Spotlight:DotHickman-Rider—ALifeSaddledWithLoveforHorses
ByJustice Reid
For Dot Hickman-Rider, the rhythm of life has always matchedthe steady beat of hoofbeats against the ground.Her journey began early—just 18 months old— when she first sat atop a horse. From that moment forward, the spark never faded. Living in the countryside long before screens andtechnology replacedthe outdoors, horses became her world. Ridingwasn't something she was pushed into; it found hernaturally, like destiny saddling up beside her.
Her veryfirst horse came at age three—a spottedWelsh pony mare with a notoriousattitude.That spirited pony challengedher, taught her grit, and shaped the youngrider sitting in the saddle. “She made a riderout of me,” Dot recalls, laughing atmemories of her poor mother never knowing whatto expect next.It was during those early years that Dot discovered the quiet magic horsescarry—their ability tolove without limits and offer peace in a noisy world. Horses became her escape, hercomfort, and her place to breathe whenlife grew heavy.
Dot has beenriding for 57years, and in that time she has had countless horses,but one remainsclosest to her heart—Vigors Mr.VIP, affectionately known asTaco. Now 26,Taco didn’t start off as a fairytale partner. “He honestly tried tokill me a few times,” Dot shareswith a smile. But through patience, training, and unshakeable determination, they built a bond deeper than leather reins or show ribbons.Tacotaught her patience, and more importantly,he taught her devotion.
“Respect, time, and patience,” Dot explains. “Whipping or yelling onlybuilds fear—not trust.”To Dot,horsesare a reflection of commitment.Their needscome first, because partnership requiressacrifice.Age isnever a reason to give up onthem.Just as they served faithfully in youth, she believes it’sthe rider’sresponsibility tolove and protectthemin their later years.
Her journey hasn’tbeen without challenges. In the late ’90s, a severe injury—breakingher tailbone in two places—shifted her from trotting breedsto gaited horses while she healed. But riders like Dot don’t give up—theysimply adjust their reins.
Recently, she returned to her originalstyle of riding, finding joy once again in every stride.
Dot has always enjoyed both worlds—from riding fences on the farmto stepping
underthe show ringspotlights. Her love of riding has introducedher tolifelong friends and countless shared lessons. One of her favorite memories includestrail ridesacross Land Between the Lakes and Seven Springs, places where the world always felt somewhat calmer and the trail a little sweeter.
Whenever she prepares for a ride, Dot stretches, breathesdeeply, and bows her head inprayerwith a close friend—askingthe Lord for safetyandgratitude for another day inthe saddle. Ridingis more than a hobby; it’s a relationship, a lifestyle, and in many ways,a calling.
With nearly six decades of experience, her advice for new riders is firm but loving:
“Green plus green equals black and blue.” Simply put—a new ridershouldn't start with a young horse. Lessons come first; hospitalbills are too high to learn the hard way.
Patience, she emphasizes, isn't optional—it's survival.A 1,200-poundanimal with its own mind demandsrespect. Andwhile some may misunderstand horses as unpredictable or unfeeling, Dot knows better.They have intelligence, heart, and personality—and when treated right, they give more love thanmany realize.
Dot also speaks passionatelyabout the realities of horse ownership today. Training barns, she insists, are not the issue—many horses there live better than some children. Instead,she believes irresponsible backyard breeding is a major concern and that breedingshould require knowledge, regulation, and respect for the animal. Regarding the opinionthat horses should simply be "set free,"Dot is clear-eyed. Domesticatedhorsescannot survive on their own. Removing shows and responsible training does not save horses—it pushestheminto neglect, abandonment, and kill pens. Responsibility, she believes, protects them.
When asked to summarize herlifelong bond withhorses, her answer is simple but profound:
“They’ve beenmy peace, my teachers, andmy greatest joy.”
Dot also credits her husband,Terry, for hisencouragement and support throughout her journey. Hislove has been as steady as the horses she rides, and with a warm smile she adds, “With a husband's love,I think that I canride into the sunset.”
Dot Hickman Rider’s life isn’t just connected tohorses—it’swoveninto every fiber of who she is.And asshe continues thisjourney, saddle in hand and heart full of gratitude, her story stands as a testament to passion, patience, and the powerful bond betweena rider and her horse.Alife livedin the saddle isa life lived full—andDot wouldn’t trade a single mile.
Dot Hickman- Rider photographed riding 3x National Champion Neron fan e' Piksen
November2025
JerryW.Porter
CEO/Publisher
POBox1292, Corinth,MS38835-1292
Cell:662-643-6842
Email:read.newsflash@gmail.com
Therewasatimewhen classroomreprimandsmeanta stiffstackoflinedpaperand thesamesentencerepeated untilyourhandached.“Iwill nottalkinclass.”“Iwillfollowdirections.”Thegoalwas correction,notcontemplation; thewordswerepunishment, notpromise.Teachers believedrepetitionwould shapebehavior—andina way,theywereright.Writeit enough,anditsticks.
Butwhatifweborrowed thatolddisciplineandflipped itintospiritualpractice?What ifthelineswewrotebecame lifelines?Imaginetrading“I
willnot”fordeclarationslike “TheLordismyshepherd;I shallnotwant”(Psalm23:1) or“Icandoallthingsthrough Christwhostrengthensme” (Philippians4:13).Suddenly, repetitionbecomesrevelation. Linesbecomelessons.Words becomeweaponsagainst worry,doubt,andfear.
