooks and online activities, she tries to encourage people to discover their own family stories. “I want people to talk to their family and discover their history,” she said. “Until you go out and talk to people about it you don’t realize that not everyone prioritizes it. But you need to know the story of your family.”

Memories from the Kitchen. Standridge’s family stories stem from a shared faith, and many of them feature church in a starring role. She’d often sit in the kitchen with her grandmother Nannie Swan, trying to soak in all of her cooking knowledge. Known for such items as her chicken and dumplings, Nannie Swan rarely wrote down her recipes, and Standridge did everything possible to take notes and learn from her. Whenever there was a potluck or other food gathering at her church, Standridge said that word would spread about the chicken and dumplings dish. “When I’d sit by her in church, people would come whisper in her ear and ask, ‘Did you bring the chicken and dumplings?’” she remembered. After her grandmother passed, Standridge gathered with her aunts and cousins to determine how to recreate the famous recipe. While no one knew exactly how to make the chicken and dumplings, they made two different batches and had family members vote on which one was most accurate. “After the vote, we felt like we had the perfect recipe,” she said. Standridge often relied on Nannie Swan and the other women in her family to learn how to become a good cook herself. And today, she continues the tradition and passes her knowledge and experience to her children and grandchildren.

Danna in kitchen with great niece — Danna often enjoys time in the kitchen with her children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. “It’s important to pass down recipes and stories,” she said. “They need to know them, so they can pass them down too.”

She and David are the parents of three children and five grandchildren; their oldest daughter’s family lives close by them in Hayden and others live in Mississippi. They focus on faith in their family and attend church as often as possible with their children and grandchildren. She’s proud that her teenage grandchildren participate in such activities as First Priority at their schools and enjoy church. “We both grew up in church,” she said. “I grew up in Oak Grove Baptist Church about 10 minutes away from Hayden First Baptist Church where we worship now.” When raising their children, Standridge said that the dinner table was the perfect place to share faith and stories. She encourages parents today to find time to eat and share together, even when their schedules are especially busy. “It can be an effort, but it’s important to sit down together when you can,” she said. “It’s the perfect time to talk about how everyone’s day went. You can also tell those family stories. You can also talk about spiritual things. It’s so important because they come to know they can discuss anything with you.” She also encourages parents to find opportunities for their children to spend time with their grandparents. “They learn who they are, what their family believes,” she said. ‘It grows those deep roots.”

Danna and family — Danna and David Standridge have three children and five grandchildren, and treasure any time spent together. Their Christmas gatherings include a time when they bless everyone with a monetary gift; kids and grandkids line up, they take a picture, and give out hugs. “This is a tradition that started with my Grandpa and Granny Campbell. They’d line us up every year and we always looked forward to it,” she said. “Now we do it with our family.”

Special Christmas Traditions. As the holidays approach, Standridge said the days offer special chances to build traditions, make memories, and show love. Many of them, obviously, can revolve around the kitchen or dining table. She and her family look forward to special meals and gatherings –including her mother’s tamales and her mother-in-law’s mocha punch. “My mother makes a huge pot of tamales, and we all race to get to the pot during our big Christmas get together. There are about 40 people there, so if you snooze you lose on her delicious tamales,” Standridge said. “And it’s not truly Christmas until we’ve had a mug of my mother-in-love’s mocha punch.” Standridge’s own food tradition with her children and grandchildren includes a Christmas Eve breakfast with Merry Christmas French Toast with homemade whipped cream and blueberry syrup, ugly biscuits, and a grandmother’s sausage gravy- all of which are included in her latest cookbook.

New Opportunities. According to Standridge, the opportunities that have come her way to minister to friends and strangers alike have truly been a Godsend. When she has speaking engagements and shares her stories, she often finds out that they are just what someone in the audience needed to hear. This reinforces to her that she’s right where God wants her to be. She plans on continuing to speak to groups and churches, as well as reaching out to followers and new friends on her social media platforms. There are also plans for new cookbooks. “I’ve had so many opportunities pop up and I’m busy doing things just about every day,” she said. “I can’t wait to see where the Lord leads me.”

-Cheryl Wray

August 13, 2024October 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Jean and Jeremiah in black outfits at Bryant Denny

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Before the University of Alabama football team takes the field each Saturday, players first hear a message of inspiration and encouragement from team chaplain Jeremiah Castille. Castille’s twenty two year ministry to athletes through the Alabama chaplaincy program is just one way he and his wife Jean pour into the lives of young men and women throughout the state. Their Castille Foundation, as well as their work as associate church pastors, evidence their decades-long commitment to sharing Christ through sports, counseling, one-on-one mentorship, and parenting (and now grandparenting) advice. “Our goal is to invest in, influence, impact, and inspire the next generation with hands-on ministry,” Jeremiah Castille said.

Jean and Jeremiah on Alabama sidelines — Jeremiah Castille excelled as a player at Alabama, recording 16 interceptions between 1979-1982 and being elected to the College Football All-America Team in 1982. He and Jean continue to support the Crimson Tide by their presence at games and in their mentorship to players.

Crimson Tide Connection. A player for legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, Castille’s love for the Crimson Tide runs deep. He played as a cornerback for the team from 1979-1982 and played in Bryant’s last game as coach in the 1982 Liberty Bowl. Castille intercepted three passes in that 21-15 win and was selected as the game’s MVP. He went on to play six seasons in the NFL (including in Super Bowl XXIII) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos. Castille said Bryant has been an enduring influence on his entire life, career, and ministry, and that he thinks of his former coach every single day. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about my dad or Coach Bryant. I can hear their voices speaking to me, and I’ve heard Coach Bryant’s voice thousands of times,” he said, adding that the influence of his father and Bryant propelled his ministry as a mentor. “Mentoring is so important. It’s the key,” he said. “I can name four or five men who were in my life early. My dad, Coach Bryant, and I could go down the list. This is part of what’s wrong in our culture today. Men identify with a lot of teachers through technology, but you need four or five men who help father them. It’s a hands-on, personal relationship that takes time and commitment,” Castille said, adding, “My life was informed by those men in my life.”

Jean and Jeremiah's vow renewal — The Castilles recently celebrated their 40th anniversary with a vow renewal service attended by their entire family. Their first wedding ceremony was performed just days after their engagement. And while they didn’t get to go on a honeymoon, Jean says “we’ve been on a honeymoon ever since.”

Jeremiah and Jean met in high school and continued their relationship when Jeremiah played at Alabama. “We started dating when I was in ninth grade and he was a senior and kept in touch even though we didn’t date when he went off to UA,” Jean recalled. “But then he wrote me letters and we saw each other on breaks. I was a freshman at Jacksonville State when he was a senior and one night we were out and he said, ‘Hey, you wanna get married?’ We got married that next Saturday.” She called it the “shortest engagement in history,” and with Castille drafted into the NFL in 1983 they quickly began their married and football life together. Life in professional sports isn’t always easy, but Jean said that her husband’s commitment as a Christian made the schedule, uncertainty, and notoriety easier. “When we got married, Jeremiah was in a place as a young man to lead a family. There are not enough young men who are committed to their walk with the Lord,” she said. “They think they’re ready to be married and once you sit down and talk with them, it’s obvious they need more mentoring to step into that role.” The Castilles started their family a few years later and are the parents of Leah, Tim, Simeon, Rachel, Danielle, and Caleb. All their children currently live in the Birmingham area, except for Caleb who is an actor in California. They also have 10 grandchildren. The family connection to Alabama athletics continued when all three of their sons played for the Crimson Tide. Tim and Simeon both played at Alabama and then in the NFL. Caleb walked on at Alabama, and as an actor portrayed Alabama football player Tony Nathan in the movie Woodlawn.

