Special to Wesson News Tent vendor fees spark discussion at Aldermen meeting. Do vendors in tents at town events, who pay almost nothing to sell food and products, compete unfairly with brick and mortar businesses? A question about the fee vendors at the Chamber of Commerce Taco Tuesdays are paying – or not paying -- sparked an intense, but polite discussion about the issue among Wesson Aldermen, Teri Bath, the Chamber president, and other townspeople at the May Aldermen meeting. Although the Aldermen had approved Taco Tuesdays, with vendors paying the town $25 each, it was discovered the fee was not being collected. For Alderman Ashley, a local businessman, it seemed he was paying thousands of dollars for business licenses, permits and other fees while the vendors were competing unfairly. Others argued that Taco Tuesday vendors brought people to town who patronized established local businesses, and the vendors were, in fact, fledgling businesses that could grow into brick and mortar commercial enterprises and boost the local economy. The discussion ended with an agreement on the need to enforce the $25 vendor fee, and Mayor Shaw promising to come back to a future meeting with a comprehensive recommendation considering other licensing and permit requirements for the Taco Tuesday vendors. “It was a productive discussion in which folk agreed to disagree with a conclusion that did not involve people with different opinions becoming enemies – something that is all too common today,” Mayor Shaw affirmed. At the meeting, Aldermen also: Received the resignation of Officer Rashaun Tillman through Police Chief Chad O’Quinn. Previously, the Aldermen at their April had hired two new part-time officers – Aaron Love and Clint Earl – to replace the full-time Rashaun in money-saving action recommended by O’Quinn. Approved travel of Alderman and town officials to the annual Mississippi Municipal League conference June 21-July 1 in Biloxi and Town Clerk Angela Hester to the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) at Reno, Nevada, May 14-22. Hester’s travel to Nevada prompted a question about how it would be funded, and she explained the an IIMC scholarship covered her conference registration and hotel expenses and she will pay for her air fare. In the process, she pointed out she will bring back important learnings to her job. A question about replacing old water meters at a trailer park prompted Mayor Shaw to observe the town is maintaining budget discipline in the face of “rising costs in many areas.” In the case of the trailer park meters, two master meters will all the individual meters instead of replacements, which require very expensive related software to function. He also pointed to the Police Department’s decision not to replace Tillman with another full-time officer.

By: Misty Strieff Prine “THE KEY IS THIS. Meet today’s problems with today’s strength. Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for today.” – Unknown. Wow! I’ve never thought of it this way but what an amazing way to look at it. We’ve all heard of taking one day at a time because, not only do we not know what tomorrow holds yet, but not one of us are promised it. Here, it reminds us to meet today’s problems with TODAY’s strength. Why? Because we haven’t gotten tomorrow’s strength yet. That is so profound to me! But, oh, how true it is! We haven’t received our strength for tomorrow because God hasn’t given it to us yet because HE is the one that grants us tomorrow if He wills for us to see it. So that’s why it’s so important for us to remember at the peak of a high anxiety situation that we need to focus on making it through that day, not worrying about the next day yet. Why? Because the current day clearly has enough trouble of its own. God’s word tells clearly in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” This is one of my favorite verses of all time. It reminds me to slow down, breathe and not worry about things that are yet to come because those are the “uncontrollables” in life. God is already in the tomorrows but today is what we are facing in the moment. It may be stressing us out, but God is right there beside us, holding our hand through it. He knew that each day was going to have its fair share of troubles, and we were going to need HIS strength to get through it. That’s why in HIS word; He told us to not factor tomorrow’s worries into it. They didn’t need to be added to the tally yet. Remember, God is our refuge and our strength each day. Focus on the day at hand, not the day that’s not even here yet.