Today,weliveinaworld whereourmindsrunfaster thanourheartscankeepup. Ourdaysarefilledwithconstantstimulation—screens, schedules,scrolling,and stress.Insucharushedculture,silencefeelsforeign,and stillnessfeelslikepunishment. However,intheKingdomof God,stillnessisstrength. Whenweslowdownlong enoughtothink,tobreathe, andtomeditate,thevoiceof Godgrowsclearerandour innerpeacegrowsstronger. WritingScripturedoes somethingpowerful—itforces ustoslowdown.Thephysical rhythmofpenonpaperhasa holyhushtoit.Eachstroke invitesthemindtofocus. Eachrepetitionanchorstruth somewhatdeeper.Writing Scriptureismeditationin motion—awaytochewon
theWordslowlyuntilitnourishesthesoul.Wedon’tjust readtruth—wemarinateinit.
Ourparentstaughtus habitsthatwerereallyminiaturelessonsinmindfulness. “Chewyourfoodslowly.” “Don’ttalkwithyourmouth full.”Ifweinterprettheseas tablemanners,theyareactuallyinstructionsforsavoring life.Theywereteachingusto pause,appreciate,andexperiencethingsfully.Spiritual meditationasksforthesame care.Rushingthroughverses islikeswallowingameal withouttastingit—yes,you consumedit,butyoudidn’t receiveit.
WritingScriptureforces youtosavor—toweigheach word,feelitsweight,hearits rhythm,andletitsettlein yourheart.Suddenly,Psalm 23isn’tjustaverseyou know—itbecomesatruthyou own.Philippians4doesn’t justinspire—itequips.Isaiah 26:3doesn’tjustcomfort—it becomesyouranchor:“You willkeephiminperfect peace,whosemindisstayed onYou.”
Joshuawastoldtokeep theBookoftheLawalways onhislipsand meditateonitday andnight(Joshua 1:8).Wemightnot allbeleaders calledtoconquer nations,butweare calledtoconquer doubt,fear,bitterness,andspiritual dryness.Andone practicalwayto dothatistowrite God’spromises
TheCommunityNewsFlashispublishedmonthlybyPorterPublishing,Inc.,withallrightsreserved–©2001 Reproductionorusewithoutpermissionofeditorialongraphiccontentsinanymannerisprohibitedbylaw. Thisnewspaperisdesignedtoexhibitthepositivebypublishingonlypositiveandupliftingpersonalprofiles. TheannualsubscriptionrateisTwentyfourdollarsandfortyeightcents($26.00).Informationisgathered fromsourcesconsideredtobereliableandaccurate.Thoughtsexpressedinletterstotheeditorandcommentaries arethoseoftheauthorsandnotnecessarilythoseofTheCommunityNewsFlashstaff. EqualOpportunity.Itispolicyofthenewspaper. 1.Toemploypeopleonthebasisoftheirqualificationandwithassuranceofequalopportunityandtreatment regardlessofrace,color,creed,sex,age,sexualorientation,religion,nationaloriginorhandicap. 2.Tonotknowinglyacceptanyadvertisement,whichimpliesandpreferenceslimitationordiscriminationbasedon race,color,creed,sex,age,sexualorientation,religion,nationaloriginorhandicap.
repeatedlyuntiltheybecome yourinitialresponsewhen challengesarise.
Lettheinktrainyour heart.
Becausethetruthis,your heartisalreadybeingtrained. Everyday,theworldrepeats itslinestoyou—linesof worry,lack,insecurity,and distraction.Werewritefear withoutrealizingit:“WhatifI fail?”“Whatiftheydon’tlike me?”“Whatifthingsdon’t workout?”Justlikethose classroomlines,themoreyou write—mentallyorphysically—themoreitshapesyou.
ButwhenwewriteGod’s lines,werewriteourspirit. Insteadof“WhatifIcan't?” webegintothink,“WithGod, allthingsarepossible.” Insteadoffearrisingfirst, faithrises.Insteadofanxiety jumpingin,assurance answers.TheWordbecomesa reflexoftheheart.
There’spowerintheordinary.Simpletoolsforspiritual renewalincludeahumblepen, aquietchair,andachosen verse.Godoftenworks throughsmallthings—ashepherd’sstaff,awidow’sjar,a mustardseed.Sodon’tunderestimateanotebookanda pen.TheHolySpiritcando mightythingswithhumble tools.
Startsmall:alineaday,a verseaweek.Makearitualof it—morningcoffeeandone versewrittenthreetimes,or aneveningpageofgratitude scriptedfromPsalmsor Proverbs.Letyourpenwalk slowlythroughtheWord.As youwrite,noticehowcertain phrasesbegintoriseunbidden
inthoughtduringhard moments.Thatisnotcoincidence—thatisspiritualconditioning.ThatisScripture becomingscaffoldingforthe soul.
Turningpunishmentinto promiseismorethanclever symbolism—itisspiritual strategy.Wheretheoldlines keptchildreninline,thenew lineskeepheartsalignedwith truth.WritingtheWordtrains attention,soothesscattered thoughts,andreshapesinner speech.Itturnsdisciplineinto devotion,repetitionintorevelation,andpracticeintopeace.
Sothenexttimeyourspirit feelsdry,yourmindfeels scattered,oryourheartfeels overwhelmed,reachoutfora notebook.Putpentopaper. Chooseapromise.Writeit slowly,deliberately,prayerfully.Letrepetitionbeyourmedicine,andlettheWorddo whatwordsweremeantto do—feed,guide,andheal. Thispracticeisn’tbusywork—it’ssoulwork. Meditationismorethan reading—itisruminating.And ruminatingonScripturemay bethebestmedicineforadistractedsoul. Write. Repeat. Breatheitin. Andliveitoutdaily. Yourlinesaren’tpunishmentanymore—they’re power. Whoo!Whoo!UntilNext! AllAboard! Findthemeditationlines worksheetonpage16.
