Special to The Bolton News  The magic of pure imagination is coming to town as the Amiable Arts Foundation presents Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory  this April at Bolton Edwards Middle School. Set for two performances, the beloved story will take the stage on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 p.m. and Friday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m., offering local families and theater lovers a chance to experience the timeless adventure right in the heart of Bolton. Held at Bolton Edwards Middle School, located at 9700 I-20 Frontage Road, the production promises a vibrant showcase of local talent, creativity, and community spirit. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance, giving attendees time to settle in before the curtain rises. The story follows the imaginative journey of young Charlie Bucket as he wins a golden ticket to tour the mysterious chocolate factory owned by the eccentric Willy Wonka. Filled with colorful characters, memorable moments, and valuable life lessons, the production is designed to entertain audiences of all ages. The Amiable Arts Foundation continues to play an important role in fostering performing arts opportunities in the community, providing a platform for aspiring performers to develop their talents while bringing high-quality entertainment to local audiences. Tickets for both performances are available online through Eventbrite, and early purchase is encouraged as seating may be limited. Whether you're a longtime fan of the classic tale or introducing it to a new generation, this Bolton production is set to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Author Colleen Hoover is apparently dominant in the genre of tearjerkers. She’s best known for “It Ends With Us,” about the upsetting subject of domestic violence. Now comes “Reminders of Him,” which features both a death and a torn-apart family. It wants to inspire tears of sadness and sympathy, but the best it can manage is to bore me to tears. The story follows Kenna (Maika Monroe), fresh out of prison after serving a seven-year sentence for vehicular manslaughter. She returns to her small Wyoming hometown, where the first thing she does is rip out the cross along the side of the road that memorializes her former lover Scotty (Rudy Pankow), the passenger she killed in a car crash while intoxicated. It’s not malicious, she does it to honor Scotty, as “he hated memorials,” though she doesn’t seem to consider that memorials aren’t “for” the deceased, they’re for people in mourning. Then again, she’s not one to always use great judgement. Kenna’s life is a mess. She can’t get a job because of her criminal record, she can only stay in a lousy apartment by agreeing to take in one of the building owner’s cats, and she has no legal right to see Diem (Zoe Kosovic), the six-year-old daughter she had with Scotty, probably conceived minutes before the fatal crash. She had to give birth in prison and never even got to hold her baby before she was whisked away to live with Scotty’s parents (Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford). She’s looking for a way to become part of Diem’s life, but all of her ideas involve acting like a crazy stalker, which isn’t going to endear her to the child’s grandparents, who already hate her for what she did to their son. Kenna’s search for a job leads her to a bar owned by failed football player Ledger (Tyriq Withers). The two flirt and he instantly develops feelings for her. Things get complicated when it is revealed that he was Scotty’s best friend growing up and is now heavily involved in raising Diem. They get even more complicated when he learns that she is Scotty’s lover/killer and Diem’s stalker/mother. He demands that she leave town, or at least not insert herself into Diem’s life, but she has no intention of obeying. Besides, he doesn’t really mean that he wants her to leave town, he’s too smitten with her. Kenna and Ledger form an uneasy business relationship that turns into a friendship that threatens to turn romantic. Can he learn to love the woman who took his best friend away from him? And how will this affect the close-as-family relationship he has with Diem and her grandparents? No doubt it will involve lying and eventually exposure, but will forgiveness be around the corner? The film feels inexplicably stuffed with dragged-out scenes and unnecessary details. Kenna’s first job as a grocery bagger doesn’t really go anywhere, nor does Ledger not making much progress on a house he’s building far outside of town. And we don’t need a lengthy flashback to the night of the accident, everything has been sufficiently described in other parts of the movie. My theory is that a tight, early draft of the script came in at only sixty minutes and the studio insisted that it be stretched out to ninety, but then someone overcorrected until it was this