Growing up, Wes Hampton listened to a wide genre of music with his parents. The Gaither Vocal Band was a favorite but Hampton never expected to one day sing tenor for the group!
His Childhood. Born and raised in West Tennessee, Hampton grew up in the church. “I was involved and knew the expected church words and routine,” he says but it was as a teenager he truly understood what Jesus did for him on the cross and what it meant to know Him as Savior. “My father led me to Christ when I was 15 and I felt peace like never before because I knew I had started a real relationship with God opposed to a religious experience.” He always enjoyed singing but never thought he would do it as a career because he was a shy child and didn’t want to be on stage. He remembers singing privately in his room when his parents overheard him and encouraged him to get involved with the local youth choir. The youth choir director became very influential in Hampton’s pursuit of music, leading him to step further out of his comfort zone and join a quartet.
Wes Hampton has sung tenor for the Gaither Vocal Band for fifteen years. Photos courtesy of Gaither Vocal Band.
The Audition. Hampton attended Trevecca Nazarene University, where he met his wife, Andrea. Shortly after marriage, the couple moved to Birmingham, Ala., where Hampton continued his education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “I would have been a doctor today, but God diverted my path,” Hampton says. During his junior year, he felt unsettled with his plans and felt God tell him, “I don’t want you to do this.” Following God’s prompting, Hampton left his anatomy class and began to pursue a degree in music. This decision led him to begin interning and leading worship at a local church. Even still, Hampton adds, “I felt like I was spinning my wheels.” A mutual friend of the Hamptons and Gaithers reached out to Hampton telling him about an opportunity to audition for the tenor position in the Gaither Vocal Band. In 2005, Hampton began a seven week audition process. He shares that he never expected anything to happen, but God had other plans. This year marks 15 years of Hampton being a part of the Gaither Vocal Band.
The Gaither Vocal Band performs at Samford University on March 14, 2020, as part of the Good Things Take Time Tour. Visit www.premierproductions.com to learn more and purchase tickets.
Tour Life. When asked what has been crucial for maintaining a healthy marriage with Andrea and strong relationships with his sons while he is touring, Hampton shares technology has been a lifeline. They use Facetime to stay connected and Hampton and his sons play games on their phones as another way to spend time together even when they are apart. He also credits Bill Gaither with making time at home a priority. “He does a great job of getting us home. I am home the majority of the week,” he explains.
The Gaither Vocal Band has won many awards over the years, including a Grammy for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album. “It still blows my mind that it’s on my shelf in my living room.” Some of Hampton’s favorite tour memories are centered around international travel. “The energetic crowds in South Africa and Brazil are incredible to experience,” he reflects adding that singing at Billy Graham’s memorial service in 2018 is a memory he will always cherish. “It was a huge honor to do that. I am still so grateful.”
Wes Hampton shares that Bill Gaither has been influential in his life as a husband, father, and friend. He adds that Gaither has modeled how to not pursue opportunities unless God plans it.
Bill Gaither’s Influence. “I haven’t seen anyone like Bill- with the drive and love of what he does,” says Hampton about the leader of the Gaither Vocal Band who has taught him to be a better listener and lifelong learner as well as how to leave room for the Holy Spirit. “He encourages us to let the songs speak for themselves and to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.” Hampton says that Gaither shares with him wisdom like that of a grandparent. “We don’t need more information in today’s world. We need more wisdom.”
Wes Hampton married Birmingham native Andrea, 22 years ago this August. She homeschools their four sons, Barrett (14), Hudson (12), Carden (9) and Sutton (8).
Home Life. The Hamptons have lived in Birmingham, Ala. for 22 years. Wife Andrea homeschools their four sons, Barrett (14), Hudson (12), Carden (9) and Sutton (8) and the family attends Church of the Highlands at the Grants Mill campus. “I am so grateful for Pastor Chris Hodges’ shepherding. He has been influential in making me who I am today,” says Hampton. A Bible verse with special meaning to Hampton is John 15:5. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Hampton admits that he deals with the insecurity of not being good enough and explains that this verse is a reminder that he can accomplish nothing without Christ. He adds that the verse is a reminder that, “This is what God called me to and He will give me what I need to do it.” He strives to spend the first part of every day with God in an act of daily surrender.
In addition to singing, Hampton has a passion for cooking. “I love it,” he explains. Growing up, he recalls his mom being a great cook and he remembers having stained hands from gardening lima beans, corn and more. Inspired by the Food Network channel, he found cooking to be relaxing and started pushing wife Andrea out of the kitchen so he could take over. The hobby then turned into a passion. He started creating recipes and eventually compiled them into his first cookbook titled, Wescipes. Visit www.birminghamchristian.com/food for a taste of his cooking and be on the lookout for Wescipes Volume Two available later this year.
Home Performance. Hampton will have the opportunity to perform for his hometown fans on March 14, 2020 at Samford University. “There will be so many great songs and messages. We will sing new songs and the Gaither classics,” says Hampton of the upcoming Good things Take Time Tour. “It’s something you need to experience.” Learn more at www.premiereproductions.com
The year 2020 is special to Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) magazine because it marks 20 years of sharing Good News with readers like you. 20 years can bring a lot of changes, so keep reading to find where past cover stories are now! You can also read the full length, powerful faith stories they shared with us over the years at www.birminghamchristian.com/issues.
Tim Hudson Plays in World Series
After playing baseball for Auburn University, Tim Hudson went on to play for the Oakland Athletics and Atlanta Braves. After appearing on the cover of BCF in April of 2012, he transferred to the San Francisco Giants and helped the Giants win the 2014 World Series!
Allyson Felix Breaks Records
Olympic Gold Medalist sprinter Allyson Felix continues to go for gold since talking with BCF in August of 2016 about her God-given gift. She broke records in 2019 when she won her 12th Gold Medal during the IAAF Doha competition.
Alabama Heisman Mark Ingram Stays Faith Focused
After sharing his faith with BCF in October 2010, Mark Ingram went on to play in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens, where he still plays today. He also continues the mission of the Mark Ingram Foundation, “To enrich and contribute to the well-being of at-risk youth and families affected by incarceration through social development, goal setting and strengthening of character through sports.”
SEC Nation’s Lauren Sisler Engaged
Lauren Sisler weighed in on what matters in the game of life in BCF’s August 2018 issue. Since speaking with us, Sisler became engaged to John Willard and is planning her wedding.
UAB Coach Bill Clark Wins Conference Championship
Since appearing on BCF’s cover in September of 2017, Coach Clark’s team went on to win UAB’s first conference championship in 2018. 2019 was another great year for the team. The Blazers are the 2019 C-USA West Champions and as of print are preparing to play in the New Orleans Bowl.
Congressman Gary Palmer Continues Call to Serve
Since talking with Congressman Palmer in March of 2017, his Republican colleagues chose him to serve as chairman of the Republican Policy Committee which places him fourth in the hierarchy of Republican House leadership. “This a role in which I believe I can best serve my colleagues and my constituents, a role that my 25 years with the Alabama Policy Institute gave me the experience and expertise that will be of great benefit to my fellow members,” says Palmer.
Alabama’s Tiger Dabo Swinney Does It Again
Coach Dabo Swinney appeared on the cover of the September 2016 issue. Since then, his Clemson Tigers football team has won a second College Football National Championship (2016, 2018). As of print, Coach Swinney’s team is prepping for another College Football Playoff game.
Fox 6’s Janet Hall Remains Anchored in Faith
After nearly 40 years on with WBRC-TV, Janet Hall O’Neil continues to anchor weekday newscasts from 4-5:30 each day on FOX6 News. She and her husband Frank are active founding members of Asbury United Methodist where they raised their two children, Allie and Jack. Allie is now working at a non-profit in Washington D.C. where she researches grants for international development. Jack is an engineer in Nashville and is engaged to be married this summer. Janet says, “I am blessed to have a long journalism career in my hometown, a wonderful marriage, children who have grown into outstanding adults and a loving church family that strengthens my faith every day.”