Stop by our new location at 712 S. Tate St., Corinth, Mississippi, or contact me, Jerry W. Porter, at (662) 643-6842, or visit us on Facebook to get more information on this ministry. If you wish to make a donation to this ministry, it would be greatly appreciated. Please use the Cash App at $SuitsYouToo or mail your donation to PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835.
NOVEMBERBIBLETRIVIA
1.Who wastoldby God to take hisshoes off because he was standingon holy ground?
2.Who told people that he was not worthy to carrythe Messiah'ssandals?
3.Who told aking that he would not accept agift of shoelaces?
4.Whatbook mentions the custom of giving a person one's shoe as a sign of transferring property?
5.Whatnation did God toss his shoes upon?
6.During what historic event were the Hebrewsinstructedto keep their shoes on and be ready to travel?
7.For what crime could a man have his shoe takenaway and his face spit in?
8.Whatwerethe best-made shoes inthe Bible?
9.Whom did Jesus tell not to carry sandals with themon their journey?
10.What towns'people trickedJoshua byputtingon worn-out shoes when they went tomeet him?
11.Whatsea, according toIsaiah,wouldbe driedup bythe Lordso thatmencould walk over it in their shoes?
12.What prophet, once he had taken his shoes office,walked around barefoot for years?
13.According toEzekiel, what city didGodput leather sandals on?
14.Who wastoldnot to take his shoesoff after his wife died?
15.Which prophet accused the people of Israel of selling the poorpeople for a pair of sandals?
16.What bookhasa devotedlover praising a woman's sandaled feet?
17.Who wastoldby the commander of the heavenly armyto take off his shoes?
18.Who ordereda pair of sandals for his son'sfeet?
19.Who wastoldby an angelto puton his clothes and shoes?
20.Who prophesied that soldier's boots wouldbe used as fuel for burning?
SendinyouranswerstothefollowingBibleTriviaQuestionsandtakeachanceatwinningacomplimentary biblefromtheCommunityNewsFlash.Randomdrawingwillbeheldmonthlyandcontestantcanonlywin twicewithina6monthperiod.
1.Theybothraisedaprophet.
2.Bareskin
3.Wet
4.Enoch,hisfather,neverdied;hewastaken intoheaven.
5.Earlyinthefall
6.Thewagesofsin
7."KingAhazcutoffthebordersofthebases" (2Kings16:17)
8.Joseph;thepharaohmadearulerofhim
9.BecauseNoahsatonthedeck 10.Hehadpoorcomforters. 11.Eve
12.Onewashighark;theotherisahierarch. 13.HerockedGoliathtosleep. 14.Youcan'tkeepagoodmandown. 15.Theycomebeforethefall. 16.Downinthemouth
17.Noah,whotookHamintotheark. 18.Adam'sfirstday-ithadnoeve. 19.TheyraisedCain.
20.GodtooktheirParadise(pairo'dice)away. 21.Eve;shepresentedhimwithalittleCain. 22.Joshua,thesonofNun
23.David,whosleptwithhisforefathers. 24.Mosesdidn'tgoontheark. 25.Adam;Godremovedoneofhisribs.
PlanningfortheFuturetoProtectGenerationalWealth
(StatePoint) In the comingyears, baby boomers are poised to pass downanestimated $17 trillioninhome equity to their children, accordingtoa recent Freddie Mac survey.But whetheror not you’re among the 75% of homeownersin this generation planningtoleave your current home or the proceeds from a home sale to family members when they pass away, having a clearestate planiscritical to ensuringyour wishes come to fruition.
Without one, your future heirs mayface complexownership issues, potentiallegal disputes and even the loss of family property.
To help your family plan for the future and protect generationalwealth, Freddie Mac is sharing information about some of the pitfalls that mayoccur in the absence of anestate plan, as well asstepsyou can take to protect the wealth you’ve built over your lifetime.
Tangled
Titles
Heirs’property, also referredtoasa tangled title, iscreated whena family member dies withouta will or court document passing their property to a specific heir or heirs.When this happens, the property may be transferred by inheritancetomultiple family members whoeach have equal rights to use and occupythe property. Unfortunately, this can lead to messylegal disputes amongfamily members,limited access to resources, and loss of generational wealthdue to forced sales or costly legal battles.
These disputes are common inthis sce-
nariobecause each heir has shared responsibilitiesregarding the property. For example, all heirs will be expectedto contribute to property-related taxesandupkeep, whichcan become difficult tomanage collectively.Additionally, major property decisions oftenrequire agreement among all heirs, which canmake it difficultto maintain, improve or sell the property.
As generationspass, the property may be further divided amongnew heirs, complicating ownership even more. Lacking a clearlegaltitle,heirs oftenstruggle to qualify for resources like home equity loans or disaster relief funds, leavingproperties vulnerable to foreclosure or forced sales.
Avoiding Heirs’Property
Planningfor the future helps prevent legaland financial complications like heirs’property. Here are steps to take to protectyour family’s property and wealth:
• Create a will or trust.Workwith a trustedlegaladvisor to create an estate plan thatcanensure your property is passed down as intended.
• Establish a power of attorney.Appoint
someone you trust to manage your property and financial affairs in your absence.
• Developa wealth management plan. This can help youandyour family prepare for unexpectedsituationsand emergencies.
• Get smartabout estate plans and other wealth management topics. Freddie Mac CreditSmart Essentials, a customizable and free online course,hasall the tools, resources and lessons you need to help achieve your financial goals.