nearly-two-hour snoozefest. Either that or the Hoover novel itself is over-bloated, in which case the movie should have done more to tighten things up. I’m not mad at “Reminders of Him” for being incompetent, just nonplussed that it’s so unexciting. Other than being too long and dull, it’s not even bad in an interesting way. By the end of the year, I’ll probably forget the very title of “that weepy mother-that-can’t-see-her-daughter movie.” And then I’ll need a reminder of “Reminders of Him.” Grade: C- “Reminders of Him” is rated PG-13 for sexual content, strong language, drug content, some violent content, and brief partial nudity. Its running time is 114 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to The Bolton News Rosie Lee "Poom" Taylor November 21, 1957 - March 14, 2026 68 Years of age Ms. Rosie Lee Taylor, affectionately known as “Poom,” was born on November 21, 1957, in Bolton, Mississippi, to the late Clyde Taylor, Sr. and Daisy Bell Strong Taylor. She departed this life on March 14, 2026, in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 68. Rosie was a lifelong resident of Hinds County and a graduate of Raymond High School, Class of 1975. She was known for her quiet strength, gentle spirit, and the love she shared with her family. She was a loving mother whose children were her pride and joy, and they loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Clyde Taylor, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Timothy Clyde Taylor and Elizabeth Marie Taylor of Raymond, Mississippi; her siblings, Bessie Mae Drone, Lydia Loraine Armon, Henry Lee Taylor (Johnnie Mae), and Ethel Lee West; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other loved ones. Rosie will be remembered for her kindness and the quiet impact she made on those around her. Funeral Events: Viewing: March 20, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 PM Bolton Funeral Home, 205 Bolton Brownsville Road, Bolton Additional viewing will take place one hour prior to the start of the funeral Funeral Service: March 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM Mt. Center Missionary Baptist Church, 3789 Sam Herring Road, Raymond Cards may be sent to: Bolton Funeral Home, Attn: Family of Rosie Lee Taylor, P.O. Box 67 Bolton, MS 39041. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rosie Lee Taylor, please visit our flower store .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com  Your spouse feeling extremely ill and hurting, with no rapid relief anywhere in sight? Don't expect him to act differently than exactly what he is feeling. Physical illness shows itself very plainly in our behavior – take a quick look at a hurting and fussy little baby who feels no qualms at all in expressing just how bad her body feels. Dealing constantly with real pain can make anyone of us cranky and hard to be around at times. So what is the solution when your spouse's behavior goes beyond simply being irritated? What should you do as his long-suffering partner, when the constant arguments begin to stomp on your last nerve? Walk away. Don't attempt to argue your point or reason out the issue with him. Simply realize he feels really lousy and is acting it out. And he is not going to be in the mood to listen to your side of the story, and try to work out a compromise with you. So do both of you a favor, and just walk away. Let a little time away from the situation cool the temperature in the room.   This maneuver can give both of you a chance to realize what is happening - that his ongoing pain is making him feel out of control. Feeling out of control is also known as that horrible emotion of helplessness. And helplessness very often brings on anger. And that kind of anger erupts quickly at the slightest outside provocation. And unfortunately, you can be easily that outside provocation. If you will learn to walk away from the immediate situation, hopefully there can come a point that he will start to realize why he reacted the way he did. And approach you to resume a more reasonable conversation ...usually trying to explain that his behavior is from the frustration with the illness or pain. Your second job after walking away? Listen to what he is trying to say to you, when he does begin to talk. Not just his words, but the emotions behind it all. Try to understand and sympathize. Your third job is to realize how badly you would probably be acting if you were to find yourself stuck in his situation. Remember this. There is absolutely no reason to continue an argument. No use trying. At this point, there is no winning for either of you. Because probably, neither of you is right or wrong. Just misunderstood, and not communicating very well at this stage. Pain inside a home has a way of making the people in that home seem to lose the skill of hearing each other very well. So, learn to walk away for a few minutes. For your own sake and for your spouse.