Caleb Castille — The Castille’s son Caleb starred in the television show “NCIS: Los Angeles” as rookie agent Devin Rountree in seasons 11 and 12. Caleb made his movie acting debut as Alabama football great Tony Nathan in *Woodlawn*, a film partly filmed in the Birmingham area.

Castille began working as the University of Alabama chaplain in 2001, and that work continues today with chapel services before each game and Bible studies year-round. He also works with Scotty Hollins, who serves as the head basketball chaplain in Tuscaloosa. “I do a message before every game,” Castille said. “With everything we do with the football program, we show how important faith is and how important character is alongside it.” Today, he believes that faith is the foundation for the success seen in the Alabama athletic program. According to Castille, spiritual leadership on campus has created an environment where young people can thrive in all areas of their lives. “I believe that the University has been blessed by spiritual leadership that understands the principles for success,” he said. “I don’t believe it’s up-in-your-face, but it’s exemplary and it’s walked out.” Castille said that young people are looking for authentic spiritual leaders and coaches that they can trust. “That’s what’s attractive to the next generation, even more than we think,” he explained. “Young people are looking up at you to see if you do what you say.” On campus in Tuscaloosa, Castille said that student athletes are getting those sorts of role models.

Jean and Jeremiah — Jeremiah and Jean Castille have served as associate pastors for more than 20 years at Covenant Heirs International Church in Birmingham.

Ministry to Athletes, Couples, and Families. Through their ministry work- particularly, the Jeremiah Castille Foundation- the couple reaches out on the football field, but also in the church and in homes. Jeremiah can be found at football camps in the summer for middle and high schoolers in Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina and speaking to groups about a life built upon Christ. The Foundation was started in 1991 and is based in Birmingham; it’s rooted in Isaiah 61:1-4. Its vision to “invest, influence, impact, and inspire” is at the heart of all its efforts to build and restore families. “God gave me a vision for family and marriage, and I now help young men and couples as they prepare,” he said. “I tell young men that they need a vision before they get married. They need a vision for their family before. If you don’t have the vision, you won’t have the power to get through the tough times.” Jean added that one of their greatest blessings is to see the success of couples they counseled and mentored over the years. “We can point to couples in Birmingham who grew up under Jeremiah’s mentorship and we still have that connection with them,” she said. “It’s a blessing to look back over the years and see how they remain committed to the Lord.” Those connections prove the value of reaching out, inviting people into their homes, and mentoring men and couples on a personal level. “You realize that those are the people you are supposed to minister to,” she said. “God has blessed us and gifted us. We love God, love people, and we believe in investing in people.”

Castille family at Night of Legends — Jeremiah Castille celebrated with his family and former Alabama football players at the Night of Legends in 2021. The event honored the first 27 black athletes who played for the Crimson Tide and commemorated the anniversary of 50 years since Paul “Bear” Bryant integrated the football program.

As an extension of their mentorships and encouragement of married couples and families, the Castilles host a podcast titled “Stille Standing.” In it, they talk about relationships and parenting and build on their own 40 years together and the things they did raising their now-adult children. While the podcast title is a play on their last name, it’s more of a tribute to their reliance on God’s promises for their lives and family. “We rely on the Scriptures that tell us to stand on His promises and stand on our faith,” Jean said. “We’re still here and standing.”

Jean and Jeremiah recording podcast — Jean and Jeremiah Castille host a podcast titled “Stille Standing” where they discuss relationships, parenting and more.

A Vision for Parents and Grandparents. The Castilles have a tight-knit family that has grown to include grandchildren. They believe that as Christian parents get older and evolve into grandparents, their roles should become stronger. “Many older people mistakenly believe they aren’t important anymore, but that’s just not true,” Jean said. “We have more impact as we get older.” As Poppa and Honey to their ten grandchildren, the Castilles believe they have a responsibility to pass along their faith through prayer and Bible study. And to be active whenever possible- whether on the sidelines during sports events or helping in their homes when asked. “We make it a commitment to connect on a weekly basis with our older grandchildren. We talk with them, come to their games, do Bible study with them, and I babysit whenever I can,” Jean said. And they stay active and fit- committed to being able to participate with the young children as much as possible. “When I’m 80, they may leave me in the dust. But, not now,” she laughed. A new partnership with the Legacy Coalition (an organization designed to encourage Christian grandparents) has cemented their desire to reach out to grandparents and let them know how important they are. They look forward to working with the organization to speak directly to grandparents. “We have the job of sharing our legacy of faith with our children and grandchildren,” Jeremiah said. “My mother had a great testimony of recovering from alcoholism, and I tell her story. Hearing their great-grandmother’s story is important.”

Castille family — Jean and Jeremiah Castille have six children and 10 grandchildren.

As Jeremiah Castille looks to the future and the ways he wants to continue ministering to his own family and other young people, he often harkens back to the words of his legendary college football coach. “I learned so many lessons from Bear,” he said. “And his words remind me of the four things [invest, influence, impact, and inspire] we need to do for the next generation.” Upon the celebration of what would have been Bryant’s 100th birthday back in 2013, Castille was asked to write and share what he learned from his coach. “He invested in me, and that led to influence. He impacted and changed me. From that came inspiration–not just motivated, but inspiration because of his hands-on coaching and relationship with me. That truly became my philosophy in how I lived life and how I was going to raise my children. So much of it came from my time with Coach Bryant.”

-Cheryl Wray

September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Superchef Grudge Match Photo Credit Food Network

Cover Story

Food Network Star and cookbook author Darnell SuperChef Ferguson is one of the rising stars in the culinary world. With television show hosting gigs and a brand-new book for young chefs, Ferguson could be sitting on his laurels and boasting of his success. Instead, he focuses on his faith and family and looks to the future for ways he can impact the next generation. Ferguson’s latest ventures include the second season premiere this November of his Food Network Show “Superchef Grudge Match” and the debut this month of his new book by Christian publisher Tyndale Kidz- SuperChef Family Cookbook.

Becoming a Chef. Ferguson never set out to be a chef. In fact, as a child, he didn’t have examples of cooks in his home and instead discovered cooking on his own when he watched celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s television show. “I got into it because I was watching Emeril,” he said. “I started watching cooking shows in my free time and started cooking at my cousin’s house on weekends. Looking back, it wasn’t actual cooking. I was doing slushies and cereal and things like that. But I was really interested in it.” At 16 years old, he went to vocational school (traditional high school was a struggle, he said); he figured if it didn’t work out, he’d at least be able to cook some good lunches. Instead, the decision to transition from regular high school changed his life. “I’d never touched a culinary knife, so it was all new to me. But I had a great teacher who made me feel special,” Ferguson said. “She told me I was advanced and should keep with it. I’d never heard that I was special, and I wasn’t really good at anything. But then I found cooking.” Ferguson said that the first culinary teacher still supports him today and has attended show premieres and other events in support of him.

Superchef Grudge Match host Darnell Ferguson photo credit Food Network — Darnell appeared on numerous shows on the Food Network before getting his own show. “I had to take the stairs, not the elevator. It’s a good story for people and kids. It took a long time, even though I thought I’d have a show in the first year. It’s a good lesson on patience.” Photo Credit: Food Network.

