Becoming Free Indeed

June 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

It has been many years since the Duggar family became a reality show mega-hit. With nineteen children, the family’s everyday existence was a matter of fascination to a multitude of viewers. Adding to the mix was the Duggar family’s strong emphasis on their values and Christian faith. Some watched in admiration, others watched with horror and suspicion. Regardless of their motive, viewers turned the Duggar family into a household name and a monetary juggernaut. The children grew up in front of America until a scandal brought the show to an unseemly end.

Since the final airing, Jinger Duggar Vuolo’s spiritual life has been transformed for the better. Sadly, it was not the scandalous end that required the most healing, but the lifetime of bad theology that preceded it. Becoming Free Indeed is her story of finding a new way to be a Christian. As she moved away from the legalistic and fear mongering theology that held her in spiritual bondage her entire life, Vuolo found freedom in the person of Jesus. She developed a deep appreciation for the love of God and the compassion of Christ. She discovered a new way of reading the Scriptures. Foregoing the lens of fear and exclusion that permeated the hermeneutical process of her youth, Vuolo learned to study and read the Bible in a manner that brought hope, peace, and spiritual life.

Becoming Free Indeed is a testament to the grace of God, for only God can heal the damage inflicted by malformed Christianity. Regardless of how sincerely it is held, bad theology is destructive. It wrecks homes and churches, but what is most tragic is it wrecks individual people. Like the childhood Vuolo, there are multitudes of Christians who sit in churches every week who need to be saved not from their sins, but from their sincerely held doctrines about God and their fellow man. Becoming Free Indeed is a powerful proclamation that Jesus saves us in many ways, and sometimes he has to save Christians from their church.

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

June 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Is it possible for a book written nearly 2,000 years ago to maintain its intrinsic and vital impact? Is there a demarcation point when literature is deemed old-fashioned or even archaic? Carol McLeod, author of Timeless- The Living and Enduring Word of God, says “I love the Bible! As I was reading 1 Peter one day, I understood that Peter, through the unction of the Holy Spirit, was writing to a bullied church in the midst of a Godless culture. I also realized that Peter was writing to our church today.”

Timeless Cover — Learn more about *Timeless* at shop.ironstreammedia.com.

The book of 1 Peter was written nearly two millennia ago- rarely does a book of that age speak to a current generation of readers. However, the book of 1 Peter is practical, hopeful, and as up-to-date as anything written today. The stunning component that sets the Word of God apart from other pieces of literature is that the Holy Spirit wrote it. The Bible is divinely inspired by the unction of the Holy Spirit and written on paper through the hands of ordinary men. The words that the Holy Spirit spoke through Peter, the rock upon which Christ would build His church, so long ago hold dynamic power for your life today. McLeod adds, “Timeless is different from other Bible studies because, while it is theology, it is also personal, practical, and hopeful. Timeless makes the black-and-white Word of God jump off the page in technicolor enthusiasm. I hope that women will fall in love with the Word of God. I hope it will light a fire in their hearts to lovingly handle Scripture and to be amazed at the truth in the Word of God. I also hope that Timeless will give women the tools to make it through the searing fires in life with great joy.”

McLeod is a popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. She is a prolific author and loves digging for truth in the Word of God. Rooms of a Mother’s Heart was released in 2021, winning the 2022 Director’s Choice Award from the Blue Ridge Writer’s Conference. Her teaching DVD, The Rooms of a Woman’s Heart, won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award, for excellence in religious programming. She is also a devotional writer for YouVersion with 25 devotionals in current circulation. Learn more about McLeod at www.carolmcleodministries.com. †

June 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Parenting Points

Our world is marked by division. We all live in our separate camps based on similar views and values. These spaces become echo chambers where the same ideas circulate, and we can often forget that other people may see the world in totally different ways. We often reject relationships with people who are different than us. If we were to get on a plane and go on an international mission trip, we would not be surprised to experience a culture that didn’t fit well into our boxes and camps. We need to remember that our mission field isn’t just around the world but also every day in every place we go. If we decided to approach other people with the mindset of mission by not expecting people to think like us before we can love or befriend them, imagine how the walls of division could begin to come down. What could it look like for our families to approach people different from us with the mindset of mission?

Remember to Look for God’s Fingerprints. One of the beauties of creation is that God made people all different and in “His image” (Genesis 1:27 ESV). When we interact with people who likely believe differently, we must not forget that they are God’s special creations made in His image.

