Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com You know you stepped in it. Big time. Didn’t really mean to do it, but it happened. Now your spouse is hurt and angry. And they are not really waiting breathlessly to hear your apology – they’re way past that. Seeing you hanging by your bleeding ears from a dead tree in the middle of the Sahara Desert more likely fits their emotional need at this point. The last things you need to do at this point is to rush into your “I am sorry. I really am. I’ll try not to ever do, or say, or behave that way again.” Whatever fits at the time. Your hurting spouse is likely to feel like spitting your words into a nearby old filthy tin can as soon as they fall from your lips. Because quick apologies, with no real thought or self-realization behind them, feel worthless and self-serving to the one you hurt. Those kinds of apologies can likely be taken by your spouse as just an escape, a rapid way for you to deescalate the dangerous situation you feel is barreling your way. And too often can result in the same old action on your part happening again. Simply because you didn’t take time to feel and think. Do your relationship a huge favor. Stop and think. Put yourself in your spouse’s shoes. Let yourself realize how your actions or words could have been taken by the one on the receiving end. Deliberately let yourself feel the likely pain that you have inadvertently – or deliberately – caused. Of course, that’s not easy. You said what you said, because at the time, you meant every word. You spewed exactly what you were feeling, and there is no way you now want to take the time to see and feel the viewpoint of the other person. Totally human and natural way to approach a quarrel. We always see ourselves as holding the high ground and our spouse as wallowing around somewhere slightly below our lofty position. Basically, our unsaid position is this:  “You caused me to cause this problem between us. If you had not done so-and-so, or said what you did, I would not have reacted the way I did.” Yep, a totally human and natural way. Of damaging your relationship. Is it worth it? Is holding your defenses shining high and dry on the battle field, so that you don’t have to feel the sting of remorse – is it really worth the long-term damage to what you should hold dear? Better to retreat for a little while and rethink your strategy to include seeing the war from your spouse’s side of things. And then approach the dry barren field between you with a true heartfelt apology. One that lets your spouse know that the words they are hearing have real meaning, instead of a cheap way for you to avoid experiencing repercussions. And then make yourself follow up your mouth with your actions.

KC Family Pharmacy, a new and local pharmacy in Hazlehurst is opening its second location, this time in Brookhaven .   KC Family Pharmacy Brookhaven is located at 543 Brookway Blvd in the old WIN Job Center building  directly beside the new Extended Care Clinical Services.   The community is invited to celebrate the pharmacy’s opening day on Thursday, Oct. 9  with a giveaway and refreshments.   Since leaving her previous job in Brookhaven in 2023, new owner Dana Brooks Shoemake of Wesson always had the goal of getting back to the community and patients she served there for so many years.   “We strive to provide personalized care and go the extra mile for our patients in any way we can,” said Shoemake. “We truly enjoy getting to know our customers and spending time meeting their needs."   KC Family Pharmacy and Extended Care Clinical Services will share a joint ribbon-cutting on a later date to be announced, and the community is invited again to celebrate these two newly opened businesses. They will offer sales, specials, giveaways and refreshments on the day of the ribbon cutting.    KC Family Pharmacy Hazlehurst is owned by Carlos and Abby Garcia of Wesson. The Hazlehurst location just celebrated its two-year business anniversary on May 2025. The Garcias and Shoemakes own the Brookhaven location together, and the Shoemakes are first-time, excited business owners.   “It’s very exciting to be able to offer the care that I feel our patients deserve and to be able to shape our business around providing the things that I felt were missing in my past experiences. We truly love serving the Hazlehurst community in this way, and we are excited to continue that for the people of Brookhaven and surrounding areas,” said Shoemake.   