Carried by Faith: Major’s Miracle Story

April 25, 2023February 27, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham

“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

Major McLaughlin in the hospital — Major McLaughlin reading get well cards with his mom, Malynda, from friends and family during his weeklong hospital stay at Children’s of Alabama.

On October 2, 2021, Brady McLaughlin and his son, Major, geared up for a camping weekend with friends at Oak Mountain State Park. While on a bike ride, Major’s bike tires lost traction and he fell. During the fall, the bike handlebars hit Major which of course was painful but there were no obvious injuries. “I carried him to my truck, and we sat in the air conditioning for a few minutes to cool off,” Brady Mclaughlin says. However, once they returned to the park, a lethargic Major threw up. After he threw up for the second time, Mclaughlin and his wife, Malynda, with the guidance of Major’s doctor, decided to take the almost 7-year-old to Children’s of Alabama Emergency Department.

Doctors at Children’s realized that Major was lacking oxygen in his blood. A CT scan revealed that the bicycle handlebars hit Major’s kidney “perfectly the wrong way,” McLaughlin remembers. Major had suffered a shattered right kidney and an uncontrolled urine leak. Urologist David Joseph, M.D. discussed the injury with Major’s parents. “There were a lot of questions and unknowns, but Dr. Joseph told us that surgery needed to happen right away,” McLaughlin said, adding, “It is a miracle that Dr. Joseph was there for Major that day since he is a world-renown urologist that has been practicing for 35 years.” There were many unknowns going into emergency surgery and when they asked for a prognosis, the McLaughlins were told “we don’t know if he will make it out of surgery.” Immediately family, church family, and friends surrounded Major in prayer. People from all over- some the McLaughlins didn’t even know thanks to social media- started to pray for Major’s healing. “I have never seen a mobilization of prayer from God’s people like I did for this,” McLaughlin says.

The McLaughlin Family — The McLaughlin family experienced supernatural peace and comfort while at the hospital. L to R: Maxwell (age 5), Brady McLaughlin, Vera Bethlehem (age 2), Malynda McLaughlin, and Major (age 7). The family recently welcomed a baby sister to the family, McKenna.

The surgery lasted nearly five hours and resulted in Major’s right kidney being removed because of multiple fractures. What carried them through the hours of uncertainty? Their faith in God. “We had nowhere else to turn except to God, nor did we want to go anywhere else except for God because we know He is the ultimate healer and provider,” explains McLaughlin. The family clung to God’s promise found in Isaiah 53:5. They also listened to two worship songs during Major’s emergency surgery- “Land of the Living” by Pat Barrett and “Too Good Not to Believe” by Bethel Music. McLaughlin firmly believes that Major’s story is a testament to the fact that “God is still working miracles today- right now.”

As he looks back on Major’s accident, McLaughlin remembers the supernatural peace and comfort God poured over his family. “Major didn’t even cry once while in the hospital,” he says. During the weeklong hospital stay, McLaughlin regularly updated social media with prayer requests and praises. “We had multiple people reach out telling us that they hadn’t connected to God in years but Major’s story stirred them to reconnect with the Lord and pray for the first time in years.” Major is now completely recovered and living an active life.

-Melissa Armstrong

We need you to share your Miracle Moment! Email [email protected] Subject Line: Miracle Moments or call 205-408-7150.

February 27, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Imagine for a moment that everything we thought and felt was being broadcast to the public via a screen above our head. Every thought. Every desire. Every emotion. What if the world could see past our pleasant demeanor and polite discourse? What if the world could see who we truly are, deep inside? It’s a terrifying prospect, for the sad reality is that being a Christian does not solve our propensity to sin. In many ways, the last few years have exhibited to the world just how ungodly God’s people can be. The screen was up, and we put on quite a show.