Ferguson’s journey took him to Sullivan University’s National Center for Hospital Studies and then he served as a chef for Team USA in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. And while his culinary career seemed to be heading in the right direction, his personal life was less stable. He served a year in jail for selling drugs, then found himself living on friends’ couches while between homes. He even slept in his car at a certain low point. After vowing to get straight and joining a church, Ferguson opened his first pop-up restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky in 2012 and began making local television appearances and eventually appeared on the “Rachael Ray” show. There, he met his childhood idol Emeril Lagasse. He ultimately was showcased on the Food Network shows “Chopped,” “Supermarket Stakeout,” “Guy’s Grocery Games,” and “Tournament of Champions,” and on HGTV Network’s “Home Town Takeover” and “The Big Holiday Food Fight.” Today he is co-host of Food Network’s “Worst Cooks in America” and host of his own “SuperChef Grudge Match.” Along the way, he has found ways to give back, particularly to young people interested in cooking and culinary careers.

Darnell SuperChef Ferguson cooking in kitchen, Photo Credit Tyndale House Publishers — *SuperChef Family Cookbook* is the first in a planned series of books from Ferguson. He said that the first book is “planting a seed in kids who are interested in cooking.”Photo by Julie Chen courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers and used with permission.

Encouraging Young People. Ferguson’s newest venture is the SuperChef Family Cookbook, published by Tyndale House Publisher’s children’s imprint and releasing on October 3. The book includes an introductory section chronicling his childhood in Ohio to his time in culinary school and his eventual fall from grace and trouble with the law, then recounts his coming to Christ and ensuing success starting restaurants and at the Food Network. The second section includes creative and approachable recipes for children and the entire family. The recipes come from Ferguson’s own restaurants, with tried-and-true tips that make cooking easier for people of all ages. With its superhero theming, the book leans into Ferguson’s idea that cooking is exciting and “super.”

Darnell Ferguson in kitchen, photo credit Tyndale House Publishers — Subsequent books will become more advanced to where kids can cook by themselves and “really be able to do things in the kitchen.” Photo by Julie Chen courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers and used with permission.

“The cookbook is a hybrid between a cookbook and a comic book. It’s about fun and lighthearted recipes that kids can complete,” he said, “and it encourages moms, dads, sisters, and aunts to work alongside the child and dive in with him.” The book features Little Super, a comic book character that helps readers better understand the recipes and cooking techniques; it also includes QR codes that readers can scan that link to video instructions from Ferguson. The book stems from Ferguson’s belief that one of his primary callings is teaching the younger generation about cooking. “Interest in cooking is growing and growing, and outside of sports, cooking is the most popular type of show watched today,” Ferguson said. “Kids watch it, parents watch it, and the hospitality industry is so large. There are so many opportunities for children to go into it,” he said, adding, “Inspiring young people is my purpose and my call. I believe it’s part of why I have this gift.” Ferguson said that creating the cookbook has been a fun experience. “The book itself is very fun and has that super-chef background. But my recipes are easy and relatable to that kid like me who started by ‘cooking’ cereal. I feel like it’s relatable and stems from my personality,” he said. “I want to give kids who want to cook an outlet.”

Darnell Ferguson and family, photo courtesy Darnell Ferguson — Darnell and his wife Tatahda share eight children between them; six of them live full-time in their Louisville home. Their children are ages 2, 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 16, and 16. Photo courtesy: Darnell Ferguson.

Becoming a Christian. Just as he knew nothing about cooking as a child, Ferguson also knew nothing about God. “I always thought it was just a fairy tale,” he recalled, noting that none of his family were Christians and he was never taught about God. He didn’t even know who Jesus was. “I didn’t know who God was at all. I had no thoughts of God at all in 25 years,” he said. “Then I found God for the first time.” After visiting a church after a stint in jail, Ferguson had to learn to rethink beliefs about attitudes he’d held for most of his life. “Coming from where I came from, I was angry and afraid and that can make for a dangerous person,” he said. “My fears were embedded inside of me. Growing up I didn’t have confidence in myself, but I developed a huge confidence in who God was and that extended into my confidence.” Ferguson learned that Bible stories weren’t fairy tales and that his identity could be rooted in Christ. “I never knew who I was, then church solidified that for me,” he said. “It gave me something to hope in and let me know I was special. I began to believe that God created me, and believed everything God says about me.” Today faith drives his businesses and work, as he pours into young chefs and his customers with a giving attitude. “I want to serve my customers,” he said. “In where I am in the industry, it’s often about awards or people knowing who you are. But it should really be about the people. I want people to say, ‘Chef, I love your food,’ because I’ve given them something they love.”

SuperChef Family Cookbook cover image — *SuperChef Family Cookbook* releases on October 3, 2023. Click here to find Ferguson’s Honey-Baked Turkey recipe perfect for the holidays.

He gives back to his local community with his nonprofit SuperChef’s Cape and through organizations like Blessings in a Backpack. He also stays committed to young people, speaking often to high school and college students about overcoming adversity, work ethic, and how to treat others. His faith also extends into his family life. He and his wife Tatahda have eight children ranging in age from two to 16. “It’s a good life, and I’m blessed,” he said.

-Cheryl Wray

August 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Cover Story

This year marks 23 years of publishing Birmingham Christian Family and we want to celebrate with you!

Here’s a look back at the cover stories over the past few years. Click on the cover image or link to read these stories. Or if you prefer, simply visit BirminghamChristian.com/Issues and scroll to read your favorites online.

November 2020

Ashley McMakin

Ashley Mac’s founder, Ashley McMakin, shares how her faith impacts her life as a mom, wife, and business owner. See McMakin on the Crumbl Cookies Celebrity Chef Stage during the Celebrate the Family Expo at 11:30 a.m. and grab a copy of her new cookbook, Ashley Mac’s Kitchen. Read more here.

March 2022

Janice Rogers

WBRC Fox 6 News Anchor Janice Rogers shares how grieving the loss of her brother Gene guided her to community and hope. She volunteers her time to help others facing the loss of a loved one. Read more here.

April 2022

Montana Fouts

During her time pitching for the Alabama Crimson Tide Softball team, Montana Fouts was passionate about pitching perfect games while pointing people to Christ. Fouts is currently hosting softball camps for girls across the country. Read more here.

August 2022

Lauren and Tony Dungy

NFL Couple Lauren and Tony Dungy strive to live purposeful lives as individuals and as a couple. They share why they decided to write the book, Uncommon Influence: Saying Yes to a Purposeful Life (Tyndale House Publishers). Read more here.

October 2022

Sonya King

Two by Two Animal Rescue Founder Sonya King shares what inspired her to start the Helena, Ala. based nonprofit whose mission is to save unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals. You can meet some of Two by Two’s adoptable dogs at the Celebrate the Family Expo on September 16, 2023! Read more here.

November 2022

Brenda Gantt

Social media sensation and beloved southern cook Brenda Gantt shares some of her recipes and stories perfect for the holiday season and details on her second cookbook Linger Around the Table Y’all. Gantt will be on the Crumbl Cookies Celebrity Chef Stage at the Celebrate the Family Expo on September 16, 2023 from 1-2 p.m. with her son-in-law, Alabama author and outdoorsman Walt Merrell. Read more here.

January 2023

Walt Merrell

Alabama outdoorsman, author, and District Attorney Walt Merrell shares his faith story and his call to engage the outdoors with his three daughters. Hear Merrell share stories from 1-2 p.m. on the Crumbl Cookies Celebrity Chef Stage during the Celebrate the Family Expo beside his mother-in-law, Brenda Gantt. Read more here.

February 2023

Heather Brown

Birmingham-based podcaster and lifestyle blogger Heather Brown shares how she built her social media following while sharing her faith and encouraging women to love every aspect of their life. Read more here.