James Spann Covers Weather & Community
“We have got to come together as a Christian community, and a publication like (ITALIC)Birmingham Christian Family is the perfect way to do that,” says James Spann who was featured on the cover of BCF in August 2000. Since being featured, Spann has won several awards including National Weather Association’s Broadcaster of the Year.
Bassmaster Classic Champ Randy Howell Gives Back
Since BCF talked with Randy Howell in May 2014, he continues to partner with the King’s Home to help women and children in our community. 2019 marked the ninth year for him to provide the boat for the Campfire for the King Boat Giveaway which raised more than $200,000!
Bud’s Best Cookies Stays in the Family
Bud Cason, founder of Birmingham’s Bud’s Best Cookies, was on the cover in December of 2004. In April of 2012, at a special meeting of employees and management, Bud announced that he was promoting his son, Al, to company President. Bud remains CEO and Chairman of the Board. Be one of the first 250 guests at the Celebrate the Family Expo to receive a free bag of Bud’s Best Cookies!
Rick & Bubba Celebrate 20 Years on Radio Together
After appearing on the first cover of BCF in July of 2000, Rick & Bubba continue their radio talk show, the Rick & Bubba Show, and are celebrating their 20th anniversary!
J.T. Gives Thanks
“Thank you Jesus for all you have given me and please keep directing me in the direction you would have me best glorify You!” says J.T. Nysewander as he shares changes since he appeared on the cover August 2006. He and wife Judy were able to cheer their son Michael on as he played football at the University of Alabama and was a part of three National Championships and three SEC Championships under Coach Nick Saban. He now coaches running backs at Samford University. Daughter Alex also graduated from Alabama and teaches 5th grade at Mountain Brook Elementary. J.T. adds “Judy now drives a school bus for Hoover Schools and loves it!” while he enjoys hosting “Alabama’s Morning News with J.T.” 6-9 a.m. on 105.5 WERC in Birmingham and on MAGIC 96.5 FM every weekday afternoon 2-7 p.m.
Kevin Derryberry & Marc Phillips’ Music & Ministries Continue
In December of 2003, BCF talked with Kevin Derryberry and Marc Phillips. Both had experienced successful secular music careers, and both chose to also use their musical gifts to praise God. Today Kevin Derryberry Ministries (KDM) hosts LIFETECH events that minister to men preparing to be released from prison and to date thousands have come to faith in Jesus. Marc Phillips’ recent music project, “Pouring It Out On Me” features songs that ministered to him as he battled throat cancer as well as original songs about the experience. He also leads children’s worship at Double Oak Community Church on Sunday mornings and leads worship at Grace Point Church in Pelham on Tuesday night as well as overseeing an after-school music program for children living at King’s Home. He is also wrapping production on the recording of the audio version of fellow BCF cover story, Sherry Burgess’ book, Bronner: A Journey to Understand, available in early 2020. Hear Phillips and Derryberry perform songs from their latest projects at the Celebrate the Family Expo!
Rick Karle & Mike Dubberly Join Morning News Teams
Rick Karle and Mike Dubberly were featured on the cover of BCF in September of 2011, both at the sports anchor desk. Today they are both anchoring the morning news. Karle is a brand-new member of the WVTM-13 morning team after 38 years as a sportscaster. Karle also celebrates continuing being cancer free for 32 years! Dubberly has been a part of WBRC’s Good Day Alabama team since 2012. He shares, “It’s been a blessing to be part of this top-rated morning show for so long.”
Mark Whitlock Jr. Continues His Father’s Legacy at Mark’s Outdoors
When BCF featured the Whitlock family on the cover in September 2007, Mark Whitlock, Jr. was only sixteen years old. Today he carries on his father’s legacy of helping others enjoy God’s great outdoors by running Mark’s Outdoors in Vestavia. “My dad ran this store for over 32 years. He was the only person that I know who truly loved his job and would rather be working than at home relaxing. There was nobody else like him. I stepped in once I graduated college and have been here for 5 years now. My mom, Dana, and I, are still here and running the store. I handle the sales floor while Mom handles the financials. We have a few big plans for 2020 so be sure to keep tuned-in!
Artist Daniel A. Moore Continues to Paint Seeds of Light
This past spring, Daniel Moore (BCF Sept 2001) was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame as its “2019 Outstanding American Sportsman.” His recent works include paintings of Najee Harris and Jalen Hurts and he is working on preliminary research and preparation for a painting that pays tribute to Tua Tagovailoa’s collegiate career at Alabama. “I love Tua’s great testimony and his enthusiastic love for the Lord. I look forward to including his story in a gospel tract that we will print to accompany each print,” Moore shared. “I enjoy using my talents for sowing these ‘seeds of light.’”
Birmingham Boys Choir Thrives
The Birmingham Boys Choir graced the cover of BCF in December 2014. “The choir just keeps getting bigger and better every year,” says Music Director Ken Berg. “We have 150 plus boys right now from 50 different schools all over the city.” Berg is now in his 42nd year of leading the choir and in December the choir performed its 42nd Annual Christmas Concert at Briarwood Presbyterian Church.
Continuing Christian Radio in Birmingham: WDJC-FM
WDJC’s Roxanne, Justin Brown, and Terry Patilla all appeared on the cover of BCF in April 2018 as a part of WDJC’s 50-year anniversary. Roxanne was recently recognized as one of the Top Women in Alabama Media and now hosts mornings with radio veteran Ace McKay. Patilla continues his popular “Sundays of Praise and Brown has teamed up with 7-year-old daughter Abigail to produce several commercials that have not only aired on WDJC but have also one international recognition.
God Opens Doors for Siran Stacy
BCF talked with Siran Stacy in May of 2009 after he tragically lost his wife and four of his five children in a car accident in 2007. Since then, Stacy went into full time ministry. “Over the last 12 years, I’ve been asked to speak at churches, schools, military branches, corporate businesses, retreats, and non-profits just to name a few. On September 21, 2013, I married an amazing woman of faith, Jeannie Marie Petty. God did it again, I fell in love again. We have three children together: Julia Marie Ellie (4 years old), Savanna Grace (2 years old) and Jasmine Anna Rose (6 months old). Shelly is 16 years old now. The grace of God over my life continues to open new doors and opportunities for His Kingdom purposes. I’m thankful for all the support and prayers bestowed upon myself and ministry. I know so many have prayed for me over the years and if I can ever return the favor send me an email through my website at www.siranstacy.org. To God be all the glory.”
To celebrate 20 years of Good News, BCF wants to hear from you! What is one of your favorite BCF cover stories? Join us on our Facebook page to let us know. We also hope you will make plans to join us at the Celebrate the Family Expo on January 11, 2020 where many of our past cover stories plan to be a part of the celebration, www.birminghamchristian.com/expo.
Birmingham Christian Family wants to honor cover story friends who have passed away since their interviews. Their faith stories continue to inspire us today! We remember Bill Bolen, Pat Sullivan, Bart Starr, Jessie Hale Downs and Judy Allison.
Christmas is the perfect time to gather the ones we love close and make memories. Most importantly it’s an opportunity for us to celebrate our Savior’s birth. Enjoy reading about favorite Christmas memories and traditions from these past Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) cover stories and BCF friends!