Garcia’s grandparents, Lester and Katie Furr, owned Wesson Drugstore from 1948 to 1971. Wesson Drugstore was not the typical drugstore. It had a wedding registry, comic books, fancy chocolates, tie-dye t-shirts, film drop-off, bus tickets, and the drugstore even served as a bus stop. Pictured: Garcia’s grandparents on the right, The Furrs on posing in Wesson Pharmacy circa 1961 with their personal friends and co-owners, The Freemans. The Shoemakes and the Garcias are keeping family tradition by offering more than just a basic pharmacy. The families are close personal friends and colleagues, and now they’re co-owners. They plan to keep gifts, treats, apparel, and more in stock and offer unique items and a personal experience…just like Garcia’s grandparents did at Wesson Drugstore. They are proud to carry Laurel Mercantile products and Scotsman products.   “We are excited to provide healthcare and pharmacy services to our community. KC Family Pharmacy offers the perfect combination of professional skills and personal care. Let us make your life easier with affordable prescription, refill reminders and prescription transfers,” said Shoemake.   Both Garcia and Shoemake, who were college roommates, received their pharmacy degrees at Ole Miss and have worked together for many years. Pictured: KC Family Pharmacy Owners, Dana Brooks Shoemake (L), Abby Furr Garcia (R ), Preston Kasch Utz, Garcia’s nephew and employee (in back) “I was at Mississippi College in Pre-Med. I got a job as a tech at a small, independent pharmacy in Clinton, and I loved it. I loved seeing people and being able to take care of them. This has made me come full circle, seeing people, hugging them, being able to talk to them, which is different, because I was too busy at my other job…something I hadn’t been able to do in previous years,” said Shoemake.   Both KC Family Pharmacies have multiple experienced pharmacists who provide quick and friendly service. The new Brookhaven location will have a full service drive-thru window allowing you to conveniently refill and pick up your prescription. They have a mobile app to facilitate easy refills, reminders and communications.   They accept most insurance plans, Medicaid, and most Medicare plans. Call KC Family Pharmacy Brookhaven at 601-515-9684 for more information or get your prescription filled or transferred.   "We value being able to serve you and treat you like family. We want your trip to the pharmacy to be a pleasant experience instead of something frustrating that you hate to do," said Shoemake. "Just call us. We will handle everything for you." Spend the day with us and celebrate our first day on Thursday, Oct. 9 . We are celebrating all day from 8-6. Hope to see you soon!

Diwali, often referred to as the "Festival of Lights", is a celebration of joy, hope, and togetherness observed by millions around the world. Diwali holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, symbolizing the triumph of  light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is not only celebrated by Hindus, but by people of various religious and cultural backgrounds, uniting communities through vibrant traditions,  spiritual reflection, and shared festivities. This year, the Diwali celebration at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Jackson MS will highlight the theme of unity, inviting communities to come together to honor shared values, cultural heritage, and spiritual reflection. BAPS welcomes the public to join in the festivities and experience the vibrant traditions of Diwali. Who:  BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Jackson MS What:  Diwali Celebration When:  Saturday Oct 25, 2025. 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Where:  BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 2390 Greenway Dr, Jackson MS 39204 Key highlights of the celebration include: Radiant Mandir Decorations: Visitors will be greeted by colorful lights, handcrafted décor, and intricate rangoli designs that reflect the rich artistic traditions of India. Annakut Offering: A central feature of Diwali, the Annakut will display hundreds of vegetarian dishes arranged as a symbol of gratitude and devotion. Exhibition on this year’s theme “Where there is unity, there is light.” Parking and Entry : Free This celebration provides an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together, celebrate unity, and share in the joy and warmth of Diwali. For more inquiry, contact: Nayan Mehta, Outreach Admin, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Jackson. 630-670-8877 / legacynayan@gmail.com