Special to Wesson News : Lions Club members (left to right) Daryl and Stephanie Alsbury, Suzanne and Randy Davis, Larry Williams, Bob Arnold and Bobby Thornton celebrated receiving Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award. Wesson Chamber of Commerce celebrated the movers and shakers of the town last month at its 2026 awards banquet. The Chamber brought local leaders to the podium at the Co-Lin Thames Center and presented awards to businesses that helped drive the economy last year, a service organization for its charitable activities, and individuals who contributed to the life and culture of Wesson. Chamber member Dixie Thornton presents Citizen of the Year award plaque to Sharon Langley. Sharon Langley was honored as Citizen of the Year and Larry Williams, President of Wesson Lions Club, accepted the Community Service Award on behalf of his organization. Also receiving awards were: Brad Turner for BW Turner Construction, named New Business of the Year; Nekitha Jackson for Destiny Delights, the Business of the Year recipient; Penny Martin from Wesson Attendance Center, who received the Educator of the Year award; Landon Beasley, Fireman of the Year; Sergeant Rick Bynam and Officer Brandon O’Quinn, who shared the Policeman of the Year award. Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson and Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw at Wesson Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. An array of speakers shared their perspectives on the Wesson community and making life better for Mississippians. Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw, who has needed to care for his mother since she suffered a stroke, said he has increasingly come to appreciate how citizens of the town step up to the plate and provide leadership when he is distracted by family responsibilities. “I particularly thank the people in this room for that,” he said. District 92 State Representative Becky Curry, who endorsed Gipson for Governor introducing him, pointed to achievements of the recent state legislative session, which, she said, was “perhaps one of the most contentious”: Protecting local public schools from legislation that would have consolidated school districts and “choice” that would have reduced their funding, while making the state school system less accountable. Creating a foundation for more legislative work in support of independent pharmacies. Jackie Martin, Vice President of the Co-Lin Wesson campus, declared the local community college “number one for student success in the state,” reflected in graduation rates. She pointed to the $18 million grant the college received from FEMA for a safe house, student housing renovations, success of athletic teams and growth of funds managed by the Co-Lin Foundation. Wesson Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) Chief Ken Carraway and Police Department Chief Char O’Quinn reflected on the service of their departments. Carraway said WVFD answers four to five calls per week for some kind of emergency assistance with volunteers who love serving. O’Quinn said his police officers are just human beings “who step into people’s worst moments” and make sacrifices. Chamber President Teri Bath thanked the organization’s board members for their service: Gerri Lynne Porter, Nekitha Jackson, Janet Currie, Pam Stamps, Kristy Carney, Misty Sandifr, Michelle Chambers and Stanley Martin. She also cited Copiah Bank, Copiah Medical Center, Trustmark Bank and Taylor Legacy HVAC for sponsoring the awards banquet and noted table sponsors Bobby Thornton, Brad Turner Construction, Copiah Bank, Copiah County Medical Center, Co-Lin Foundation, Destiny’s Delights, Janet Currie, Johnny Smith, Pam Stamps, Salmon Point Development, Taylors Legacy HVAC, Town of Wesson, Trustmark Bank, Wesson Attendance Center, Wesson Police Department and Wesson Fire Department.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB I had never seen 2006’s “The Devil Wears Prada” until a few weeks ago when I watched it in preparation for the sequel. I didn’t care for it, mainly due to the off-putting character of Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). I knew going in that the fashion magazine editor’s dialogue was filled with verbal put-downs that were supposedly eccentrically charming, but I mostly just found unfunny, unprofessional, and rude. Such constant negative energy from a person that I didn’t see bringing enough positives to the workplace to balance it out. The Miranda character was written to spend more time making demands and throwing shade than acting like she belonged in a position to be so demanding. There was basically only one scene (and granted, it’s arguably her most famous scene) where she came off as someone who had truly mastered the ins and outs of the fashion and editorial industries, and the rest of the time I saw little more than a spoiled child. The main character, Miranda’s second assistant Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), and her supervisor, first assistant Emily (Emily Blunt) had their off-putting qualities as well, but at least their misery at working for Miranda was understandable and relatable. Okay, enough ranting against a movie from 20 years ago. The new film opens with Andy and Miranda, having gone their separate ways at the end of the first movie, both in trouble. Andy has just been fired from her job as a news journalist and Miranda is in hot water over her association with an unscrupulous label. The mutual solution is that Andy will go to work as a features editor for Miranda’s magazine, trying to restore the maven’s reputation. Miranda has some of her trademark resentment toward Andy for not being her choice to hire, and of course Andy has some resentment toward Miranda for being a bully. It’s not all bad for Andy. Her stories get some of the best reviews of her career, and she’s able to reconnect with old friends like mentor and fashion editor Nigel (Stanley Tucci). Even