March 2023

Pam Huff

Longtime Birmingham television news anchor Pam Huff shares how she initially responded to her cancer diagnosis plus how her faith, family, and community helped carry her through the journey. Read more here.

June 2023

Matt Scalici

Since losing his wife Ginger to cancer in 2015, Fighting Cancer Network founder Matt Scalici has been on a mission to provide needed information to other families facing a cancer diagnosis through the creation of the Fighting Cancer Network app. Read more here.

July 2023

Lindy Cleveland

Birmingham’s Lindy Cleveland, inspired by her brother Jordan, started Unless U to provide faith-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Read more here.

August 2023

Carrington Hodge

Helena, Ala.’s Carrington Hodge is the 2023 Distinguished Young Woman of America. She shares what the journey to receiving the title was like, how her church family supported her, plus her exciting plans for the future. Read more here.

We look forward to sharing more Good News with you in the coming year. You’re invited to celebrate 23 years of Good News with us at the Celebrate the Family Expo on September 16, 2023 at the Hoover Met Complex’s Finley Center! Visit www.birminghamchristian.com/expo2023 for the most up to date details about this free, fun filled day! THANK YOU for reading & advertising with us!

August 8, 2023July 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Cover Story

As she heard her name announced on stage as the winner of the 2023 Distinguished Young Woman of America competition, Carrington Hodge knew that several things had made the accomplishment possible. She reflected on the importance of her community, family, and faith in God as she prepared for the scholarship program and in her growing-up years leading to the moment.

Carrington Hodge dancing on stage — Hodge’s decision to participate in the program stemmed from her love of dance. The program consists of a blend of academics, talent, fitness, and self-expression. Dance was Hodge’s talent.

A Distinguished Young Woman. A Helena resident and 2023 graduate of the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in Irondale, Hodge was crowned this past June at the competition–formerly known as America’s Junior Miss–in Mobile, Ala. The scholarship program is open only to high school seniors and provides hundreds of thousands of dollars for women heading off to college. Hodge, who also was recognized as an AP Scholar, Princes Prize Certificate of Merit Recipient, and College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholar during her years in high school, received a total of $45,000 in cash scholarships from Distinguished Young Women (DYW) and will attend Vanderbilt University this fall.

Carrington Hodge at Graduation in cap and gown — Hodge graduated from Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School with honors. She plans to attend Vanderbilt University because, “Vanderbilt has it all. It thrives in all academic realms, but also offers an SEC sports scene. I love how you get a true campus feeling but are still in the midst of the downtown area.”

For Hodge, the decision to participate in the program stemmed from her love of dance. Her ballet teacher, Angela Walker, has been involved in the Alabama pageant circuit for years and always encourages her students to consider the DYW program. One of Hodge’s closest friends and fellow dancer, Julianne Abenoja, placed in the previous year’s program as first runner-up at nationals and encouraged her to participate. “I saw Julianne go through the whole process and saw how she was able to balance doing it and competitive dancing while also keeping up her grades,” Hodge said. “That was very important to me because I wanted to make sure I could balance everything well.” Hodge knew that adding the competition on top of an already-grueling and busy school and dance schedule would be a challenge–but she was determined to “do it all.” The state competition in Montgomery required her to miss time away from school and took Hodge extra time and effort to get caught up with her school’s demanding academic requirements. “It was all about balance,” Hodge said of all the DYW preparation. “I had lots of early mornings and late nights. You have to prioritize and plan well. At our school, you had papers due every class in every week at the same time. The load can be tough.” Hodge’s work and commitment to balance her priorities, however, paid off as she won the Shelby County title in June of 2022, the Alabama state title in January of 2023, and then the national title this past June.

The DYW competitions consist of a blend of academics, talent, fitness, and self-expression. Founded in 1958, the program is the oldest and largest college scholarship program for high school girls and changed its name from America’s Junior Miss to reflect its focus on academics. Hodge worked hard to prepare for each aspect of the local, state, and national contest. “Dance has really helped. Not just for talent, but you are doing fitness routines that have rhythm, cardiovascular strength, balance, and flexibility both as a group and in individual sections,” she said. “And I felt very comfortable in self-expression. During the preliminary sessions, you get your questions ahead of time, but during the final round it’s fishbowl style and you pull a question that is usually about current events. You have only a few seconds to think about your response.” While she felt well prepared, Hodge said she was initially shocked to qualify for the Alabama state program. “I was so excited and surprised and to be a representative of the state was great,” she recalled. “When I got to the top eight, I felt well prepared, but I was still surprised when they said my name as the winner.” Moving on to the national competition was more stressful–especially with the added pressure of keeping up with school–but Hodge said the experience was incredibly rewarding. The national competition is always held in Mobile, so the “home turf” gave Hodge extra confidence. “Alabama is very involved in the Distinguished Young Women program, and there is a lot of involvement at the local level, so there’s a huge support system for the girls,” she said. “Having that was a huge benefit.”

Carrington Hodge with parents — Carrington Hodge credits her parents, Terra and Lamar, with helping her succeed and keeping her grounded. The family attends First Baptist Church of Ensley.

A Family of Support. Greater than that support, though, was the support of her family. An only child, Hodge credits her parents Terra and Lamar with helping her succeed and keeping her grounded. “My mom is my best friend, but I’m also a daddy’s girl,” Hodge said. Her parents’ direction and advice have a huge impact on her, and she keeps their words in the forefront of her mind–as she competes, but at other times of her life as well. “My mom always tells me, ‘Put in the work, and the rewards will come.’ Throughout the whole process when it was tough balancing school, dance, and other activities, I always remember my mom’s advice,” she said. “She always encourages me to pursue my goals and strive for excellence.” She said her mother is a “backstage mom” who works like a manager for her; she also provides great advice to other girls participating in the competitions. And her dad? In addition to spending time together watching Marvel movies, listening to Motown music, and enjoying sports, Hodge said that her father gives excellent advice. “Remember who you are and whose you are,” is his most repeated adage. “This motto keeps me grounded and rooted in my faith,” she said. “It also reminds me that I represent far more than myself.” Hodge also points to her extended family, which includes a cousin who’s more like a sister and grandparents who all live in the Birmingham area.

Carrington Hodge on stage celebrating — Helena, Ala.’s Carrington Hodge was selected as the 2023 Distinguished Young Woman of America in Mobile on June 24, 2023. Having the national competition in her home state made it extremely comfortable for Carrington. “I loved it being in Mobile,” she said, “and I was so excited to be announced as the winner.”

A Faith that Makes Things Possible. Hodge credits her church as the first place she felt comfortable performing in front of others, and then as the place where her faith was rooted and has grown over the years. She and her family are longtime members of First Baptist Church of Ensley where her father serves as a deacon, and she attends regularly not just with her parents but with extended family. It’s a place, she said, where she feels comfortable and loved. As a child and teenager, Hodge participated in leading prayers, performing in church plays, and filling other roles in front of the congregation. “The church gave me a Christian foundation, but also gave me the chance to present and perform,” she remembered. “Church was the first place I really felt comfortable, and people recognized my ability, and I branched out from there.”