​The Copiah-Lincoln Community College Athletic Alumni Association will induct eight members into the Sports Hall of Fame during Homecoming festivities on Thursday, Oct. 23. ​This year's class includes Jessie Bowman, Steven Gauthe, Calvin Green, Robin "Zoom" Harris, Meleah Howard, Bowmar McGehee, Jacob Ross, and Nellie Ann Webster. They will be inducted during the Alumni Association Awards Reception at 3:15 p.m. in the Thames Center on the Wesson Campus.  Jessie Bowman ​Bowman is a 2006 graduate of Co-Lin, where he was a member of the Wolf Pack football team. While at Co-Lin, he received NJCAA first team All-American, first team All-Region 23 and First Team All-South Division. He was named the Golden Isle Bowl defensive player of the game. After Co-Lin, Bowman played at Mississippi State, where he was named defensive player of the week. ​"It's a great honor to be chosen. I was just playing football; I didn't think I'd be in the Sports Hall of Fame," he said. "I'd like to thank my coaches and especially my roommate, Marcus Cooper. If it weren't for him, none of this would have happened. He made sure I made it to class and got my school work done." ​He is a member of Sinner's Creek Church of Christ and is the son of Barbara Herring and nephew of Linda Merchant. Steven Gauthe ​Gauthe is a 2008 graduate of Co-Lin, where he was a member of the Wolf Pack baseball team. While at Co-Lin, he received All-State honors twice, All-Region and was a 2007 NJCAA Gold Glove recipient. After Co-Lin, he played at Nichols State University. "I am truly honored to be selected for the Co-Lin Hall of Fame," he said. "I want to extend my deepest thanks to Coach Keith Case for giving me the opportunity to play baseball at Co-Lin. His belief in me laid the foundation for everything I was able to accomplish. I'm also incredibly grateful to my teammates—without their support, hard work, and friendship, my success would not have been possible. Thank you all for being a part of this journey." ​Gauthe currently is an engineer with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. He is a foster parent and an elementary school and church volunteer. He and his wife, Audrey, have two children, Ellie, 7, and Finn, 5. Calvin Green ​Green is a 1986 graduate of Co-Lin, where he was a member of the Wolf Pack football team. While at Co-Lin, he received All-State, All-Region 23, and All-Star honors. He was also named best defensive back of the south. After Co-Lin, Green played at Alcorn State University, where he was selected No. 1 defensive back in the nation by Sports Illustrated. He returned to Co-Lin as an assistant football coach, where he served for 31 years until his retirement. ​"Thank you to Co-Lin for giving me a chance to come and play," he said. "Then being hired back as a coach greatly impacted me and my family. Wolf Pack for life!" ​Green is a member of the Elk Lodge #923, Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He and his wife, Falana, have four children, Cegee Stringer, Cory Williams, Farrod Green and Sabria Green; and four grandchildren, Jabarri, Jacolby, Micah and Isabella. Robin "Zoom" Harris ​ Harris is a 1986 graduate of Co-Lin, where he was a member of the Wolf Pack men's basketball team. While at Co-Lin, he received All-State and All-Region 23 honors. He holds the single game assist record with 22 against Hinds and was selected to play in the All-Star game. He led the team in an upset of the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, Delgado, to advance to the NJCAA National Tournament. ​"Thank you to the alumni that chose me and my family and friends," he said. "I want to give a special shout out to Coach Jones for making me a young man. He played a big part in my life." ​Harris currently serves as a volunteer coach with the Natchez High School girls basketball team. He is the son of the late Agnes Watson Harris, and he has four children, Robin Harris, Jr., Ambreon Parker, Brittany Hicks, and the late Edwin Jerell Harris, and three grandchildren. Meleah Howard ​ Howard is a 2008 graduate of Co-Lin, where she was a member of the Wolf Pack softball team. While at Co-Lin, she was named NJCAA All-Region 23, All-State and All-South. She returned to Co-Lin as head softball coach in 2018. As a coach, she has led the team to two NJCAA National Championships, two MACCC Championships and one Region 23 Championship. She has also been named MACCC coach of the year twice, Gulf A District coach of the year three times and has an overall record at Co-Lin of 261-62. "This is an unbelievably humbling opportunity for which I am so grateful," she said. "Co-Lin has been such a special part of my life for almost 20 years now, and I couldn't be more thankful for the impact it has made on me as a professional and as an individual. Being added to this amazing group of athletic alumni from our school is a surreal moment, and I'm just honored to be able to represent my teammates from my time as an athlete and all of the girls who have given their all to our softball program in my time as the coach here. Co-Lin truly is the place to be!" ​She and her husband, Marc, have three children: Jack, 11, Hayes, 7, and Audrey, 4.   