Taking proactive steps in estate planning is crucialfor protectingyour assets and ensuringtheybenefit future generations.
5FinancialMoves toMakeRightNow
(StatePoint)Smartmoneydecisions cangiveyouaheadstartonthefuture youwant!
Whetheryou’renewlygraduatedor wellintoyourcareer,CERTIFIED FINANCIALPLANNER®professionals sayyoushouldmakethesefivefinancial movesrightnow:
Createabudget.Researchfindsthat 83%ofGenZ-ersandmillennialshave experiencedregretabouttheirspending decisions.Craftingabudgetmeansmakingmindfulchoicesabouthowyou spendyourmoney,whichcaneliminate financialstress.However,iftheterm “budget”fillsyouwithdread,trycalling ita“spendingplan”instead.Theimportantthingistogetstartedandfinda processthatworksforyou.
Buildanemergencyfund.According totheFederalReserveBoard,only55% ofAmericanshadthreemonths’worthof expensesinemergencysavingsin2024. Intheeventofanunexpectedexpense, suchashospitalizationorhomerepairs, arainy-dayfundcansaveyoufrom accumulatingdebtordippingintoretirementsavings.ACFP®professionalcan helpyouadjustyourbudgettodivert savingsintoanemergencyfundtocover atleastthreetosixmonths’worthof fixedexpenses.
Startsavingforretirementnow.It’s nevertooearlytobeginsavingfora comfortableretirement.Ifyouremployer offersaretirementsavingsplan,signup foritnowandputasmuchinasyou
can,especiallyifyourcompanyoffers matchingcontributions.Youdon’tneed anemployer-sponsoredplantosavefor yourgoldenyears,though.Traditional IRAsandRothIRAsarealsogoodvehiclesforretirementsavings.
Takeabig-pictureapproach.From payingdowndebtandgrowingyour investmentstomanagingtaxesand insurance,reviewingyouroverallfinancialpicturecanhelpyoureachyourpersonalgoals.That’swherethehelpofa financialadvisorwhohasyourbest interestsinmindcomesintoplay.A CFP®professionalcanserveasafinancialcoach,integratingthemanycomponentsofyourfinancialplanandprovidingvaluableadviceatanystageofyour life.
Don’tmakeamove.Itmaysound counterintuitive,butonceyou’vecharted afinancialpath,sometimesyoushould simplyleaveitalone.Accordingto financialexperts,historicallyspeaking, worldeventsandthevolatilityofthe marketarenotreasonstorethinkyour investmentstrategyorrewriteyourgame plan.However,tweakingyourplanto accommodatechangingpersonalcircumstancesisimportant.
TohireaCFP®professional,visit www.LetsMakeAPlan.org.
Thesefivefinancialmoveswillcreate thefoundationforastrongfinancial future.Afinancialplannercanhelpyou startstrongandreachyourmoneygoals.
1901GSouthHarperRd Corinth,MS.38834 (662)594-1250
Four locations:
6620MichiePebbleHill Michie,TN.38357 (662)872-4489
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TipsforFuelingan On-the-GoLifestyle
(StatePoint) Our modern livesinvolve non-stop activity-- from school carpools to back-to-backmeetings toworkoutsto everything in between.When you find the right fuel to keep yougoing, eating well and the dailygrind cango hand-in-hand.
As part of the Fuelfor the Modern Hustle campaign, StarKist isteaming up with actress, best-selling cookbook author and mom,TiffaniThiessen, to celebrate everyday routinesand share hertop hacks for staying fueled amid the frenzy:
1.Recharge: It’s easierthan ever to prioritize protein at mealtimes, even when you’re multitasking.With 10or more grams of leanprotein per serving, StarKist’s ready-to-eatTuna, Chicken and SalmonCreations Pouchesand Smart Bowls come in more than 20flavors like Lemon Pepper, Buffalo Style and Sweet& Spicy, making a midday recharge easy.
2.Pack an on-the-goboost:Whenthe schedule is full, pack grab-and-go snacks full of leanprotein for a quickbite betweenmeetings or errands.To support nonstop routines, anytime andanywhere, try cutting up veggies like carrot sticks to eatwithhummuspacksor cottage cheese. Or grab StarKist’s Lunch-To-Go, SnackTo-Go and classic tuna salad kits, which come complete withcrackersanda spoon for easyportability.“Life is busyso Itry
to keep snacks simple, without giving up on flavor or nutrition,” saysThiessen.
3. Beat boredom: Givingroutine sandwiches,salads and wrapsa flavorful twist doesn’thave tobe complicated.Thiessen likes to turn everyday meals intosomething thatfeelsnew, delicious, and nourishing byincorporating fresh herbs such as dill andchives,crunchy veggies like celery sticks and sweet peppers, withdelicious flavorsof already seasoned and ready-toeat tuna, chickenor salmonfrom StarKist.
To inspire you tostay fueled on hectic days,Thiessen is sharing this easy, on-thego recipe for Chicken Salad Parfait, which can be made in 15minutesor less and packs a nutritional punch, offering 20 grams of protein,3 gramsof fiber,along with significant amounts of calcium, iron and potassium.
Ingredients:
• 1 pouch (2.6 ounce) StarKist Premium
White Chicken
• 1/2cup cooked orzo
• 1/4cup thinly slicedred onion
• 1/2orange bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2lemon, juiced
• 1/4teaspoon blackpepper
• 2 cups arugula
• 1 tablespoon shaved Parmesancheese
Directions:
1. Place cooked orzo in a 12-16-ounce glass jar.
2.Adda layerof red onions, followed by the orange pepper.Drizzle lemonjuice and olive oil over top. Sprinkle with black pepper.