Seeing family members serve–her father as a deacon, mother as a deacon’s wife, grandmother as a church clerk, and cousins in the choir instilled in Hodge the importance of serving the church as well. She could often be found standing with her father as he greeted attendees as an usher, and she later helped run tech for the services. She said that having that example in front of you and then having those church members love and support your dreams is incredibly empowering. “Having that community of supporters who are loving and caring has been so wonderful,” she said. “They even had a celebration at church after I won nationals. It was very special.” Beyond church participation, Hodge said that prayer is vital to her life and manifested itself in many ways during her preparation for the DYW experience. “As a group, we prayed before each round of competition and the Alaska representative, Jazzie, and I prayed over each other every day,” she said. Her prayers during the competition reminded her to keep things in perspective. “It brought me back to my purpose, but it let me know that anything I do is His will,” she said. “My grandmother always reminds me of Proverbs 3:5-6 and I repeat it constantly to uplift and encourage myself.”

Watch this video to hear more about how growing up in the church shaped Hodge and learn more about why she chose to attend Vanderbilt University!

Carrington Hodge in blue dress — Carrington Hodge is a native of Helena, Ala. Cover Story photos courtesy Ruby Media & the Distinguished Young Women of America Organization.

A Future of Service. As Hodge embarks on her year as the new America’s Distinguished Young Woman, her main goal is to ease into life as a college student. The DYW program doesn’t ask too much of its reigning winners since its primary purpose is to encourage academics and college success. She’ll make some limited appearances and will be on hand to pass the medallion the next winner in Mobile next summer. She also plans to continue the service work she promotes as part of DYW’s “Be Your Best Self” program. The program encourages women to be healthy, ambitious, involved, responsible, and studious, with all winners asked to work actively all year to live out those priorities. Hodge starts this fall at Vanderbilt University with plans to major in neuroscience and minor in African American studies on a pre-med track. She will also be on Vanderbilt’s dance team. She received full tuition as a recipient of the school’s Chancellor’s Scholarship and plans on using her DYW scholarship money for medical school. As she looks ahead, she remembers the verse from her grandmother:“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

-Cheryl Wray is a freelance writer based in Hueytown; she’s a married mom of three and grandmother of six.

July 6, 2023June 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Cover Story

Two moments stand out as pivotal in Lindy Cleveland’s quest to provide faith-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The first came on the day she moved into campus at Samford University when she found her brother Jordan sitting sadly outside her dorm. She and Jordan shared an incredibly close bond as siblings, and she looked at her brother with a special sense of concern. Jordan, who has Down’s Syndrome and a pulmonary heart condition, told her: “I want to do this. I want to go to college. I want to go to games and wear a shirt with my school’s name on it.” The seed of an idea was planted as she asked herself the question, “Why doesn’t he get to do those things?”

Lindy and Jordan at Lindy's graduation — Lindy and her brother Jordan have shared a close bond since they were children. Jordan, who is six years older than Lindy, is 37. Lindy’s career and calling came directly from her relationship with Jordan. She says that it led to her dedicating herself to working with individuals with disabilities.

The second moment came when Cleveland sat in a movie theater watching Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” with a group of special needs students as she approached her graduation from Samford. A line from the movie hit her like a ton of bricks. “I heard the line, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.’ I knew then that I had to do something.” She knew she could create some sort of program that would give Jordan a collegiate experience- and she knew that there could be potentially countless other special needs individuals and families that had only dreamed of that sort of program. She stepped out on faith, and today is the Founder and Executive Director of Unless U– a nonprofit that includes a main campus, a second campus for individuals with more extensive needs, and the Unless U Scoops ice cream shop. She lives in Birmingham with her husband Mitch (a special education teacher in the Vestavia Hills school system) and two sons Grady and Jordan Brooks (named for her brother). Through it all, Cleveland said, she has trusted God to direct her and the program’s steps.

The Need for Unless U and Post Place. According to Cleveland, the need for services for developmentally challenged individuals increases exponentially after high school. While around 90% of individuals have opportunities through high school, many of them lose them once they become adults and graduate from that system. Colleges and jobs are rarely an option for them and, Cleveland said, they may simply find themselves sitting at home with few possibilities ahead of them. Seeing her brother with that sense of incompletion and hopelessness in front of him touched her deeply and changed her plans. She founded Unless U (named after that motivational line from “The Lorax,” coupled with the “U” for a university) in 2014 after earning her degrees in human development and family life education.

Lindy with others at Post Place Opening — Pictured are Lindy Cleveland and Post Place director Jennifer Greer with Kara and her daughter, Anna Bishop, for whom the Post Place Campus’ Anna Center was named.

“We started with four adults in my parent’s house in August of 2014,” she remembered. “Our home church, Shades Mountain Baptist, offered us some space, and in November we started with 10 students.” She used the church three days a week, but enrollment quickly grew from 10 to 20 to 30 to 40, and she and her staff began praying about building a facility. Property across from Vestavia Hills Methodist Church became available to them, and Unless U relished the opportunity at the location. “Since we’re a day program, location matters to our families,” she explained. “We’re here, in the heart of the town. When we drew a circle that showed where the 60 families we served at the time were located, it was perfect for the location.” A capital campaign to raise $1.2 million was launched and in 2018 it was moved to $2 million. “The Lord provided what we needed, and we moved in debt-free,” Cleveland said.

They began growing their program, offering such services as different academic ability-level classes, electives, intramural sports, and other things you might find on a college campus. Soon after, however, Cleveland and her staff realized that another segment of the people they served needed more care and concern. The Unless U Post Place opened to work with individuals who have both behavioral and physical limitations. “I was convicted that we didn’t have a space for these students who need more care. They are even more marginalized within the special needs community,” she explains. A special room was built for that group of students and in June 2021, it welcomed five different families into the program; soon it added a second class with five more families. “I found out I was pregnant with my second son right before opening, and we had just one classroom,” Cleveland said. “We didn’t promote the space, but while I was at home my emails were just blowing up. People were so desperate for this service.” Ultimately, a second campus space was opened in a space left empty by an organization already serving developmentally challenged students. It was just five minutes from their main campus. “The Lord provided again for us because it was perfect,” she said. A director, Jennifer Greet, was hired and the facility opened in August 2022. It serves 24 students a day and represents 52 families. Three teachers and volunteers work so that students can get true one-on-one attention. “It’s an amazing program that provides life skills and social skills,” she said. “We’re just so pleased to offer this to our families.”

Watch this video to hear Cleveland explain how her faith leads her in every aspect of her life and how local churches have helped Unless U expand.

Unless U Scoops Workers — Unless U Scoops provides students with real world job experience, as they sell ice cream and interact with the Vestavia Hills and Birmingham community. Unless U Scoops, 737 Chesnut Street, Vestavia Hills, 35216, is open Monday-Friday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Building Community through Ice Cream. Unless U provides opportunities for the “whole person”- including the opportunity to work. “We serve students in our main campus academically, spiritually, and socially, and now we’re trying to save them vocationally. We want to serve the whole person,” Cleveland said, adding, “We want to create job training opportunities because we know how important that is. They want to work, but parents often are afraid about it because these individuals have been hurt by co-workers and the public in the past.” She stressed that “we need to make sure they’re being respected and treated well in the workplace.” The answer from Unless U was their Scoops ice cream shop, which opened next to their main campus in Vestavia Hills in 2021. Students who work at Scoops wear their shirts to school, walk to work, and go on their shifts. While there they learn such valuable skills as handling money, interacting with the public, and building a good work ethic. Cleveland said that the students who work there are true “ambassadors for those with disabilities,” and their presence creates a real-life learning lab for customers and the public. “Scoops is a perfect environment to engage our students with the community, and to teach how important it is to love everyone,” she said. “Come get ice cream, bring your family. It’s a great way to break down barriers between us.”

Lindy and Family — Lindy and her husband Mitch live in Birmingham with their two sons Grady and Jordan Brooks.

