By Jessica Breazeale If someone doesn't value your presence, let them feel your absence. You were never meant to be anyone's afterthought. We all know someone who shows up for everyone. They remember the birthdays, answer the late-night calls, and say yes when they're already stretched thin. Sometimes that person is us. Giving is a beautiful thing. But there's a difference between being appreciated and being available. When people only notice you when they need something, or assume you'll always be there, you've stopped being valued and started being used. Why we overstay Most of us don't stay in one-sided situations because we're naive. We stay because we're loyal, hopeful, or afraid of being seen as difficult. We tell ourselves that if we just give a little more, they'll finally see it. But I’ve learned the hard way that appreciation you must beg or fight for isn't appreciation at all. Go through the hurt…it’s very eye-opening. What “gifting your absence” really means It isn't a dramatic exit or a punishment. It's simply choosing to stop over-giving where it isn't received. You stop chasing the invitation, saying yes out of guilt, and shrinking to keep the peace. The Prince of Peace didn’t come to bring peace (Matt 10:34), not the world’s standard, anyway. So, trying to keep peace isn’t keeping the peace at all. It’s a false, short-term feeling that doesn’t last. And here's what often happens: the space you leave becomes noticeable. People realize what you were carrying and what they took for granted. Sometimes they step up. Sometimes they don't. Sometimes they justify their words or actions to self-soothe. Either way, you learn something honest. Where to put your energy instead • Invest in reciprocity. Look for people who show up as often as you do. • Set small boundaries first. Take a day to reply. Say no once without over-explaining. • Trust the quiet. Peace after stepping back is information, not loneliness. The bigger picture? Your time, attention, and care are limited, which is exactly what makes them valuable. Spend them where they're honored. You don't have to announce it or argue your worth. Just let your absence do the talking.

Special to Wesson News The Wesson Cobras will put their undefeated 5-0 record on the line Friday when they host Enterprise of Brookhaven in a Region 7-2A matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Wesson. The Cobras enter the contest following a 34-0 shutout of Lawrence County on Sept. 25. Wesson has been particularly effective defensively through its first five games, allowing just 28 points while scoring 144. The defense has held opponents to an average of 5.6 points per game. Enterprise comes into Friday's matchup with a 4-1 record after a 35-6 victory over West Lincoln. The Yellow Jackets have scored 127 points and allowed 99 through five games. Wesson will look to build on its recent success against Enterprise. The Cobras defeated the Yellow Jackets 48-6 in their 2025 meeting. Wesson also holds a 29-3 advantage in the all-time series, according to Mississippi high school football records. Friday's contest marks the beginning of district play for both teams. With Wesson unbeaten and Enterprise coming off a convincing victory, the matchup will provide an early test for both teams as they pursue their Region 7-2A goals. The Cobras will look to extend their winning streak and maintain their defensive momentum as they begin the district portion of their schedule.

By Guest Columnist Kim Whittington Will this heat ever subside? Is it global warming, or is it because we have become best friends with our air conditioning? I know I have. I have a deep and personal relationship with mine, and, while I’m at it, also my ceiling fan. The air conditioner in my car is so amazing, I often wonder how I have sometimes lived without one. I almost bought a different car one time because it had great A/C. But, I came to my senses and had the one in my car fixed. Who wants to get dolled up and get in a hot car? Not this girl! Seriously though, do school buses have air conditioning? I see buses with the windows down, so I’m guessing they don’t. I remember when I was in elementary school, we had the windows down in the classroom. We had no A/C. There was a girl who lived down the street from the school. The open window was her escape. She snuck out and ran home so many times. If I had been brave like her, I would have too. All that to say, come on fall weather!

