“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
The heart of Big Oak Ranch is family — walking through everyday life together and helping every child know they are loved. Children and families from across Big Oak Ranch — including the Boys’ Ranch, Girls’ Ranch, Communities, and ASCEND — gather in small ways throughout the year. But four times each year, our entire Ranch family comes together for special traditions: Christmas, the rodeo, the beach trip, and Summer ONE. These are highlight moments that give everyone the opportunity to reconnect, celebrate, and remember they are part of one larger family.
The slower pace of the summer season provides the Big Oak community opportunity to connect as a larger group and make memories together and support one another.
During the year, life is filled with graduations, summer family trips, and the routines of school. Summer ONE is a chance for everyone from both Ranches to slow down, connect, and enjoy being together before the school year begins again and normal rhythms return. We make memories laughing, worshiping, sharing meals, playing color wars and kickball, and enjoying being part of the larger Big Oak Ranch family. Special things happen when we gather together. There’s no script for it, but the Lord moves in beautiful ways — through children choosing to follow Jesus, kids realizing they belong, teenagers having the chance to simply be teenagers, and contagious moments of laughter. Connection and trust deepen in these moments together, helping make our families strong. They remind every child that our bigger Ranch family is one and that they are part of something bigger — a family and community that knows them, loves them, and is there for them as they begin to see the purpose God has placed in their lives.
Boys’ Ranch Houseparents Zach and BJ McLean shared, “Now we live within a community, within a family, that shares the same understanding and longing for this life. A family of people who stand beside us, as we were never made to do it alone.” As Big Oak Ranch continues to grow, our desire remains the same — to stay a close-knit family where every child feels seen, supported, and deeply connected. The time spent together during Summer ONE helps launch our children into a new school year with confidence. It becomes an anchor, reminding them they are not alone. No matter what changes the coming months bring, they can walk steadily and confidently with family by their side and the Lord leading them forward. These are the moments that strengthen our Ranch family and give every child the confidence to keep moving forward toward the full life God desires for them.
“I just hit fifty. Every dream I’ve had, I’ve achieved—and more. And yet I feel empty.”
The man across the table had everything. The businesses. The trophies. The lunch invitations from everyone in town. And he was asking a former Alabama linebacker why none of it had worked. Jerry Leachman had a word for him. He’s had one for thousands of men since. Jerry played football at the University of Alabama under Coach Bear Bryant. He spent years as chaplain of the Washington Redskins under Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs. For more than forty years, he has coached men—in locker rooms, in living rooms, in hospital hallways and on the worst days of their lives—toward the only game that actually counts. Jerry has spent a lifetime challenging men to answer a far more important question than how to win the next game: Who are you becoming?
Jerry played football at the University of Alabama under the legendary Coach Bear Bryant.
In his first book, Brave Hearts, Strong Arms: Locker Room Talks for the Only Game that Matters, Jerry distills decades of biblical wisdom, unforgettable stories, and practical coaching into forty-six concise chapters that challenge readers to trade lives of fear, achievement, and performance for lives of courage, purpose, friendship, servant leadership, and enduring faith. Inside, you’ll find straight answers to the questions men rarely ask out loud:
Why achieving every goal you set still leaves you unvalidated
What guilt and shame actually do to a man—and how to put them down
The four levels of friendship, and why most men never get past the first
Whether your marriage is a covenant or a contract
How to father sons and daughters differently, and on purpose
What it looks like to finish well when the clock runs out
Jerry Leachman is seen here with his wife Holly. They have been involved in ministry together for over 40 years.
This isn’t a book about being a perfect man. It’s a book about being a committed one—showing up, staying in the fight, and playing for a Head Coach who never leaves the field. Brave Hearts, Strong Arms releases on September 15, 2026 and is available for preorder now on Amazon. You can meet Jerry at Ashley Mac’s Kitchen in Homewood on September 24 for a book signing for Brave Hearts, Strong Arms from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. †
In a world that constantly tells women to measure their worth by appearance, achievements, or the approval of others, it’s easy to lose sight of the identity God has already given us. In To Live, author Moriah J. Hagel invites readers on a transformative 42-day journey through the book of Philippians, helping them discover the lasting confidence that comes from seeing themselves through God’s eyes.
To Live by Moriah J. Hagel invites women to journey through Philippians and rest securely in Christ.
