A New Name & Life: Freedom’s Journey of Hope

July 29, 2026June 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

The Family Pet

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

Freedom’s story began amid the uncertainty and turmoil of war-torn Israel. Yet even here, God was writing a new chapter. When she arrived at Two by Two Rescue after traveling thousands of miles across the ocean, her given name was Badu. But the young girl in her foster home saw something deeper. “We are savers. Her name should be Freedom,” she declared. Free to be. Free to play. Free to be silly. Free to love and be loved. The name fits perfectly.

There is something profoundly beautiful about watching a life transformed by compassion. Freedom has discovered gentle hands, kind hearts, and the safety she deserves. Today, she spends her days rolling in the grass, napping in the sunshine, and embracing all the simple joys of being a dog. She’s a bright, gentle soul who finds comfort in the tender embrace of children, contentment curled beneath a soft blanket beside the people she loves, and pure delight in every opportunity to go for a walk.

Freedom on hike — Read about this special girl at twobytworescue.com.

At seven years young, Freedom is a living reminder of God’s redeeming grace. Though she has known much hardship, she greets each day with resilience and gratitude. All she needs now is someone to share her freedom with forever. Somewhere, there is a family she has not met yet, waiting to be changed by her quiet devotion. A front door she will one day call home. Perhaps that family is yours. Visit twobytworescue.com to fill out an adoption application.

Two by Two Rescue is a 501(c)(3) faith-based rescue whose mission is to give life to abandoned, abused, and unwanted companion animals. Saving animal lives for more than 23 years, the rescue is foster home based and operates out of Birmingham, Ala. †

July 29, 2026June 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

The Home Front

For eighteen years, we had Kitty. We got her as a little solid black kitten from my daughter’s gymnastics teacher. It was part of the deal to make our daughter feel easy with her brother’s new pet snake named Rippley, Believe it or Not. Rippley was a corn snake who lived in an aquarium at our house. He was a tiny little bit of a snake. The deal was that if Caleb got a snake, then Lonna could have a cat. So, Kitty came home one day to live with the Standridges. Along about that time, our youngest son, Joshua, decided he was left out. So, we welcomed Hooch the Wonder Pooch. Joshua was five when tiny little Hooch came to live with us. He was a feist/beagle mix we all adored.

Now, everyone got along well. Rippley stayed in the aquarium, and Hooch and Kitty guarded our place. One day, David and I went out on the porch, and they were curled up together. David likes for all of us to be working, including the animals. David said to Hooch, “Get up and go protect our place. What are you doing, cuddled up with Kitty?” David said to Kitty, “You useless hunk of fur. Why don’t you go catch a mouse or something?” The next day, something was wrong. Kitty sat outside our door and meowed very loudly over and over. She had never done this before. I ran to check on her. She had a mouse on the doormat for David. I called him to the door to see it. That was the end of it, right? No, it was not. It became a daily ritual. Kitty sat meowing on our doormat with a mouse for David. I thought she would surely stop soon. But it kept going for days.

I thought about it for a while. What are we going to do to get her to stop bringing the dead animals to our doormat? I had a talk with David, and I said, “This started after you called her a useless hunk of fur. You’ve got to tell Kitty to stop bringing us those mice. Tell her she did well and to stop bringing them to you. Tell her she is not a useless hunk of fur.” David said, “Danna, cats can’t understand us.” I didn’t give up, and he finally relented. “Well, okay. I’ll give it a try.” So, the next day, when Kitty showed up on the doorstep with David’s present, he said, “Kitty, you are a very good cat. You are not a useless hunk of fur. You can stop bringing them to me now.” And she did.

-Danna Standridge, Author of What’s Cooking with Danna, Y’all? and Happiness is Homemade Y’all! For speaking engagements and cooking demonstrations, email [email protected]. Join her in the kitchen on Facebook @DannaSwannStandridge and YouTube @dannastandridge8749.

Need a Crowd Pleasing Treat? Oreo Cookie Dessert

“The easiest dessert of your life with only 4 ingredients and never a spoonful left!”

Ingredients:

1 5 oz cook and serve Jello chocolate pudding mix
3 cups milk
1 package Oreo cookies
8 oz Cool Whip

Directions:

Layer cookies in a 9 x 13 dish. Cook pudding according to package directions and pour hot over the cookies. Let cool completely. Add a layer of Cool Whip right before serving.

July 29, 2026June 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

What if wholeness didn’t begin with fixing . . . but with being held? There comes a moment when a woman grows tired of holding everything together—tired of being strong, capable, and dependable for everyone around her. She’s doing everything she knows to do, and yet something feels off. Not broken. Not falling apart. Just . . . not fully herself.