Ruth Graham, Author of Forgiving My Father, Forgiving Myself
“Christmas was a big deal at our house. We celebrated all aspects of it, but the story of Jesus’ birth was front and center. We knew the real story. Many years my father, Billy Graham, would just be coming home from a trip, stopping in New York on his way home. He took the train from NYC. Invariably, he would have done a bit of shopping – his suitcase bulging. When he got home his eyes would dance as he’d say conspiratorially, “I know some secrets.” It would make us wild with anticipation. One year when we begged him for a clue as to the gift. He said, “You will wish you are older.” We couldn’t figure that out but made wild guesses. He so enjoyed teasing us with a grin on his face. On Christmas morning we opened his gift to find a silver dollar according to our age. I think I was 11 at the time so I got eleven silver dollars. Some of which I still have! My father made Christmas a delight.”
Terry Saban, Wife of Coach Nick Saban
“Our family understands that when we are home for Christmas, we might be in big trouble with the football season! So, we most often spend Christmas and the week leading up to a bowl game in the host city of the bowl. Whether it’s New Orleans or Pasadena, Atlanta, Miami, or Phoenix, the whole family packs up our goodies and we spend it with our football family in a hotel while Nick and the team prepares for game day! Actually, we have Thanksgiving dinner with football players at our house two days before the annual Iron Bowl. And our children and granddaughter’s birthdays, as well as my birthday and our anniversary are all in December, so it’s a very special month that requires a lot of planning if Nick is participating in any of the festivities. Football is truly a way of life and we embrace it and appreciate it so much! The families of the coaches collect baskets of food and gifts to give to needy families and our Nick’s Kids Foundation honors 50 local teachers with a luncheon and $500 in gift cards to each recipient. Christmas is a time of giving and appreciating our many blessings! Roll tide and Glad tidings… from wherever we may be!”
James Spann, Chief Meteorologist ABC 33/40
“A good Christmas memory was Christmas Day 2010. It snowed! It was the first “White Christmas” in my life. We had a chance to play in the snow before we left to drive to my wife’s parents place in Tuscaloosa for lunch. There was just rain there. All my life I was dreaming of a White Christmas, and it finally happened! Statistical odds of snow on Christmas Day in Alabama are generally under one percent.”
Martina Sykes, Broadway’s The Lion King
“My favorite Christmas memory on tour was last year. Most holidays we don’t get to spend time with our families, but you create a family within the cast. One of the blessings of The Lion King, you get to work with people from different cultural backgrounds. Gerald Ramsey, who plays Mufasa, is from American Samoa and his family lives in Seattle. He invited me to his family’s house for Christmas dinner and to take part in their traditions. I had a blast listening and learning their carols, prayers, games and eating their delicious food.”
Laura Story, GRAMMY Award Winning Artist
“I’ve had the honor of spending Christmas Eve with my church family at Perimeter’s Christmas Eve Service (Atlanta, Ga.). Every year, we close the service by singing “Silent Night,” each holding candles that are lit row by row as we sing. There’s a feeling that comes over us that truly can’t be put into words as we see the light start at that initial Christ candle and spread throughout the room. It’s a simple reminder that’s why Jesus came.”
Tony Cooper, Executive Director Emeritus The Jimmie Hale Mission
“Shortly after we moved to Birmingham to come to the Jimmie Hale Mission, we began having lasagna for our Christmas dinner. By the time Christmas arrived, we had already had plenty of turkey, ham and dressing, so we wanted something different. Since my wife, Dale, could put together an awesome lasagna, that became our “Christmas dinner.” I can’t wait for Christmas to get here! A Christmas tradition we have is to participate in the delivery of meals to some of our senior citizens and shut-ins on Christmas Day. The Mission has been doing this for around 15 years and it is something we look forward to. You can enjoy Christmas more when you are giving and sharing with others. Isn’t that what Christmas is supposed to be about?”
Lauren Sisler, ESPN/SEC Nation
“Growing up, I shared some fond memories with my family during the Christmas season. I remember listening to the Christmas classics on the record player while my dad and brother Allen strung lights on the tree that we just picked out down at the local market. The rest of the decorating was left to my mom and me. Now, more than two decades later, I still have all the ornaments that we would put on the tree, many of them hold a special meaning or ignite a memory of my parents that I will cherish forever.”
Tiara Pennington, Miss Alabama 2019
“My favorite Christmas memory is when I was visiting my grandparents’ house as a little girl. I had baked cookies and left milk for Santa Claus before I went to bed that night. When I awoke in the morning, the cookies and milk glass had been emptied along with a note left from Santa on the fireplace. I was beaming from ear to ear because Santa Claus knew my name and had enjoyed the snack I prepared! That was one of the best Christmases I ever had with my family. Later, I found out Santa Claus was my grandfather which made this memory even more special.”
Sarah Snyder White, Volunteer Shelby Baptist Association Christmas Gift Shop
Circa.1993
“Christmas 1993, I spent my holiday as I did many growing up – at my mom’s side at Shelby Baptist Association. I certainly didn’t mind… I was in a room full of toys! The gifts were chosen by volunteers, loaded into large yard bags, and sent out the door. It was a big undertaking, but that Christmas, Debbie Snyder and Jo Bailey decided it wasn’t quite good enough. The following year, the first official “Christmas Gift Shop,” I remember walking into the gym of First Baptist Church Columbiana. I was struck by how special the ministry was that year. Tables for each age group were arranged in aisles- easy for parents to browse.”
Wes Hampton, Gaither Vocal Band
“My family and I have a tradition each year of decorating our Christmas tree, usually in mid-November. If I’m going to go through the trouble of setting up that massive tree, I’m going to get the most out of it! Our four boys take turns getting up high on the ladder to reach the top of the 12-foot tree to hang ornaments. Of course, we have Christmas music blasting through the house as we do this!” Wes will be performing as a part of the Gather Vocal Band in Birmingham on March 14, 2020, www.premierproductions.com.
What is one of your most cherished Christmas memories or traditions? Spread some Christmas cheer by sharing a favorite memory or tradition with us on Facebook this month- include a picture if you can! We will choose one of your “shares” to receive a special gift from us!
God always answers prayers. Sometimes, the answer is “yes” and sometimes the answer is “no.” Once in a while, He says “Let’s try something else.”
When Eric and Courtney Waldrop, of Albertville, were trying to have a 4th child in 2018, God gave them more than they ever imagined. The couple already had three boys: Saylor, and twin boys, Bridge and Wales when their doctor prescribed medication to help them conceive. “I was on a very low dose fertility medication,” explains Courtney. “We were told there was an eight to 10% chance of having twins with this medication. When we found out I was pregnant with sextuplets they said it was a one in five million, or was it five billion, chance.”
The Waldrop Sextuplets will celebrate their first birthday on December 11, 2019. Left to right: Rawlings, Tag, Rayne, Blu, Rivers and Layke.
When the Waldrops learned the news, they began to question what God was doing and even posted prayer requests on social media. God always provides a witness and that is when life took another twist. The TLC television network contacted the couple about doing a reality series. After much prayer, Sweet Home Sextuplets began filming at the couple’s home. “When we said we would do the show, we were very open about our faith,” Courtney reflects. “We wanted our faith to be seen or we wouldn’t do the show. For the most part, we’ve been pleased with what they have shown.”
Filming began before the birth of the six babies and documented everything, including Courtney’s high-risk delivery. On December 11, 2018, three boys Blu, Layke, and Tag, and three girls, Rawlings, Rayne, and Rivers were born and immediately became celebrities. The pregnancy was not easy, and doctors asked them to consider selective reduction fearing the pregnancy would be dangerous for the babies and for Courtney. “Things we would never have thought would be the right path to go down,” Courtney adds. “We trusted in God and we were blessed with six healthy babies that should not have been born as healthy as they were.” Once the Waldrops confirmed they were going ahead with carrying the babies, doctors were supportive.