Designed for both personal study and women’s small groups, To Live offers a structured, Scripture-centered approach to renewing the mind and reshaping self-image. Each daily study includes Biblical teaching, thoughtful reflection questions, and practical applications that help readers move beyond comparison and insecurity toward a deeper understanding of their identity in Christ.
Rather than encouraging women to strive for a better version of themselves, To Live points them to a liberating truth: lasting confidence isn’t found in changing who you are but in believing what God already says is true. Through the timeless truths of Philippians, readers will discover how to find freedom from comparison, gain clarity of purpose, and experience a joy that remains steady regardless of culture or circumstances. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful personal devotional or a Bible study to share with your church or women’s group, To Live provides practical encouragement rooted firmly in God’s Word.
To Live releases September 8, 2026. Pre-order your copy today on Amazon or shop.ironstreammedia.com and begin preparing for a study that will help you rest securely in Christ, embrace your true identity, and experience the unshakable confidence that comes from knowing whose you are. †
Grab your family and friends and join us for the 7th Annual Celebrate the Family Expo brought to you by White Lily on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex’s Finley Center. Enjoy free family fun, great giveaways, and delicious food while you learn about resources that can help you and your family. Rain or shine this is an event you don’t want to miss. Here is a sneak peek of the fun in store!
Be one of the first 200 families at the Expo and receive a free swag bag filled with lots of handy novelty items, gift cards and coupons from participating sponsors.
Back by popular demand, the ALFA Farmers Celebrity Chef Stage will welcome five Alabama chefs and food bloggers who will share cooking tips and tricks. The incredible lineup includes Debbie Goldsmith, Karah Skinner, Stephen Ritchey, Danna Standridge, and Brenda Gantt. Learn more about the lineup here.
Kids’ Zone. Provided by the Wonders Center and Science Museum, children at the Expo will enjoy fun inflatables from Iron City Rental Co., games and more! FabUbus will provide free glitter tattoos plus balloon twisting courtesy of Nunu’s Balloons from 10am-11am. A new addition this year, Hattie’s Toyland will have a craft station and vendor table where you can shop their most-loved products. There will also be many opportunities to meet special mascots, including the Chick-fil-A Herd!
When you arrive at the event, you will receive an Expo Bingo card. Every exhibitor booth will have a special stamp to fill in a square on your bingo card. Fill your card by visiting each booth and be entered to win great prizes including cases of Bud’s Best Cookies, gift cards to Bash Boutique, and much more!
The Magic City Big Band will provide live music for throughout the Expo. Listening and dancing encouraged!
Play with some furry friends and consider adopting a pet from Two by Two Animal Rescue.
Come hungry! Several food trucks will be onsite at the Expo serving delicious food and treats including Lil Bougie Foodie and Eugene’s Hot Chicken.
Come to shop! We have added some great merchandise vendors this year that offer unique gift ideas that support ministries and items your family can use at excellent prices.
To find more exciting details about the Celebrate the Family Expo happening on September 12 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., visit birminghamchristian.com/expo. See you there! †
Brought to you by: Community Partner Still Waters Counseling and Education Center, mystillwaters.org
The Still Waters Counseling and Education Center team is a group of licensed professional therapists who offer Christian counseling for those seeking a faith-integrated approach. The team is trained in a variety of research-based treatment methods, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, trauma-informed care, and more. Their goal is to make each person feel safe, valued, and supported.
Still Waters Counseling Intern Hunter Wright expects to graduate from Colorado Christian University in the fall of 2027 with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Still Waters Counseling Intern Hunter Wright is joining the team this semester as he pursues his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. Wright has always been passionate about people. After graduating from Auburn University, “I worked full-time for Young Life, a youth outreach ministry, overseeing their equine department and college summer staff at one of their facilities in Colorado,” he shares. When he moved back to Birmingham in 2006, he began working in commercial construction management, “so my shift into the counseling field is a big one. My time in youth outreach, experiences in men’s group work, and my personal story led me to begin my pursuit of a degree in counseling a few years ago,” he explains.