Image Bearers of Christ. Cleveland’s passion for working with people with developmental disabilities is rooted in her Christian faith, and she encourages all Christians to consider their attitudes, biases, and perspectives on the special needs community. “We need to remember that everyone is made in the image of Christ. We are image bearers, they are image bearers,” she said. “We want to celebrate and empower them as image bearers. I believe that might change society’s views of disabilities.”

Cleveland said that it’s important that people get to know others–not for their diagnosis, but for their personhood. “We need to get to know them as people first,” she said. “They have the same fears, hobbies, and likes as anyone. We need to know that they’re people too- just like us. Treat them with that understanding and respect.” Cleveland has led first with faith, as she ventured into every step of the Unless U journey. That, she said, has shown God’s faithfulness to her and has blessed her more than she could have ever imagined. “In loving the children God loves, that’s been the biggest blessing of my life,” she said. “They exemplify the qualities of our Lord and Savior.” By founding Unless U, she ultimately honors those children–including her brother Jordan, who inspired her work and is enthusiastically involved in the school. She’s able to see him every day- fulfilled and encouraged to live into his potential as one of God’s children.

-Cheryl Wray

June 9, 2023May 30, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Cover Story

When Birmingham businessman Matt Scalici first learned that his wife had cancer, they each had a lot of questions. Those questions, partnered with fear and anxiety, taught Scalici that cancer patients, family members, and caregivers need better resources to make it through the difficult journey. The Fighting Cancer Network app–which debuts this month in the Birmingham market–is the result of Scalici’s experience and is a tribute to his late wife Ginger, who passed away in 2015 from lung cancer.

Filling a Need. Finding out that you or a loved one has cancer can be debilitating, Scalici said. “When a person receives a cancer diagnosis, most of us find ourselves with our heads in the clouds, in a fog, and we usually don’t even remember what the doctor says after the news,” he said. “It’s a shocking thing to hear, and you are filled with anxiety and fear.” According to Scalici, you want primarily to get information “but it’s often near impossible.” Patients and caregivers are desperate for answers from trusted sources about their cancer. The Fighting Cancer Network app provides information that one needs after hearing that diagnosis and does it in a way that’s unavailable anywhere else. It then continues to give the user information throughout their cancer treatment. In talking with medical professionals, they agreed with Scalici–that there was a huge need for such a storehouse of cancer knowledge and expertise.

The free app, which is downloadable on the Apple app store and Google Play, uses video to provide practical advice to patients, caregivers, and others affected by their diagnosis. It will be free to all users and will be supported by ads. When fully launched, it will be available on both IOS and Android smartphones, tablets, and even televisions. For Scalici, who has a background in broadcasting, video is a great outlet for sharing information. Video, he said, is the perfect teaching tool; it’s much easier to process than words. “Research shows that you process an image 60,000 times faster than text, which means the human brain can learn and retain much more using video,” he said. “Each video in the app will last an average of six minutes which is proven to be the perfect size for holding someone’s attention.” Each cancer covered on the app will include hundreds of videos with information on every facet of the diagnosis, the cancer itself, treatment, and more. Scalici previously had experience with Eternal Word Television Network(EWTN) and the Golf Channel, both of which are experiences he said equipped him well to have the vision and to do the work for The Fighting Cancer Network.

Scalici family with Mother Angelica — Matt Scalici was a personal friend to Mother Angelica and was her first employee at the Eternal Word Television Network. He is seen here with Mother Angelica, his wife Ginger, and two of their three children.

A lifelong Catholic, Scalici had a meaningful work and personal relationship with Mother Angelica (the founder of the EWTN, based out of Irondale, and host of her “Mother Angelica Live” show). “When I graduated from the University of Alabama, I went to see Mother and asked for prayer,” Scalici remembered. “She told me about her plans, and I became her first employee. I worked for her for 13 years, and she taught me leadership and about God’s provision. She had a huge influence on me, and we had a lively friendship until her death.” Watch this video to learn how they met.

His work at EWTN (which went on to become the world’s largest Catholic television network, reaching 264 million households globally) led to his work with another widely successful cable network venture.

Scalici was part of the Alabama-based executive team that launched the Golf Channel in 1995 and became Vice President of Network Operations; it was television’s first 24-hour single sports station and continues to thrive today as an integral part of the golf landscape. As Scalici aged, he longed to do something meaningful. And that’s when Mike Ousley, a veteran in television production, came to him with his idea. “Mike called me in August 2019 and asked if we could meet for coffee to discuss his business idea. I prayed about it and then told him I wanted to do it,” he said, “but then Covid hit. It ended up giving us time to pause and make plans, consider what we wanted to do.” At both EWTN and the Golf Channel, Scalici said a key to success was that they knew their audience–something that they are mindful of with The Fighting Cancer Network. “We know our audience, and we know what they need, partly because I’ve been through it,” he explained.

Matt Scalici with adult children — Matt Scalici is the father of three adult children and a grandfather of eight. He is seen here with his children. L to R: Lauren, Matthew and Anna. Photo credit: Holli Hobbs Photography

Wife’s Legacy. At the center of the idea for the app and the way it has evolved has been Scalici’s late wife. “There is hardly a part of this that hasn’t been influenced by my experience with my wife,” he said. “I was a loving caregiver and my wife’s cancer experience was a short one. But all the things that happen to every cancer patient and the people that love them happened in my life.” While wife Ginger’s cancer battle was brief–she was diagnosed with lung cancer in February of 2015, and died just 25 days later on March 9- it was illustrative of the difficult, often confusing, and overwhelming journey experienced by so many millions in America and around the world each year. Scalici credits Ousely’s vision as something that touched him on a very personal level. “He came up with the idea, and when he shared it with me, I connected with it so much,” Scalici said. “I identified with what the app would do for people because I had been through it with my wife.” According to Scalici, the app is designed with information that he himself wishes he’d had when Ginger was sick. “In designing it, we want to help with the questions: What’s in the best interest of the cancer patient? What does a cancer patient need? Would this help in their everyday lives?” he explained. “These are the things that patients and caregivers need.” If he’d had such a resource during his wife’s diagnosis, the information and practical help would have been easier to come by.

A Love for Birmingham. Scalici was born and raised in Birmingham, he and his wife raised their family here, and his children and grandchildren all live in the area today. The city is also integral to his faith story. “I was born in Birmingham and lived in Homewood until my parents built a house on Old Leeds Road about two miles from Our Lady of the Angels Monastery,” he said. “We attended mass every Sunday there with the sisters, and it was mysterious and wonderful. They sang like angels.” He attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, John Carroll Catholic High School, and then graduated from the University of Alabama; he attends St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, where he and his wife were founding members. The only time he’s lived away from Alabama was from 1994 to 2000 when he worked at the Golf Channel. Today, he lives in a “charming little 100-year-old grist mill on the Little Cahaba River” and enjoys time with his 91-year-old mother, three grown children, and eight grandchildren. “Five of my grandchildren were born after my wife passed away, and we like to say that Ginger (or Gigi, as she was called) met them before I did,” he said.

Creation of videos in the Fighting Cancer Network app — The Fighting Cancer Network app’s purpose is to be a resource of support to anyone that is facing a cancer diagnosis. Here is a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes creation of the instructional videos found in the app.