Bowmar McGehee ​McGehee is a 1981 graduate of Co-Lin, where he was a member of the Wolf Pack tennis team. While at Co-Lin, he was a two-time state doubles champion and two-time NJCAA Region doubles runner-up. He was a member of the 1981 state championship team. After Co-Lin, he played at Mississippi College. ​"Being inducted into the Co-Lin Sports Hall of Fame is a dream I never thought I would realize, and it's really such an exciting time," he said. ​Now retired, McGehee spends his time as a member of the volunteer fire department in Meadville and as a Franklin County election commissioner. He also is a past president of the Co-Lin Athletic Alumni Association. He and his wife, Holly, have three sons and four grandchildren. Jacob Ross ​ Ross is a 2015 graduate of Co-Lin, where he was a member of the Wolf Pack golf team. While at Co-Lin, he was named a NJCAA first team All-American, MACJC first team All-State, NJCAA All-Tournament team, Golf Coaches Association of America All-Freshman, NJCAA PING All-American honorable mention and NJCAA All Central Region. He had a fifth-place finish in the NJCAA National Tournament and the second lowest scoring average in MACJC. After Co-Lin, he played at Mississippi State University, where he was named to the SEC academic honor roll. He currently is the director of instruction at the Country Club of Jackson and won the MS PGA Professional Championship in 2024. ​Ross is an active member of Pinelake church, and he and his wife, Taylor, have one son, Tatum. Ann Webster ​Webster is a 2000 graduate of Co-Lin, where she was a member of the Wolf Pack women's basketball team. While at Co-Lin, she was named to MACJC first team All-State, second team All-State, NJCAA All Region 23 and All Tournament. She was team captain and led the team to a NJCAA Region 23 runner-up title twice. After Co-Lin, she played basketball at Southeastern Louisiana University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. ​"It means earned recognition that speaks to the dual legacy of the athletic community and to my life as an honoree," she said. "My induction into the Hall of Fame will serve as an inspiration for generations to come, specifically and especially to the female athlete!" ​She currently works as an owner-operator in logistics. She has two children, Madisen and Kaleb Williams. ​Admission to the Alumni Awards Reception is free. Kickoff for the Homecoming game against East Central is at 6:30 p.m. For more information on Homecoming events, visit  www.colin.edu .

By Kara Kimbrough  Apple crumb cake is the perfect fall dessert, snack or, in a pinch, quick breakfast.     Finally, it’s fall…the all-too-fleeting season that brings only a few cool days in the south in between heat spells and cold weather. Instead of thinking about ways to incorporate pumpkin spice into everything from coffee to bread, I’ve been dreaming about apples. When fall arrives, there’s nothing more satisfying that a hot apple cider doughnut, thick slice of apple strudel and my latest find, sweet, spongy apple crumb cake.     Finding out that I would be visiting a North Carolina apple orchard this week was almost more exciting than the prospect of touring the Blue Ridge Mountains. An entire afternoon on the packed itinerary was devoted to climbing ladders and picking apples. I’ll describe my trip, including the apple-picking, in next week’s column.     In the meantime, I’ll share one of favorite fall baking recipes. Apple Crumb Cake is easy to prepare and is the perfect snack to enjoy with coffee or even as a quick breakfast. If you’d like the recipes for apple strudel and doughnuts. drop me an email and I’ll send them to you.    So...I’m off to explore the mountains and of course, that apple orchard. Happy fall!   Easy Apple Crumb Cake ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup brown sugar, packed 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder ¾ cup milk 2 small apples, peeled and chopped Crumb Topping 1/2 cup butter, softened ¾ cup brown sugar, packed 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon     Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside. In a medium bowl combine butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla. Combine with a mixer until creamy. Add flour, salt and baking powder and mix to combine. The mixture might be a bit crumbly but that is alright. Add the milk all at once and combine until you have a nice cake batter. Pour half of the batter into the prepared 9×9 pan. Top with the chopped apples.      To make the crumb topping, combine the butter, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut the butter into the other ingredients until you have crumbs. Do not over mix or you will have a paste. Spread half of the crumbs over the top of the apples.      Add the remaining cake batter on top of the apple and crumbs, spread in an even layer. Top with remaining crumbs. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com . It’s hard to find anything better than apple cider doughnuts fresh and hot from the oven. If you’d like the recipe, drop me an email and I’ll send it to you.