Twins Bridge and Wales with older brother Saylor Waldrop were thrust into the limelight on TLC when their six siblings were born in 2018.
Courtney cites Proverbs 3:5-7 as a Bible verse that helped the couple deal with their questions of faith during the pregnancy. The Scripture can serve as a reminder for anyone questioning God’s motives in times of struggle in life. “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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.”
Going through their struggle of understanding God’s will on national television gave the Waldrops an opportunity to witness and they hope viewers will be encouraged to give their concerns to God and trust in Him fully. The second season of Sweet Home Sextuplets just aired on TLC but can still be seen in reruns and on demand television. Courtney says they are considering a third season, but plans are not final at this time. She adds the film crews have become like family to them and their older boys and they know God has used the show and their lives for His purposes. Follow the Waldrop’s journey on Instagram and Facebook at Gods Divine Nine.
-Terry Schrimscher
Follow @godsdivinenine on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the Waldrop Family.
Trusting & Keeping God First as a Busy Mom
With nine children, Courtney Waldrop knows what it means to be busy. When asked how she keeps God first in her life, she says it is a four-part plan: praying constantly, setting goals, giving herself grace and renewing her trust in Him every day.
Prayer. Waldrop admits it is very hard to make time for God when you are taking care of nine children but it’s essential. She stays connected to God throughout her day by praying. “I feel like I talk to God all day long. In everything I do, I am constantly talking to Him.” Waldrop adds that she and her husband Eric strive to have daily prayer time as a couple and with their children.
Goals & Grace. Waldrop says she sets specific goals for each day but also gives herself grace. For instance, even with the best of intentions, prayer time as a family doesn’t always happen. “I am not going to say that we succeed every night with having our prayer time. Sometimes the kids fall asleep and I am still trying to get babies to bed.” Even though nights without family prayer can be disappointing, Waldrop says she has learned to extend herself grace for a new day.
Trust. “God has given us so much peace and reminds us that He had this planned before we ever knew it was in His plan for us,” says Waldrop about being blessed with such a large family. Whenever she is overwhelmed, she recalls a day, while she was pregnant with the sextuplets, that she heard the Lord tell her, “I’ve got this.” She shares, “He didn’t just mean through the pregnancy. He meant for the rest of our lives.”
Meet Charlotte Evans Russell- a pastor’s wife, stepmom and social media sensation. With more than 60,000 followers on Instagram alone, Russell has gained a notable platform in the home decoration community, but instead of just sharing ideas on how to make your home more inviting, Russell encourages her followers to grow in their faith in Christ.
Charlotte Evans Russell completely remodeled a historic home in Gadsden, Ala. she purchased with her husband Jon two years ago. She recalls always having an interest in decorating and believes it is a gift from the Lord. She never expected to have more than 60,000 followers on her home decor Instagram account, @charlotteshappyhome!
Looking for Love. Charlotte Evans Russell had a tumultuous childhood. At six months old, the state took custody of Russell when she was found in a box in a closet during a fight between her parents in their Mobile, Ala. home. Her older sister placed her in the box trying to protect her from her parents who were using drugs. Her mother worked hard to get her back and eventually did when Russell was four years old. A short time later, Russell’s mother was killed in a double homicide. “I remember the night before she died,” explains Russell. “I had a dream that she died the exact way she did.” The only difference was who killed her; Russell dreamt it was her aunt’s boyfriend, but it was actually her grandmother’s boyfriend. After this traumatic event, Russell and her big sister were kidnapped by their father until the state regained custody. After being in foster care for four years, Russell’s nineteen-year-old aunt took custody of her. She shares that when she turned fifteen, her aunt kicked her out of the house which led her to living with friends and boyfriends and searching for affection.
During her teenage years, Russell says all she wanted in life was to be loved. Her junior year of high school, she started acting out. She went to school drunk and used drugs like cocaine and crystal meth. “I was in really bad shape when I was finally ready to surrender my life to Christ at the age of 22,” Russell reflects. “Even in the midst of using drugs, there were times when I would just cry out to God.” She remembers having a hunger for God throughout those years. She would often drag her mattress in front of the television to watch pastors like T.D. Jakes preach. “I would even sleep with my Bible,” remembers Russell adding, “The first Bible I ever bought, I purchased with money I made selling drugs.”
A happy home to Charlotte Evans Russell is one full of stability and love. She strives to share the love of God with every person that walks through the doors of her home. Here are pictures of her historic Gadsden home that inspired her following on Instagram.
In October of 2004, when Russell was 22 years old, she found out she was pregnant and shares that she did not stop using drugs during this time. “The reality of having a baby in me was not even hitting me,” Russell adds. She eventually decided to have an abortion. When she returned from having the abortion to where she was living, in extended stay motel, she laid down, saw her flat belly and reality hit. “That was life and I took it,” recalls Russell about the choice that left her with deep regret and shame.
Alone on Christmas in 2004, Russell gave her life to the Lord once and for all and asked Him to purify her. She knew she could not start over by herself. Two years before this pivotal decision, a woman connected to Home of Grace, a Christian facility in Mobile, wrote her name and number on the back of a tithing envelope and handed it to Russell when they met at a prayer meeting. Russell admits she was at the meeting only because her aunt made her attend. Over the next two years, Russell moved 22 times and that note moved with her. She found it Christmas 2004. “I called that lady and she helped me,” Russell explains. January 18, 2005, she was accepted into the facility. “I like to say that I got engaged to the Lord on Christmas and married him on January 18, 2005. I lived at Home of Grace for a year and it was like a year-long honeymoon with Him.”
Giving Back. After Russell’s stay at Home of Grace, she was given the opportunity to help plant a church in Auburn. Through the move, God introduced her to Jon Russell, the pastor of the church and her future husband. The couple married and not long after felt the Lord calling them to Gadsden, where they purchased a historic home, started renovation projects and began pastoring DayBreak Church in nearby Snead. Charlotte Russell assists with the youth and women’s ministries and works in the church office but says her main focus as a pastor’s wife is to love, support and pray continually for her husband.
Russell with her stepdaughter, Kelbee, who shares her passion for creativity.
Social Media as a Ministry. Russell’s social media following started taking off by simply taking pictures of her home renovation projects. “From the time I was little, I would rearrange my bedroom and living room. My aunt would come home, and the house would be completely rearranged and decorated,” Russell adds. After she started following home décor accounts on social media, she realized that she needed to create a separate account dedicated to her home renovation. She then created @charlotteshappyhome on Instagram. Russell shares that she loves the community she has connected with because of her account and uses her social media presence as a ministry. “I just talk about the Lord there,” she explains. On Sundays, Russell posts “Prophetic Points,” where she shares with followers what she feels like the Lord is speaking and teaching her. “I get messages all the time asking for prayer or encouraging Scriptures to read,” Russell adds, “I am going to be true to who I am and share my faith because that is what God has called me to do.”
Charlotte Evans Russell tries to have fun on her Instagram account, @charlotteshappyhome. She always posts a “A Daily Dose of Pose” where followers can smile at a cute video or photo of Russell’s eight-year-old Yorkie named Posey. She also posts a “Daily Dance Break” where she has fun and dances to music. She often gets messages from followers thanking her for bringing a smile to their face.
Because Russell’s Instagram following has grown to more than 60,000 followers, she now also blogs at www.charlotteshappyhome.com. Russell encourages anyone travelling a similar path to her early years to be aware of their surroundings: people, places and things. She says surroundings have the power to build you up or drag you down. Most of all, Russell encourages everyone to “cry out to the Lord.”