Emily is back in the picture, in a high position with magazine ally Chanel, thanks largely to influence from her rich boyfriend, tech-bro Benji (Justin Theroux). But at the end of the day, Andy’s life is still a nightmare because Miranda is still Miranda. Or is she? She’s as condescending as ever, she hasn’t let up on that. But this movie is more eager to show a side to her that isn’t “just” condescending. She leads the magazine through a series of crises, from accusations of human rights violations (real ones in overseas factories, not her being snippy in the office), to worries of the brand’s future under its new, not-fashion-conscious owner (B.J. Novak), to having to make sure that humans still have a voice in the fashion industry under the looming threat of A.I. She even proves to be a laudable journalist, earning compliments from a rich divorcee (Lucy Liu) who thanks Miranda for focusing an exclusive interview on her and not her notorious ex-husband. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” shows Miranda doing the work of someone at the top better than the first movie, where the character seemed to take unfair advantage of simply “being” at the top. The whole movie is better for it. Okay, maybe not the “whole” movie. Andy’s romantic subplot with a contractor (Patrick Brammall) is a slog and it’s annoying to see her fall back into her old habit of craving validation and needing another stop-feeling-sorry-for-yourself pep talk from Nigel, which is basically a cut-and-paste from the first movie. Still, there’s plenty to like here, from a fairer share of funny lines to a grander celebration of all things fashionable and luxurious, if that’s your thing. But it’s the more-detailed development of the character of Miranda Priestly that I think is worth celebrating. Grade: B- “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is rated PG-13 for strong language and some suggestive references. Its running time is 119 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Special to Wesson News Local Realtor Sherry R. Davis has been named a Leading Edge Society Award winner Davis, of Wesson, is a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) team member. She is also a retired school teacher working on her second career, now in real estate. This Leading Edge Society award recognizes top-performing agents for their sales achievements within the BHHS network. Davis ranked among the top agents based on her 2025 sales numbers. She has been a realtor for over 20 years and is based in Wesson. She serves clients in Copiah and Lincoln counties. “I’m so grateful for my clients and this amazing community,” Davis said. “My favorite thing about my job is networking with my work family and making people happy.” Davis also won this award last year. “This tells me I’ve fulfilled a lot of dreams for my beautiful clients and for myself,” she said. For more information, visit Sherry R. Davis, Realtor’s Facebook page, for buying or selling questions.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com The office was in its usual Monday morning subdued chaos, nothing new about the muffled exclamations, one-on-one conversations, and general hubbub. But still, there was a decidedly different element in the air. The reason? The new chief-of-staff was beginning his first day in the office, and everyone was feeling slightly jittery with quite a few unanswered questions about him. Micromanager or Mr. Can’t Be Bothered? Looks the other way or will examine everyone’s time card himself? Will he want to be one of us, or just talk to us as simply underlings? If he even notices us. A few were confident that he would be easy to work for, because after all, “He is from down South, and we all know how laid back and friendly those Southerners are!” But there were also some who had heard rumors to the contrary, that the new Big Boss expected things to be done as of yesterday, and they had better be in perfect order. Others wisely were voicing no expectations, content to keep their head down with computers clicking until they actually could see the lay of the land. One or two less-than-brave souls silently contemplated hiding under their desks, updating their resumes, just in case. The first few hours rolled by, and nothing was heard from inside the glassed-in walls of the supervisor’s office. No one was called into that private sanctum, and no inner-office memos appeared on their computer screens from the new supervisor. More than a few anxious glances were thrown toward the man’s closed door, but otherwise they finally began to settle down and attempt to throw together a semblance of a normal Monday morning’s work. Then it happened. No one had seen the new chief of staff squeeze his head with both hands in total frustration. No one knew when he abruptly shoved his office chair away from his desk and agitatedly leaped to his feet. And his office assistant was certainly not prepared when he stomped to her office and threw the door open so violently that it thudded against the wall. As her head jerked up in surprise, she heard his angry bellow as it filled the room, “The durn thang just won’t cooperate!” Finding her voice, she anxiously asked, “Wha—wh- what thing won’t cooperate, sir?” “That !&(@^% stupid computer! I can’t get it to do anything that I need done!” Following into his office as she listened to his complaints, she quickly realized the problem. Her new boss was a Windows man, and the entire company ran Macs. So which would be correctly identified as ‘uncooperative’ – Mr. Mac or Mr. Chief of Staff? Who was going to have to swallow his irritation and pride, and concede to the other’s insistence that the job be done only their way? Mr. Mac just stood his ground – no change necessary, or even capable, on his part. Sometimes you just have to own up to the problem being totally yours, and be the one who has to learn to cooperate. Or fight it out until one of you yells, “UNCLE!” Guess who that will be.