What drew him to pursue an internship with Still Waters? “During the internship phase of my education, I knew I wanted to be in a counseling practice that offered private counseling while also creating opportunities to serve people in the community who may not otherwise seek help in a traditional counseling office. Still Waters’ commitment to serving both clients and the community is what drew me to them.” This fall, Wright will provide private counseling services under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with Still Waters. “I will be holding individual counseling sessions, co-leading group sessions, and working in the community at several sites that Still Waters has partnered with, all while continuing to learn through supervision,” Wright says. During his internship, Wright hopes to learn aspects of counseling that cannot be taught in the classroom. “I hope to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be more than just a competent counselor, but to become an excellent one.” His faith impacts how he will interact with clients. “We all struggle with different things yet deserve to be viewed as image-bearers of our Heavenly Father. I want my clinical presence to reflect someone who truly sees each individual, free of judgment and full of understanding and care.” Wright’s clinical passions include depression, trauma-focused care, anxiety, men’s issues, and working with youth.
Still Waters Counseling has offices in Mtn. Brook, Dothan, and Madison. They also provide counseling sessions online anywhere in Alabama. Areas of service include trauma, relationship struggles, grief, depression, anxiety, OCD, stress, addictions, and more. To learn more, visit mystillwaters.org, email [email protected], or call 205-825-1423. †
Did you know ovarian cancer is the 5th deadliest cancer among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system? The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, about 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and over 14,000 women will die from this disease. The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague or silent, and there is no simple or reliable screening. As a result, only 15% of women are currently diagnosed in the early stages of this disease which is when the five-year survival rate is at its highest. That is why the key to earlier diagnosis is awareness of the subtle signs and symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include pelvic pain, bloating, difficulty eating, fatigue, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, backaches, painful intercourse, nausea, menstrual abnormalities, and even changes in bowel habits.
Enjoy a fun night playing Mahjong at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center all in support of ovarian cancer awareness and patient support on October 8, 2026. Register at cureovariancancer.org.
The mission of the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation (NLOCF) is to raise funds for ovarian cancer research and to increase awareness about the risks, symptoms, and treatments of the disease. “Unfortunately, a simple and reliable screening method is not currently available for ovarian cancer. A pap smear does not screen for ovarian cancer,” says Ashley Thompson, Executive Director for the NLOCF. “Paying attention to your body, knowing the signs and symptoms, and going to your annual gynecological exam are the best methods for early detection. A woman knows her body best and what is normal for them. If you notice any changes or abnormalities consistent with symptoms of ovarian cancer, contact your doctor right away for an exam.” Throughout the year, NLOCF hosts events to increase understanding of the signs and symptoms of the disease and educate women on the importance of preventive care.
Save the date for Together in Teal with the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation on September 13, 2026 at Aldridge Gardens. Guests will enjoy live music, merchandise vendors, and the beautiful release of butterflies!
Together in Teal. On September 13, 2026, NLOCF will host the Together in Teal butterfly release. This event will raise awareness of the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer, remember those who have lost their lives, and honor those who are battling or have beaten ovarian cancer. Taking place at Aldridge Gardens from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., the special event will feature live music, educational displays, merchandise vendors and an informative and moving program presented by ovarian cancer researchers and physicians. You will not want to miss the release of 400-600 painted lady and monarch butterflies!
Racking for a Reason. Calling all Mahjong players! Grab your friends (the event requires teams of four) and enjoy an evening of Mahjong on October 8, 2026, at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center. The evening will feature a Mahjong extravaganza, delectable delights, prizes, swag bags, and more. All proceeds go to fund patient support programs and research. Doors open at 5 p.m. and play begins at 6 p.m.
For more information about Together in Teal and Racking for a Reason, visit cureovariancancer.org or contact Ashley Thompson, at [email protected] or 205-999-8021. †
As we celebrate the completion of our 26th year of publishing, we invite you to come and celebrate with us at our 7th Annual Celebrate the Family Expo brought to you by White Lily. Saturday September 12, 2026, at the Hoover Met Complex Finley Center enjoy four full hours of free fun activities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. while browsing 50 plus exhibits where you will learn about resources right here in our community designed to help meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the family. You’ll also have the opportunity to shop for unique gift items and purchase a tasty lunch from Lil Bougie and Eugene’s Hot Chicken. New this year- the Wonders Center & Science Museum Kids’ Zone and live music performed by The Magic City Big Band. Back by popular demand is the ALFA Farmers Celebrity Chef Stage featuring five different celebrated Alabama chefs. Click here for a rundown of all the activities. You can also visit BirminghamChristian.com/Expo for the most up to date and detailed schedule.