Special to The Bolton News Tucked quietly along Interstate 20, Bolton may seem like just another small Mississippi town—but beneath its modest appearance lies a rich and often overlooked history shaped by railroads, resilience, and generations of community pride. Long before modern traffic passed by at highway speed, Bolton was a vital stop along the railroad line that helped connect rural Mississippi to larger markets. The town’s early growth was fueled by agriculture and transportation, with cotton and timber moving through the area and helping establish Bolton as a small but meaningful hub in Hinds County. Yet, much of Bolton’s story isn’t found in textbooks—it lives in the memories of longtime residents and the quiet corners of town. Echoes of the Railroad Era The railroad didn’t just bring commerce—it brought people, opportunity, and cultural exchange. In its early days, Bolton’s depot served as a gathering point where news traveled as quickly as the trains themselves. While the depot may no longer stand as it once did, its impact still shapes the town’s identity. Landmarks with Stories to Tell Scattered throughout Bolton are buildings and sites that carry decades of untold stories. Older homes, churches, and community spaces reflect the craftsmanship and values of earlier generations. Some structures have been repurposed, while others stand as quiet reminders of a different era. Local churches, in particular, have long served as anchors of the community—hosting not only worship services, but also social events, meetings, and moments of collective strength during challenging times. Voices from the Past Bolton’s history is also defined by the people who called it home. From farmers and educators to small business owners and community leaders, their contributions built the foundation the town stands on today. Many families in Bolton can trace their roots back generations, carrying forward traditions and stories that rarely make headlines but remain deeply meaningful. Moments of Resilience Like many small towns, Bolton has faced its share of challenges—from economic shifts to natural disasters. Yet time and again, the community has adapted and endured. These moments of resilience, often unrecorded outside of local memory, are a defining part of Bolton’s character. Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future Today, there is a growing appreciation for preserving Bolton’s history—not just in buildings, but in storytelling. Community events, local initiatives, and conversations among residents are helping ensure that these hidden histories are not lost. Because in Bolton, history isn’t just something that happened—it’s something that continues to live on through its people.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB The 2020’s haven’t been kind to once-great animation giant Pixar, at least with its original titles. “Onward” had its box office cut down by the pandemic. Three straight movies had to forgo theatrical releases and go straight to Disney+. “Lightyear” was the first movie from the studio that I couldn’t bring myself to recommend. That movie, along with passable-but-middling efforts “Elemental” and “Elio” were all unable to win a single weekend at the domestic box office. Yes, “Inside Out 2” made more money domestically than any movie in the last three years, but that was an established property. Pixar needs an original hit to pull itself out of its rut, and I’m happy to report that “Hoppers” is just the movie to do it. The story follows outspoken college student and animal-lover Mabel (Piper Curda) as she tries to save the glade near her home from getting bulldozed at the behest of Mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm) to make room for a new highway. She’d have a better case if there were any animals making their home in the glade, but she’s sure that if the land can be protected, the animals will come. What she really needs is to move a beaver into the area that can dam up a stream and create a water supply for an ecosystem’s worth of animals. But finding a beaver turns out to be harder than she thought. The only one she can find is one that willingly gets into a car, rides to the university, and goes into the office of Dr. Sam (Kathy Najimy). It turns out that the beaver “is” Dr. Sam. The professor has created a machine that allows a human mind to enter a robotic animal body. This allows them to observe and study animals without their human-sized bodies causing a distraction. Think of it as the technology from “Avatar,” Mabel certainly does. Of course, Dr. Sam created the “hopping” technology for observational purposes only, and of course, Mabel disobeys all instructions and goes hopping as a beaver herself on a mission to save the glade. Mabel struggles to adapt to animal culture at first, especially the animals-have-to-eat-other-animals aspect. But she soon makes the acquaintance of King George (Bobby Moynihan), the beaver leader of a system of animals at a nearby pond and the character that I imagine will best lend himself to merchandising going forward. King George teaches her about “Pond Rules,” where everybody is friends, everybody helps out, and eating for sustenance isn’t personal. He sees the good in everybody, from the smallest creatures to dangerous predators to humans like Mayor Jerry. Mabel fulfills her mission and helps King George