Lent is a season for mourning our ungodliness and contemplating our continuous need for God’s mercy and grace. In her new book, Bitter and Sweet – A Journey into Easter (Harvest House Publishing), Tsh Oxenreider provides God’s people a resource for observing the Lenten season. From Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, each day has a prayer, Scripture reading, devotional, and artistic suggestion to assist the reader during this season of contrition over our sinfulness and of gratitude for Jesus’ redemption of the world. Owning our sinfulness, our pride and wrath, and selfishness, is not a pleasant experience. The season of Lent is a time when we face the truth of who we really are, the person only God sees. But it is also a season that magnifies the majesty of God’s offer of redemption. There is, indeed, a bitter and sweet dimension to the Lenten journey. Assessing the sins of those around us is a universal human instinct. Resources like Bitter and Sweet turn our attention away from the sins of others and prompt us to confess our own sins.

Perhaps Lent 2022 can be a time when we show the world what genuine repentance looks like. We have shown the world our sinfulness – our selfishness, callousness, and wrath. Maybe if we mourned our sin before the world, the world would be more receptive to our message of salvation. One day, we will fully enter the kingdom of God and sin will no longer reside within us. Until then, we will continue to need Lent as a reminder that we are all, even the best of us, unworthy recipients of God’s merciful grace.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy on us all.

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

February 27, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Disciple-making is not a program; it’s a lifestyle. This one truth has the power to change your life and to literally the world. Think about it. The early church was a church without walls. Unlike today, they had no church buildings or ministry budgets. However, they had something we often lack. The one thing these early believers knew how to do was the one thing Jesus taught them to do. They knew how to multiply. Jesus poured His short life into making disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

Plain and simple, the early church was a grassroots disciple-making movement. It was an unstoppable movement of common people who were big on social justice and sharing the good news of the gospel. With no buildings or budgets, these early believers multiplied greatly, and the fame of Jesus spread across the earth. The authorities of the world could not contain it. Not even the gates of hell could prevail against it. If only the gospel had continued to spread like that, the church could have accomplished the Great Commission many centuries ago.

For the first three and a half centuries of church history, this movement could not be stopped, but tragically, it did stop. A grassroots movement was replaced by professional clergy. Disciple-making people were replaced with ecclesiastical programs. Consequently, the movement died. A church that once made Jesus famous was replaced by one that has often made Him infamous, and dark ages followed. Throughout history, there have been times when godly people have tried to revive the movement, but it has never returned to the great force it once was when it turned the world upside down for Christ.

If the church today wants to reestablish itself as a powerful force on earth for the gospel of Christ, it must return to the movement that Jesus began. The key to global evangelism is not the megachurch, but the many churches of all sizes willing to rekindle the flames of a once powerful disciple-making movement.

Jesus once said that His followers would do “greater works” than Him (John 14:12). Do you believe Him? Will you join Him in this work? Disciple-making is the greater work. If you would like to join in this work, read my new book: The Greater Work. Many books talk about disciple-making; this one will teach how.

-Bill Wilks

www.lifebiblestudy.com

February 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Music Notes

For 21 years, the Gardendale Magnolia Festival has brought a wide variety of entertainment to the community- including a car show, pooch parade, petting zoo, vendors, and more! One aspect of the annual festival that is always a crowd favorite is live music. With the help of brothers Joe and Randy Posey of TMI Productions, the Magnolia Festival has hosted a long line of talented artists including for King & Country, Russ Taff, and Birmingham’s own Wes Hampton of the Gaither Vocal Band.

“TMI Productions specializes in small-town festivals and outdoor events including orchestrating live performances at Atlanta Fest and more. In 2003, the Magnolia Festival management asked the Posey brothers to join the team. “My brother Randy and I grew up in the area and graduated from Gardendale High School. We felt like it was a great opportunity to bring better artists to our hometown festival,” Joe Posey explains. While TMI Productions doesn’t work strictly with Contemporary Christian artists, they do often book them for performances. “As people of faith, it just became a part of our business to include Contemporary Christian artists in events that will allow the Gospel to be shared in a more general public venue.” A few Christian artists that have performed at past Magnolia Festivals include Jason Gray, for King & Country, Russ Taff, and Echoing Angels. “Our relationship with the Magnolia Festival allows us the avenue to put Gospel music outside the walls of the church and the typical Christian audience,” Posey says.

