We are surrounded by reminders of romance and relationships during February. The messages range from cute and cuddly to passionate and steamy. Where do we get our views of sexuality? What impacts those views positively or negatively? And how do those views impact our behavior? ACC therapist, Jane Bailey, and Dr. Joe Verga, Executive Director, share their insights on women and men.


On Women:
Although we read in Genesis 1:27 that God created us in His image as male and female, our view of sexuality begins at home. “All we know is what we see as children,” stated ACC therapist, Jane Bailey. “I’m reminded of the title of a book by Patsy Clairmont—Normal is Just a Setting on Your Dryer. For children, ‘normal’ in every area of life is what they grow up with in their family of origin.” Read More





On Men:
“For better or worse, the most significant influence on a child’s view of his sexuality is his family of origin,” stated Dr. Verga. “For a son, his mother’s attitude toward him not only communicates something about women, but perhaps more importantly, how women perceive or value men. His father communicates his view of his own body, and how women are perceived in the eyes of a man.” Read More

Deadline for reservations Tuesday, March 21, 2006

AN INTERVIEW WITH DAVID THOMPSON

David Thompson led NC State to its first NCAA title.
He was named one of college basketball’s top 5 players of all time.
He was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.
And then substance abuse changed everything….
Thompson moved back to NC in 1988 to begin “the rest of his story.”

What have you been involved in since your return to the Charlotte area?
I was hired by the Charlotte Hornets in 1988. I worked with them coordinating youth activities until they moved to New Orleans. At that time I chose to stay here. My extended family is in NC, my wife worked for Wachovia, and I had become invested in working with young people in the community.

How do your former struggles with substance abuse influence your work with young people?
I’ve been clean for over 17 years now. When I speak to teenagers, I tell them that using drugs will end one of 3 ways: in jail, in an institution, or dead. My hope is that by sharing the result of my poor choices, they will be inspired to make better choices for their futures.

Describe the ministry with which you are currently involved.
Founded in 2003, 2xSalt, is a Christian youth ministry. Mt. 5:13-16 calls us to be the salt of the earth. We run sports camps, a mentoring program, and have our own school for grades K-5 for children from communities with challenging needs.

As you speak around the country, how have you seen your story touch the lives of others?
I believe God took my life from hopeless to hopeful. By sharing my journey, I want to give hope to others to stay away from drugs, to go for treatment if they’re already involved with drugs, to go for counseling to save their marriages. Phil. 4:13 tells us ‘I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.’ We have a strong foundation in our faith; it works if you work it!

Finally, there is a legend that when you were at NC State you were able to jump high enough to pick a quarter off the top of the backboard…
Yes, I could…but I couldn’t leave change!

To learn more about David’s ministry, visit www.2xsalt.org

WHY I SERVE - BEVERLY SHEPARD

Beverly Shepard has been an active member of the Board of Directors for the past 4 years.

“The first time I heard about Associates in Christian Counseling was 10 years ago from my pastor, Dr. Richard Little. My son was in high school at the time and really struggling with some things. Dr. Little suggested that ACC might be a place to find some help,” shared Beverly.

Several years later, Beverly’s sister, Sandra, became a member of the Board. “When it came time for ACC’s annual banquet, my sister asked if I would volunteer. Knowing how I had been blessed by this ministry, I welcomed the opportunity to help. In time, I was asked to serve on the Board myself.”

Beverly feels very strongly about the impact which ACC can have on our community. “People need help,” she stated, “whether it’s with their children, their marriages, or personal issues. They need to know there is a place they can go where they won’t be stereotyped or judged. ACC is a safe place where the love, mercy and grace of God is shown to everyone. I consider it a joy to serve on the Board of this ministry.”

Beverly Shepard is a nursing assistant at Forsyth Memorial Hospital in Winston-Salem.

We are in need of a volunteer to help with a mailing list project. Work can be done at home.

If you are interested, please contact Rick Cole at 896-0065, x 205, or email