Listen to Another’s Perspective. By listening to someone else’s perspective, we put ourselves in the position of the learner. We want to learn someone’s story and perspective before trying to align them with our own. James’ words of wisdom help us frame our best approach: “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19b ESV).

Look for Ways to Come Together. There is mercy and grace in common ground. When we seek to find the things that bring us together, we can see space for a relationship to form. Through relationships, we can grow in understanding, love, and compassion for other people. We may even realize that someone doesn’t have to totally agree with us to be our friend or even to follow Jesus faithfully.

One of the distinguishing marks of the early church was their love for one another and the world. What impact could your family have if you value building relationships over being right? As Bob Goff reminds us in his book Love Does: “Most people need love and acceptance a lot more than they need advice.”

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

June 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Young Asian Woman Or Nurse Car 474789799

Healthy Living

Every six minutes, someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. This alarming trend underlines the importance of education about symptoms and funding research to find a cure. Also concerning is a recent study showing that the annual incidence of Parkinson’s disease among older adults is 50 percent higher than the current estimate of 60,000 diagnoses annually.

What is Parkinson’s? Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. It is a chronic and progressive disease that typically affects older people, with symptoms usually appearing after the age of 50. Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, which can lead to tremors, rigidity, and other symptoms.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s disease affects seniors in different ways, and symptoms may vary from person to person. However, there are several common symptoms that are associated with Parkinson’s disease including tremors, rigidity, postural instability, depression, anxiety, and more.

Six Tips for Caregivers. Caregivers play a crucial role in helping people with Parkinson’s disease. Here are six helpful tips for caregivers.

1. Help with daily tasks. People with Parkinson’s disease may struggle with everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, bathing, and cooking. Caregivers can assist with these tasks, making them easier for the person with Parkinson’s disease.

2. Encourage exercise. Exercise can be beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease, as it can help with mobility and balance. Caregivers can encourage exercise, such as going for walks or participating in gentle yoga classes.

3. Provide emotional support. Parkinson’s disease can be emotionally challenging for people with the disease, as well as for their caregivers. Caregivers can provide emotional support by listening and offering reassurance.

4. Ensure safety. Parkinson’s disease can affect a person’s balance and coordination, making falls more likely. Caregivers can help ensure safety by removing tripping hazards and providing assistive devices, such as handrails and grab bars.

5. Stay informed. Parkinson’s disease is a complex condition, and caregivers can benefit from staying informed about the latest research and treatments. They can also seek out support groups and resources to help them provide the best possible care.

6. Get the right support. If you or a loved one needs help to manage PD symptoms, know that you are not alone. To learn more about how Amada Senior Care can help facilitate the care of a loved one diagnosed with Parkinson’s, please call 205-208-9466.

-Len Everts

Amada Senior Care

www.amadabirmingham.com

June 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Children posing for photo at Children's of Alabama party

Healthy Living

Children’s of Alabama, the state’s only free-standing pediatric hospital, celebrated its 112th birthday on June 17, 2023!

“For the past 112 years, we have provided care for Alabama’s ill and injured children,” said Tom Shufflebarger, Children’s of Alabama CEO and President. “We are very proud of the programs we have developed and the relationships we have formed with families in Alabama and across the Southeast. Our birthday wish is that no child will need our services, but should they, Children’s will provide them and their families with world-class healthcare right here in Alabama.”

Children's of Alabama patient painting craft — Patients at Children’s of Alabama enjoyed a fun birthday party on June 16. Plus, Chick-fil-A Birmingham presented a check for $30,000.00 to Children’s of Alabama to support many family-centered programs throughout the year. Photos courtesy: Children’s of Alabama

In honor of the hospital’s birthday, Children’s hosted the fourth annual Celebrate campaign where patients, community partners, and staff were honored for one week. In addition to celebrating in the community, Children’s hosted a birthday party, presented by Chick-fil-A Birmingham, for patients currently in the hospital with birthday-themed activities for patients and their siblings. “We are so excited to be celebrating another year of hope and healing for our patients,” said Mindy Wald, Community Development Manager at Children’s of Alabama. “This was not only a birthday party that celebrated Children’s milestones, but it also celebrated the milestones of our patients. We are also grateful to Chick-fil-A for their continued support of the hospital’s mission.”