take back the glade for the animals. But then Mayor Jerry retaliates, and she hadn’t counted on escalation. King George summons a whole council of animal monarchs to decide whether to fight more ferociously, and the Insect Queen (Meryl Streep) wants to take it a step further and squish Mayor Jerry for good. Mabel didn’t want to take things “that” far, but soon things are out of control. Can she, in her fake beaver guise, diffuse an entire war between animals and humans? In some respects, mostly storytelling, “Hoppers” isn’t a huge step forward. Disney/Pixar characters get themselves in too deep over lies all the time, so this is par for the course in this era. And I did cringe at some of the jokes, especially ones that lean too heavily on modern slang. But this is what Disney and Pixar do best: adorable animals, clever gags, fun performances, and heartfelt emotional beats. I imagine that kids will love it and adults will like it. I liked it enough to say that I hope Pixar makes a well-deserved comeback with it, but I also hope that they have even bigger hits with more ambitious projects going forward. Grade: B “Hoppers” is rated PG for action/peril, some scary images, and mild language. Its running time is 104 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to The Bolton News The Bolton Baptist Church will host its popular Farmers Market and Animal Swap on Saturday, March 21, from 8 a.m. to noon, offering residents of Bolton, Mississippi and the surrounding area a unique opportunity to buy, sell, or trade livestock in a friendly, small-town setting. The Animal Swap portion of the event features a variety of animals, including chickens, rabbits, goats, and other small farm animals. It’s designed to be a welcoming environment where farmers, hobbyists, and families can connect, share knowledge, and find quality livestock for their homesteads. The swap provides a convenient way for local residents to acquire animals or pass them along to new homes while fostering a sense of community. In addition to the Animal Swap, the Farmers Market will feature locally grown produce, handmade goods, and other items from area vendors. It’s an ideal way to support local agriculture and small businesses while enjoying a morning outdoors. Organizers say the event is more than just a marketplace; it’s a chance for neighbors to gather, share tips about raising animals, gardening, and farm life, and strengthen the small-town bonds that make Bolton unique. The Farmers Market and Animal Swap will take place Saturday, March 21, from 8 a.m. to noon at Bolton Baptist Church. Everyone is invited to come out, browse the offerings, and enjoy a morning of community, commerce, and camaraderie.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Ten-year-old Billy and his dad were going to eat at Billy’s favorite buffet-style restaurant. It was the boy’s birthday, and Dad had indulgently told him that he could have anything he wanted, as much as he wanted. Big mistake. Billy grabbed a plate and headed straight for the prime rib, steaks, roasts, and seafood bar. Without even a side glance at all the salads, vegetables, and fruits. As he began piling his plate with meats only, his dad stopped him with a warning. “Son, you don’t want to do that. If you eat all that meat, you’re gonna have a beauty of a stomach ache later. You need to have a few vegetables on there.” Confidently, Billy replied, “Nah, I’m good,” and continued building the second layer of his ‘Ode To The Love Of Meat’  on his plate. When he finally reached the dessert bar, he reached for a second large plate and proceeded to load it with every kind of chocolate dessert available. This time Dad spoke firmly, “Absolutely not, Billy! If you ate all that, you would be terribly sick tonight.” Glancing briefly at his dad, Billy’s voice took on an arrogant tone, “You  said I could have whatever I wanted to eat, and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do!” Dad was now faced with difficult choices. Indulge a short-sighted birthday promise he had made that would definitely have consequences, or stick to his guns and enforce what he knew was best for his son. Let Billy indulge to his heart’s content and learn an important lesson in life about self-control, or stop the idiocy beforehand. The life lesson in over-eating won out. Shaking his head, Dad sighed and told Billy, “Okay, but don’t say I didn’t try to warn you, son.” Can you imagine yourself as Billy, and your Creator as the father who loves to indulge you…but only to a point. That point being when you insist on being really stupid.  For example, when you decide to buy a brand-new car with sky-high monthly payments. When you leave your marriage because you’ve become infatuated with a co-worker. Or when you decide to quit your job, ignore your debts, and take a few years to just indulge your love of travel. How does He make the difficult choices between letting you take the fun road, or forcing you to consider your ways and do some growing up? No doubt about it. With God, the fun road isn’t the first consideration. Helping you to learn to take the high road, that’s His focus. And God has perfect focus. He never forces you to do His will, He will let you learn at your own pace and make your own mistakes. But trust me, He will be trying to teach you the life lessons you need. And most of the time, it’s gonna hurt.