Special to Wesson News The Wesson Garden Club (WGC) recently hosted a Lanoux Day Camp for their youth gardeners, the Butterbeans, at the Wesson Library. Allison Ashmore Potts, Lanoux Youth Chairman for the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., educated the children on the planet's limited resources for areas to grow food through an interactive apple dissection activity. Representatives from Mississippi Department of Transportation presented a dramatic demonstration on roll-over accidents and the importance of wearing your seat belt. The WGC says they appreciate the support of Shop and Wash, who provided pizza, and the Wesson Library, who allowed the use of their facilities. WGC is a member of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., and the Natchez Trace District of GCM.

By Charlie Rook The Wesson Cobras continued their perfect start Friday night with a dominant 34-0 victory over Lawrence County. Wesson entered the game 4-0 and had already recorded two shutouts this season. The Cobras added another against Lawrence County, controlling the game and keeping the Cougars off the scoreboard. The win moves Wesson to 5-0 and gives the Cobras back-to-back shutouts after defeating Lumberton 26-0 last week. Wesson has now allowed just 28 points through its first five games. The Cobras have held three of their five opponents scoreless and have allowed more than 14 points in a game just once. Wesson will now begin region play Friday night at home against Enterprise. The Cobras will look to keep their undefeated season going as the most important portion of the schedule begins.

by Misty Strieff Prine “There’s really not a difficult thing unless you decide it’s a difficult thing. Otherwise, it’s just the next thing you’re figuring out.” – Unknown. Things are truly only as difficult as we make them out to be in reality. If we remember to let Jesus take the lead on them, like we are supposed to, we wouldn’t find ourselves in the shape we so often do a lot of times. A little thing often becomes a huge thing because we worry about it and try to handle it on our own and it becomes a literal mountain in our lives that becomes so hard to climb that we can’t even begin to know how to start climbing it. However, if from the moment we felt it becoming an issue, we prayed about it and asked the Lord for help and direction, we could keep it from becoming as such. This would help save us from so much unnecessary anxiety, stress and turmoil in our lives. We just have to do what Jesus tells us to do. We are just so incredibly hardheaded. I’m speaking for myself here too. God gave us specific directions for a reason. If we follow them, we will have monumentally better outcomes. Let’s try harder and we’ll see why it is He knows what’s best for us and REALLY have no idea what is.