-Melissa Armstrong
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Tuskegee University’s first female President, Lily McNair plans to join faculty, staff and students in welcoming perspective students and their families to the Tuskegee, Ala. campus on Saturday September 28 as a part of a Fall Open House, www.tuskegee.edu. Photo Credit: Tuskegee University
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” says Tuskegee University President Dr. Lily McNair, quoting Romans 8:28. “I think about that so much. It’s been so important to help me deal with difficult situations and also to help me to deal with my own growth, professionally and personally.”Tuskegee University’s first female president, McNair’s growth has included a move from New York to Alabama, and stepping into leadership of a historically black university. She holds in reverence the legacy of those who came before her to make an impact on access to higher education for all. Tuskegee University was founded in 1881 with 30 adult students in a one-room shack near Butler AME Zion Church in Tuskegee, Ala., with Booker T. Washington as its founding principal. When Washington died in 1915, the school had 200 faculty members; 1,500 students; and 40 trades (majors). He left a heritage of leadership best described in an inscription on the Lifting the Veil of Ignorance Monument on campus: “There is no defense or security for any of us except in the highest intelligence and development of all.” Inaugurated in March 2019, McNair celebrates new programs and community relationships that continue Washington’s vision and reflects on an upbringing that helps her see God’s blessings in her life today.
“When I was a little girl, I was so afraid of death. I was so afraid of my parents dying… but then you grow up and you become stronger in your faith and you realize, it’s not the end,” says McNair, whose mother passed away after an extended illness 11 years ago. “We’ll see each other one day.” Photo Submitted by McNair Family
McNair’s strongest memories of childhood are of the beauty of diversity. She grew up in a small town outside of McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, and many of her friends had fathers in the military and mothers who were Asian, Korean, Filipino, Puerto Rican, or German. “You can think about the military travels of men, and they’ve met their wives all across the globe. That’s what my life was like,” she recalls, adding that the community also included differences in faith practices. McNair’s mother was Japanese, her father African American. Her mother’s religious background was Buddhism, and while they did not attend church, her father would open the Bible for Sunday School lessons at home. McNair admits that as she matured, at times the differences in religious teaching in her home led to conflict with her mother, but it also led to great acceptance. “She always asked us to explore whatever we thought was best for us. She never had any parameters or requirements of how we’d try to lead our lives in a religious fashion.”
A commitment to Christianity for McNair came after marriage. She received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University in 1979 and met her husband, Dr. George W. Roberts, while they were both graduate students at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, now known as StonyBrook University. He studied social psychology, and she studied clinical psychology. “The wonderful thing about being married to someone you meet in graduate school is they know what your life is like. They know what it means to write a dissertation, teach classes, grade papers, and so on and so forth,” she recalls. “We could share that together.” The couple also decided to share their faith. Roberts was raised in the Baptist church, McNair was baptized after their wedding, and each of their children were dedicated in Baptist ceremonies. When her children were young, they lived in Atlanta, Ga., where she worked as associate professor of psychology and associate director of the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Training Program at The University of Georgia. Daughter Marguerite was involved in dance until age 14, and son Randall enjoyed acting. Both played the piano and sang in a church youth choir.McNair admits that as a mother, she encouraged participation in the arts but was careful to refuse access to media that objectified women. “I was the kind of mom that said if it’s rated R, you’re not watching it. My kids hated it! They hated it. And this is when music videos were coming out, and it if it had anything to do with stereotypic image of women, they weren’t watching it,” she remembers. “That’s how we trained them. I think that now they are very thankful about that because I hear them saying the same thing that I used to say 15 years ago.”
McNair’s husband, Dr. George W. Roberts, is a retired senior administrator at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They have two adult children who live in Atlanta, Ga. “My husband has been with me every step of my professional journey. His steadfast love, his ability to remain calm and focused, and his propensity for problem solving have helped me to stay grounded and positive,” she says. “I consider my children to be the wind beneath my wings, but he is the one who has helped me fly over the moon.”Photo Credit: Tuskegee University
McNair says her faith impacts her role in academic leadership in that it enables her to see the blessings not just in her new position but in her experiences and interactions on campus as well. “When I think about the expectations of being a university president, I feel that not only have I been blessed to have been able to earn this position, but I feel like I’ve been blessed since I’ve been here. Things have happened that I look around and I go, ‘Wow. That fell into place. That’s incredible.’ Sometimes things happen and there’s no other reason than God looking down and saying, ‘I think I’m gonna help Lily out right now.’ That’s very important to me,” she explains.
Prior to joining Tuskegee University, McNair served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Wagner College in New York City. Committed to making sure every student who desires a quality college education has access to one, under McNair’s leadership, Tuskegee University has launched the Campaign for Leadership Excellence, with a goal of raising $1 million to support scholarships. Tuskegee University has also entered into an agreement with Ross University Schoolof Medicine in Barbados to increase the number of African-American students who become physicians. Qualified Tuskegee students receive a scholarship covering full tuition for the first semester. “Having a higher ed experience really exposes people to different ways of learning, different ways of looking at the world, different ways of understanding and working with people who are different from them, different ways of working with communities,” she says. “All of this combined with the academic major that they are becoming very skilled in helps people to really become who they are and it helps them to make a mark in their communities.”
President McNair at Tuskegee’s spring commencement with keynote speaker, former U.S. Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, who served as the first female African American Attorney General. Photo Credit: Tuskegee University.
The first female president of the institution in Tuskegee University’s 138-year history, McNair recognizes the legacy of leadership on campus that began with the appointment of Booker T. Washington in 1881. Washington’s work with fellow freed slave Lewis Adams to provide education to African Americans in post-slavery Alabama is a miracle story, she says. It was courageous to reach out for financial backing to build what would become a historically black university less than 20 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. “Tuskegee University has really made a mark on our country’s history and the history of education for African Americans. There are many students here who say that they are 4th and 5th generation Tuskegee students. It’s that deep history and that legacy that really resounds with my sense of what higher education does. It exposes people to different ways of looking at the world, learning about the world, and prepares people to go out and really make a change in the world.”
Helena’s Tiara Pennington will soon compete for the title of Miss America. The 20 year old participated for the first time in Miss Alabama in 2018 and was named first runner up. She is seen here being crowned Miss Alabama 2019! Photo Credit: Stacy Cobb, Courtesy of Miss Alabama Pageant, Inc.
“I remember wanting to fall on my knees or at least fall down, I was so excited,” Tiara Pennington said as she reflected on the moment when she was crowned the new Miss Alabama on June 8, 2019. In her unforgettable moment, Pennington shares that she felt the support of every person in the room as she cried tears of sheer joy and thankfulness.
Her Journey. A native of Helena, Ala., Pennington grew up hearing about the Miss Alabama Competition. In fact, her mother, Dedra Eastland Pennington, competed in the Miss Alabama Competition in 1985. “Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to compete in the Miss Alabama Competition,” Pennington said. At the age of seven, she joined The Rising Star Program, a Miss Alabama mentor program. Through the program, Pennington met Scarlett Walker, Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen 2010 and sister of Miss Alabama 2018 Callie Walker. Pennington remembers Scarlett Walker allowing her to try on her crown. “I went back home and said, ‘Mom, I want to compete in Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen and then I want to compete in Miss Alabama.’ ” Crowned Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen in 2016, Pennington competed in the Miss Alabama Competition for the first time in 2018 and placed first runner up. She went on to win the title of Miss University of Alabama in November of 2018. “I have learned that regardless of whether you win the title and walk away with the crown, you are gaining something out of the opportunity of just being in the moment and representing wherever your local title is,” shares Pennington. “You never lose.”
