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When Your Dreams Run into Crisis

/ General, MyBPC / By

| Written By: Braden Stewart

The great Olympian Jesse Owens once stated, “We all have dreams, but to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” I believe all humans dream. Most dream for fame, fortune, family, or a better future. But what happens when reality puts a halt to that future that we once held onto?

This is what many seniors in college are facing in a world of uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic. Time has been cut short, opportunities limited, and most can’t even leave their houses to do more than essential errands. As a senior, I am blessed to have a funded, faithful family to go back to. I realize many left disrupted with little or nothing to go back to. What does one do now while the world waits to return to normal post-coronavirus? Where should our hope lie in these uncertain times?

The simple answer is to keep dreaming. Take advantage of the blessings we do have. I may not have the ability to make the coronavirus go away, but what I can do is graduate, work, and live to the best of my ability. I can work hard to pursue the future as if it is going to happen uninterrupted until otherwise proven, for this world will return to a state of normal eventually.

The deeper answer is to trust in God. The question that many ask during such a crisis is “did God cause this to happen?” I do not believe that God causes evil, but I do believe that God will allow bad things to happen for God’s will to be done. I do not understand what God is up to, but I do know that God is in control.

Paul tells Christians in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Warren Wiersbe, in his Romans commentary, states, “The believer (Christian) never need faint in times of suffering and trial because he knows that God is at work in the world and that He has a perfect plan. God has two purposes in that plan: our good and His glory.”

God doesn’t guarantee that our future will be exactly like we want it. God states in Matthew 5 that suffering is inevitable in this life. However, God is for us, in control, has given eternal life to mankind, and promises glory with Christ after this life.

In John 11:33, Jesus mourned when He saw the suffering in this world that was caused by disease. Jesus also died to offer hope to those with disease. This is the hope that can keep us going – to keep us pursuing our dreams during this tough time. Know that God is in control, He will not let mankind suffer without cause, He will bring about good for those that follow Him through the suffering, and He has given hope beyond this world through the eternal life offered in Jesus Christ’s death on a cross.

John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This is the hope seniors can turn to in this crisis. This is the hope in which I live, and I hope you will too.

 

Braden Stewart is a senior Christian studies major from Nashville, GA. He loves to play Spikeball, guitar, and chess. He is looking at going to seminary in the fall to pursue his masters degree and hopes to continue in children’s ministry too.

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Joanna Phillips-Mock

Student Enrichment Director

Joanna Phillips-Mock is a proud third generation Baron, both as a student and a staff member.

Beginning her teaching career in Middle Georgia in 1995, Mrs. Mock worked with a state funded program that served some of the most disadvantaged special needs students within the local school districts. She ultimately moved into leadership positions within the organization, serving and training others in multiple initiatives. She enjoys working with students of all ages to recognize and to achieve their greatest potential.

Mrs. Mock holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brewton-Parker College, a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Behavior Disorders, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Georgia College and State University. She resides in Ailey, Georgia, with her husband Don, their son Tye Lewis, her mother Carol Joyce, and multiple fur babies. She enjoys traveling, gardening, camping, and attending concerts.

Candace Lilford

Profeessional Tutor

Candace Lilford graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Generalism in 2021 from Anderson University and with her master’s degree in English Literature in 2023 from the University of Alabama. She presently serves as Professional Tutor for the Student Enrichment Center while also teaching sections of ENG 101 and 102. 

As part of her two-year master's program, Ms. Lilford taught sections of ENG 101 and 102, while also serving as teaching assistant for British Literature Survey courses and volunteering in the university’s Writing Center. Ms Lilford has also presented papers at the Hudson Strode Conference and the South Eastern Christian and Literature Conference as well as working on various theatrical productions.

Born in North Carolina of South African descent, Ms. Lilford has lived in Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, and Trinidad before settling in Mount Vernon with her family in 2016, where she attended Brewton-Parker College as a dual enrollment student. She presently resides in Mount Vernon with her family and spends her free time watching old TV shows.

Linda Armstrong

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Linda Armstrong earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Southeastern Technical College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University. Throughout her career, Linda has worked with diverse populations, including at-risk youth and families and youth in crisis because of mental health and other issues. Her empathetic nature has made her an effective advocate for those in need. In addition to her professional work, Linda is also is committed to volunteerism. She has dedicated countless hours as a youth mentor, and to teaching about her faith at various Christian organizations. She believes in the power of positivity and its ability to transform not only her life but also the lives of others.

"If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you will look forward, do so prayerfully. But the wisest course would be to be present in the present gratefully." ~ Maya Angelou

Willie Ford

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Greetings, Baron Nation!

It's truly a joy to be back in a place that has shaped me so profoundly. I'm Willie Ford, a proud 2022 graduate of historic Brewton-Parker College, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education. Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey in education, teaching Special Education within the Vidalia City School District. In addition to my role as an educator, I had the privilege of serving as the Unit Director at the J.D. Rabun Boys and Girls Club. All the while, I was honored to pastor at the esteemed New Hope Baptist Church of Rhine, Georgia. With God's grace, I managed these responsibilities, and now, I'm thrilled and ready to contribute to the welfare of our students, aiming to inspire through service.

Dusty Arnold

Mental Health Counselor

Dusty Arnold  is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a BPC alumnus. He has years of experience working with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, grief, and challenges related to Autism. He specializes in behavior-related interventions that can help college students build on their strengths to set achievable goals while also learning how to deal with the thoughts and feelings that sometimes get in the way. He incorporates Biblical values and evidence-based treatments to meet students wherever they happen to be on their journey to spiritual and psychological health. 

Carl Anthony "Tony" Wardlaw

Assistant Student Enrichment Director & Student Success Coach

Carl Anthony “Tony” Wardlaw – For over 25 years, Dr. Wardlaw has worked in leadership, counseling, and pastoring. Beginning with working in middle management for a manufacturing company in Douglas, GA, Dr. Wardlaw has also worked in the academic, nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Additionally, he served over 7 years in the United States Military as a Military Intelligence Officer before resigning his commission as a Captain in the Army.

Currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Student Enrichment Center, Student Success Coach, and Adjunct Faculty at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, GA, he also serves as the Pastor of The Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Dublin, GA.

As a member of the renowned International Gospel Singing Group, The Wardlaw Brothers, Dr. Wardlaw has traveled all over the nation and abroad ministering and singing the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Dr. Wardlaw has served as a consultant for various agencies and has worked as a Fatherhood Coordinator and G.E.D. instructor within the Technical College System of Georgia and participates in local and national civic and philanthropic work.

Dr. Wardlaw holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business from the University of Georgia, two master's degrees from Troy University (Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Psychology and Master of Education in Counseling), and a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Wardlaw is a Lifetime Silver Member of The NAACP and a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is happily married to the former Mrs. Stephanie Scott. They have 3 Children; Chambria, Marc, and Carleigh.

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