Unveiling the App. It’s appropriate that The Fighting Cancer Network app debuts in the city that has meant so much to Scalici’s upbringing and family journey. The pilot program was unveiled in May, using Birmingham as a testing ground for the app. “If you’re in the Birmingham area, you’ll start seeing ads, seeing things on social media,” Scalici said. “We want to see how it operates, find out what needs to be improved or added.” The pilot program features breast and prostate cancer and includes information presented in a variety of unique ways. Videos are the highlight with approximately 20 main videos and hundreds of additional instructional videos with information from medical professionals across the country. “The idea is that we will answer questions about your cancer and curate videos with information you need,” he explained. “The videos, mixed with exquisite 3-D graphics, provide you with the information you need as you start treatment. How often do you go to your doctor, and they ask if you have questions and you’re just stuck? The app gives you the information you need so that you can talk with your doctor.” Scalici said that Art Franklin, a familiar Birmingham broadcasting face, hosts many of the primary videos; and then professionals from such hospitals and research facilities as UAB, Vanderbilt, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Mayo Clinic, and Harvard provide information in supplementary videos. “We’ve been so blessed with our team for the pilot program,” he said. “The oncologists, producers, directors, and more have just been wonderful.”

Art Franklin creating video for the Fighting Cancer Network app — Birmingham broadcaster Art Franklin hosts several of the primary videos found in the Fighting Cancer Network app.

In addition to instructional videos, the Fighting Cancer Network app has other tools that will help patients and caregivers on their journey. It includes a journaling tool to share your story with friends and family; a note-taking portion and the ability to highlight information; a glossary of terms; and more. “Those who try it first will learn about its unique features,” Scalici said, “and we hope they’ll see how helpful it can be.” Ultimately, it will feature the 10 most pervasive cancers (including childhood cancer), and funding is currently underway to develop the full app. “‘The sooner the better’ is our plan to launch nationwide,” Scalici said.

Bringing Hope. The goal of the app, Scalici said, is to bring hope to its users. “Hope is a powerful tool because hope is central to your thoughts,” he said. “Knowledgeable patients are better patients, and it boosts your attitude and your ability to fight. Knowledge gives you the hope you need.” Hope, ultimately, is an offspring of faith–something important to the “strong Christians with powerful faith backgrounds” who work at the Fighting Cancer Network. “Faith comes into our work,” he said. “It and hope work together. It’s a powerful thing.” Visit www.fightingcancernetwork.com to learn more.

-Cheryl Wray

April 25, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Cover Story

When Manuel and Geiszel Godoy appeared on the “Shark Tank” television show to pitch their unique business plan, their excitement exuded through the screen. Their passion for diverse storytelling impressed the show’s celebrity judges and increased the visibility of their already-successful business. Today, the Birmingham area born-and-bred married couple continues to follow their dreams, relying on faith to help them do business the “right way.”

Godoys holding books — Manuel and Geiszel Godoy holding two of their books.

Diverse Stories. The Godoys’ business, Black Sands, tells the stories of African American history in a new and exciting way; it uses comic books, graphic novels, novelizations, and animation to introduce readers to black heroes that have often been lost to history. Husband Manuel is the creative force behind the stories. An avid video gamer, he originally wanted to design games that showcased black characters; the cost of video game production, however, changed his focus. “We decided to go with comic books, and it turned out to be the perfect decision,” he said. “There’s not enough content out there, especially with historical settings. I wanted to create books that showed African life in antiquity.”

His first creation–and still the standard bearer and the company’s most popular product–is the namesake Black Sands, which is set in ancient Egypt and features the main character who is a teenage boy named Ausur. His dream is to become Pharaoh over ancient Egypt; ultimately, that dream leads him to save the kingdom from the evil Titans of ancient Greece. “He’s trying to prove that he can be the next ruler of the kingdom and he struggles for legitimacy,” Manuel explained. “There’s a war with Sparta and ancient gods, and he gets in way over his head. But people really like the character, because he stays true to his convictions, and he never walks back from his decisions. He never regrets what he believes in.”

Godoys Family Photo — The Godoys have two children, Mori (9) and Valencia (7). Becoming parents inspired them to start Black Sands.

Creating a story based on ancient history and myths involved a lot of research, and Manuel stayed true to his conviction to make it accurate even while using poetic license to imagine a new world of characters. He said it was important to follow a “golden rule” of cultural presentation. “I need to be accurate when it comes to societal norms, food, dress, politics, and so forth,” he said, “while also making sure that the power given to armies and politics balances well with the heroes and legendary figures.” While the comics and books aren’t specifically Bible stories, Manuel says he “sneaks” Bible locations and historical Bible characters into the stories. “We throw little hints in there,” he said. “We’ll mention giants in Canaan and other people and places mentioned in the Bible.” Other stories in the Black Sands collection include: “Muntu Warriors” (the story of a South African science professor who becomes a superhero), “Granada’s Shadow” (the story of a young Moor “pushed to the brink” in the Crusades), “Madagascar” (the story of a young queen who fights colonial powers), “Mask of the Orisha” (the story of the Orisha mythology in west Africa), and “Lion’s Game” (a martial arts story in the black community).

Birmingham School Book Visit — Although the Godoys now live in Delaware, they often return to the Magic City to visit family and share their books with students in the Birmingham School System.

Geiszel Godoy adds her creative spin on Black Sands’ products and is the author of Mori’s Family Adventures, which is the inspiring story of a black family traveling through South Africa. All of the Black Sands creations fill a niche that the Godoys found lacking when they were young parents themselves. “Every child needs to know about their heritage and culture,” Manuel said. “We couldn’t find those things for our own family, so we made them ourselves. We want to have heroes who reflect their ancestral upbringing.” Manuel said he’s particularly cognizant of creating “family friendly” products that can be read by kids starting in middle school–but can remain favorites as their readers grow into adulthood. “There are complex storylines, but no sex or violence,” he said. “I’m going to make content that’s accessible to middle school students, but that parents and grandparents can buy and love too. I’ve heard people tell me that their dad read one first, then told them about it. It’s passed down.”

Birmingham Roots. Manuel and Geiszel now live and operate their business in Delaware, but their roots are in Birmingham. Geiszel was born in Birmingham and attended Center Point High School and then Faulkner University in Montgomery. Manuel graduated from Calera High School, and his entire family remains in Shelby County. They were both stationed in the Army in the early 2000s (both in Germany) but met and married afterward. “We met at Salsa Night at Workplay in Birmingham on New Year’s Eve,” she said. “Six months later we got married.” Manuel had a degree in economics, and Geiszel had one in fashion and management that led her to work for Calvin Klein. After having kids, however, they were inspired to start Black Sands. They founded the company in 2016, and one of their first sales strategies was operating a kiosk in the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover. “That was our first time with a physical place to sell our products,” she said. “People really liked it, and it took off.” They have since found success through various outlets. They sell their books straight to customers on their website and do special work with school systems. In fact, working with Birmingham area schools holds a special place in their hearts. “We’ve been working with Birmingham City Schools and we love driving down to visit with the classes,” Manuel said. “We have one book for every sixth grader in every school in the system.”

Shark Tank Experience. In January of 2022, the Godoys appeared on an episode of “Shark Tank” to pitch funding for their company from hosts including Mark Cuban and actor Kevin Hart. “We’ve watched the show since it first aired 13 years ago and we’ve always been big fans,” Gieszel said. “Manuel put together and submitted our proposal, and we were excited to be on stage. I prayed for the whole process.” While Cuban and Hart offered $500,000 toward Black Sands, the Godoys left negotiations and decided to go back to the success they’d already had on their own. “It just wasn’t for us,” Manuel said. “There’s a lot of red tape with celebrities, and I’d already gotten this far through conversations with my community. It had to be either-or, and we had to go with what we already knew.” Still, the Godoys said that their appearance on “Shark Tank” greatly increased their visibility. People suddenly knew about their comic books, their company, and their mission.“It gave us massive credibility,” he said. The company is now looking to stand on its own with new investors. Black Sands has started a novel division, has a video game in production, and plans to venture into animation and a televised or streamed series.