By Guest Columnist Dr. Stephanie Duguid Imagine this: someone suddenly collapses, their heart stops, and precious seconds are ticking away. In that moment, the difference between life and death could be whether someone nearby knows CPR -- cardiopulmonary resuscitation.   CPR is not just for doctors, nurses, or EMTs. It is a life-saving skill that anyone who is able-bodied can learn. The truth is, most cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals, often in homes, schools, churches, or community events. If you know CPR, you may be the one who saves a family member, a neighbor, or even a stranger.   September is good time to prepare for October, which is recognized as National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month and shines a light on this critical health issue and encourages people to learn CPR.   Sudden cardiac arrest claims thousands of lives each year, but immediate action from a bystander --using CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) -- can more than double a person’s chances of survival.   There are several versions of CPR training depending on your role:   Basic Life Support (BLS): Designed for healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses, and EMTs. BLS includes advanced skills such as two-person CPR and focuses heavily on team dynamics, whether in a hospital setting or in pre-hospital care situations. It prepares medical professionals to work together efficiently and effectively to save lives.   HeartSaver: Geared toward the community -- teachers, coaches, parents, grandparents, and anyone who wants to be prepared. It focuses on CPR, the use of an AED, and basic first aid skills.  An AED, when combined with CPR, dramatically increases survival chances by restoring a normal heart rhythm. Many public places, including schools, gyms, and churches, have AEDs available, and part of training is learning how to use them confidently.   In recognition of this important awareness month, Do Good ProHealth Associates will be offering a HeartSaver First Aid and CPR class in Wesson on Thursday, October 23, at the warehouse of Grace Foam Solutions (21 34 US 51).  Time: 5:30 p.m.  Cost: $60 per person (a discounted rate from the usual $80).  Class size is limited to 20 participants.  RSVP is required to reserve your spot.  This is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together, learn, and prepare to save lives.   At Do Good ProHealth Associates, we believe in equipping our community with the tools and knowledge to act in emergencies. We are your local resource for all things first aid and CPR related.  To learn more or to reserve your place in the October class, visit www.dogoodCPR.com .   CPR is not complicated; it’s practical, it’s powerful, and it’s personal. The next life you save could be someone you love.   EDITOR'S NOTE:  Dr. Stephanie Duguid is owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR Classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching).  She is also a Mississippi Health Ambassador.

Special to Wesson News   Chair fitness classes for older adults have resumed with the start of the fall semester at Co-Lin.   The classes conducted by Cheryl Myera are on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at the Thames Center on the Co-Lin campus.  Cost is $10 for each session.   The exercises that have low impact on joints are beneficial in:   Improving flexibility Reducing stress Managing pain Improving circulation Combatting depression and anxiety Improving balance Promoting independence and wellbeing   For information, contact Cheryl Myers at 601-757-2133.

Special to Wesson News The Wesson Cobras kept their perfect season alive with an impressive 48-6 win over the Enterprise Yellowjackets on Friday night. From the opening kickoff, Wesson took control of the game and never looked back, showcasing the balance, speed, and precision that have defined their undefeated season. With this latest win, Wesson improves to 6-0, showing both offensive firepower and defensive discipline that have defined their season so far. The Cobras’ consistency has made them a force in Region 7-2A, and their confidence appears to be growing each week. Next up, Wesson will return home to face the Loyd Star Hornets on Friday, October 10, in what promises to be a highly anticipated matchup between two unbeaten teams. Loyd Star also sits at 6-0 following a 29-18 league win over Wilkinson County, setting the stage for a pivotal showdown that could shape the race for the regional title. Enterprise, now 1-5 on the season, will look to regroup as they prepare to host the Bogue Chitto Bobcats on Thursday, October 9. The Bobcats enter the contest with a 3-3 record after a convincing 36-6 non-league victory over Park Place Christian Academy. While the Yellowjackets search for answers, Wesson continues to roll — a team firing on all cylinders with its sights set squarely on postseason success.