By Bob Garver "Scream” is easily my favorite horror franchise. It might be my favorite movie franchise overall, but especially in terms of horror. That’s why it really hurts me to say that “Scream 7” isn’t up to snuff. It’s not hard to see why this installment falls short, given its troubled production history. The latter half of 2023 saw the departures of both co-directors and both lead actresses from both of the last two installments that had reinvigorated the franchise for the 2020’s. Rather than cancel the project outright, the studio forged ahead with a retooled movie with original star Neve Campbell and original screenwriter Kevin Williamson as director. In theory, this could work, especially with the always-welcome Campbell as the lead, but this film never quite shakes off the passionless stench of someone having to deliver a film to meet an obligation despite the absence of first-choice talent. The film, as expected, opens with a violent pre-title sequence. A young couple (Jimmy Tatro and Michelle Randolph) check into the old house of original co-killer Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard), now a rental property for fans of murder scenes. Spooky surprises are hidden throughout the house, including a robot wearing the iconic Ghostface costume. Eventually a non-robot Ghostface shows up, ready for some slashing. It’s not a lock that the couple will be killed like so many pre-title sequence characters before them, but… I didn’t see them bucking the trend. We soon rejoin Sidney Prescott (Campbell) trying to live a life out of media spotlight, despite having found herself as a player in five killing sprees in her lifetime. She’s married to the local chief of police (Joel McHale) and has three children, two of whom are away visiting their grandparents. Her teenage daughter Tatum (Isabel May) wants to know some of the juicy details of her past, which she refuses to divulge, but otherwise clashes with her, disobeys her, and wants nothing to do with her, in typical teenage fashion. One day, Sidney gets a call from someone using the familiar Roger L. Jackson filter. It’s the new killer. But instead of terrorizing Sidney in the Ghostface garb, this killer directs Sidney to a screen, where she’s taunted by none other than Stu Macher (played by Lillard at his current age), who died in the first movie… or so she thinks. Did he somehow survive? Is this an A.I. prank? Either way, “Stu” makes it clear that Sidney and her family are targets for revenge. Potential suspects/victims line up. Sidney works at a coffee shop frequented by her neighbor Jessica (Anna Camp) and her slasher-obsessed son Luke (Asa Germann), as well as creepy wildcard Karl (Kraig Dane). Tatum’s circle of friends includes boyfriend Ben (Sam Rechner), and besties Hannah (Mckenna Grace) and Chloe (Celeste O’Connor). Shady characters on the periphery include rude drama teacher Mr. Willis (Tim Simons), mental hospital orderly Marco (Ethan Embry), and fame-hungry reporter Robbie Rivers (Mark Consuelos). Those are the new faces. But because the movie has to use nostalgia as a crutch, it’s not long before longtime ally Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox) shows up, flanked by returning characters Chad (Mason Gooding) and Mindy (Jasmin Savoy-Brown), from the fifth and sixth movies, now working as the reporter’s assistants. And as forced as those returns feel, they’re no match for Stu and a gaggle of last-act cameos that serve no purpose other than for the advertising to be able to say that the actors technically appear in the movie. I found some things to like about “Scream 7.” Campbell hasn’t lost an ounce of Scream Queen credibility, there are some creative kills, and the fight choreographer certainly earned their paycheck. But any scene without Campbell that involves mystery, suspense, emotion, or even the series’ trademark humor is a miss. Save for one, I’m not interested in following any surviving characters to another movie. This movie probably shouldn’t have been made without certain people onboard, and I’ll say that there shouldn’t be another “Scream” movie until they can come back. Grade: C “Scream 7” is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, and language. Its running time is 114 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to The Bolton News The Town of Bolton has announced that Hinds County has been selected to receive a Congressional Direct Spending Award totaling $975,000 to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the facility located at 109 Sharon Street. The building previously housed the Hinds County Department of Human Services and has long been a recognizable property within the community. Town officials say the funding will allow for major improvements to the structure and surrounding property, creating new opportunities to repurpose the facility into a revitalized space that can better serve the needs of Bolton residents. The project is expected to breathe new life into the site while strengthening the town’s ability to provide services and resources for the community. Leaders say the investment represents a meaningful step forward for Bolton as it continues working to enhance local infrastructure and expand opportunities for residents. Once completed, the renovated facility could become an important asset for the town and a focal point for future community initiatives. Town representatives also expressed appreciation to those who played a role in securing the funding and supporting the project. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson was recognized for his continued advocacy and partnership with communities across the region. Local officials also acknowledged the Hinds County Board of Supervisors for their support and collaboration. Special thanks were extended to Board President Robert Graham of District 1 and Supervisor Tony Smith of District 2, along with Lynn Seals, Director of Administration and Human Capital Development for Hinds County, for their leadership and assistance throughout the process. Town officials noted that the support from federal and county partners demonstrates the value of investing in smaller communities and recognizing their potential for growth and revitalization. Additional details about the renovation and future plans for the property will be shared as the project moves forward.