TMI Productions strives to give new artists the chance to play for a large audience. “Back in the day, we made sure to include new and up-and-coming artists at our events. As a festival it allows us to give artists a chance to play and a few of them have become very successful,” Posey explains.

Entertainment at the Magnolia Festival — Enjoy family fun at the Magnolia Festival at the Gardendale Civic Center on April 22 from 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. and all day on April 23!

For the 2022 Magnolia Festival, expect to enjoy performances centered around the 80s! “This year we are celebrating all things from the 80s. Friday night we will feature the M-80s band. Then on Saturday, we will have the ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute Band, Cashback,” Posey says. In addition to great live music, the Magnolia Festival will also host 150+ vendors, a car show, pooch parade, petting zoo, artisan demonstrations, free art classes for kids, pony rides, and more! Come hungry because there will be a wide variety of food to choose from including cheesecake funnel cakes, shrimp and oyster po’boys, polish sausage, collard greens, BBQ ribs, foot-long corn dogs, kettle corn, gelato, and more! For more details about the Magnolia Festival happening on April 22-23, visit www.magnoliafestival.org.

-Melissa Armstrong

February 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

The spring season is almost here! Did you know there are steps you can take to care for your hair and skin as the weather changes? Here are three tips from the T. Fox SalonSpa team.

1. Got TONER? Adding a facial toner to your skin care routine is a game changer!

Benefits:
• Tightens skin
• Protects from the elements
• Minimizes pores
• Helps skin retain moisture

2. DETOX YOUR SCALP with Aveda Scalp Care.

Benefits:
•Cleanses and purifies
•Balances sebum
•Creates foundation for beautiful hair
•Nourishes and soothes scalp

3. REVIVE your SKIN with an AVEDA Peel Facial!

Benefits:
•All natural products
•Non-abrasive
•Plant powered results
•Anti-aging

You can trust the T. Fox SalonSpa artists to take care of all your hair and skincare needs with certified organic and vegan products and services.

For more ideas on how to best care for your hair and skin visit the T. Fox SalonSpa Facebook page where every Tuesday the team posts a Tuesday Care Tip www.facebook.com/TFoxSalonspa. The team also invites you to stop by the SalonSpa on Valleydale Road in Hoover to learn more.

-Brought to you by T. Fox SalonSpa, Top 200 Salon in North America by Salon Today

2080 Valleydale Road, Hoover, AL 35244

205-403-8369

www.tfoxsalon.com

Click here to check out the March Reader Reward from T. Fox SalonSpa!

February 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Group of senior people sitting 439110614

Senior Scene

Although loneliness may not seem like a significant issue, lack of social contact can have a seriously detrimental effect on the emotional and physical health of older adults, who are often most susceptible to isolation. It’s a fact of life that as people grow older, they will face an increased likelihood of losing close friends, relatives, and spouses. However, it’s not only death that may remove people from their life. Sometimes, a senior’s adult children have moved away, which can compound their isolation. In addition, older adults are usually no longer in the workforce, which cuts down on their opportunities for social interaction. They may also have health problems that can make it difficult for them to go out and take part in their community. However, meeting new people and finding new opportunities for social interaction isn’t as difficult as you think.

Benefits of Social Contact. Studies have shown a strong connection between social interaction and the mental and physical well-being of seniors. For instance, research shows that consistent human contact can reduce stress as well as the risk of depression, which occurs in more than two million of the 34 million seniors in the USA, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. As well, social interaction can even decrease the risk of dementia, a common disorder in older adults. It may surprise you to learn that socialization can also have a significant effect on physical health. Studies have found that consistent socialization can lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and reduce physical pain. As well, older adults, who as a group are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, often eat more — and eat healthier — when they dine in the company of others.

Increasing Social Connections. Sometimes all a senior needs is gentle encouragement to be more socially engaged. With a little nudging, they will sign up for courses, attend a senior center, or volunteer. These are all excellent ways to meet more people. Brookdale Senior Living strongly encourages social interaction among seniors. In fact, it is one of Brookdale’s Optimum Life six dimensions of wellness.

-Tara Bailey, Brookdale University Park

Call 205-870-0786 to learn more and schedule a tour.