Children’s was founded as Holy Innocents Hospital for Children in 1911 by Rev. Carl Henckell, Rev. Raimundo de Ovies, and Dr. James E. Dedman to provide a solution to the growing need in the state for quality health care for children. Now 112 years later, Children’s is ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and serves children from every county in Alabama and nearly every state. Learn more at www.celebratechildrensal.org. †

June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Tidy Up, Help the Environment & Support Children & Adults with Disabilities. You can accomplish all three of these goals when you attend the free Celebrate the Family Expo! September 16, 2023 at the Finley Center, Hoover Met Complex and bring your documents your family or business needs securely shredded as well as unwanted electrical devices, such as computers, monitors, and cell phones. For free, Gone For Good, a program of United Ability (formerly United Cerebral Palsy), will securely dispose of it for you!

For 75 years, United Ability has connected children and adults with disabilities to their communities and empowered them to live full and meaningful lives. During the past 33 years, they have empowered adults with disabilities to find meaningful employment and in 2022 helped 1,100 students and adults prepare for and find full or part time employment in the community. The organization helps job seekers ages 16-60+ prepare for competitive employment in manufacturing, hospitality, food service, hospitals, and other industries. United Ability’s Transition and Employment Specialists assist every step of the way from teaching interview and self-advocacy skills to resume develop, onboarding, and support throughout the life of the job. “People with disabilities have all the same needs and wants and desires as everybody else, and that includes meaningful employment,” says Susan Sellers, United Ability’s Chief Executive Officer.

Gone For Good is NAID® AAA-certified and offers secure document destruction and e-waste destruction and recycling. Adults with intellectual and physical disabilities perform these services. All profits from the program are used to support programs at United Ability. The approximately 20 adults who work with Gone For Good not only earn a paycheck and learn useful skills, they also develop a sense of independence and purpose. The program also reaps benefits for the environment. Gone For Good recycles enough paper annually to save more than 18,000 trees!

Gone for Good employee working — Since 2006, Gone For Good has provided opportunities for individuals with disabilities to learn skills and earn income, as well as prepare for future meaningful employment.

Secure Document destruction. Gone For Good specializes in both onsite and offsite services and works with clients for both one-time purges and recurring services. Document destruction helps keep businesses in compliance with privacy laws and helps protect them from security breaches and potential lawsuits. Customers can also drop off documents to be shredded Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) between 9 a.m. and Noon.

E-waste recycling. Computers, monitors, cell phones, and TVs are among one of the largest pollution sources on Earth. Gone For Good dismantles, shreds the hard drives, sorts, and diverts the raw materials so they can be used in the manufacture of new products.

At the heart of Gone For Good is its mission to create meaningful employment for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Gone For Good also provides a valuable service to assist businesses in protecting their privacy and keeping e-waste out of landfills. Remember, with Gone For Good works, they work for GOOD. Learn more by visiting www.uagoneforgood.com or calling 205-943-5252. †

July 21, 2023June 21, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

Brought to you by: Community Partner Sawyer Solutions, sawyersolutionsllc.com

57% of all victims of human trafficking are minors, according to 2017 BEAMS Study. Child human trafficking is happening all around the country, explains Birmingham based ministry Blanket Fort Hope (BFH) Chief Executive Officer Alexa James. “We do have a problem in Alabama. Human trafficking is the second-largest crime in the United States but also the fastest growing crime,” she says, adding, “This crime is a substantial problem in Alabama, yet few housing options exist in Alabama for trafficked children.”

Restoration Home groundbreaking — Blanket Fort Hope will start building their restoration home this August! The groundbreaking ceremony for the home was held on December 17, 2022.

“Blanket Fort Hope was birthed in 2015 with the mission to help child survivors of human trafficking,” James says. The mission of BFH is, “to restore hope in the lives of child sex trafficking survivors through access to essential services, compassionate care, and a loving Christian witness.” In July 2021, BFH purchased 73 acres of land in Columbiana, Ala. to build a restoration home for child survivors. “We’ve cleared off the spot where the house will be built and are waiting on one last permit before we start building,” James shares, adding that they hope to start building by August 1, if not sooner. The restoration home will be a 10-bedroom home with nine beds for children and a houseparent suite. BFH is a part of Big Oak Ranch’s Planting Oaks (www.bigoak.org). “They have been so good to walk us through the educational and houseparent components, the DHR process, and more.” As James reflects on the last eight years of preparing for this moment, she says her faith has carried her.

