The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report that a shackled inmate jumped from a patrol unit while being transported from court to the VPSO jail.
A perimeter was immediately established, and deputies canvassed the wooded area behind David Haymon State Farm on South 5th Street.
Within minutes, VPSO deputies took the subject, identified as 30-year-old Juwan Deante Satcher, back into custody without incident.
Pitkin High School sophomores recently traveled to Rapides Regional Medical Center to participate in the Sudden Impact class, led by Vernon Parish native and State Police Officer Casey Wallace.
Sheriff Craft and the employees of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate Deputy Ben Shaw on receiving his DARE certification.
Arctos Bookish Den in downtown Leesville will host a book launch for Vernon Parish native Tammy Sharp from 2–4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, next door to the former Leesville Daily Leader office where Sharp once worked as news editor.
The event celebrates the release of Sharp’s newest work, A Fortunate Murder—the blackout edition, which releases Sept. 1 through Hobo Holler Press.
The novel follows rural Louisiana reporter Moriah “Mojo” Jordan as she investigates a murder while dealing with blackouts, memory gaps and secrets of her own. Sharp’s years at the Leesville Daily Leader helped shape the fictional newspaper world around Mojo, and several scenes in the novel take place in a similar setting.
A Fortunate Murder—the blackout edition is a substantially rewritten and expanded version of Sharp’s first novel, with new scenes, characters and significant revelations. Readers who own the first edition will find a meaningfully changed version of the story.
The Sept. 12 event will be informal and come-and-go. Readers can meet Sharp, purchase signed copies and enter drawings, including one for the chance to have their own name used for a character in the next Shattered novel, An Arbitrary Murder.
Signed Founding Reader copies are available at tammysharpbooks.com. Website orders placed by Sept. 7 include the finished digital edition before the Kindle release. Readers who buy a paperback at the Sept. 12 launch and join Sharp’s email list will also receive the digital edition free.
Event details:
What: Launch and signing for A Fortunate Murder—the blackout edition
When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2–4 p.m.
Where: Arctos Bookish Den, Leesville
Book release: Sept. 1
Website: tammysharpbooks.com
Tammy Sharp is a Louisiana writer and former journalist whose reporting experience helped shape the rural Louisiana setting and newspaper world of the Shattered series. She publishes through Hobo Holler Press.
The Leesville Lions Club welcomed fellow Lion Tammy Anderson with Friends of Main Street, who shared the organization’s mission to continue revitalization efforts in the Main Street district, support existing businesses and encourage more small businesses to make downtown Leesville home.
Anderson provided an update on upcoming events, including Fall Fest, Food Truck Friday, the Rodeo Parade, Witch Way on Main, Veterans Day activities, Shop Small Saturday and plans to Light Up Main Street for Christmas.
She also highlighted Saturday’s Change for Main Auction, hosted by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce to support Main Street revitalization efforts.
During the meeting, Patrick officially passed the responsibility of the Fire Lion to Devin, who is now charged with guarding it from thieves, vandals and others who may seek to destroy it.
The Leesville Lions Club described the meeting as another Thursday of fellowship, community and mischief.
James Deans Sr.
Service: Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 12 pm at Mount Olive Baptist Church
Jody Glen “Slim” Toney Sr.
Service: Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11 am at Hope Springs United Pentecostal Church
Teena Michelle Garess
Service: Sunday, August 30 at 3 pm at Labby Memorial Funeral Home
Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.
August 14, 2026
Howard Craig Mills, age 55, of Flatwoods, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic and one count of Failure to Register Vehicle (correction – not failure to register as sex offender). Bond was set at $ 3,979.00. Mills posted bond and was released.
Arlondray Lavan Carter Jr., age 27, of Many, was arrested and charged with one count of Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, one count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm while in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic (28 grams or more). Bond was set at $ 20,635.00. Carter posted bond and was released.
Edee Laverne Johnson, age 51, of Leesville, was arrested and charge with one count of Cruelty to the Infirmed and one count of Battery of a Dating Partner. Bond was set at $ 15,000.00. Johnson posted bond and was released.
August 16, 2026
Eric Dewayne Daniels, age 48, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery – Strangulation. Bond was set at $7,500.00. Daniels posted bond and was released.
August 17, 2026
Mason Dean Turner, age 21, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was arrested and charged with one count of Illegal Discharge of a Weapon and one count of Possession of a Firearm on Premises of Alcoholic Beverage Outlet. Bond was set at $ 10,000.00. Turner posted bond and was released.
Robert Dale West, age 36, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $ 5,000.00. West remains in the VPSO jail.