3. Open the chickenpouch and addon top of the vegetables. Place arugula ontop of the chicken and finish with the shaved parmesancheese.
4. Seal and place in the refrigerator until you are readyto enjoy.
For more healthy lifestyle tips, stressfree recipes and information, visit starkist.com.
Today’s on-the-go lifestyles require fuel to support every kind of hustle. Fortunately, nutrient-rich no-prep food options make it easytoeat well.
MEDSYNC
Coordinatesallof yourmedications intoone monthlypickup
PLAZAPACKS
Prescriptionsare refilledonceamonth ineasyopenpouches withclearlyprinted instructions
Forquestionsortoenrollinoneofthese services,pleasecallustoday
TravelingDownaDifferentPath:TheRedemptionJourneyofTonyDixon
By Justice Reid
Every journey has chapters—some filled with struggle, some with breakthrough, and some with renewed purpose. Tony Dixon’s life is a testimony of all three. Once headed down a road marked by hardship and challenging lessons, Tony reached a turning point that would redefine his future. More than two decades ago, he became part of Young Men of Faith, a group I started to encourage young men to build character, walk in faith, and discover their God-given potential. Today, Tony exemplifies how God can reshape the story when a man chooses faith over fear, discipline over distraction, and purpose over pain. His narrative is not solely about his origins; it encompasses his future trajectory and the person he is evolving into.
Tony Dixon grew up between Michie, Tennessee, and Corinth, Mississippi, surrounded by love, family, and the lessons of the land. His early years were filled with memories of raising gardens and chasing chickens alongside his great-grandmother, a woman whose hands worked the soil and whose heart worked love into every seed she planted in him. “She taught me the meaning of life and love,” Tony reflects. “Growing food, working with my hands—that’s still who I am today.”
a path that led him into the prison sys-
Yet even in his lowest place, God was working. Tony remembers sitting in prison, still battling addiction, when something inside him broke open. “I asked God to remove the taste from me. I didn’t want to be a number the rest of my life.” It wasn’t instant—but God heard him. Six months later, on July 15, 2020, Tony took his last hit and stepped into sobriety. Since that day, he has not looked back.
Tony recalls his time in Young Men of Faith, a group founded by Jerry Porter, a period during which he struggled to comprehend the purpose of what he was planting.
always be naysayers,” he shares. “But like Nike says—just do it. Don’t listen to the crowd.” He chose to use the same determination he had in his old life— only this time toward purpose. “I found a yes in everything,” he says. “Delayed is not denied.”
Today, Tony stands as a husband, a father, and a leader. He serves as Leadman at Timber Products, leads ministry through “Walking in Prayer,” and works through his church to lift others. Prayer, scripture, and God’s Word guide his steps.Among the verses he holds close is Isaiah 6:8—“Here am I; send me.” It’s become his life’s declaration.
Tony believes strongly in the power of mentorship, just as he experienced years ago. “Many times a mentor is the only positive a youth sees,” he encourages. “Be that difference.”
Get BIG.”
And for anyone who feels disqualified by their past, he reminds us, “Moses stuttered, David messed up, Rahab had a past, and Peter lied—but God used them. If He is able to utilize them, He can also utilize me, and He can utilize you as well. Get in God’s will and discover your purpose.”
Tony is grateful that he received the chance many don’t—the chance to change.And he does not take it lightly.
When Tony reached his teenage years in Corinth, life shifted. Like many young people searching for belonging, he found himself trying to fit in—and chose the wrong circle. “I felt like I didn’t belong here or there, so I picked a side,” he admits. Peer pressure pulled him into selling and using drugs, a decision that eventually grew into a full addiction and
“Mr. Porter taught us how to 8be young men. We learned how to shake hands, tie ties, speak in public, and apply scripture to life. He even took us with him to watch him graduate from college. We didn’t understand it at the time—but we were being prepared for real life.” I recall him assuring the group that we would eventually take up the responsibility and become men of God. That day has come for Tony. His transformation didn’t happen alone. Tony credits the strong praying women in his life—his wife, Tiffany; her mother; his parents, Shawn and Kristy Knight; and his grandmothers, Athalee Hutchison, Janice Luster, and Sarah Walker—as spiritual pillars who lifted him when he couldn’t lift himself. “God heard them,” he says with gratitude.
Tony explains that the journey wasn’t filled with obstacles—but opportunities to prove his change was real. The most challenging aspect is when others question the transformation. “There will
What guidance does he offer to young men who are struggling to determine their path? “I dare you to be different and be a product of your imagination, not your environment.Your imagination grows—your environment can trap you.
Tony's transformation is a reminder that no path is too broken for God to repair, and no past is too damaged for grace to redeem. His life stands as a message to every young man who feels trapped by where they’ve been—your story isn’t over, and your future can look nothing like your past.As Tony continues traveling down this new and purposeful path, may his journey inspire others to surrender, stand up, and step into the life God created for them. When God changes your direction, He doesn’t just change your steps—He changes your destiny.
Tony Dixon
HonoringtheLegacy:TheStoryBehindtheBoonevilleBlackHistoryMuseum
By JusticeReid
In the heart of Booneville, Mississippi, a quiet revolution is unfolding—one rooted not in protest, but in preservation.The Booneville Black HistoryMuseum stands as a testament to the resilience, achievements, andenduring spirit ofAfricanAmericans who shaped the region long before the Civil RightsMovementgained national attention.