A 65-year-old Brookhaven man was arrested Sept. 16 and charged with arson in connection with a fire at a FEMA cottage on Fulton Street. Kimberly Gayten is accused of setting fire to the FEMA cottage on Aug. 28, according to information released by the Mississippi Insurance Department. The investigation began after a man inside the trailer noticed smoke outside. The man reported seeing Gayten running from the area, according to the release. The Brookhaven Police Department arrested Gayten on Sept. 16. The State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted the department with the investigation. The fire caused minor fire and smoke damage to the exterior of the trailer. Investigators have not yet determined the total amount of damage. Evidence collected during the investigation remains under examination by the Mississippi State Crime Laboratory. No additional details about a possible motive or the circumstances surrounding the alleged fire were included in the release. Gayten's arrest is an allegation and does not constitute a finding of guilt. All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB The streak is over. The last time I started a review with that phrase, it was to mean something bad – 2022’s “Lightyear” was the first Pixar movie that I didn’t recommend. This time, it’s something good – Zach Cregger’s new take on “Resident Evil” is the first movie based on a video game that I do recommend. Not surprisingly, the man who directed Amy Madigan to an Oscar last year for “Weapons” brings enough good ideas to the table that I actually found the movie to be worth my time. Perhaps even more impressive is that the film comes from a property that has already failed me on several occasions. This isn’t based on some newer game that nobody has tried adapting before and doesn’t have a history of failure. It’s “Resident Evil,” the zombie horror franchise that had an awful six film run from 2002-2016 and an unsuccessful 2021 reboot. I was perfectly okay with saying that I’d seen more than enough of zombies from the Umbrella Corporation wreak havoc on Raccoon City. But Cregger, no doubt a fan of the games, thought the property deserved one more chance on the big screen, a stubbornness that has paid off. Austin Abrams stars as Bryan, a down-on-his-luck medical courier whose day is already going pretty badly. His girlfriend may be pregnant (unwelcome news to him), nobody at a hospital will sign for a delivery, and there’s a snowstorm outside that his car is not equipped to handle. An opportunity comes along to make a high-priority delivery that pays double. A few lies about his car later and he’s off to make some extra cash and maybe get to play hero once he reaches the destination: Raccoon City General. Bryan’s day goes from bad to worse when he hits a woman who runs out in front of his car. His day goes from worse to worser when a cop pulls him over with the injured, barely-responsive woman in his passenger seat (the movie earns my respect by having Bryan tell the cop the truth, where a lesser movie would have him try to “comically” B.S. his way through the situation). Things go from worser to even worser when the woman is the opposite of grateful for Bryan and the cop’s assistance. Things go from even worser to… I can’t keep doing this, things will keep getting worse for Bryan for the duration of this movie, which will eventually include a city-wide zombie riot. The scariest one does cartwheels. Any time poor Bryan thinks he’s caught a break, there’s some new obstacle to threaten both his life and his ability to make the potentially-lifesaving delivery. He has to survive by keeping his cool and thinking clearly. Just kidding, nine out of ten times he only survives through a series of desperation moves mixed with luck. Since this movie is based on a video game, most of his decisions are the equivalent of mashing all of his brain’s buttons at once and hoping for the best. In fact, the movie is structured very much like a video game, with each new challenge representing a new level and a higher degree of difficulty, even though Bryan probably thinks that he can’t even repeat what he did to get to that point. This version of “Resident Evil” is the first video game movie that I recommend, and it’s not a high recommendation. Bryan has few words in his vocabulary other than F-bombs, he slows down and stops at points where it doesn’t make sense (except for dramatic effect), and even with necessary urgency, the ending feels rushed. Still, this is unprecedented high quality for a video game adaptation, and Cregger’s stock in Hollywood is only going to rise because of it. I don’t see it winning any Oscars, but it doesn’t deserve to get chopped up by an Axeman either. Grade: B- “Resident Evil” is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore and language throughout. Its running time is 95 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

by Jessica Breazeale I heard something recently that I haven't been able to shake. A man said he stopped complaining about the very things he prayed for. Y'all. I had to sit down. Think about it. Remember when you begged God for that job? You promised you'd never take it for granted. You'd show up early and give it your best. Now it's Monday morning, and you're griping about the workload before you've finished your coffee. Remember that house? You drove by it, dreamed about it, and prayed over the paperwork. Now you're standing in the kitchen, mad about the dishes, the dust, and the one light switch that never works right. And the kids. Oh, the kids. Some of us cried real tears asking God for those babies. Now we're hiding in the pantry eating chocolate because somebody has spilled, screamed, or "borrowed" something again. (No? Just me?) I'm not saying the job isn't stressful, or the house doesn't need work, or the kids aren't a lot. They are. Real life is hard, and God isn't offended when we're tired. But there's a difference between being honest about a hard day and living in a constant spirit of complaint. One says, "Lord, I need help." The other says, "Lord, this isn't what I wanted." Except it was what we wanted. It was exactly what we asked for. Paul doesn't sugarcoat it in Philippians 2:14 (NLT): "Do everything without complaining and arguing." Everything. Even the laundry mountain. So what's the bigger picture here? Stop Complaining About Your Answered Prayers Complaining is never really about the dishes or the deadlines. It's a window into what we believe about God. Complaining becomes a habit we can break. We can win the complaint war of our minds. It’s a constant attitude of gratitude. Every time we grumble about something He gave us, we're quietly saying, "I don't think this is enough." Ouch. I know. That one stung when I wrote it. Gratitude isn't just good manners; it's worship. When we thank God for the very thing we once begged Him for, we're saying, "You heard me, You answered, and You're still good." Every chore on your list is proof that a prayer got answered. The workload means you have work. The mess means you have a home. The noise means someone is there to make it. So here's my challenge this week. Catch yourself mid-complaint and flip it. Instead of "I can't believe I have to do this," try "I get to do this." Then thank Him for it, out loud if you have to. Some people are still praying for what you're grumbling about. Let's be the kind of people who remember what we begged for. A prayer for today Lord, forgive me for complaining about the very things I once begged You for. Thank You for the job, the home, and the people You've placed in my life. Give me a grateful heart that sees Your goodness in the everyday. In Jesus' name, amen.