Tiara Pennington’s favorite song to perform is Nessun Dorma (None Shall Sleep Tonight) from the play Turandot. She sang it during the Miss Alabama Competition and won a Talent Preliminary Award. Photo Credit: Tamika Moore/AL.com
Her Faith. Pennington is a firm believer in trusting God in every area of her life. Throughout her years of pageant competitions, she has learned a lot about perseverance and surrendering to God’s perfect will. “I think that being a Christian has taught me how to persevere and leave everything up to God…You have to believe that God has a plan for your life, whether that is to become Miss Alabama or not.” Pennington credits her whole family with raising her up in the church and helping her grow in her faith and staying grounded in Christ throughout her life. “I love God and give Him all the glory because I would not be Miss Alabama today without God. We do not deserve anything; God is the one who blesses us, and I consider my role as a blessing.” Pennington is a member of Hoover Church of Christ. When asked what she does in her daily life to center her in her faith, Pennington said, “I pray all of the time. I pray when I get up in the morning and when I go to bed. I pray whenever I am about to speak with different people I come in contact with. And I am even praying right now.” To strengthen her faith, Pennington reads daily devotionals from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and has the goal of reading the entire Bible in 2019. “I find that different books in the Bible speak to me in the moment and encourage me. I try to keep God first in everything I do. All day, every day.”
Already in middle school Tiarra Pennington was taking the stage! A 2017 graduate of Helena High School(HHS), she served as President of the Show Choir and was named Miss Helena High School.
Her Voice. Pennington’s talent for the Miss America competition is vocal performance. As a young teen, Pennington followed in her mother’s path of being an R&B, soulful singer. It was not until her mother heard Pennington singing along to a song from the opera show, Carmen, that they realized she had the gift of an operatic singer. Pennington became immersed with singing during her middle school years at Helena Middle School. “I had an awesome choir director, Mr. Frank Andrews. He loved teaching music and supported me in my endeavors of being a singer.” Mr. Andrews, still the middle school choral director today, encouraged her to audition for soloist competitions including the Montgomery City Classic Vocal Competition she won in middle school. “I caught the bug and have been singing ever since.”
Tiara Pennington is seen here with her parents Dedra and Don as well as extended family after being crowned Miss Alabama 2019. Tiara considers her grandmother, Carolyn Eastland (6th from the left/front row) to be her fashion designer.
Giving Back. Each Miss Alabama contestant is required to pick a community service platform, known as a Social Impact Initiative. Pennington chose to raise awareness regarding psoriasis. Both Pennington’s mother and uncle suffer with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. “A lot of people think that those suffering with psoriasis can just go to CVS or Walgreens to pick up an ointment and their disease will automatically just disappear,” says Pennington adding this is not the case since psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the skin that has five different types. Each person that suffers with psoriasis can have different combinations, so it can quickly become a complicated disease. As a part of her “Psoriasis Take Action” platform Pennington researched volunteer opportunities for psoriasis in Alabama and hit a dead end until she connected with the National Psoriasis Foundation. She soon became one of the Foundation’s 36 community ambassadors. “It has been amazing to raise awareness here in Alabama, as well as speaking with the FDA Board of Directors about my mother’s story suffering with psoriasis and the harsh side effects from the different biologic medications that psoriasis patients have to take.”
As Pennington prepares to compete for Miss America, she hopes to be a light to everyone she meets. When asked what advice she would share with anyone hoping to one day become Miss Alabama, Pennington shares, “Persevere. Keep God first. Know that God has a plan for your life…trust God because He knows what is best for your life.” She adds, “Perseverance and faith will take you further than anything in this world.”
“Trust Him. Let Him love you like He wants to love you.”
Hoda Kotb, Gifford’s former co-host on the Today show is seen here with Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel at the release of their New York Times best selling book, the Rock, the Road and the Rabbi. The Rock (Jesus Christ), The Road (Israel) and the Rabbi (God’s Word).
Those were the parting words of hope that Kathie Lee Gifford left millions of viewers with earlier this year on her last day as a part of the Today Show. Her final words were backed up with God’s Word as she quoted on the air Jeremiah 29:11, a verse God called her to share. “I was praying that morning. I just said, ‘Lord, this is another opportunity… Not because of me but just because of You, your faithfulness. Let me leave people with hope. Literally let me leave them with hope.”
“I’m in Mayberry USA. It’s perfect. I love it. They love God, they love good music and they love good wine. What’s not to love?” That’s how Kathie Lee Gifford describes her new home in Franklin, Tenn.
Gifford recounts her nearly eleven years on the Today show as a mission of hope often played out during a time of personal deserts. “It was not about my career. It was about what I represented to people. What people had come to expect and know from me. I realized what they were tuning in for everyday in their own ways, all over the country, all over the world. They were tuning in for hope. Somebody to say the Word of God. Somebody to say the Word of Jesus with no shame. Somebody to be bold about the Word. It was a great privilege to serve there.”
Since leaving the Today Show, 65-year-old Gifford’s life has not slowed down and her mission is still the same. Most recently she is at work creating, directing and promoting a series of short films/modern oratorios. The first, The God Who Sees, is Gifford’s first film to ever direct and is based on a song written by Gifford and Grammy nominated, Nicole C. Mullen. With lyrics straight from Scripture, set in the very landscape of Scripture, Mullen journeys through Israel recounting stories from the Bible that Gifford explains are “like ripped from the headlines of today.” Since releasing in April, the film has struck a chord with nearly a million people who have viewed it online at www.godwhosees.com. “Apparently it is unheard of in the Christian world now to have this kind of reaction. We are just in awe of God’s goodness and faithfulness.”
The song, God Who Sees, was recorded in Studio A at Ocean Way in Nashville, Tenn., not far from Gifford’s new home in Franklin, Tenn. The studio is built in the sanctuary of a 100-year-old church, with a massive main room and 30′ ceilings.
The birth of the film, and four more yet to be released, began as a prompting Gifford received during time spent in God’s Word. “I’ve learned not to think it’s weird anymore when God puts something on my heart. It means He is preparing something for me and He put Hagar on my heart, like crazy.” Gifford took this prompting into a ninety-minute writing session with Mullen whom she had never met. “I said I have Hagar on my heart and this Scripture [Zachariah 2:5], and I said I think there’s something there. We just prayed and she got out her guitar,” remembers Gifford. The two wrote the first verse and the chorus and agreed to get back together.
“I went home and started working on it and all of the sudden it also became about Ruth, and then it naturally moved to David. All the desert experiences that Hagar had, that Ruth had, that David had, they were so different and centuries apart but yet the same God met them there in their desert experience… And now because of Ruth and David, it naturally led to Jesus, who meets us all in our desert experiences.” Gifford believes this is where people connect with the film, but more importantly with the very Word of God. “We all have deserts. We all have those times when we are in the lonely, broken places where the God who never changes, meets us there.”
Kathe Lee Gifford with her children Cassidy (25) and Cody (29). Both have traveled to Israel with their mother where they were baptized in the Jordan River.
“All of the sudden we got back together again in Nashville and we didn’t know what we had,” explains Gifford with an excitement in her voice that is contagious. “Who writes an eleven-and-a-half-minute song and think that’s God’s will? But He did.” Gifford asked Mullen to do something she had never done before- provide narration. “You know the Bible. Just lead us into each piece and I’ll write it later. No big deal. It’s a demo,” says Gifford adding that Mullen tentatively agreed and at the end of the 11 1/2 minutes, “under the Power of the Holy Spirit, 90 percent, maybe more of what’s on the film Nicole said in the Holy Spirit that day. I was stunned… Sal, who is our engineer and producer friend, he was crying, tears streaming down his face, hands trembling on the keyboard. I said, ‘not your typical, demo type of day, right Sal?’ And he said, ‘No Kathie.’ We all just knew God was doing something.”