Coach WillieT. Jackson and Mr. Shumpert founded the museum withthe intentionof leaving a legacyfor future generations. “We wanted the youthto see whatwe were able to achieve with God’s help,” Coach Jackson shared. “Each generationshouldunderstand howthings were in the past so they canlearnto build a better future.”
The location of the museum was serendipitous—an empty lot behind Coach Jackson’s home in Booneville’s historicallyBlack neighborhood. “We have a lot of history in this neighborhood,” he said. “It was important that the museum be rooted where the stories began.”
From the beginning, the museum wasenvisionednot just asa building but as a livingclassroom. Its mission is clear: to educate,unite, and uplift.Visitors are greeted by walls filled withphotographs, uniforms, and memorabilia that tell stories of perseverance, pride,and progress. Local families,eager to share their heritage, donated manyof the artifacts.“People are thrilled to see pictures of family members from the past,” Jackson noted.“It’s fascinating
to see how muchtheyachieved.”
Among the most cherisheddisplays are the old school uniforms and photographs fromWickAnderson School, a cornerstone of Blackeducation inBooneville before integration. Only four teachers fromthat era are still living— Mr. BobbySpencer, Mrs. LuzeneTriplett, Ms.Anita, and Coach Jackson himself. Stories honor their legacyby highlightingthe teamwork required to raise a child and the community that supported each student.
The museum alsofeatures exhibits onBlack-owned businesses,both past and present, and plans are underway to expand with another building. “We aimtodonate at least onceor twice a month,” Jackson said.“We want to keep growing.”
The museum’s impact onyouthis central to its mission. Plans include after-school training programs, educational tours,andworkshops that invite schools and churchesto participate. “Let the younger generations learn aboutthe past and see the legacy our fathers and mothers left us,” Jacksonemphasized.
Communityinvolvement is key.Volunteers are encouraged todonate their time, money, and knowledge—and to spread the word. “Word of mouth is powerful,” he said. “We want everyone to know this museum exists.”
Despite the initial challenges, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.Visitorsfrom out of town often
continued on page 10
Robert Moment, Colette Gardner, Mary Starks, and Willie Friar
TipstoStayonTopofChoresThisBack-to-SchoolSeason
(StatePoint)The start of a school year ushers in new messes and less time to tackle them. But youcan stay ahead of dirt, clutter, slime and grime withthese innovative tools and strategies:
PowerThrough Messes Busyhouseholds, especially those withkids and pets,can benefit from a powerful cleaning tool that makes everyday floor care faster, easier and more efficient.That’s wheresolutions like theTineco GO H2O HammerHead MessDetect, available at Target, come into play.A3in-1mop, vacuumand selfcleaning system, its versatility and ease of use will encourage you to make quick daily passes in hightraffic zones so that even with little ones and furry
friends tracking in dirt, you can keep the home spotless. Dust bunnies and after school snackcrumbshave finally mettheir match thanks to its lay-flat design and128-degree swivel brush, whichletyou reach under low-clearance furniture without heavy lifting. Plus,the bacteria-resistant ZeroTangle Brushtackles pet hair effortlessly.The brush, paired withanantiodor solution, helpkeep your home smelling fresh. There’sa reasonTineco isfound in over 19.5million homes.The brand is constantly improving its products.The GOH2O Hammerhead Mess Detect features a 60% larger water tank thanprevious models, a cordless 30-minute runtime, and battery-saving smartMessDetect
Technology that automatically adjusts cleaning powerand water flow based on dirt levels, so you can clean your whole home without interruption, and cut downon time-consuming refills andrecharges. Withan LED screen that complements cleaning, displayingmess detection and cleaning progress,you can stay informedasyou go. Plus, maintenance issimple.When you’re done, place the unit on its dual self-cleaningand charging dockso it’s fresh and ready for the next use.
Optimize Kitchen Tasks
Smart technology is helpinghectic households streamline cookingand cleaning tasks for fresher, more organizedkitchens. Certain smart fridges fea-
ture internal cameras connectedto an app.These allow you toview the contents of your fridge soyou can meal plan from anywhere -- your workplace, the school pickup line, the grocery store -- before even walking in the door. They can also help you stayon top of lingering items, and avoidunpleasant leaks and odorsinhard toreach spaces.
Today’s latest dishwashersare also savingparentchefs time and energy on busy weekdays. Embedded AI technology detects how soiled a dishisandadjusts settings accordingly, eliminating the need for prerinsing. On the tail endof a cycle,AI is optimizing drying so that dishes come out of the machine ready to be stowed.The best part? These functions can be operated remotely. Using a connectedsmartphone to run the dishwasher, you can return home to clean dishes, giving youmore time to help the kids with their homework, prepare dinner and relax.
Get Help, But Make it Fun
One of the best ways to manage messesisby
Legacy from page 9
recruiting the entire family to help.To make it fun, engagingand streamlined, use an app like Sweepy.In addition toorganizing a cleaningschedule for you based onyour availability, and helping you prioritize what tasks needs tobe undertakenfirst,the app also givesyou the optionof gamifying household chores.Simply add household members to the app, assign them tasks to com-
express awe at the depth of historycaptured in the museum’s walls.“Itbrings back somany wonderful memories,” Jackson said.“We hope people leave wondering how we ever made it work—and realizing thatwe did,together.”
The museum’sfounders give God all the glory for itssuccess. “He watched over the school,the teachers, the administration, and the parents,” Jackson said. “We were created to helpone another,and that’s precisely whatwe did.”