Special to Wesson News Chris McSweyn, the long-time chef at Wesson’s once world-renown Porches Restaurant before taking over as Executive Chef for Co-Lin’s Aladdin Campus Dining, shared his cooking secrets with more than 20 Institute for Learning in Retirement members seeking to improve their culinary skills in a special workshop at the college’s Thames Center last month. At the workshop, McSweyn shared start-from-scratch recipes for water melon and chicken salads, turkey cranberry sliders, red wine vinaigrette and chocolate chess pie, showed class participants how to prepare them from fresh ingredients, cooked and served the food to them in the tradition of his grandmother and shared thoughts on how to make the dishes extra special. McSweyn, who grew up in a cooking family and still recalls his grandmother’s tutoring, engaged in conversation with his ILR students throughout the workshop, revealing his own secrets as they tested their knowledge and understanding with him. Among his secrets: An increasingly popular all-purpose seasoning mix. Originated in San Francisco, Everything Bagel includes a mixture of seasonings that enhance food flavor – garlic, onion, poppy seed, sesame seed and more. You can’t go wrong! Rag it instead of brushing it. When the recipe calls for brushing something, McSweyn dips a rag in the butter or sauce and heavily mops the food he is cooking. More is better! Copiah tomatoes. Copiah County, Mississippi, soil produces the best tomatoes in the world. Alone sliced, part of a salad or stuffed with chicken or tuna salad, they make a big difference. How to salt & pepper to taste. Salt is salt is salt when it comes to taste. When seasoning, pay attention to the size of the salt you are using. Size determines saltiness. When it comes to peppers, kind makes the difference. Red pepper is hot. Green pepper is mild. Black pepper is somewhere in between. Brining fish, poultry and other meats and blanching fruits and vegetables. Brining before starting to cook meats moisturizes and tenderizes them, enhances their flavor and reduces their cooking times. A simple brine is a mixture water and salt, but brines may include sugar, spices and other seasoning mixed with broths, buttermilk and juices as well as water. Usually, meats are refrigerated in a brine overnight. Blanching – immersing a vegetable or fruit in boiling water for two minutes to cook rapidly and then abruptly stopping the cooking with an ice bath -- preserves the flavor, color, texture and nutritional value of vegetables and fruits like cauliflower, green beans and tomatoes. Hand-mixing. While mixers are better for speed, large batches, and high-fat doughs, hand-mixing is preferred for developing a deeper understanding of your mix, particularly for breads, pastas, and pastries. You can feel the exact moment the mixture changes, ensuring it is properly hydrated, smooth, and not over-worked. You prevent crushing or over-compressing items that a machine might damage. You have better control and greater precision for small batches or specific recipes. Allows for immediate cleaning and avoids dirtying extra appliances. TURKEY SLIDERS Yield: 12 sliders. Prep Time: 5 minutes. Cook Time: 18 minutes. Total Time. 23 minutes Hawaiian roll turkey sliders use holiday leftovers. With turkey, cranberry sauce and Swiss cheese in a roll baked to perfection with a butter drizzle, they are tasty follow-up to holiday feasts. Ingredients 1 package of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, 12 count. 3 cups of cooked turkey, diced, sliced or pulled. 1 cup of cranberry sauce (you can use a simple cranberry BBQ sauce as an alternative). 6 slices of Swiss cheese. For the butter drizzle: 4 tablespoons of melted butter. 1 teaspoon of yellow or Dijon mustard. ½ teaspoon garlic powder. 1/8 teaspoon salt. ½ teaspoon poppy seeds (optional). Directions 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick foil or use cooking spray on surface. 2. Separate top and bottom portions of Hawaiian Rolls and place bottom half of the rolls into the baking dish. 3. Layer with turkey, cranberry sauce and cheese and place top of the rolls on top of the layers of ingredients. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, mustard, garlic powder, salt and poppy seeds. 5. Pour butter mixture over the top of rolls and use a brush or spoon to spread the butter and spices evenly over the top. 6. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. 7. Remove foil and bake three more minutes uncovered 8. Serve immediately. Ingredients for cranberry BBQ sauce 2/3 cup of cranberry sauce. 1/3 cup of ketchup. ¼ cup of brown sugar. 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. Directions: Add ingredients to a small saucepan. Place over medium heat until it begins to bubble, stirring constantly. Spoon over top of turkey layers before baking.