GIVEAWAYS. You don’t want to miss out on our Expo Giveaways! The first 200 families attending will receive an Expo Swag Bag filled with items families will enjoy and use. All attendees will have the opportunity to play Expo Bingo in Celebration of 26 Years of spreading Good News. We will give away Bingo prizes throughout the event including gift cards, t-shirts, cases of Bud’s Best Cookies, and so much more.
We look forward to seeing you and your family as we Celebrate the Family and 26 Years of Free Good News!
Isabella Painter(BB), an 8th-grade graduate from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, was selected to attend the prestigious United States (U.S.) Naval Academy Summer STEM Program in Annapolis, Maryland, earning a place in one of the nation’s most competitive academic enrichment camp programs for rising 9th-11th grade students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School graduate Isabella Painter attended the United States Naval Academy Summer STEM Program and hopes to one day become a Navy pilot.
Each year, the program receives approximately 5,000 applications from students across the country, with only about 800 students selected to participate. Admission is based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, standardized test scores when applicable, and a personal essay demonstrating a strong interest and potential in STEM-related fields. BB’s acceptance into the program reflected both her outstanding academic performance and her passion for STEM. During the week-long residential experience, she joined other high-achieving students from across the nation for an engaging introduction to life at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Throughout the program, she lived in a campus residence hall and participated in structured activities designed to mirror aspects of midshipman life. She experienced the Naval Academy’s traditions, collaborative culture, and leadership-focused environment while engaging in hands-on learning and team-based projects. “BB demonstrated the curiosity, determination, and academic excellence that made her an outstanding candidate for this highly competitive program,” said OLS School Principal Mary Jane Dorn. “We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment and know this experience will inspire her as she continues to pursue her dreams.” Motivated by her interest in serving in the military, BB said she applied to the program because she wanted to experience life at her dream college while exploring the many STEM opportunities the Naval Academy offers. “I hoped to learn everything I could about engineering, science, coding, technology, and how math and science work together in real-world applications,” she said. “The week exceeded every expectation I had! Meeting students from across the country, participating in hands-on activities, and experiencing life at the Academy made me even more excited about my future.” BB will be a freshman at John Carroll Catholic High School this fall and hopes to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, become a Navy pilot, and one day earn the opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels. “A year ago, I never imagined I would be spending a week at my dream college as a rising high school freshman,” she exclaimed. “I know reaching your goals takes hard work, dedication, and patience. This program gave me confidence that my dreams are possible, and I know the experience will have a lasting impact on the path I choose.”
Visit birminghamchristian.com/education to find great educational resources, including Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, in our Education Guide! †
Need some inspiration in the kitchen? The Celebrate the Family Expo brought to you by White Lily will once again welcome Alabama chefs onto the ALFA Farmers Celebrity Chef Stage hosted by Janice Rogers of WBRC 6 News. Five chefs will share some of their favorite recipes with the audience, answer questions, and share samples! You don’t want to miss it. Here is a peek at the incredible lineup of chefs.
To kick off the day on the ALFA Farmers Celebrity Chef Stage, Debbie Goldsmith of the Lil Boogie Foodie will be creating one of her famous “Bougie Burgers” from scratch. Goldsmith is a brain tumor survivor who turned her battle with dysphagia into a food truck business. She struggled for several years with not being able to eat and her love for food led her to opening her own business in the food industry. She provides savory and tasty meals for customers wanting to wake up their taste buds! Her culinary career began as a child in Jamaica where she prepared Caribbean cuisines for her family at just eight years old. She has always enjoyed cooking and viewed eating delicious meals as the gateway to happiness and as a result she is sharing that happiness with the world one customer at a time. You can more than sample her delicious food at the Expo. The Lil Bougie Foodie truck will be at the Expo entrance where you can purchase a meal or a snack.