Fifty years from now, the Booneville BlackHistory Museum hopes to be rememberedasa beacon of heritage and hope—a place where stories werenot only
plete, and have themcompete for a spot onthe leaderboard,so thatcleanupissomething thatkids will actually look forward to!
This back-to-school season,don’t let messes get the better of you.With new tools andsmart strategies, youcan tackle everything from grass-stained sports uniforms to mountains of school clutter withease.
preserved but passed on. “We are proud of the outstandingcitizens whograduated fromWickAnderson School,” Jackson said. “Farmers, teachers, coaches, nurses, lawyers, preachers, servicemen and women, doctors—Blackbusinessmen and women are present all over the world.And it all startedhere.”
The members of the museuminvite everyone tocome and witness the legacy firsthand. “You will be amazedat the history youlearnand the people who make it up,” Jacksonsaid. For museumtours please contact Coach Jackson (662) 2100157,Willie Friar (662) 416-1869 or Robert Moment (662) 728-1220.
NEWSFLASHKidsZone
of crisp asparagus.While asparagus is available yearround, it's much better when purchased locally.
Asparagus is easy to select and prepare, and comes ina varietyof vibrant colors including green, violet, purple and white. It also grows wild and is commerciallyavailable fresh, frozen and canned.The stalks range in size from colossal to small. Varioustypes and colorsof asparagus canbe used without anynoticeable difference in the taste, so mix and matchcolors and sizes
AsparagusIsPerfectforRecipes
should not be limp or dry at the cut andof uniform thickness.
If you're planning touse the asparagus on the same day, rinse it under cool water and pat the stalks dry with a paper towel. Smaller stalks can be broken or cut at the point where the stem naturally snaps. Peelingthe endof thickerstalkswith a paring knife or a vegetable peeler removes any woody stems andcan be done up to2 hours before cooking. Place the prepared asparagus in a plastic bagin the refrigerator tostay crisp
until ready to cook.
Fresh asparagus should never be washed or soaked before storing. Ifthe asparagus is bound witha rubber band, remove it, as it will pinch and bruise the stalks.Asparagus canbe stored for up to twodays if the stalks are trimmedand placed upright in a jar with about aninchof water in the bottom. Coverthe asparagus with a plastic bagandstore the spears in the refrigerator.
Asparagus cooks in minutes and can be prepared steamedor boiled in the microwave or oven. It tastesdelicious hot or cold, and it also freezeswell if blanched first in hot water. Asparagus is a nutritionalpowerhouse.One-half cup of cookedasparagus contains significant amounts of folic acid, vitaminC,potassium and betacarotene. It's also a hearthealthy food, and a natural diuretic.
This versatile vegetable works well asa room-temperature appetizer, blended into a soup, asa flavorful side dish,the main ingredient in a colorful salador as part of a main course like my recipe for Lemon Chicken withAsparagus. Preparing asparagus is a delicious and nutritious wayto celebrate spring.
LEMON CHICKEN WITHASPARAGUS
4 chickenbreasts, about 3 pounds, washed and fat trimmedandremoved 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1/2 pound asparagus, stalks trimmed and cut into 1 inchpieces
1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper
11/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 cup chickenstock
3cups cooked rice
In a large non-stickskillet,heat the oil over medium high heat.Season the chickenpieces withthe salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Place the chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 5 to 7minutes. Turn the pieces skin-side up,andcook until golden brownand done, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and redbell pepper.Add the asparagus and cookfor 1 minute. Stir in the zest and the chickenstock and bring to a simmer. Cover and cookfor 3 minutes. Serve immediately over hot rice.
TopHigh-PayingJobsThatAreinDemand
(StatePoint)Lookingforahighpayingjobinagrowingprofession? Here’swhattoknowaboutsomeof today’stopprofessionsoffering generouscompensationandgood jobsecurity:
HealthCare
TheU.S.populationisaging, andthedemandforhealth-careprofessionalsisgrowing.TheBureau ofLaborandStatisticsreportsthat nursepractitionersandphysician assistantsareamongthetop20 fastest-growingprofessionsnationwide,bothearningmedianpaywell over$100,000peryear.Trustedand valuedbypatients,peersandphysicians,bothcareerpathsofferrich intangiblerewards,alongwith long-termjobsecurity.
FinancialPlanning
Agrowingtalentshortageinthe financialplanningprofessionmeans thatthiscareerpathislikelyone thatwillofferjobsecurityforyears tocome.Infact,arecentstudyby McKinsey&Co.predictsthatby 2034,U.S.wealthmanagement firmscouldbeabout100,000financialadvisorsshortofthenumber neededtofulfillcustomerdemand.
andestateplanningtoretirement incomeanalysisanddebtmanagement.
Withamedianannualcompensationof$185,000,financialplanningisajobthatpayswell.And giventherigorous,comprehensive trainingCFP®professionalsundergo,it’snosurprisetheyearn13% morethanotherfinancialplanners, andcommonlyreceivegenerous benefitspackagesandotherperks.
Tolearnmoreaboutthefinancialplanningprofession,alongwith thenumerouscareeradvantages CFP®certificationaffords,visit CFP.net.
Inparticular,consumersand firmsareactivelyseekingadvisors whomeetspecificrequirements; 81%preferanadvisorwhotakesall areasoftheirfinanciallifeinto accountand90%seeanadvisor’s certificationsasimportant.Thisis whyCERTIFIEDFINANCIAL PLANNER®certificationcangive financialplannersatanystageof theircareeralegup.Duringthe certificationprocess,CFP®professionalsdevelopdeepsubjectmatter expertiseineverythingfromtax
InformationTechnology Withtechnologiessuchas machinelearning,artificialintelligence(AI)andcloudcomputing beingintroducedintoworkplace processes,organizationswillneed freshly-mintedinformationtechnology(IT)professionalswithexpertiseintheseareastoseamlessly implementthesetoolsintotheir businessmodels.Atthesametime, ITprofessionalsareneededtoprotectcompaniesfromemerging cybersecuritythreats.Withamediansalaryof$169,510andanunemploymentrateatjust1.4%,accordingtoU.S.NewsandWorld Report,ITmanagersarewell-compensatedandjob-secure.
