For the Christian, thankfulness is the reaction, born out of humility to this new life.  Celebrating Thanksgiving is always somewhat bittersweet for me.  I look forward to the rest and the gathering of family and friends.  I look forward to the food and the football.  But I also have to remember all that I have to be thankful for by first remembering why, it is, that I am continuously in need of the elements of grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  My life is a mix of victories and failures.  I’m pretty good at magnifying the victories and sweeping the failures under the rug.  But for me, Thanksgiving has become a time to celebrate my absolute and desperate need for a savior.  I’m thankful that Christ came for me.  I am thankful to know that I can look around a room and see so many people that I love as a forgiven failure that can stand firmly on the promises of hope and glory because of my Father’s perfect love, which is Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Thanksgiving, for the Christian is an opportunity to humbly proclaim Christ, for Whom we have life and reason.  Thanksgiving is the time to honestly assert our desperation while reassuring ourselves in faith, and announcing that to the world that by grace, we have life eternal in Jesus. 
 
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be[i] against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
 
                                                                                                            Romans 8:31-34


Written By: Heath Ferguson

As there are seasons in each year, there are seasons in life. Some seasons are full of joy, triumph, and rejoicing. Other seasons may have pain, hurt, loss, and heartbreak. One of the MANY things I've learned is that seasons change constantly and as they change, you change. The season I'm in is one that I am so very thankful for. It's hard, but I've experienced harder. This season has brought significant change for our family as we welcomed Stella Grace into the world. This step back into the baby world has been interesting. I'm 8 years older since the twins were babies and I hope (maybe) 8 years wiser. In those early years of raising twins, we were in survival mode and I feel like I barely had time to appreciate the gift that they were. I look back and think I wish I would have stopped more and embraced the chaos that was our life at that time. Fast forward to 2014 when Campbell was diagnosed, I made a vow to God that I would cherish each moment I have with my children. For they are a precious gift and we never know how long we may have them. When we lost Campbell, I renewed that vow to be grateful for the gifts I have and not to take the time I have with them for granted. When Stella Grace entered the world, we were overwhelmed by God's goodness in bringing so much joy in the form of a sweet blessing that 3 years ago wasn't even a thought! I find myself quoting my favorite verse quite frequently as we prepared for her arrival and now as I look at her playing or those nights rocking her to sleep, the Lord lays a favorite verse on my heart reminding me of His goodness and grace: "For weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5. 

This season has also brought us the gut wrenching reality of parenting a child that has lost their best friend, their brother. We are discovering that you can't contain her grief and she is struggling as much as we are to live in this world without Campbell. I'm learning that it's okay to not have all the answers and sometimes you can tell them you don't know and wish you did. There is no guidebook to guide her through this, but being present and having those hard conversations and sometimes just sitting and crying is okay. This season is hard, but I know it won't last forever, but I want to guide her and help her as she navigates these hard times. Being present and spending time with her answering those uncomfortable questions and pointing her to the One who sees the bigger picture is the best I can do. ​

This season is a sweet blessing and as I'm learning and growing, God is also showing me places where I need to let go and just be. One of those is in being the Editor of Inspiration Mississippi. I am so grateful to Kendall for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this group of women and the work they are doing. I've been able to meet so many wonderful people that in the  different seasons of their lives, they have made an impact and are making an impact on so many people. I am thankful to God for the gifts He has given me and I want to enjoy each one He has given me for however long I am here. So, it's time for me to take a step back and just "be" with my family. One of the biggest things God taught me through Campbell's suffering and death is about His sovereignty and also that my children are not my own. They are only given to me for a little while until the Father calls them home. My most important job as their parent is to point them to Him. I pray I did that with Campbell and I pray that I'm doing that with Avery and Stella Grace. 

In this season of life and this week of Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for so many things. I'm thankful for the new life that God gave us this year and I'm thankful for the beautiful life of a little boy that was only here for a short time, but changed me for the better. He taught me about what's important in life and and to never take my eyes off the end purpose in life...to live a life that when I join my Savior and my son in heaven, my Heavenly Father will say, "well done my good and faithful servant."

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:22-26

“God gives you gifts in life.  You get to practice using your gifts throughout different stages, with different people, different circumstances and at difference times, preparing you for what you are truly supposed to do,” reflects Lori Newcomb.  “When I was younger, I was so passionate about being a great mom and making the best of my path in life.  Now I’m on a new journey.”
 
Newcomb is beautiful, elegant and smart.  She exudes warmth and grace, and her genuine care for others is refreshingly contagious. Newcomb grew up on the Ross Barnett Reservoir outside of Jackson, Mississippi.  After graduating from Northwest Ranking High School, she left for the University of Mississippi.  While studying Public Administration and Economics, she often found herself relaxing at her favorite haunt, McAlister’s Deli. 
 