Excited to Serve: Brookdale University Park’s New Executive Director

Brookdale's New Director — Brookdale University Park welcomes servant leader and new Executive Director Wayne Plaisance.

In January 2022, Brookdale University Park welcomed new executive director Wayne Plaisance to the Brookdale team. “As a senior myself, I understand the needs of our residents and I am excited about the opportunity to serve,” explains Plaisance who has more than 20 years’ experience in the senior living environment. He has served as the President and CEO of several hospital based and faith based organizations. For the past 13 years, he has led the Notre Dame Health System, a $ 50 million post-acute continuum sponsored by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. In addition, he was a founding Board Member of St. Anthony’s Gardens, a rental retirement community that offers independent, assisted, and memory care assisted living levels of care in Covington, Louisiana. Over the past 20 years, he has been responsible for Independent living, assisted living, memory care assisted living, skilled nursing, home health, hospice, and private duty.

Plaisance shares that he looks forward to using his experience to lead the vibrant community of Brookdale University Park. “The residents and associates at Brookdale make this a special place. It takes years to establish the kind of culture that is here, and I look forward to getting to know each resident and associate. Both residents and associates have already been very welcoming to me.” †

February 28, 2023February 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

March Reader GIVEAWAYS

TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) and make spreading Good News possible we have TWO Great Giveaways this month to help you make your springtime even better!

3 Ways to Win a $40 Gift Card to Mark’s Outdoors in Vestavia- the place to find everything you need to enjoy God’s great outdoors.

LIKE and SHARE the Giveaway Post on our Facebook Page and FOLLOW BCF.

SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF here.

FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham

Offer ends 3/28/222. Winner announced 3/29/22 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!

$50 Gift Card to DSLD AquaScapes on Highway 280- the place to find exactly what you need to improve your homes outdoor living space. Simply LIKE and SHARE the Giveaway Post on our Facebook Page and FOLLOW BCF.

For EXTRA ENTRIES:

TAG a friend you would like to spend time with this spring!
SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF here.
FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham.

Offer ends 3/30/22. Winner announced 3/31/22 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!

Thank again for reading and helping us share GOOD NEWS in print, on-line and through your social media!

-Laurie Stroud Franklin

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

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Celebrating 21 Years of Good News!

February 9, 2022February 8, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Fashion clothes hanging on clo 229850923

Special Feature

Are you a mom looking for affordable clothing for you and your child? Don’t miss these Consignment Sales happening soon in Birmingham!

Kids Market and Mom: February 28 – March 12. Largest consignment store in Alabama dedicated to children’s and maternity items, 7845 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale, 35210, www.kidsmarketandmom.com.

Kingdom Kids Spring/Summer Consignment Sale: March 10-12. Features gently-used infant and children’s clothing, shoes, baby gear, toys and dancewear. Profits support missions! Shop at Hope Church, 805 Crest Drive, Gardendale, www.kingdomkidsconsignment.com.

February 8, 2022February 4, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Highlands College Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Church Leaders

On February 3, 2022, more than 1,300 people celebrated the grand opening of a new cutting-edge campus for Highlands College, a Birmingham-based institution founded in 2011 that each year sends hundreds of graduates into full-time Christian ministry around the world.

President Mark Pettus speaking — President Mark Pettus addresses the crowd of 1,300 at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters heard remarks from Chancellor Chris Hodges and President Mark Pettus, commemorating the College’s growth and global impact. The new campus, featuring learning studios and training labs instead of traditional classrooms and auditoriums, highlights the institution’s immersive approach to biblical education fashioned after America’s military academies. Students pursue a rigorous four-pillar program of academic instruction, hands-on ministry training, character formation, and spiritual development that advances their spirit, soul, and body. “The greatest investment we can ever make is pouring into young leaders who in turn will impact thousands of people for the rest of their lives,” said Hodges. “Students learn and grow in world-class facilities where they are educated, equipped and empowered to make an eternal impact in a complex and changing world.”