Whetheryou’reayoungperson investigatingpost-graduation opportunitiesoramid-lifecareerchanger,understandingindustry trendscanhelpyoualignyour careergoalswithgreaterfinancial security.
(c) Drazen Zigic / iStock via Getty Images Plus
These Careers Have High Pay and Lots of Freedom
(StatePoint)Are you looking for flexibilityand independence inyour career, without sacrificing your earningpotential? If so, then these three career fields are worth looking into:
Real Estate
As a realestate agent, you have a lot of flexibility in terms of the number of hours you work a week, how much support you receive froma team orfirm, and even what customersyou service, be they residential or commercial andbuyers, renters or sellers.While the jobcan be demanding in busyperiods,and typically requires weekend and evening work, it’s a great field for anyone whoenjoys meetingwith people face-to-face, setting their own hours and being active.
FinancialPlanning
Financialplanningoffers work-life balance, a highsalaryand the flexibility to chart your own career path.As a financial planner, you can be your own boss if you want to, or workfor a firmlarge or small. If you’re entrepreneurial-minded,take note — 38% of financialplanners are selfemployed, business owners or equitypartners of a company.
Whether you specialize ina particular area of financialadvising or not, the best way to significantlyexpand your opportunities is by earning CERTIFIEDFINANCIALPLANNER® certification.The mediantotal compensation for financial planners in 2024 was$185,000, and CFP® professionals, high in demand among employers and clients, earn 13% more than their peers.
Financialplanningcareersofferdynam-
ic, human-focusedwork environments, work-life balance,impressive compensationand the chance to holisticallyimprove people’s lives.Women should pay particular attention to the CFP® professional path: New CFPBoard research finds that women prioritize passion and energy in their work, alongwith financialsecurity and job security,while womencollege studentsareparticularly lookingto make a meaningful contribution and women career changers are especiallymotivated by better work-life balance.Financial planning is a career path thatcandeliver on all these fronts.
To learn more about becoming a financialplanner and getting CFP® certification, visit CFP.net.
Event Planning
Event planners help people and organizations bring the most important days of their lifeto fruition. From weddings and milestone birthdays to launch partiesand conferences, event planning cantake many forms.As an event planner,you couldbe self-employed, work for a firm or even be the in-house planner ata venue.Agreat job for multi-taskers whoare asequally attentive tothe big picture asthe little details, this is a lively, creative career path that offers good pay andever-changing projectsand priorities.
Seekinga career that pays well andis flexible andfulfilling? Fortunately, there are dynamic work environments thatcan also be lucrative.
TECHNOLOGY
TipsforProtectingYourself fromDeepfakeFraud
(StatePoint)You answer the phone and hear a familiar voice, but are you sure you know who it is on the other end of the line?The correct answer should be “no.”
Rapidadvancement of artificialintelligence(AI) has armedbadactors with sophisticated tools to enable impersonation fraud using deepfakes.Adeepfake can consist of audio, video or imagerythat has either been createdor altered usingAI.The danger is that with a simple sample of audio or video or even a few images,a criminal can create a deepfake that is almost impossible to detect.
ANational Institutes of Health study in 2023 found that even whenindividuals were given a warning that one out of five videos for them to review was a deepfake,only 21.6% were able to correctly identify the fraudulent option.
Intoday’s technological climate, the risks are too
high to trust the naked eye to determine truth. Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help reduce your likelihood of getting duped, and they don’t require specializedskillsor technical aptitude.
One important one is never assumingthat someone contactingyou is legitimate, even if they share a seemingly legitimate image or video, have a familiar voice,or come under the guise of someone known and trusted.Creatingsafe words with close family members and friendsis alsoa good idea.That meansyou have a secret code word only they know. If the caller doesn’t know it, that is aneasy andeffective way to identify a fraud.
Just as important if not more than picking out deepfakes, is protecting your identity against being exploited to create a deepfake. Here are some measures that could helpmitigate the risk:
SocialMedia
Management: Don’t overpost your face or voice and limit who can view your content bytightening up privacysettings on your accounts.
Watermarks on Images:
Consider puttingwatermarks on imagery youpost online todiscourage repurposing of it.
Stronger Identity Protection: Subscribe to identity monitoringservices thatwill send alerts if yourpersonal information appears on the darkweb where criminals buy and sell stolen credentials.
Limited Voice Exposure: Screen phone calls and only answer when they come froma knownnumber. It’s alsorecommended to use the factory setting voicemail message rather than recordingan outgoing message using your own voice.
Prompt Reporting: If you are contacted bysomeone you believe isleveraging a deepfake toimpersonate a person or brand, report it immediately to that person or brand.They will want to workwith the authorities andtime is of the essence.
To learn more about tools and techniques to help protect your identity and respondto fraud, visit PNC’sSecurity &Privacy Center.
Technology is providing criminals more sophisticated technologiesto commit fraud,but good, old-fashionedcaution andcommon sense are still the best protection, and that appliesto deepfakes, too.
(c) Jose Calsina / iStock via Getty Images Plus
(c)Andrii Zastrozhnov / iStock via Getty Images Plus