By Guest Columnist Dean Ridings, America’s Newspapers   Strong communities don’t just happen. They rely on connection - residents knowing what’s going on, businesses reaching the customers who keep them open, and citizens having the facts to make good decisions. Local newspapers provide that connection in ways no other source can. In today’s fractured media environment, trust is the rarest commodity. Confidence in “the media” is low. Only 18% of Americans say they trust news on social platforms, and fewer than one in four trust cable networks. But nearly two-thirds say they trust their local newspaper—more than double the confidence placed in most other outlets. In an era when anyone can post anything online, that clarity makes newspapers stand apart. Newspapers provide the facts that keep civic life running: City budgets, school board debates and local elections that rarely make national headlines but matter most to daily life. They also highlight the stories that make a community feel connected: high school sports, neighborhood events, new restaurants and profiles of people who make a difference. Your local newspapers have evolved to meet readers where they are - on websites, mobile apps and email newsletters. What hasn’t changed are the standards. Accuracy, ethics and accountability still guide the work. That combination of modern delivery and traditional integrity is why people continue to turn to their local paper. The same trust strengthens the local economy. Research shows consumers act on newspaper ads more than on ads delivered by TV, radio or digital platforms. People see local business advertising as part of the same reliable package as the news. For a small business competing with national chains and online platforms, no other channel delivers the same impact. When residents trust the paper, they trust the businesses that support it. The absence of a local paper leaves a mark. Voter turnout declines. Fewer residents attend public meetings. Government oversight weakens, and borrowing costs rise. Small businesses lose their most effective way to reach local customers. And, without a trusted source tying things together, misinformation and partisan spin spread faster, fueling confusion and division. The opposite is true when newspapers are strong. Residents are better informed, more engaged and more connected to each other. Businesses grow, because they can reach customers in a trusted environment. Communities share a common set of facts that helps debate happen on the issues - not on whether the information is real. But this role depends on support. Subscriptions, advertising and community engagement make it possible for newspapers to continue earning the trust that communities depend on. A strong local newspaper doesn’t solve every challenge a town faces, but it makes civic life, local culture and the local economy all work better.  Healthy communities are stronger when their local newspaper is strong. Supporting the paper is one of the most direct ways residents and businesses can invest in their own future.

By Misty Strieff Prine “Beneath the thoughts and feelings, you have worn on your shoulders for so long, there is the real you., who is worthy of freedom from what darkness said you would be. For you are more than what you feel, you are more than what you think, and yes, these things do matter, but they do not mean everything. There is still this open space deep within endless grace to let those old things go and start all over again.” – Morgan Harper Nichols This touched the innermost part of my heart. I kept reading it repeatedly. Each sentence is so powerful and true and rings so incredibly true to me on a very personal level and beyond any words I could say. I’m sure we all have carried a multitude of thoughts and feelings on our shoulders and hid it from the world with a smile on our faces...as if all was well in our world. But it wasn’t. While on the surface we seemed strong, that wasn’t always the case. Even the strong people have real problems and endless valleys. We all have brief spells on the mountain tops, and then, poof...we may be in a valley. But in those valleys the Lord is STILL with us. He will be there, rescue you, forgive you, help you pick yourself up and love you through it. He will remind you time and time again that you were more than what you are feeling in that moment, more than the enemy WANTS you to feel. Can our problems consume us? Of course they can. But does that mean we have to dwell on them? Um...nope. But why do our problems matter in the grand scheme of things? The answer is this: within the problem lies a solution. To get to the solution, we must allow them to move us closer to the Lord. When He gets us through the problem, and He will, we will be better versions of ourselves. This brings me to my favorite part of this quote. “There is still this open space deep with ENDLESS GRACE to let those old things go and start all over again.” Boom. There is the rainbow in the cloud. The Lord willingly provides us with endless grace and mercy that will never run out on us, never lack in forgiveness and a love that never fails even when we fail Him repeatedly. He never runs away from us when we run away from Him. Sure, life is difficult. God never promised an easy road, but He did promise He’d never leave us. He is a God of second chances! We need to use difficulties to become better witnesses and better people for Him. Just remember who you are, not by being defined by your failures or bad decisions, but who you CAN be in Christ! Don’t try to run FROM God but instead run TO Him. Let HIM define your life, not your mistakes. **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Nothing wrong with relaxing.  