Special to The Bolton News Bolton, Mississippi, is quiet today. But in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the sounds rising from its fields, porches, and juke joints would ripple far beyond Hinds County — shaping the very foundation of American blues. Just outside town stands a Mississippi Blues Trail marker honoring Charley Patton, widely regarded as one of the architects of Delta blues. Born near Bolton in the 1890s, Patton developed a raw, driving guitar style and a commanding stage presence that influenced generations of musicians. His recordings in the late 1920s carried the sound of rural Mississippi to a national audience, preserving a musical tradition that had largely lived in oral form. Patton’s impact was not subtle. He blended work songs, spirituals, and field hollers into a powerful performance style that set the template for Delta blues. His influence can be traced through countless artists who followed, from early blues pioneers to modern rock musicians. What began in small communities like Bolton became a defining thread in American music history. Bolton’s musical legacy does not stop there. The area is also linked to members of the Mississippi Sheiks, including the Chatmon family, who helped popularize a distinctive string-band blues sound in the 1930s. Their music blended blues with country and folk traditions, demonstrating how fluid and interconnected Southern musical styles truly were. Unlike larger Mississippi cities that have built extensive tourism around blues history, Bolton’s connection remains understated. There are no large museums or annual festivals drawing crowds by the thousands. Instead, its contribution lives in historical markers, archived recordings, and the influence embedded in the music itself. That presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Heritage tourism continues to grow across Mississippi, with travelers seeking authentic stories tied to real places. Bolton has one of those stories — not manufactured, not exaggerated, but foundational. The question is whether the town will lean into that identity or allow it to remain a quiet footnote. Blues music was born from hardship, resilience, faith, and daily life in communities like Bolton. It told the truth about work, love, struggle, and survival. Those themes are not relics; they remain relevant. And in a time when authenticity matters more than ever, Bolton holds a genuine piece of cultural history. The roots of the blues run deep here. The soil has not forgotten.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Parenting kids…tough stuff. And just think of doing that same job from God’s point of view. He’s responsible for the same…guiding you and me to become good adults. Not a job that you would hear me volunteering to do in a trillion lightyears. Just imagine. God: “Jimbo, go to work everyday and do your job well, then go straight home to be with your family when you’re done. So you can be the husband and father they need.” Jimbo: “Huh, not happening, God. I enjoy goin’ out drinkin’ with the guys too much. I need some time to unwind.” And now God has to work at teaching and training Jimbo to see life the way God wants him to see it. And believe me, He will not accept Jimbo’s excuses and reasons for living life any old way that he wants. Why? Because God simply never gives up on us. Me in God’s shoes? I’d tell Jimbo to get it right. One time. Oh, I guess I might give him another opportunity to change his ways. Maybe a warning shot across the bow. But if Jimbo still made no attempt to learn to be a good family man, then my next shot wouldn’t be a warning. It would likely be dead center in the middle of his pleasure-seeking little boat and would turn his world upside down, with water rapidly filling and turning it into a watery grave. But not God. The Bible says He is a patient Father. He tells us what He wants for us. Then He tries again. And again. Until finally, He sighs and does what He has to do to get our attention. And it’s up to us to determine just how far He has to go. Heaven help those who rebelliously thumb their noses at Him, and keep going their merry way. Because God is known for using circumstances to get our attention. Things can go from good – to not so good – to bad – to “Somebody please help me, I’m drowning in my problems.” I repeat, because God simply never gives up on us. But back to parenting our kids. In a microcosm, we’re supposed to be handling our job just like God is with you and me. Loving, giving, teaching, training, disciplining, and even punishing to the necessary extent when nothing else seems to work. But never - and I mean never giving up. We parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles can’t afford the luxury of simply walking away from a hellion stuck in rebellion. That adult-to-be should be seen as too valuable to just hand his life over to a world intent on destroying everyone in its path. We need to employ everything at our disposal in trying to make a difference in our kids and their future. Prayers… pleading… discussion…counseling… explanations…lockdowns… ball bats…you name it, we need to try it. My point is simple. Be like Almighty God. Never give up. Try everything. Throw it all against the wall and see if anything will stick. Our kids are worth it.