Gifford felt compelled to turn the 11 ½ minutes into a short film. “I said I’ve got to do this in Israel. I have got to do a film of this.” Gifford saw this as an opportunity to help others to experience learning God’s Word from the Holy Land and plant a desire to go. “I have been trying to get people to come to Israel forever and learn the way the Scriptures were originally written in the Hebrew and in the Greek. The reason we don’t have power in the church today, is because we are not reading the Scriptures the way they were meant to be read and we are not quoting the Scripture, the actual Scripture. We are settling for a fast food lunch as opposed to the feast God wants us to eat on every day.”
Like the “ring of fire” illustrated in her short film, Gifford says God provides for her. “I have a ring of fire around me, about 12 women who are my prayer warriors and my sisters and I could not get through a day without them. They are God’s provision for me and I hope I am for them as well.”
Gifford funded the film through her 501c3 foundation, The Rock, Road, Rabbi Charitable Trust, established “as an evangelistic tool seeking to share the Word of God…using the arts to produce films and music that will bring the glorious experience of learning Scripture from the Holy Land to a needy world.” All the royalties from Gifford’s 2018 book, The Rock, The Road and the Rabbi (W Publishing), written with messianic Rabbi Dr. Jason Sobel, went into the Foundation. “Everything I do for the Kingdom goes back to Kingdom,” explains Gifford adding, “I’ve been going to Israel since I was 17 years old and I know it so well and love it so much and I couldn’t wait to share it with the world.”
God Who Sees is the first of five oratorios Gifford has in the works all to be filmed in Israel. Funds for each will come from donations to her Foundation. Gifford just finished recording The God of His Word with contemporary Christian singer, Danny Gokey and hopes to film in Israel in September. “I feel like the Lord allowed me and Nicole, just in our willingness to be vessels, He allowed us into this brand-new paradigm that is obviously anointed of Him or it never would have been blessed so much.”
Gifford says literally everyday people come up and share with her the hope The God Who Sees has given them. “I was in a little shop this morning in Franklin [Tenn.] and someone said, “You have no idea Kathie. I was at the end and I saw that, and God saw me.” She is seen here directing the film in Israel, where she travels several times a year to study the Bible with messianic rabbis. Gifford recommends reading the Tree of Life Translation of the Bible, a Messianic Jewish translation of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.In addition to the oratorios, Gifford recently finished a feature film and has writing opportunities virtually every day, but a day does not begin without time in God’s Word. “I can’t get up early enough now! Two o’clock, three o’clock. I ‘ve got to go meet God. He is going to tell me stuff. He is going to reveal. Like Jeremiah says, ‘come to me and I’ll show you great and wonderous things you know not of.’ We have to meet God there, to show us.” Gifford explains she has been a believer in Christ since the age of twelve, but her commitment to time every morning in God’s Word began eleven years ago and changed her life. “That’s when my growth was exponential. Like beyond. I can measure it back to then- that’s when it exploded.”
Personal deserts led Gifford to God’s Word and God’s Word carried her through those deserts. “I feel like 90 percent of my last 15 years have been desert. People see me on television smiling. I’m doing commercials. I’m with Hoda. I’m laughing. I was in a desert most of that time. God just gave me the grace to do my job.” Behind the scenes Gifford was caring for a lot of people. “Things I went through with my husband, things I went through with losing my father, my mother, just other things that will remain private, heart break- heart ache after heart ache after heart ache. And you just kind of go. ‘I’m in the desert Lord. I’m here.’ and He says, ‘Good. I’ll meet you there.’ “
Gifford says the death of both husband Frank Gifford and dear friend Rev. Billy Graham, gave her a powerful opportunity to share with the world her hope in Christ.
Gifford explains that it was in those deserts God gave her a message of hope in Christ to share, particularly on the Today show. “When Frank died, and then when Billy Graham died, these were just opportunities that I had to take advantage of and just share my hope. You just have to share your hope. I knew millions of people would be watching.”
And she’s quick to point out that being able to do so was not of her own strength it was the time she spent in the Word. “You cannot get through it unless you study the Word,” says Gifford. “For 40 days and 40 nights He [Jesus] was there. How did he get through it? Quoting Scripture back at Satan. He didn’t have to look it up. He didn’t have to google it. He knew it. He was the Word and so He knew the word. So that’s the only way we can get through it. Quote it back, throw it in his [Satan’s] face, that’s the only way you can do it.”
Laurie Stroud
Film shoot photos Aaron Greene, all others courtesy Kathie Lee Gifford
“What inspired me to write The Theft of America’s Soulis my observation of my fellow Americans over about the last 30 or 40 years,” Phil Robertson says. “I’ve been on the earth 72 years, and the sinful behavior that I have been witnessing I didn’t think was possible.”
Since the final season of Duck Dynastyaired three years ago, family patriarch Phil Robertson has been shocked by the number of people still hoping for a taste of West Monroe, Louisiana preaching and an Ouiachita River baptism. When fans find him (and find him, they do), he invites them for a meal and then uses the book of Acts as a guide for the rest of their day. “If you had seen the mighty throng since Duck Dynasty that we’ve baptized, you’d be stunned,” Robertson says, noting it’s not unusual for him to perform a marriage on the same day. “We explain to them how serious marriage is, so we marry ‘em right here on the living room floor. Then we share the Gospel with them… [and] take ‘em down by the river… and they go on their way rejoicing.” It’s a momentary glimpse into the Robertson’s life: simplicity, Scripture, family, nature. In a way, it’s the antithesis to the violence and immorality Robertson says is destroying mainstream America.
In his new book The Theft of America’s Soul (Thomas Nelson), Robertson responds to the 1966 Timecover that posed the question “Is God Dead?” When he saw the magazine as a college student, the question reflected dialogue he had heard among peers and professors at Louisiana Tech University. It was suggested that rejecting a belief in God would free man to be his own judge, define his own truth and virtues, change laws that seem inconvenient, and chase self-gratification. It’s this very way of thinking, Robertson writes, that primed our country for mass acts of violence and celebration of sexual sin. It’s the same way of thinking that drove him to “the drugs, the drinking, the sleeping around” that devastated his family in his early 20s. And yet the freedom he was chasing only led to a prison of shame.
In their time encouraging inmates in prisons, Phil Robertson says he and wife Miss Kay have witnessed how growing up with a “splintered” family structure can result in chaos as a young adult.
During the writing and production of his book, Robertson witnessed media coverage of the mass shooting from a Las Vegas high-rise hotel, the dismissal of Matt Lauer from NBC’s Today Show, and a violent neo-Nazi march in Charlottesville, Virginia. In response, Robertson recalls John, Chapter 8, when Jesus hints that his Jewish opponents in the temple courts are doing the work of Satan, not the work of God. Many Americans think they are committed to something important, but they don’t quite know who they are working for, Robertson says. “It’s not the human beings that we’re wrestling with, it’s the evil one in them. He’s the father of lies; he’s the father of murder. We’ve killed 60 million of our own children in their mother’s womb. It’s the lies the evil one whispers in our ears: Make it legal! Make it legal! We practice perversion and we flaunt it in front of America.”
“Logically, I don’t really see the downside for a family structure to be together and the overarching verse that they live by is love God and love your neighbor. That’s what I instill in my sons and that’s what I go around telling America,” says author and Duck Dynasty family patriarch Phil Robertson seen her with his family including wife Kay and four sons Willie Robertson, Jase, Jules and Alan.
A Need for Male Leadership.“Overall in America, we have lost our family structure and the fear of God. We’ve lost it,” Robertson says. “And just look at us now, it’s a sad thing to watch.” Calling his family a “patriarchal system,” he suggests strong male leadership grounded in Scripture is not a picture of tyranny, as has been suggested by his critics, but a picture of direction and peace in his family. Robertson is now 72 years old, and his children have children of their own, but living in close proximity and teaching them to respect wisdom from their father in their youth set them up for the relationships they maintain today. “We’re still all together all the way down to we hunt together, we pray together, we sing together, and we’re still a tight family structure,” he says. Each of his sons has thanked him in adulthood for making the Bible central in their childhood because they felt prepared to train their own children.