Grit & Grace: Restoring the Feminine Soul is a gentle, Scripture-rooted invitation to come home. Rather than offering quick answers or formulas for self-improvement, relationship coach Melody Lovvorn creates a space where women can slow down, breathe, and begin to reconnect with the beauty, dignity, and design God placed within them from the beginning. “It’s been a long while since I have read a book that touched me as deeply as Grit & Grace . . .What I loved most was her clarity and wisdom on how uniquely beautiful God created the feminine soul to function, to feel, and to flourish,” shared relationship coach and author Leslie Vernick, MSW.

Melody Lovvorn — Writer, speaker and relationship coach Melody Brock Lovvorn has nearly two decades of experience in walking beside women and families in seasons of healing and restoration and resides in Birmingham, Ala.

With the wisdom of a trauma-informed coach and the tenderness of someone who has walked closely with women for years, Melody gently guides readers to:

understand how their soul adapted to survive
recognize the difference between striving and true restoration
reconnect with their God-given design and identity
experience healing that begins with safety, presence, and truth

This is not a book about becoming someone new. It is an invitation to remember who you have always been . . . to be held in the presence of God . . . and to rediscover the beauty, dignity, and design He placed within you from the beginning. To learn more visit melodylovvorn.com/gritandgrace. †

July 29, 2026June 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Mountain Brook entrepreneur, author, and marathon runner Gary York is releasing a new book aimed at helping Christians experience a deeper relationship with Jesus in everyday life. Many Christians long for a deeper, more intimate walk with God, yet struggle to experience His presence in daily life. We believe the right things, try to live faithfully, and still feel alone. But Scripture reveals a stunning truth: Jesus intends to live His life in us, with us, and for us.

Christ in You cover — *Christ in You* by local author Gary York was written with the goal of helping Christians experience a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Christ in You: Experiencing Intimacy with Jesus invites you into this central reality of the gospel. Through Scripture, story, and a relational lens shaped by Christian spiritual formation, York explores God’s relentless pursuit of His people and the astonishing gift of Christ’s indwelling presence. This singular relationship reshapes how we see God, ourselves, others, and the world. A longtime Birmingham-area resident, York combines insights from a diverse career that includes international humanitarian work, technology entrepreneurship, academic research, and spiritual formation. His new book centers on one of the apostle Paul’s most significant teachings: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” York earned his PhD from Carnegie Mellon University, served internationally with Food for the Hungry, and completed six World Marathon Majors. He is also a graduate of the Renovaré Institute, a respected Christian spiritual formation program. National Christian leaders have praised the book’s message. Ted Harro, president of Renovaré, writes that the book shows how “three small words—Christ in you—have the potential to change everything for each of us, the communities we live in, and our world.”

Christ in You will release nationwide on July 21, 2026 through Brookstone Publishing Group. †

July 29, 2026June 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

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

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18

I came to Big Oak Ranch when I was 14 years old. I struggled at first and didn’t care about anything. It was hard for me to trust people, so it took a while for me to believe that people really cared about me.

Luke in polo shirt — Luke will graduate this August from UAB with a degree in finance and is currently applying for banking jobs.

Over time, as my houseparents and housebrothers spent time with me and invested in me, my impressions of them changed. The emotional and academic support I received from so many people there showed me I mattered to them. It also helped knowing others could relate because they had come from difficult situations too. Eventually, I came to understand that people at the Ranch were there to help me—not to take anything from me. At Big Oak Ranch, I grew up, matured, and learned to be thankful. I have great memories from my time at the Ranch, like playing basketball with my housebrothers and scrimmaging with Mr. Brodie. I also played soccer and basketball for Westbrook Christian School.

In 2023, I joined Big Oak Ranch’s transitional independent living program, ASCEND. We had life skills meetings on topics like budgeting and finding a church, and we also spent time serving others. During my time at ASCEND, Mrs. Kelli poured a lot of time into me, especially when I was sick. When one of my lungs collapsed, she was at the hospital every day visiting me and always answered her phone when I called. The way she was always there to support me meant a lot — it encouraged me and motivated me that someone cared. I’m thankful for all the support Big Oak Ranch and ASCEND have given me. In August, I will graduate from UAB with a major in finance. I am currently applying for banking jobs, and my ultimate goal is to become a manager at a bank or investment firm.

Growing up at Big Oak Ranch, Mr. John taught me that you have to take advantage of the investment other people are making for you, or you’re wasting it. That is what I am doing now — investing in my future. I also hope to have a family and adopt a child one day. The Ranch and ASCEND have shown me that family means being there in the hardest moments — not leaving when things get tough but staying with you no matter what.