At 11 a.m., catch Karah Skinner of Rock House Farms on the ALFA Farmers Celebrity Chef Stage. Skinner is a first-generation cattle farmer, wife, homeschooling mom, and the creator behind Rock House Farms, where she shares simple family recipes, life on the farm, and encouragement with more than 75,000 followers across social media. What began as a way to market her family’s farm has grown into a passion for helping families feel confident in the kitchen while celebrating the people who grow our food. As a Sweet Grown Alabama ambassador, Skinner enjoys highlighting fresh, locally grown ingredients and creating approachable recipes that anyone can make. Whether she’s preparing a weeknight dinner or sharing life from the pasture, her goal is to inspire others to gather around the table, support local agriculture, and enjoy the blessings found in everyday moments. Her journey in the kitchen began with her mother and grandmother, who taught her that sharing a meal is one of the simplest ways to care for the people you love. While she always enjoyed cooking, her passion for it truly grew after she married and started raising a family. Read about how her faith has impacted her as a wife, mom and business woman in the August issue of Birmingham Christian Family(BCF).
Stephen Ritchey of Christo’s Confections will be on the ALFA Farmers Celebrity Chef Stage at 11:45 a.m. Ritchey is the owner and chocolatier at Christo’s Confections, Birmingham’s local supplier of handcrafted artisan chocolates, truffles, caramels, and other gourmet goodies. When Ritchey was in the fifth grade, his teacher asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. Without hesitation, he answered, “I want to own a chocolate shop.” Chocolate made him happy, and he couldn’t imagine a better career than bringing that same joy to others. Ritchey continued to pursue his dream over the next fifteen years, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management and a minor in Entrepreneurship at UAB while also attending culinary school at Jefferson State for Baking and Pastry Arts. After graduation, he was asked to develop a dessert menu and serve as the Dessert Chef for Scuola Pizza in Gainesville, Florida. Eventually, Stephen returned home to Birmingham, and his fifth grade dream finally came true when Christo’s Confections – named after his father, Christopher – opened in 2024. Today, Christo’s Confections’ handcrafted sweets have been enjoyed by thousands of chocolate lovers across the United States, Canada, South America, and Europe. Ritchey’s vision remains the same as it was in fifth grade – to make people happy, one bite of handcrafted artisan chocolate at a time.
At 12:30 p.m., author, social media sensation, and BCF contributor Danna Standridge will be on the ALFA Farmers Celebrity Chef Stage. Standridge is a Southern spark with a storyteller’s soul and a rolling pin in her hand. Whether she’s showing how to whip up biscuits or visiting with her 172,000+ Facebook followers (she calls them her FB family), or checking on the cows on Standridge Farm, Standridge blends warmth, wit, and creativity like a perfect Sunday supper. She’s the cookbook author of What’s Cooking with Danna, Y’all, Time to Eat, Y’all and Happiness is Homemade, Y’all, a culinary teacher with heart, and a hostess of heritage- where every dish tells a story, and every story comes with a smile. Equal parts charm and know-how, she makes you feel like family before the cornbread’s even done. Click here to read her faith story. We are also privileged to have her share a great story and recipe every month in the “Home Front” section of Birmingham Christian Family magazine.
Beloved Southern cook Brenda Gantt will be on the ALFA Farmers Celebrity Chef Stage at 1:15 p.m. Gantt became a social media sensation during 2020 when she began posting videos of herself cooking Southern cuisine in her kitchen in Andalusia, Ala. What started as a video for some of her church family wanting to know how to make biscuits quickly went viral. She is known for her delicious recipes, including biscuits, lacy cornbread, and tomato pie. Gantt is the author of several cookbooks: It’s Gonna Be Good Y’all, Linger Around the Table Y’all, and Live Each Little Moment Y’all plus The Southern Mirror coffee table book. In addition, Gantt runs The Cottle House Bed and Breakfast in Andalusia. Whether she is recording a cooking video or talking with her nearly 5 million followers on Facebook @CookingWithBrenda Gantt, Gantt strives to share the love of Jesus. “I always bring some Scripture into my videos… I follow God’s lead and give what I can,” Gantt said. Learn more about how her faith has impacted her life here. At the Expo, you can meet Gantt, grab a copy of her latest book, and watch her make fried apple pies on the ALFA Farmers Celebrity Chef Stage.
BCF Publisher Laurie Franklin joined Janice Rogers on the set of Good Day Alabama on August 4, 2026 to discuss the upcoming Expo in detail. Watch the segment here. Franklin also recorded a PSA to air on WBRC 6. Thank you to WBRC 6 News for being our Expo Media Sponsor!
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