Another priority for Robertson as a father was being an example of how to treat a woman. “The greatest thing about what I had to show my sons was I loved their mother. They had to see that,” he recalls. “And they saw the way I treated Miss Kay when I became a Christian. You gotta remember, I didn’t become a Christian until I was 28. I almost waited too late because two of my sons was already here. They were young, so I was able to rebound in time and start applying godly principles.”
Peace of Mind. In The Theft of America’s Soul, one of Robertson’s most powerful charges to readers comes at the end of Chapter 4, on appreciating God as the creator of all life: “Partner with the Almighty in tending to life…. as you see the beauty of God in his nature, recognize the beauty in the life of your fellow man also. See how he was created in the image of God.” Walking alone in the woods, watching deer run through a trail, Robertson says, it’s hard to sin. “We’re down here on the river, and among us, we never hear any profanity, we never hear fits of rage–nothing, zero. We’re withdrawn somewhat, but we’re still reaching a lot of people in a public way… we’re still getting the Gospel preached.” In a way, he writes later, “sin management in isolation is easy.”
Robertson asserts that his family’s lifestyle- intentionally simplistic in hunting for their meals, sharing the Gospel, and training their children–is a picture of comfort. It’s the opposite of the chaos that’s the result of sin. “I’ve learned what a rare commodity peace of mind is. And that’s what God gives you, peace of mind while you’re on the earth and immortality in the end,” he says.
For Americans who find themselves tangled in the lies that bring chaos, Robertson adds, the only way to be free and experience true peace of mind is to have an encounter with the living God. “Once you understand and embrace the bad news, the good news really is great news. All my sins removed and never counted against me. None of my future ones counted against me because He’s at the right hand of the father mediating for me,” he says. “He’s given us His spirit so that we can be loving and kind and peaceful and patient and good. I keep waiting on someone, and I ask these various audiences, if they have a better story. So far, no one has come up and topped that one.”
A former professional soccer player and a 10-year Veteran of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Birmingham native Catherine Reddick Whitehill says playing for Briarwood Christian School was an integral part of her athletic development. It also bolstered the Christian faith encouraged by her parents. Returning to Birmingham to be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame this month, Whitehill reflects on the soccer and faith influences of her hometown.
A forward for Briarwood Christian School from 1996-2000, Whitehill’s memories of growing up in Birmingham include date nights with her father, Rev. Phil Reddick, an associate pastor at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. “We’d go to a local Mexican restaurant, currently it’s El Poblano, which is in Rocky Ridge. It’s a small place, but we love it. When I got a little bit older, it was a morning date to Chick-fil-A every Thursday. My dad and I would go to breakfast there and [talk] football. We kept a running tally of the games over the year, and whoever won bought the other person lunch.”
While a student at Briarwood, Whitehill says she was influenced heavily by Bible teacher Fran Sciacca, who taught courses on Old and New Testament Survey as well as 21st Century Faith. “We’d go through every single book of the Bible and find a keyword, key verse, key story. I still have that to this day,” she recalls. “He [encouraged] us to think outside the box, not just be in our own world. He taught us about challenges we were going to face when we went to college and the real world.”
Olympic Gold Medalist Catherine Reddick Whitehill will be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2019, at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel on April 27, 2019. Her parents live in Birmingham.
As a young athlete, Whitehill struggled to find competitive girls club teams to help grow her talent. She spent much of her childhood through middle school playing for The Attack, a selective boys’ team. Her sophomore year at Briarwood, she was selected for the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Regional Team, then made the U-16 National Team. She went on to play on the U-18 and U-21 National Team, and her freshman year at the University of North Carolina, she earned a spot on the National Team as a defender alongside veteran players Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, and Kristine Lilly. As she adjusted to being a bit starstruck, a call from college coach Anson Dorrance helped her refocus. “I guess he had gotten a call from the national team coach who said I was being too tentative at practice. He called me up and said, ‘Stop genuflecting on Mia Hamm and play like Cat Reddick.’ I had her poster on the wall when I was a kid. That was scary at first, but thankfully I got over it.” Her senior year of college she won a gold medal with the team at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
After college, Whitehill married husband Robert and continued her career with the U.S. National Team playing soccer professionally for the Washington Freedom (2009-2010), Atlanta Beat (2011) and Boston Breakers (2012-2015). Her friend group had served as her faith-based community in college, and leaving that behind proved challenging. “I had such a good foundation growing up with my family. I love the fact that I have been able to get to know different cultures, get to know different people. [Travel] it made my faith even stronger because there’s not a lot of close friends out on the road. It’s a pretty lonely feeling, so you really dive into the Bible a lot or listen to a sermon or a podcast. It was really important to have that,” she says. With each new professional contract, in each new city, she also had to find a new place to worship.
Former professional and U.S National soccer player Catherine Reddick Whitehill now lives in Atlanta with her husband Robert and dogs Izzy (rescued from the side of I-405 in Los Angeles) and Maeby (rescued by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in North Carolina).
Although she is now retired from professional soccer, Whitehill recalls the strengths that made her so successful on the field, particularly as she moved to a position on defense. “I see the game really well. A lot of times I see where the forward is going to be before the forward even gets there,” she says. “Because my vision was so good, I was able to get into a position that would beat the forward where I wouldn’t have to get into a race with them. My longball was another strength of mine. I worked on that all the time, both feet.”
Now retired as an athlete, new successes for Whitehill include soccer commentary for FOX and ESPN, coaching in Boston and focusing on women’s rights. She recently traveled to Tajikistan with the U.S. Embassy to help women learn how to play soccer. “I went to help women who don’t have equal rights as men. We taught some of their coaches the best way to train because they don’t think they should train the girls the same way as boys,” she says.
In addition to her professional soccer career, Briarwood Christian School graduate Catherine Reddick Whitehill started on ESPNU offering commentary on college soccer in 2008, then moved to the SEC Network and World Cup broadcasting for ESPN and FOX. This summer, she will travel to France for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Now living in Georgia, where her husband works as a pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, Whitehill hopes to return to the sport as a coach in the south, tuned in to what modern girls need to hear from mentors. “They need someone to believe in them. And I think they need honesty,” she says. “I told my players [in Boston], if you don’t want to know the answer, don’t ask the question. I’m going to tell them the truth, and that goes a long way. It’s the best way to learn. You show them that you believe in them, not just as soccer players but as strong women. And you show them how women can be–how we can use our voices in a way that is so powerful.
Camille Platt
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In addition to singing, Hampton has a passion for cooking. “I love it,” he explains. Growing up, he recalls his mom being a great cook and he remembers having stained hands from gardening lima beans, corn and more. Inspired by the Food Network channel, he found cooking to be relaxing and started pushing wife Andrea out of the kitchen so he could take over. The hobby then turned into a passion. He started creating recipes and eventually compiled them into his first cookbook titled, Wescipes. Visit www.birminghamchristian.com/food for a taste of his cooking and be on the lookout for Wescipes Volume Two available later this year.
![Gifford says literally everyday people come up and share with her the hope The God Who Sees has given them. “I was in a little shop this morning in Franklin [Tenn.] and someone said, “You have no idea Kathie. I was at the end and I saw that, and God saw me.” She is seen here directing the film in Israel, where she travels several times a year to study the Bible with messianic rabbis. Gifford recommends reading the Tree of Life Translation of the Bible, a Messianic Jewish translation of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Kathie-Lee-directing-dessert-shot-tgws-bts-web-15.jpg)
