Today is part 2 of our conversation with Ashleigh Nelson and her mom, Debbie Jones, who share their personal journey of their evolving faiths. Ashleigh is Executive Director of the Evolving Faith Conference and Community, whose personal journey of acceptance not only transformed her faith, but her mother's.

Debbie highlights the importance of proximity to 'the other' - a concept that can help us ask better questions and approach our differences with love and care. She openly discusses the fears she had, being raised in a non-LGBTQ affirming faith, and how she was able to let go of her fear.

It's an enlightening discussion that delves into faith, acceptance, and the relationships that shape our identities.

As we wrap up, Ashley gives us a glimpse into the Evolving Faith Conference and Community - a space that invites everyone, regardless of their beliefs, to find acceptance in times of doubt and questioning. This community is a testament to the power of hospitality, belonging, and individual stories that help us understand not only ourselves, but others.

Prepared to be moved by Ashleigh and Debbies's story as we talk about love, acceptance, and understanding, reminding us of the power of empathy in a world filled with differences.

Support the Show.

Do you know someone who would make a great guest for the podcast (that includes you!)? Fill out the guest nomination form on the website here!

Sign up for the email list to get notified when new episodes drop and occasionally some extra content and maybe events in the future!

Find me on Instagram!

Join me in celebrating Pride Month with a heartfelt conversation featuring Ashleigh Nelson and her mother, Debbie. They openly share the story of Ashleigh's journey as a gay woman raised in the evangelical church. Hear the incredible story of how Ashleigh, now the executive director of the Evolving Faith Conference, found love and acceptance from herself, her family, and a faith community, after decades of trying to deny an essential part of who she was.

We also explore Debbie's journey as a mother - from facing her initial struggle with acceptance to becoming a loving and supportive presence in Ashley's life, Debbie's story stands as a testament to the transformative power of love and understanding.

Tune in to our inspiring conversation as we discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals in faith communities and don't forget to join us for part two next week, where we continue our discussion on healing, growth, and finding community.

Support the Show.

Do you know someone who would make a great guest for the podcast (that includes you!)? Fill out the guest nomination form on the website here!

Sign up for the email list to get notified when new episodes drop and occasionally some extra content and maybe events in the future!

Find me on Instagram!

Of the many Southern stereotypes, one that affected me early in life is that Southerners aren't smart. Luckily, I was able to embrace my intelligence by attending the best public high school in Mississippi: the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS). It was there I first felt comfortable embracing my nerdiness and my love for knowledge. I found "my people."

In this episode of Belonging In The South, you’ll get exclusive access to a panel discussion from our last annual alumni weekend. Joining me in this live recording is Ms. Dawn Barham (faculty in music and theater), Dr. Donnie Cook (alumnus and current Executive Director), and Ms. Alana Andrus (alumna, c/o 2018).

We discuss how the school was a crucial part of our personal growth, and what alumni and faculty are doing to give other students the same experience. We also address issues affecting the school, such as a lack of support from the government, misunderstanding with other school districts, and more.

Tune in to learn how MSMS is experimenting with curriculum to teach the next generation in new ways, while simultaneously encouraging independence and authenticity!

Questions answered in this episode:

• [6:00] - Alana, what have you been up to since graduation? How did your sense of belonging change when you became a student at MSMS?
• [9:07] - Dawn, how has being an instructor affected you and your ability to feel like you belong? How do you feel that the school has done with helping students feel like they belong?
• [13:18] - Donnie, how has your experience of belonging been affected by MSMS?
• [17:06] - What do you attribute the school’s culture to?
• [18:23] - Alana, was there a culture shock in leaving MSMS and going into the real world?
• [21:28] - Are you optimistic about the students who are here now, and the kind of the people that have come after us?
• [26:29] Are there things alumni can do to help the culture and the students?
• [32:50] What are your thoughts or ideas on the balance between us grabbing the best and the brightest from Mississippi, and being innovative?
• [39:45] Is there anything we can do to get more support from politicians?
• [43:22] - What is MSMS doing to be a safe space, especially trans and non-binary students?
• [45:43] - What is MSMS doing to support learning the humanities as a STEM-based school?
• [48:00] - How does MSMS change the attitudes of other schools in the state that feel their gifted students are being “stolen?”

Visit the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science website at https://themsms.org/

Learn more about the MSMS Foundation and how you can support the school: https://msmsfoundation.com/alumni/

See more from Belonging In The South: A Guide For Misfits:

https://www.belonginginthesouth.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dr.lauderdale/
http

Support the Show.

Do you know someone who would make a great guest for the podcast (that includes you!)? Fill out the guest nomination form on the website here!

Sign up for the email list to get notified when new episodes drop and occasionally some extra content and maybe events in the future!

Find me on Instagram!