Special to Wesson News Wesson High School will graduate 72 seniors this month with the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Brendon Duiguid STAR Student Among the graduates are four Wesson Attendance Hall of Fame inductees: Tate Brister, Macy Loy, Ty Turner and Mary Margaret Woods. The 2026 Star Student from the Class of 2026 is Brendon Duguid. The 2026 Star Teacher is Heather McKenzie. The 72 graduating seniors are: Tate Brister- Hall of Fame Brayden David Allen, Jackson Stephen Barlow, Jaxon Valor Barlow, Allie Elizabeth Beeson, Jamera Tyonna Jenise Black, Blair Mitchell Boyd, Trinity Rain Breland, Celeen Aleese Brice, Charles Tate Brister, Micah Van Britt, William Gavin Greene Brock, Brandon Parker Brooks, Ke’mari Jaquan Brown, Kievon Ashad Brown, DaKiyah Kristian Butler, Abigail Marina Cameron, Walynn Richard Cline, Brooke LouAnne Coleman, Kayleigh Rayne Cook, Rowan Spencer Crapps, Conner Miles Davis, Natalya Maia Dickerson, Brianna Keshundra Dixon, Brendon Robert Duguid, Wallace Douglas Dunn. Macy Loy - Hall of Fame Jer’Keivsha Lasha Edwards, Jenny Joana Flores Delacruze, Michael Lee Guess, Maria McKenzie Hall, Tyrell, Montre’z Harris, Jamirah Dameal Harvey, Melvin Hernandez, Noah Nelson Marion Howell, Stephen Garet Hundhausen, Alan Caroline Hux, John-Brayden James, Jakyiah Telia Johns, Gracey Victoria Lopez, Willow Margaret Love, Macy Rebecca Loy, Mar’Shunti Quintayvea Martin, Tripp Radford Martin, Katherine Blair Mathis, Karter Brent Lee McLemore, Madison Victoria Morris, Ruston Dayne Newman, Ashtyn Lee Nieburg, Katherine Rae Norwood, Rylan Kesley Oswalt, John Patrick Parsons, Lexi Grace Prestridge. Ty Turner- Hall of Fame Mary Margaret Woods- Hall of Fame William Nick Raiford, Sullivan McKenzie Roberts, Kylie Morgan Rorie, Gustavo Ruiz-Garcia, Dakota Rose Rushing, Samuel Cade Scopel, Karley Grace Shannon, Warren Channell Shelton, Joseph Thomas Shumaker, Baylor Lane Smith, Connor Wyatt Smith, Isaac Conner Stovall, Ty Rustyn Turner, Aider Keith Wallace, Akierah Denari Wallace, Sydnee Layne Westrope, Whitney Paige Westrope, Caeden Blake Williams, Jack Henry Wilson and Mary Margaret Woods.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is providing free Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccinations and birth certificates to residents impacted during last week's tornadoes in Lincoln, Lamar and Franklin counties. The American Red Cross will also be providing resources. Residents and first responders ages 19 and older in the impacted area can receive the Tdap vaccine at no cost, regardless of insurance status, by visiting the MSDH mobile unit in the parking lot at the address below: Lincoln County Safe Room 1154 Beltline Drive Brookhaven, MS 39601 Wednesday, May 13, 8a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. You can also visit any county health department (CHD) in the disaster-affected area. A Tdap booster is recommended for all adults over age 18 impacted by tornadoes if it's been 10 years or more since your last Tdap vaccination. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. Children 18 and younger needing the vaccine should visit their CHD or primary care provider. For more tips on staying safe after a storm, visit https://msdh.ms.gov/afterstorm Get up to date news and updates at: www.msdh.ms.gov. and on social media: facebook.com/HealthyMS, twitter.com/msdh and Instagram.com/healthy.ms Download the new MSDH Healthy App for free in Apple and Android stores.

