Opinion Archive

My wife and I pray together most mornings before one of us leaves the house for our workday. Our prayer is always the same, “Lord, we are yours and this day is yours. We ask you to fill us with your Spirit and use us for your glory.” One day last week, having prayed with my wife and seen her out the door, a question popped into my mind: God, are you tired of hearing the same prayer from us day after day?

We are working on finishing up all three of our newspapers on Monday while wondering if the driver is going to be able to bring them to us from Jackson, Mississippi, on Tuesday evening like he normally does. We attempted to print earlier to get ahead of the storm, but the company that owns the press prioritizes their own papers first – of course – and no can do. They were really nice about it – but the facts are the facts.  And we would do the same if we owned the printing press. There is a good chance you are reading this – at best on Thursday, but probably on Friday.

This week we watched the beautiful and majestic pomp and circumstance that is the presidential inauguration. No matter who the incoming president is, the ceremony surrounding inauguration day is one to behold. It touches us both patriotically and spiritually.

Let the story of Michael Carter provide a valuable lesson to all young athletes out there who aspire to one day be the best they can be in their respective sports.
Carter is a former Navarre Raider running back, the best in school history to be exact, and he just finished up his fourth year in the NFL.

It’s getting tougher to play the recruiting game as a high school athlete.
Between the transfer portal, Name Image and Likeness deals and roster limits at the Division I level that all but eliminate walk-on opportunities, athletes in high school who dream of one playing a college sport are finding it tougher to find a home.

The acronym GOAT is frequently used in publications, but the first time I saw it used, I mistook it for a pejorative. “What despicable thing did this person do,” I wondered, “that this author would refer to him as a goat?” Reading further confused me even more because the author spoke of the person only in the most glowing terms. Then the lights came on and I realized that GOAT is an acronym for “greatest of all time.” Yes, it took me awhile.

The grand opening at Emerald Waterfront was awesome. I saw people I haven’t seen in 10 years or more and they recognized me – which is a good thing. Someone said they thought all of Navarre was there, but I know there were a few people I didn’t see at the event. I know there had to be at least a thousand in attendance and everyone looked like they were having a good time. I even had the opportunity to speak with the dining and outdoors writer for the Pensacola News Journal. She had a crocheted newspaper press pass badge holder which I thought was super cute. Danielle Hall of “Say I do” weddings coordinated the entire event, and she did a spectacular job – as usual. She had back-to-back events with the sold-out Navarre Krewe of Jesters party the night before. And, as usual, her husband Stevie Hall was quite the entertainer. He is very talented – singing, keyboards, and guitar. I had the opportunity to speak with the owner, Tommy, earlier today and I used to think I was the most positive and “bullish” regarding Navarre and our potential, but I think he has me beat. A long time ago, when we started seeing our second and third dollar stores coming in, I wrote in my column that Navarre was better than that, we needed to have at least $5 stores. I still feel the same way – but one $5 store and one dollar store is enough. However, that is a totally different subject.

Nothing says “peaceful transition of power” like barbed wire, barricades, and troops standing by. With no threats indicated, that is what the feds are doing with your tax dollars.

The fourth anniversary of “January Sixth” falls on January 6 this year. Who can forget the Biden Inauguration in 2021? Chief Justice John Roberts took the Bible to swear in Joe Biden and started the oath by raising his hand and saying, “I, Joe Biden.” Biden said, “No, I am Joe Biden!”

I’d like to think that I am an encourager, perhaps not the best, certainly not the worst. If someone does well, I will give a sincere, “Well done!” Even if someone does not do well, I look for something praiseworthy. As a pastor, I am often asked to give references and recommendations for others, and I lean toward graciousness in my assessments and remarks. But lately, my desire to encourage is being challenged by a browser I have used for years that is asking for my recommendation.

We want to wish Dora Zuses, who brought us Foxy Boutique, a very happy retirement! We will certainly miss her and the store, but we are proud to have had her as part of our small business community for 13 years. The store is moving to its new location in Fort Walton Beach with new owner Stephany Case. You can read more about Dora and Stephany on our Business page (A4).