August 18, 2026
James Allan Mills, age 60, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Failure to Register Vehicle (correction – not failure to register as a sex offender) and one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond was set at $ 8,200.00. Mills posted bond and was released.
Kadence Rayne Nash, age 18, of Deridder, was arrested and charged with one count of Battery of a Police Officer, one count of Disturbing the Peace – Drunkenness, one count of Resisting an Officer, and one count of Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence – Simple Assault. Bond was set at $6,809.00. Nash posted bond and was released.
August 19, 2026
Erika Fawn Smart, age 41, of Burkeville, Texas, was arrested and charged with one count of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling and one count of Criminal Trespass. Bond was set at $16,295.00. Smart remains in the VPSO jail.
Jeffery Martinez, age 50, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Residential Contractor Fraud. Bond was set at $10,000.00. Martinez posted bond and was released.
August 21, 2026
Julia Marie Low, age 51, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond was set at $ 3500.00. Low remains in the VPSO jail.
Terry Wayne Cochran, age 64, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic and one count of Criminal Trespassing. Bond was set at $ 5000.00. Cochran remains in the VPSO jail.
Anna Hale Davis Calloway, age 62, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond was set at $ 3500.00. Calloway remains in the VPSO jail.
Leah Michelle Davis, age 40, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic and five counts of False Communication with the intent to cause an Emergency Response. Bond has not been set and Davis remains in the VPSO jail.
Jeramy Dean Brister, age 41, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with two counts of Obstruction of a Court Order and one outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Brister remains in the VPSO jail.
Darris Horace, age 35, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and one count of Obstruction of Justice – Tampering with Evidence. Bond was set at $ 3000.00. Horace remains in the VPSO jail.
August 23, 2026
Jose Martin Hernandez, age 59, of New Llano, was arrested and charged with one count of Resisting an Officer and one outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and a detainer for the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has been placed on Hernandez.
August 24, 2026
Marcus Allen Spruill, age 35, of Leesville, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond was set at $ 76,500.00. Spruill remains in the VPSO jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright reported the sentencing of Terrie A. Gray, 49, of Leesville, who was convicted May 21, 2026, of second-degree cruelty to a 2-year-old child and first-degree murder of a 4-year-old child.
The children came to live with Gray and her live-in boyfriend, Logan Miller, the children’s biological father. While in the care of Gray and Miller, authorities learned the children were being physically abused.
At the sentencing, members of the children’s family were allowed to make impact statements prior to sentencing.
Lisa Miller, the children’s mother, told the court, “Because of what she did, I will never get to watch my beautiful little girl grow up. I will never get to walk her into her first day of school.”
Gray appeared before Judge C. Anthony Eaves for sentencing. During his remarks, Eaves told Gray, “You are the worst of the worst and what you did to those two children was absolutely horrendous.”
Gray was sentenced to serve 40 years for cruelty to juveniles and life without the benefit of probation or parole for first-degree murder. Both sentences were ordered to be served consecutively.
The trial for Gray’s co-defendant, Logan Miller, was scheduled to begin later this year.
“I am very thankful for outcome of this case. The family of the victims have been extraordinarily patient and have allowed the judicial system to work as it is designed. These are they types of cases that are difficult on all of those involved. These children placed their trust in someone to take care of them and they clearly failed. I will do everything in my power to continue to protect the citizens of this parish, especially those who are not able to protect themselves,” Lambright said.
Just prior to sentencing, Gray’s attorney filed a motion requesting the court to grant her a new trial. The motion was argued by First Assistant District Attorney Cindy Poston Lavespere. The motion was denied by the court.
Gray’s sentencing was also handled by Lavespere.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lea R. Hall.
The Vernon Parish School Board was made aware of a bomb threat on Aug. 24 around 3:20 pm that involved Leesville High School. The threat was called in to the Leesville Police Department.
The Leesville Police Department, Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and Leesville Fire Department responded to the school. Working with the school’s administration, faculty and staff, all students were moved safely away from the buildings and facilities.
Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft, Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, Leesville Police Department officers, Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole officers, Louisiana State Police troopers and Leesville Fire Department personnel responded to the campus.
Students and school faculty were evacuated and left the school as scheduled for the day. Streets in the immediate area of the school were also closed as a precaution.
Law enforcement personnel awaited the arrival of the Fort Polk Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. Specially trained officers and K-9s conducted a search of the school and campus.
The buildings and campus were cleared earlier in the day. Out of an abundance of caution, a second K-9 team from Fort Polk also searched the campus and confirmed an all-clear.