By Jessica Breazeale Is your fence meant to keep people in or keep people out? I guess it’s normal to want to feel safe and secure, so putting up a fence isn’t too crazy, by any means. Have you ever been too trusting, maybe because you have such a big heart, and discernment isn’t your spiritual gift, and you had to learn the hard way? Maybe some form of protection is not the worst idea, but at what cost does that protection come? Do we miss out on potential relationships that are real and last a lifetime? Do we miss out on conversations that God ordains? It’s natural to jump to defense when we’ve been hurt by establishing offense. I’ve done that. I’ve said things like: “Lesson learned, that won’t happen to me again.” “Lesson learned, you can’t trust everybody.” “Lesson learned, only help those who appreciate it.” And, where my flesh wants to debate that notion constantly, my eternal spiritual self knows everything needs moderation—a holy balance. As I picture this image in my mind right now of installing a fence on my property, all I can help but think of is that it would make an epic balancing beam! I could do dance moves on top of it. It would be a jungle gym playground. Yes, I might get hurt, but if I don’t have fun on that fence, I’ll never know. That’s the inner child that will always be in me, that sees something different than other people. Maybe your fence is purely decorative; you just wanted a fence that looked good. Maybe your fence is a façade; you want everyone to think there’s more security than there actually is, but it’s just enough to fake the predators. Maybe your fence is in bad shape. Looks like it’s seen better days and is not really working anymore. It’s giving off the wrong vibe. Maybe you didn’t even know there was a fence on your property—when you discover one, you brainstorm: leave it up or take it down? Is this message subliminal enough for you? Yes, it’s a metaphor. In what ways does it speak to you? Are you like Desperado? Have you been out riding fences for too long? Are you gonna make like Garth Brooks and have “No Fences”. That was just a good album, right? I don’t know much, but I know this: fences are costly in time, money, and constant repairs. Install or don’t install—choose so wisely. And I think, after all, this is what we all wrestle with: that balance. I love the depth of this image because it reminds me that even as we guard ourselves, we also need to stay open. And just like a fence, we can choose when to let ourselves dance on top of it—free, but mindful. Install or don’t install—choose so wisely. Downloadable version

Caylie Britt, a junior at Wesson Attendance Center (WAC), is the 2026-2027 Wesson Founder’s Day Queen. The daughter of Hillry and Misty Britt of Wesson, the new Queen says she aspired to the role because “I am proud to be a part of the community.” She says grew up in Wesson and always enjoyed the events that brought the town together and believes “I would be a positive representative for the town.” At WAC, Britt has been a member of the Beta Club, yearbook staff and Educators Rising. She is an honor student, achieved the highest average in education preparation I, and was recognized for outstanding achievement in child development, contemporary health and education preparation. Britt has played Lady Cobra volleyball for four years. Her favorite class is entrepreneurship because she is very interested in business and has launched her own boutique this year. She has enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School, GA activities and participating in D-Now with her church youth group at Sylvarena Baptist Church, where she is a member. Britt plans to attend Co-Lin and pursue a degree in business administration focusing on entrepreneurship.

By Misty Strieff Prine Last week, we had some terrible weather that came through a neighboring county to us, Lincoln County, and it was just horrible. It made me really realize how scary a storm can be and how it can bring about such a fear of the unknown, especially at nighttime, in the darkness. I also so the outpouring of community as all the First Responders from Copiah County and beyond caravanned down to Lincoln County, my husband being one of them, and worked endlessly through the night, to help rescue people and clear paths, only to go back the next day to continue the efforts. Volunteers and communities are such a blessing to see jump into action to help their brothers and sisters in need and may God bless them for their willingness to serve so selflessly. Please continue to pray for all involved as they continue to recover from this. I’m reminded of when not only a thunderstorm comes like this in our area but when the storms of life blow into our lives unexpectedly – financial woes, physical strains, emotional distress, relationship issues, etc., how our faith in Jesus will carry us through. He will always make a way for us to weather the storm. We just have to keep our eyes on Him. I’m reminded of the passage of scripture in Matthew 14:22-33 which says, “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”