“I was a loyal customer and went in all the time,” she laughs.  “Chris Newcomb and his father had opened McAlister’s.  One day I walked in to grab my signature sandwich, and Chris was working with a young lady in the kitchen.  He looked at her and said, ‘I want to know who that girl is!  I want to take her out.’ She just happened to be my roommate.”
 
Four years later, they became husband and wife and soon welcomed daughters Madison and Blair and son Hayes. Madison, age twenty-two, says, “She really is the best mom; she put all of her energy into raising us.  She helped me with my homework, was always involved with my school and activities and most importantly, was always there to talk.”
 
In 2004, Chris opened his first Newk’s Eatery restaurant.  In the past, Lori worked for the Gap Inc., training employees and opening stores in Dallas.  The restaurant world was a perfect fit.   “Though I have never worked directly with Chris, we both love the entertaining aspect of Newk’s.  I came from the retail world, where you have total care of your clients when they come in.  It is the same in the restaurant world!  We love making sure our clients are happy.” 
 
But in 2013, their world changed.  “Every year for my birthday, I have an annual checkup with my OBGYN.  I knew I wasn’t feeling well for a few months prior, but I kept thinking, ‘I feel better.  I feel better.’ But I never felt well and it got persistently worse.  I was diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer in February at my annual checkup.”
 
Lori loved to exercise, but suddenly found herself in bed, undergoing treatment. Opening her laptop changed everything.  “I came across the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (OCRFA) and noticed a spin event.  I thought that was so cool; it combined my love for spin, raising awareness and finding a cure.”
 
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are blurry at best.  Bloating, lack of energy and a loss of appetite are common.   If ovarian cancer is diagnosed early, the rate of survival is high.  “But with no early detection test, vague symptoms are the only warning signs.

That’s why we started the Newk’s Cares initiative. Our goal is to improve the rate of early diagnosis by funding research and creating greater awareness about the early symptoms of ovarian cancer,” says Lori. 
 
Through Newk’s Cares, Lori started an Ovarian Cycle Ride in Jackson.  In only three years, the high energy event has raised over $500,000, donated to the OCRFA.
 
Newk’s Eatery locations across the south are stocked with educational literature, and their red straws have switched to teal in honor of ovarian cancer awareness.  Lori says, “September is awareness month, and we change out our signature black cups for teal cups.  We also sell water bottles with information on them, and ten cents from every bottle sold is donated to the OCRFA.”
 
The community has beautifully embraced Lori’s fight against this silent killer.  “It has been so rewarding,” smiles Lori.  “We have received personal emails from women thanking us for putting educational literature in the restaurants.  We now know what the symptoms are.  Women are aware, going to the doctor, and finding out what is going on with their bodies.” 
 
Lori remains completely devoted to her adoring family.  “She is one of my best friends and we talk twice a day,” says Madison. “People who meet her never forget her.  I have had so many approach me and tell me she made them feel so loved, even through one simple conversation.”
 
Lori is gracefully humble, yet passionate about her path in life. “I am not the greatest at bringing awareness to cancer, but I think God is helping me be the best communicator I can be.  He has often taken me out of my comfort zone and walked me through some major mistakes in life,” Lori smiles.  “But looking back, it humbled me.  It helped me to be more open minded and hopefully a gentler person.  That is part of sharing my experiences with this illness.  When people are fighting cancer, they need to feel empathy. I am passionate about communicating that it is okay to be you in life through all of your experiences.” 

Thanksgiving is a day of merriment, laughter and love, centered around the comfort of a savory meal.  It is a day to celebrate family, but also the perfect occasion to cherish your closest friendships.
 
We imagined an intimate meal at a gorgeous long table, set with gold tableware, magnolia leaf garland and warmed by the blush of flickering candles.  Guests were greeted by gold pumpkin place settings and handmade blessing bowls before enjoying a delicious, hearty meal by Georgia Blue.  What a Thursday to remember.

Menu:
House Salad: spring mix with juicy pears, praline bacon, applewood smocked cheese & toasted silvered almonds with Jenn's vinaigrette.

The Mardi Gras - fresh Cajun grouper grilled to perfection & served on garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach and diced tomatoes topped with crawfish cream sauce.

Georgia Blue Grilled Chicken - grilled chicken breast with hickory smoked ham, Havarti cheese, Vardaman sweet potatoes & seasonal vegetables.

Stock Yards Angus Bone-in Ribeye - 16-18oz bone-in ribeye served with red skin, masked potatoes & seasonal vegetables.

Vendors:
Venue, Catering & Bar:  Georgia Blue
Photographer:  Mary Moment Photography
Place Settings & Linens:  Fresh Cut Catering & Floral
Guest Favors:  Blessing Bowls by Carrie Case

With the cooler weather and the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, now is a great time to get outside and explore all that Mississippi has to offer!