-Luke

July 29, 2026June 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Have you been called a wife of “noble character” or a “virtuous woman” but question whether you are good enough or doing enough to match that standard? You wear meaningful titles- wife, homemaker, mom, and businesswoman. You handle your roles with ease most of the time. The impact of your worth is obvious and recognized by others. However, you may not see how valuable you are or the usefulness of your contributions. Proverbs 31 says you are more precious than rubies. According to Rarest.org, in 2008, “one of the largest and most expensive” gemstones sold was the 1,370-carat Neelanjali Star Ruby. It was purchased for $100 million. Yet, the worth of this rare ruby does not compare to yours. A Biblical view of your worth can bring affirmation and fulfillment. Let’s explore the impact of a Proverbs 31 wife.

He Trusts Her. Proverbs 31:11 ESV says, “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” He has confidence in his wife’s leadership and ability to handle multiple tasks inside and outside the home. And he supports her as she fulfills her calling. She is not wasteful. With efficiency, she improves the well-being of her household. Does your husband marvel at your ability to manage the day-to-day responsibilities of home life, children, and work? Perhaps he is aware of your contributions and wise management skills. Likely, his trust in you is deepening even when he does not express it or give verbal affirmations.

She Blesses Him. Proverbs 31:12 ESV says, “She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” She is a godly woman who fears the Lord. Her character enables him to satisfy his duties free of unnecessary tension. She is his closest confidant, and she advocates for him. Her competent counsel proves beneficial to her husband. Be assured, your husband knows you will create an environment of peace instead of contention. Your thoughtful actions in the past prove you are resourceful and reliable. Your ongoing encouragement and support confirm your commitment to remain by his side.

At times, you will sacrifice your desires for his desires, and he will sacrifice his desires for yours. This selfless aspect of marriage reflects the sacrificial love Jesus demonstrated for his bride- the church. You are a blessing. Your worth is rare and priceless. Believe it.

-Vanessa M. Jones

Vice President & Co-founder of Biblical Marriage Institute

BiblicalMarriageInstitute.org

@biblicalmarriageinstitute

July 29, 2026June 25, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Community Buzz

Recognizing outstanding Christian Service, Our Lady of Sorrows School Principal Mrs. Mary Jane Dorn is seen here with graduating eight grade students Michael Varagona and Amelia Pierce who were selected as recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Christian Service Award. They were chosen for exemplifying Christ-like values through their words, actions, and service to others.

Collectivus Church in Calera was the site of the most recent Shelby County Chamber Women’s Business Council luncheon featuring The Red Barn’s Grace Butler. The next meeting will be August 12 at First Baptist Pelham.

The Church at Liberty Park recently hosted the Vestavia Chamber monthly luncheon. Great to see our friends from Jimmie Hale Mission, Piddlin Art and Antique and Primrose School.

A Big Blessing! Publisher Laurie Franklin recently celebrated the birth of granddaughter Magnolia Ann Stroud of Alabaster.

Vacation Bible School is in full swing all across Birmingham! Here’s a look at some recent ones including The Church at Brook Hills, The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills and First Baptist Trussville. For a look at those still coming up – visit birminghamchristian.com/vbs26.

Been a part of a recent community event or celebrated a milestone? Send us a photo and a caption to be included in Community Buzz. Email to [email protected].

July 29, 2026June 25, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Happy family and friends roast 279623311

Parenting Points

Summer often arrives with great expectations, from vacations to camps to lists of desired activities. Even during a season designed for slowing down, many families find themselves just as busy as the rest of the year. Calendars fill quickly, and rest can become another item on the to-do list. But Scripture offers a different vision: rest not as an interruption to life, but as a gift from God.

From the opening pages of the Bible, we see the rhythm of work and rest established by God Himself. After six days of creation, God rested not because He was tired, but because He was modeling a pattern of completion, delight, and trust (Genesis 2:2–3). Sabbath reminds us that our value is not found in productivity but in belonging to God. Rest reminds us that God is in control, and we are not. Summer can become an opportunity for families to rediscover this rhythm. Sabbath is more than taking a day off. It is intentionally creating space to pause, worship, enjoy God’s presence, and reconnect with one another. It is choosing rest with purpose. In a culture that celebrates constant activity, Sabbath quietly reminds us that we do not have to earn our worth through busyness.

Practicing Sabbath as a family does not need to be complicated. It may mean setting aside a few hours each week to unplug from screens and schedules. It could include sharing an unrushed meal, reading Scripture together outdoors, taking a prayer walk, worshiping as a family, or simply enjoying God’s creation without an agenda. Children especially benefit from learning that rest is not laziness but trust. When families model healthy rhythms of work and rest, children begin to understand that God designed us to live with margin, not exhaustion.

Summer is also a time for families to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus amid our rest. Jesus invited His followers, saying, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 ESV). Rest is an invitation for spiritual as well as physical renewal. As your family moves through the summer months, consider making space for Sabbath. Leave room for slow mornings, meaningful conversations, shared laughter, and moments with God. You may discover that in resting well, your family is not stepping away from what matters most but stepping closer to it.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries

www.benbirdsong.com

July 29, 2026June 25, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Church Leaders

Each month, Birmingham Christian Family highlights a local church leader who is making a difference in our community. Quarry Church’s Lead Pastor Bryan Alderman has been shepherding his congregation since the church was replanted in 2024.