With the right timing and amount. Being lazy? Nothing wrong with it – in moderation. After a fifteen-hour workday, certainly anyone would want a chance to just do nothing for a while. But when you decide that your thirty minutes of computer work warrants the next four hours spent in playtime…that is definitely not moderation. Why moderation? Because the last time I checked, most supervisors are not real keen on paying their workers to play Ping-Pong on the company clock. Stepping away from a project a few minutes for a breather in order to gain a new and fresher perspective? Sure.  But the outlook,  ‘One must perfectly balance their work time versus relaxation time, so that they can have a healthier outlook on life’  is not all that healthy .  Believe me, you  will  have a healthier outlook on life if you come to realize that insisting on having a 50/50 balance usually leads to 100/0 unemployment. Not too many companies are extremely worried about their employees having a perfect balance in their life – on the company dime. Bosses want and rightly expect exactly what they are paying for. And they expect productivity during work hours.  In the eyes of supervisors, your personal hours and scheduled vacations from work are the time to purse your ping-pong dreams. Want to succeed? That means keeping your priorities straight, and one of those top priorities can’t be playing Lazy LeRoy. Not if you want to be respected at work, in marriage, or at being a good parent. Sure, relaxing time is needed in your life and shouldn’t be neglected. But put it further down the priority list. A lot further than most people want it to be. Do yourself a huge favor and function from a Priority List for yourself that has the following: 1). Know God and respect Him.  2). Live like you respect yourself.  3)Live like you respect your marriage, or your potential marriage if you are still single.  4). If you are a parent, be a loving, disciplined, and creative parent.  5). Get a good education in the field you love.  6). Keep searching for a position in that field, if you’re not there yet.  7). But wherever you are working, whether it is your dream career or just putting potatoes on the table right now, respect your employer enough to DO IT WELL.  8). Then waaaaay down the page, insert the priority ‘Relax and be lazy at times, it’s good for me in small doses.’ Notice the word RESPECT seems to pop its head up a lot? Don’t be foolish and make relaxing a top priority. No need. Being lazy and relaxing is something most humans do instinctively and self-centeredly.  And I would be willing to bet you are human.

Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance ( MAMA ), a free website and mobile app that connects pregnant women and mothers to private, public and faith-based resources available across the state, recently celebrated its third anniversary. Since launching the MAMA website in October 2023, over 27,000 individuals have visited the website for a total of 88,000 hits. Over 1,000 users have downloaded the mobile app since it went live January 1, 2024. “MAMA is just one of the ways that Mississippi is helping to stand in the gap to both empower women and promote life. I am grateful for this opportunity to show women that they are not alone. We care about their wellbeing and success and want to help them and their families flourish," said Attorney Lynn General Fitch. In 2023,  General Fitch worked with the Mississippi State Legislature  to establish MAMA (SB 2781). Her office was tasked with creating and administering MAMA, with the assistance of a number of state agencies, including the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, which helped to stand up the website in just three months to make the statutorily-required launch date of October 1, 2023, as well as the mobile app by the January 1, 2024, deadline. MAMA is designed with the goal of connecting mothers directly to needed resources and services in three clicks or less, which are organized by nine categories: Pregnancy: Receive a free pregnancy test or ultrasound, visit a center with baby essentials, find a diaper bank, or take a childbirth and parenting class. Health: Enroll in Medicaid, find free health services near you, connect with a mental health counselor, seek help for substance abuse/addiction, or download health/pregnancy/childbirth tips. Adoption: Learn more about adoption, locate safe haven baby boxes, or explore other life-affirming options. Food: Sign up for food benefits and assistance, locate food pantries and community kitchens, or access free formula. Goods: Find a resource center near you with car seats, strollers, cribs, diapers and wipes, maternity and infant clothing, and other household items. Safety: Find a domestic abuse shelter or rape crisis center, connect with a confidential counselor, or request legal aid. Money: Apply for financial assistance and government benefits for food, rent/mortgages, transportation, and childcare; learn more about child support enforcement; or find a financial planning and literacy class. Child Care: Locate a childcare center near you or apply for financial assistance. Jobs: Search job openings, enroll in job training courses, or apply for financial aid for college. Over 400 resources have been added to the Service Directory, and efforts continue to outreach to add additional resources. Public, private, and faith-based entities that would like to be added to the MAMA Service Directory can contact General Fitch’s office  here  or click “List Your Service” in the upper righthand corner of the MAMA website. Similarly, organizations and agencies that would like to help spread the word about MAMA to women and families can request brochures  here . For more information, visit  MAMA.MS.GOV  or download the app in the  Apple Store  or  Google Play Store . MAMA is a key component of The Empowerment Project, General Fitch’s initiative to empower women and their children. Read more about the five pillars of The Empowerment Project  here .