Wesson News Registration is now open for the 55th annual Wesson Flea Market, set for Saturday, October 17. Hosted each year by the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department, the all-day event draws vendors and shoppers from across the South. The market is held on the main street of Wesson from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Returning vendors who want the same booth as a previous flea market can request it with registration, but it is not guaranteed unless registration was completed prior to September 1. New vendors’ booth spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Booths are not being held in reservation after September 1 without payment. Booth area is 10’ by 10’, and booths exceeding that space will be assessed an extra fee or may be required to move to another location. Sidewalks behind booths must remain open and unobstructed. Vendors, who are asked to furnish their own needs of tables, chairs, displays and the like, are encouraged to set up on Friday, October 16, after 6 p.m., entering the setup area from Highway 51 and exiting at the opposite end. Only vehicles with merchandise, tents, etc. will be allowed in the flea market area for setup. Those assisting in setup who are driving/riding in vehicles without merchandise or tents should park and walk to the booth area. During the hours of operation of the market on Saturday, no vehicles will be permitted to enter the flea market along the side streets or to park along Highway 51. Only civic clubs and church groups in the Wesson Trade Area will be allowed to serve food. Registration forms are available by visiting the flea market on Facebook at Facebook.com/WessonFleaMarket. Entry fees should be mailed with information matching the registration. Payment by check or money order is preferred, but PayPal will also be accepted if an email is provided during registration so that an invoice can be sent. PayPal invoices will include service fees. According to the registration form, booth fees are $50 each, or $60 with electricity. Payment should be made to Wesson Fire Department. For more information, call 601-265-1694.