1. What did your journey look like to your current position in ministry? The Lord called me to ministry during the fall semester of my senior year of high school. Prior to that, I was on the fast track to attend the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. God called me away from a career in aeronautical engineering and piloting to a lifetime of shepherding His people. I studied for ministry at Bryan College and Beeson Divinity School, gained practical experience serving with Lifeway’s FUGE Camps from 2014-2018, and began working in the church in 2016. Liberty Baptist Church ordained me to the Gospel ministry in 2019 and sent me to replant Quarry Church in 2024.

2. Is there a particular person or life experience that impacted your decision to be a minister? Too many to name! My parents, Lewis and Terri Alderman were the primary disciple makers in my life. My brothers, Robbie and Ben Alderman supported me every step of the way. My “Pa”, Robert Alderman Sr. was a pastor and church planter. My student pastor, Robert Hemphill was incredibly influential in my life and calling. Many teachers and professors should also be listed, but this list would go on forever!

Bryan Alderman accepted the call to replant Quarry Church in 2024. The church is located at 7183 Highway 119, Alabaster, 35007. To learn more about the church, visit qcalabaster.com, call 205-605-9437, or follow the church on Facebook @QuarryChurchAlabaster and Instagram @qcalabaster.

3. How would you describe your church family? Our faith family is vibrant, devoted, optimistic, and excited. We are truly a family that wants anyone and everyone to join us in our pursuit of the Lord Jesus. We love God’s Word, are passionate about reaching our neighbors, and are hungry to see God do more in and through us.

4. What can people expect when they come to worship at your church? They can expect to be welcomed and introduced to at least a few people! We run a pretty simple play on Sunday morning–Sunday School (which we call Rock Groups) for all ages, which is discussion based and aligned to the passage we’ll cover in our worship service. During worship, you can expect to sing praise to the Lord, spend time in prayer, hear a message from God’s Word and be invited to respond to what God is teaching you then and there. Ours is a pretty casual and contemporary environment, so keep it simple!

– Learn more about churches in our area, including Quarry Church, at BirminghamChristian.com/findachurch.

July 29, 2026June 25, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

Brought to you by: Community Partner Still Waters Counseling and Education Center, www.mystillwaters.org

The team at Still Waters Counseling and Education Center is growing! Jerri Dobelstein recently received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University and is now an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC). She completed her clinical internship at Still Waters and believes that the Lord led her to this practice in Mountain Brook. “It has always been my desire to be a counselor who practices from a foundation of Christ’s love and compassion while being clinically skilled and competent,” Dobelstein says. “As an intern at Still Waters, I had the opportunity to grow as a skilled counselor while also serving our community. I was able to serve at The Lovelady Center and Hope Inspired Ministries, as well as with several individuals in our community. These experiences allowed me to come alongside others in their suffering and provide space for healing and growth.”

Jerri Dobelstein provides therapy in-person at the Still Waters Mtn. Brook location and by telehealth anywhere in Ala.

Passion for Counseling. Dobelstein and her family served overseas for several years. After returning to the U.S., they attended counseling sessions. “Through hours spent in counseling and time simply sitting with the Lord, I was able to heal from years of trauma, burnout, and suffering that I had been holding. My own healing journey is what led me into wanting to be a small part of that healing for others,” Dobelstein says. Now as an ALC, Dobelstein is excited “to continue to grow as a counselor and learn from my amazing colleagues as well as have the privilege of serving others through mental health care.” She has already seen how clients can find freedom and healing through counseling. “A therapy journey is unique for every person, but I am continually amazed at how my clients discover healing and insight when given the time and space to dig deep… I have been given the privilege of witnessing some of the most redemptive therapy journeys imaginable, and I am continually thankful for the gift of this profession.”

A Foundation of Faith. “My faith is the very foundation of every aspect of my life, most especially within the counseling room. Therapy is one of the most vulnerable journeys a person can take and must be blanketed in great care and compassion,” she says, adding, “I believe that the love of Jesus that overflows in my own life is what allows me to come alongside my clients in their suffering, regardless of whether they share my faith. My goal is always to love others like Jesus, and I believe that such love is characterized by patience, understanding, and unconditional love.”

Still Waters provides quality mental health counseling from a Christian perspective. Areas of service include depression, anxiety, OCD, grief, and more. To learn more, visit www.mystillwaters.org, call 205-825-1423, or email [email protected].

-Melissa Armstrong

Watch the video below to learn more about Jerri’s journey to becoming a counselor and more.

A New Name & Life: Freedom’s Journey of Hope

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