Just Love - Northshore

  • Our bodies are the physical aspect of ourselves that carries us through life and allows us to experience the world through our five senses. Physical health involves maintaining a sound and well-functioning body. It includes factors such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and overall bodily fitness. This area of focus is of particular importance given that every one needs basic bodily needs met before one can focus on their mental and spiritual well-being.

  • Our mind is our thinking mind (both conscious and unconscious) that is responsible for our beliefs, thoughts, and actions. Mental health is about having a balanced and positive state of mind. A healthy mind is characterized by the ability to manage stress, maintain healthy relationships, cope with challenges, and experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Mental health includes self-awareness, emotional regulation, positive thinking, effective problem-solving, and seeking support when needed.

  • Our soul is that intangible part of us that some might refer to as our spirit or essence. The concept of the soul is more subjective and can vary depending on individual beliefs and perspectives. For some, spiritual health involves connecting with a higher power, living in alignment with one's values, and seeking a sense of purpose, meaning, and transcendence. It can include engaging in religious or spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, or contemplation, and exploring existential questions.

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Blue Skies and Cool Air
Blue Skies and Cool Air

There is just something about the beauty of Fall. I know, I know, we finally get a little cooler (if 88 degrees is cooler for you) and here we go wearing our hoodies and coats. I promise in Louisiana you see people wearing coats, hoodies, and skull caps in 60 degree weather! But I digress…Fall is great, even if it is for only a few days or weeks.

Part of the lesson to learn about inhabiting a body that is time bound, is learning how to be in the moment. It is so cliche to say, but being in the moment keeps us grounded. Or as Nick Saban said, “Be where your feet are.” We must learn to embrace all moments of life, even if it is fleeting.

Look at the beauty of the Lakefront on Friday. My kids were out of school and it was my youngest birthday. We felt the gentle breeze from the Lake, heard the beautiful songs of the birds dancing on the Oak branches above us, and we watched the fish jump from the water in search of abundance from God. These moments are worth embracing, because when the difficult moments come I will remember that goodness is around the corner.

Fall may go quicker than it comes, but like many short lived things in life, embrace it and enjoy it. Life is a gift and we time-bound creatures of the Most High are gifted with grace and love.

Zac

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Zac Ritchie, Movement Leader.

Zac is originally from a small town in Northwest Alabama and lived in Louisiana for the past 17 years (Slidell and Mandeville). Zac, who at an early age began to rebel against God and authority,  began in ministry at the age of 16 after a unique experience with God. Zac went on the Charleston, SC to pursue a woman and ended out finding something greater! Zac attended college at Charleston Southern University where he met his future wife, Tiffany. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Psychology. After five years in Charleston, Zac and Tiffany loaded up the truck and moved to Slidell for Seminary. Zac attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and received his Master of Divinity with a concentration in Philosophy and Ethics. After finishing seminary, Zac did a year Chaplaincy (Clinical Pastoral Education) Residency at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, LA and later became a Board-Certified Healthcare Chaplain. After finishing his residency, Zac was hired on with Baptist Community Ministries Chaplaincy Team and was placed at University Medical Center in New Orleans, a Level 1 Trauma Center. After two years at UMC, Zac was called as the Chaplain at St. Tammany Health System in Covington where he spent 8 years as the Head Chaplain. 

 Zac began as Southern Baptist, to Cooperative Baptist, to Alliance of Baptist. In 2014, Zac began attending a PC(USA) church in Covington and later became the Stated Supply Pastor at Madisonville Presbyterian Church in Madisonville, LA for almost 7 years. Zac believes that each denomination brings something unique to the table. He tries to embody ecumenicalism as he works with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Zac's wife, Tiffany, is a Special Education Teacher at Abita Middle School in Abita Springs, LA. They have three boys (Ezra, 15; Levi, 10; and Soren, 4). 

"As a chaplain and pastor in this area for the last decade, I've had the privilege of being able to be with people in their most trying times. When we face trauma, it is necessary for someone to "be there". Our ministries must understand that Trauma Informed Care is needed in our communities that are suffering from a myriad of issues. At Just Love, we believe that if we love as Jesus has taught us to love, we can change our world. It will take time, but patience is part of the process of being a Christian. If we remember why we are here and who is behind us; nothing is impossible!"

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