Mission Makers Blanket fort Hope Hold the Fort Race Image 2 — The Hold the Fort 5K & 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run is a certified race at Oak Mountain State Park on September 16. Expect fantastic giveaways and more! Learn more at www.holdthefortraces.com.

Grab your running shoes! The 5^th Annual Hold the Fort 5K & 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run is set for September 16, 2023 at Oak Mountain State Park from 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. “The run is an opportunity for people who like to run or walk to support a cause and make a difference for child survivors of human trafficking,” James explains. The money that is raised will help build the restoration home. The goal for this year’s run is to raise $30,000-$50,000. Registration is available now at www.holdthefortraces.com. To learn more about BFH and how you can be involved, visit www.blanketforthope.org.

-Melissa Armstrong

Brought to you by: Community Partner, Sawyer Solutions
Technology with Care and Compassion
• Outsourced I.T. Support
• Cyber Security
• Help Desk Solutions
www.sawyersolutionsllc.com
844-448-7767

June 6, 2023 by Birmingham Christian Family

Christ the King Lutheran Church is hosting the 3rd Annual Fall Arts Festival fundraiser in Hoover on September 16, 2023 from 9 am – 5 pm. The Festival aims to showcase local artisans of original handmade work and raise funds for Built for the Wild(B4TW), a local non-profit dedicated to build and inspire students to develop and strengthen a faith of their own through a three-step process; Engage, Connect, and Disciple. B4TW hosts, at no charge, Summer Outreach Events during Field Days at local schools, partner with local youth groups and their leaders to build and strengthen youth groups, and offer online Better Youth Pastor courses. The yearly B4TW Youth Conference in February is the only event students pay for; many cannot afford access. The Conference helps youth build faith, character, and boldness to live out the Gospel daily.

We are partnering with Built for the Wild, www.builtwild.org, to raise funds to help underserved youth get the funding they need to participate in B4TW Yearly Youth Conference in February 2024. The 3rd Annual Fall Arts Festival will be bigger and better, with more artisans, food trucks, live music, and a Kid Zone with Fall Festival games, inflatables, hands-on craft activities, balloon twisting, and photos with Santa. 100% of the proceeds and donations go toward the cause.

May 31, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

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 Family Four Packs to Alabama Adventure Amusement Park & Splash Adventure Water Park.

Enter on both Facebook & Instagram to double your chances!

Instagram. To enter, simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Instagram @cfpbirmingham.

For EXTRA ENTRIES:

SHARE the giveaway post on your story
FOLLOW US on Facebook @BirminghamChristianFamily
SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.

Facebook. To enter simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Facebook @BirminghamChristianFamily.

For EXTRA ENTRIES:

TAG a friend in the comments.

SHARE the post on Facebook

FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham

SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.

Offers end Thursday 6/22/23. Winners announced 6/23/23 on Instagram and Facebook so be sure to FOLLOW our Instagram @cfpbirmingham and Facebook @BirminghamChristianFamily pages.

May 31, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Publisher’s Note

This Father’s Day, the team at Christian Family Publications wanted to take a moment to recognize the important roles our fathers have played in our lives and thank them for it.

“Big Hug. Big Smile. Big Love. That’s my Daddy. A Big Thank You Daddy for teaching me what it looks like to live with a thankful heart and love the life God has given you. Thank you for always pointing me to the Father from whom all blessings flow.”

-Laurie Franklin, Publisher, Birmingham Christian Family

“Two of the things I admire most about my dad are his dependability and strong work ethic. I never question that he will be there for me whenever I need him. And through his lifelong service in the military, he modeled dedication and a great work ethic. Thank you for all you do, Dad!”

-Melissa Armstrong, Editorial Manager, Birmingham Christian Family

“My dad was always my hero. He proudly served in the Army and was always available to play catch or throw a football. He taught me much about life and morality. Miss you dad!”

-Steve Johnson, Account Executive, Birmingham Christian Family

“I always think about how supportive my dad has always been. He had a career in computers but yet didn’t hesitate to support me in my career in design. This photo is on his 80th birthday in December, going out for a 20 mile ride. Unfortunately I didn’t inherit the bike riding gene!”