Faith-Guided Business. According to the Godoys, their business model is one based on principles they follow as Christians. In addition to including references to Biblical locations and characters in their stories and striving to create family-friendly products, the company’s plans are guided by the Godoys’ moral and spiritual values. “To be a successful entrepreneur, we believe you have to put God first in your life,” Gieszel said. “If you follow Him, He will lead you to the right path.” She also said that you must keep and follow a moral compass, recognizing that God desires that you use your influence to help others. “We believe that if much has been given to you, you must be reciprocal,” she said. “You have to give back to the community and do positive things.” As she and her husband look to the future in their marriage, family, and business life, she said that she’ll rely on her favorite Bible verse–Philippians 4:13. She knows that they can do “all things” if they put their trust in Christ. “That’s my favorite verse, and I try to keep it always in my mind,” she said. To learn more about the Godoys and Black Sands products, visit: www.blacksands.com.

-Cheryl Wray is a freelance writer and book author who lives in Hueytown and directs the Southern Christian Writers Conference. Learn about the 2023 SCWC at the blog, www.southernchristianwriters.blogspot.com.

March 29, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Cover Story

James “PJ” Spraggins has toured the world as an award-winning jazz drummer, but he still cherishes his roots and life in the Birmingham area. Spraggins discovered a love for and honed his skill in music by playing in the church at an early age in Bessemer. And today he gives back to the community he said nurtured him by working with children and inspiring people with his jazz creations and performances.

PJ with drumsticks — Spraggins has toured many foreign countries as a drummer with various jazz groups. Highlights include playing on U.S. military bases in Bahrain, and jazz festivals in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Photo Credit: Dokk Savage Photography

A Love for Jazz. If you’re a fan of jazz, you probably know of Spraggins. In Birmingham, he’s played with local icon Eric Essix, just returned from the “Soul Train” jazz cruise where he played with legend Peabo Bryson, and over the years has worked with the most popular jazz musicians in the industry; he’s also released his own solo work, including “The Light of Day” (2006), “Pure Logic” (2012), “Time to Heal” (2015), and his most recent digital EP “Up from Here” (2021). He’s currently writing, producing, and recording an upcoming full album, which has already released a single entitled “Stick it Out.”

“I have a recording studio in my home in Birmingham and that’s where I record all my music, and I also record drums for other artists virtually. Very rarely now do you get together in a studio to record with other musicians,” Spraggins said. “I’ve had three full length albums and another one coming out in May.” Spraggins’ popularity sometimes even surprises him, referencing his song “Nocturnal Drive,” which currently has more than 5 million views on Youtube. Comments on that video compliment Spraggins’ creation with such statements as: “When I listen to music like this the best parts of me come to life” and “This song by this gifted drummer is a smooth jazz standard for all enthusiasts who love great music.” He says that his “Light of Day” album, recorded in 2006, still remains his most popular among fans, and his music is available on Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, and his website (jamespjspraggins.com) where you can purchase downloads and CDs.

Spraggins with his parents — Spraggins poses with his parents, James and Hiawatha Spraggins, at the Jazz Music Awards in 2022, where his song “Grace & Mercy” was nominated for Song of the Year.

According to Spraggins, jazz is a unique musical genre that appeals to people for many different reasons. “Jazz music is music without lyrics, and the instruments play the melody instead of someone singing it,” he explained. “In jazz, you can be as expressive as you like to be. It’s also just fun to listen to and makes you hear different things when you listen to it. I was drawn to that,” he said. Spraggins said that jazz is experiencing a resurgence, with new bands of young musicians with large followings. It’s a universally appealing form of music that he prays will never go out of style. His own attraction to jazz began at a young age when he discovered the drums at just 8 years old. “I was of course beating on things around the house and my mom and dad saw that and decided to invest in that,” he said. “They got me my first professional drum set at age 8. No one had to tell me to practice. I just did it on my own.” Spraggins is mostly self-taught, and he still remembers teaching himself by listening to the radio and drumming along. He began to ask his mother, Hiawatha, if she thought he was good enough to play in their church, Greater 14th Street Baptist in Bessemer. “She was kind of the gatekeeper of that,” he remembered. “She finally said I was good enough, and I began to do that. In fact, she and my dad always encouraged me to keep working. They have been my biggest supporters from day one, investing time in everything me and my brothers did.”

“Once they knew this is what I loved, they encouraged me to go after my dreams,” Spraggins says of his parents who were both educators in Birmingham. Spraggins attended McAdory Junior High and High School in McCalla. He went on to attend Alabama State University on a scholarship where he majored in broadcasting communications and minored in music. Eventually, though, he focused more on his music.

PJ with kids at school — Spraggins surprised the students at Bryant Elementary School in Birmingham with an appearance with the Eric Essix band. The children were excited to find out their bus driver was a well-known jazz drummer.

A Community Connection. Today he works at what he calls “the perfect job” for his musical endeavors, as he drives a school bus for the Jefferson County School System. Spraggins worked in the past as a Lyft and Uber rideshare driver, but the more stable bus driving position allows him to build a daily schedule that gives him plenty of time for his music. At Bryant Park Elementary School, Spraggins drives students in kindergarten through fifth grade. His work schedule lets him work and record during the day and also after dropping off students in the afternoon; he’s also able to take off time when needed, including the week he recently took off to play with Peabo Bryson on a musical cruise.

Until recently, the students at Bryant had no idea Spraggins did anything other than drive a bus. “The group I play with (the Eric Essix Group) performed at the school for Black History Month, and the kids couldn’t believe it,” Spraggins said. “They had no idea that I was a drummer, so it was very cool to do that. They were pretty excited when they found out their bus driver is also a decent drummer.” Spraggins loves living in the same area he grew up in, even when he could live anywhere in the world as a jazz musician. “I love Birmingham,” he said. “It’s always been my home. It’s a great place to live and play music.”

Spraggins playing drums — Spraggins developed a love of music in the church, and still uses his gifts as a drummer at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook.

Roots in Faith. The encouragement he gives the students under his care is just one way Spraggins tries to live out the faith that was instilled in him at a young age. Spraggins grew up in church and credits his parents for showing its value to the entire family. “We were there every Sunday, and of course, we didn’t have a choice as children and adolescents, but when we became preteens and teenagers it was more of a choice for us, but they made it clear that we might want to make the right choice,” he said, laughing. “Dad would tell us if we didn’t go to church, he expected the house to be clean when they got home.” Today Spraggins is an active member of Birmingham’s New Rising Star Baptist Church and also plays drums for St. Luke’s Episcopal in Mountain Brook.

According to Spraggins, almost every jazz musician he plays with has some sort of background in the church. And for him personally, faith plays a huge role in the type of music he writes, records, and performs. “My faith is very important to me, and it’s conveyed through a lot of my music,” he said. “All of my music is positive. Even the titles reveal how I’m trying to encourage my listeners.” He points to his latest single, “Stick it Out,” which focuses on building relationships even when it gets hard or following through in everything you do. His 2019 song, “Bounce Back,” encourages listeners to be strong amidst struggles and come back from those setbacks. “A large part of my music has to do with my faith,” Spraggins said. “Music is very powerful, and my job as a musician is to uplift people.”

-Cheryl Wray is a freelance writer and coordinator of the Southern Christian Writers Conference. Learn more about the 2023 conference at southernchristianwriters.blogspot.com.

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