By: L.A. Warren, UMMC Communications Nurse practitioner Barbara Herring talks with patient Fershurn Stanford of Canton at the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute's high-risk breast cancer clinic. The University of Mississippi Medical Center has earned the No. 2 ranking on Forbes' 2026 list of America's Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals, placing Mississippi's only academic medical center among the nation's most highly regarded health care workplaces. UMMC finished second only to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and ahead of hundreds of health care organizations considered for the annual ranking. For Medical Center leaders, the recognition reflects something that can be difficult to capture in numbers because the workforce is united by a sense of purpose in a state where the need for skilled health professionals is particularly great. Dr. LouAnn Woodward "We often say that our most valuable resource is our dedicated workforce, and that is proven daily," said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs. "We routinely receive feedback from patients and families who report having a positive UMMC experience that paired compassionate care with a successful outcome. That's the winning combination and is only possible if we are thoughtful about recruiting and retaining high-quality physicians and care teams." That connection between employees and mission carries particular significance in Mississippi, which continues to face substantial challenges in health outcomes and access to care. Specialized care is on display as Dr. Omar Chohan, associate professor of neurosurgery, implants a neurostimulator device in patient James Canfield in 2025. As the state's only academic medical center, UMMC occupies a unique place in addressing those challenges. Its three-part mission combines patient care, health professions education and research, while its specialized services include Mississippi's only Level I trauma center, Level IV neonatal intensive care unit and organ transplant programs. Leaders say the recognition also highlights the importance of creating an environment in which health professionals are supported as they care for others. UMMC employees have access to a range of benefits and professional opportunities, including health benefits, a state-sponsored retirement program, scholarships and leadership development. Dr. Alan Jones Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for health affairs, said investing in the people who deliver care ultimately strengthens UMMC's ability to fulfill its mission. "A quality and engaged workforce that is willing to do whatever it takes to care for their patients is paramount to reach our goal to improve the health and well-being of all Mississippians," Jones said. "As the only academic medical center and safety net hospital in Mississippi, which is known for its many challenges, we have a hard and critically important job ahead of us. A quality and engaged workforce that is willing to do whatever it takes to care for their patients is paramount to reach our goal to improve the health and well-being of all Mississippians." The Forbes recognition is especially noteworthy because employee opinions played a central role in determining the rankings. Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 30,000 employees of U.S. health care and social services organizations with at least 1,000 workers. Participants were asked whether they would recommend their employer and evaluated their workplaces on factors including wages, working conditions and schedules, career advancement opportunities and safety. Respondents also assessed former employers and other health care organizations they knew through professional or personal experience. Trey Wheeler, left, meets with Dr. Marc Walker at a follow-up appointment following surgery in March. The results were combined with employer-survey data from the previous three years, weighted less heavily, to determine the 250 organizations included on the final list. The Top 5 rankings: 1. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis 2. UMMC 3. St. Luke's University Health Network in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 4. Houston Methodist in Houston 5. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta "We're a patient-first organization and all the leaders speak the same language and align very closely with the teams that roll up to them," said Dr. Lisa Didion, associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs. "Leaders here are visible and present and engaged with the frontline regularly." Dr. Lisa Didion That means the work performed by employees throughout the Medical Center – from physicians, nurses and other health professionals to researchers, educators and support staff – can have an impact far beyond the walls of a hospital or clinic. Didion said employee engagement surveys have shown a workforce that understands that connection. UMMC is home to an "activated group" of employees who find their work meaningful, she said. "That runs deep here," Didion said. "It makes a big difference." UMMC is one of Mississippi's largest employers and encompasses six health science schools, hospitals and clinics in the Jackson metropolitan area and community hospitals in Greenwood, Grenada, Lexington and Madison. Its statewide reach also includes specialty and outreach services. For Didion, UMMC's commitment begins with a straightforward principle: No matter an employee's role or level of seniority, everyone has a stake in taking care of patients.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Forgiveness given to someone who treated you badly is necessary to get over the hurt. Your forgiveness doesn’t do a thing for their emotional health, but it frees you from the prison you are living in. Drinking alcohol is not a necessity for a happy life. Contrary to popular belief, you can learn to handle your anger, anxiety, celebrations, fears, or stress level, without the numbing effect of it. Parents, it really is your responsibility to discipline your children. It is not your neighborhood, or the country’s job. Those kids were given to you, and you are the responsible one, whether you are good or bad at it. Better learn to get good at it. Exercise is a must. Right now, you may be only able to wiggle your fingers daily, but a body needs exercise. God is real and really does allow non-repentant unbelievers to go to a real Hell when they die. Notice the use of the word, “allow.” God doesn’t send you, but He will allow you to make that choice. Police officers are doing their job when they ticket you for ignoring traffic laws. No, they are not targeting you specifically – unless you are consistently breaking traffic laws in their jurisdiction. Then, you are definitely asking for their attention. God really does discipline you for your decisions that go directly against the Bible. Your human rationalizing doesn’t fly with Him. He is consistent. Every time. And if you decide to make bad decisions that He has warned you about, you will be disciplined. When you become an adult, the weak parenting you received in childhood can no longer be blamed for your bad decisions in life. You somehow believe that your parents, or lack of parents, can be forever blamed for your actions as an adult? Better start doing some fast growing up, because that life choice gets you nowhere good. Sex does not make or break a marriage. Sex is not the answer to a successful marriage. Communication when things get sticky and complicated – that is the true answer to having a long and successful run, from the altar all the way to the death of one of the mates. You are not always right. Nor are you always the one in the wrong. Face it, you are human. And you do make mistakes. But so does that other human in your life. Better learn to communicate honestly with that other human. Sure, I am aware that there are many other truths that people don’t appreciate. But these are ten misconceptions that make a huge impact on so many lives. And because those people resent and disagree with these truths, they usually ‘just keep on, keeping on.’ And then they wonder why life can get so difficult at times.