The new state-of-the-art campus was carefully designed to facilitate this innovative model of higher education. Its 14 learning studios are equipped with the latest in audio-visual technology to support a cutting-edge approach to classroom instruction. The new facility also contains eight ministry training labs, each uniquely designed to train students for distinct areas of ministry concentration such as worship leadership, student ministry, and creative arts. These educational spaces are joined by multiple collaborative areas, a multi-purpose auditorium, screen-free food hall, coffee shop, media center, and campus green to create a vibrant campus community.

Pastor Chris Hodges speaking — Pastor Chris Hodges of Church of the Highlands speaks to the audience.

The campus is located along one of Birmingham’s busiest thoroughfares in the former headquarters of HealthSouth Corporation, now Encompass Health. Church of the Highlands first acquired a portion of the property in 2016 as a new church campus and expanded to include central office space and the future home of Highlands College. The $50 million renovation to convert the former office building into an institution of higher learning began in 2020. The renovation was designed by Birmingham-based TurnerBatson Architects and built by JohnsonKreis Construction.

“Leadership is influence underpinned with the character to overcome. It is taught through experience and galvanized in challenge. That is the environment we’ve built on this campus,” said Pettus. “We believe that this is just the beginning of Highlands College’s transformative impact on biblical education and communities around the world.”

Highlands College alumni that returned to open the campus were in awe of the variety of resources available to current students through the new facilities. “Our season at Highlands College impacted us deeply, and we cannot begin to fathom how much more current and future students will grow on this life-changing campus,” shared Josh and Courtney Gardner, 2017 and 2018 graduates of the college, respectively. “We are thankful to get to invest in Highlands College and call this God-inspired institution our alma mater.”

Learning Area at Highlands College — Pictured above is one of the learning areas at Highlands College.

The college’s first residence hall, made possible by a $20 million gift from Hobby Lobby’s David Green family, is currently under construction on the 70-acre campus and is scheduled to open early next year. Highlands is a private two-year institution that is scheduled to pursue a four-year program within a few years. Its strategic plan calls for growth to 1,000 students by 2029, with a vision for all students to graduate debt-free. To learn more about Highlands College, click here. †

March 22, 2022February 1, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Are We There Yet?

The 6^th Annual American Village Festival of Tulips is officially open!

3 Girls picking tulips — You can pick your own tulips (including the bulbs). Tulips are $2 plus tax.

Stroll through a field of tens of thousands of tulips, in all the colors of the rainbow. Pick the ones you want to keep – tulips are $2.00 each plus tax, and include both flower and bulb. Bring your family and friends and don’t forget your camera. The tulips and the American Village’s beautiful campus create a one-of-a-kind backdrop for photos.

Forty different varieties and blends of tulips were planted at the American Village in early December 2021. Favorites such as Banja Luka (striped yellow/red), Gentle Giants (mixed pinks), Thanks and Praise (white and yellow mix) and Queen of Night (dark maroon) are back for the 2022 Festival. New varieties making their first appearance include Tom Pouce (fuchsia/yellow), Velvet Ondergrond (red/yellow/white Parrot tulip) and Parade Design (red with variegated foliage). There are early, mid-season and late blooming varieties, so whenever you come there will be a great selection of flowers.

Festival of Tulips 2 — The 6th Annual Festival of Tulips will have 40 varieties of tulips for you to enjoy!

The American Village will be open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-4 p.m. once the Festival of Tulips begins (weather permitting). Admission to the Festival of Tulips will be $5 per person. If you are visiting on a weekday, you can also explore the American Village’s 188-acre campus and take a self-guided tour of the more than 20 historically inspired buildings. Additionally, there will be entertainment in the tulip field. The American Village costumed historical interpreters will have scheduled performances Monday-Sunday. Entertainment will include a puppet show, an American Revolutionary War soldier’s encampment, and encounters with patriots of the past.

When visiting the Festival of Tulips enter the front gate at the American Village and follow the signs to the parking lot directly beside the tulip field. You’ll pay admission and pay for the tulips you pick at the field. To find out more information, visit us online at www.americanvillage.org or follow the American Village Facebook page. †

Carried by Faith: Major’s Miracle Story

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