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office later reported that specially trained K-9s from Fort Polk EOD had completed a search of the campus and no explosives were located.
No injuries were reported.
Superintendent Joseph Bartz said the safety of students and employees remained the Vernon Parish School Board’s top priority and thanked first responders for their quick response and assistance.
The investigation into the incident was ongoing. School was scheduled to resume Aug. 25 as normally scheduled.
Sheriff Craft thanked all of the agencies that responded to the campus and assisted with the investigation.
Hot weather was expected to continue across Vernon Parish through the coming week, with highs around 101 degrees Wednesday and temperatures remaining in the mid 90s through Tuesday. Showers and thunderstorms were expected to become more likely Thursday.
Wednesday was expected to be sunny and hot, with highs around 101 degrees. Southwest winds were expected around 5 mph, with heat index values reaching up to 108.
Wednesday night was expected to be mostly clear, with a 50 percent chance of showers after midnight. Lows were expected in the upper 70s, with southwest winds around 5 mph.
Thursday was expected to be mostly sunny, with a chance of showers in the morning followed by showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs were expected in the mid 90s, with a 60 percent chance of rain. Southwest winds were expected around 5 mph.
Thursday night was expected to be partly cloudy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening followed by a chance of showers after midnight. Lows were expected in the mid 70s, with a 50 percent chance of rain.
Friday was expected to be mostly sunny with highs in the mid 90s.
Friday night through Monday night were expected to be mostly clear, with lows in the lower 70s and highs in the mid 90s. Heat index values were expected to reach up to 105.
Tuesday was expected to be sunny, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs were expected in the mid 90s, with heat index values up to 105.
Fall is just around the corner, and Vernon Parish offers plenty of ways to enjoy the season. From scenic outdoor adventures and local art to one of the area’s most anticipated annual festivals, September is the perfect time to plan a memorable fall getaway to Louisiana’s Legend Country.
Paddle Through Scenic Kayak Trails!
Enjoy the cooler weather while exploring Vernon Parish’s scenic waterways. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or trying kayaking for the first time, the area’s lakes and waterways offer a relaxing way to take in the natural beauty of the region. Prefer to stay on dry land? Explore the trails winding through Kisatchie National Forest and beyond.
https://vernonparish.org/outdoors
Explore the Leesville Art Park!
Spend a peaceful fall afternoon at the Leesville Art Park, where sculptures and creative installations are displayed among the trees. This unique outdoor space combines local art with the beauty of nature, making it a great stop during your visit.
https://vernonparish.org/?outdoors=leesville-art-park
Plan for the West Louisiana Forestry Festival!
Mark your calendar for the West Louisiana Forestry Festival, happening October 7–11, 2026, at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds in Leesville. This beloved annual celebration honors the region’s forestry heritage with carnival rides, a parade, livestock shows, food, entertainment and activities for the whole family. Start planning your trip now and stay tuned for the complete festival schedule!
https://vernonparish.org/event/west-louisiana-forestry-festival-3
Tag us on social media using #LALegendCountry and share your legendary fall adventures!
A new book was installed along the StoryWalk path at Dogwood Park. The Pilot Club of Leesville said its StoryWalk crew, Melissa, Zandra and Sheri, installed “School Is More Than a Building.”
Beaux and Scott also helped the crew get the new story in place. The community is encouraged to visit Dogwood Park to walk along the StoryWalk path, get some fresh air and read the new story.
Past District Governor Ray Cecil had the honor of “pulling the ribbon” for current District Governor Trey Dowden, a Lions tradition marking the transition from District Governor-Elect to officially serving as District Governor.
When a District Governor-Elect attends the Lions International Convention, the name badge identifies them as Governor-Elect with an “Elect” ribbon. At the end of the convention, after the new governors have been installed, the ribbon is ceremonially pulled or removed, symbolizing that they are no longer District Governor-Elect but are officially District Governor.
The Leesville Lions Club said the tradition did not take place at the convention, so Cecil performed the ceremony before the club’s weekly meeting.
The club said the traditions of Lions represented leadership, fellowship and a continued commitment to serve.
The Leesville Lions Club congratulated Dowden on becoming District Governor.
The Pickering Red Devils will look to continue the success of last season after finishing 5-5 in 2025, one game better than the 4-6 finish in 2024. The 2025 season marked the most wins at Pickering High School since the 2021 season.
The Red Devils will return to 4-2A District play following two seasons without district honors as the program rebuilt. Pickering is 9-11 over the past two seasons and will look to build on that momentum.
This year’s team will be led by 11 seniors, including starting quarterback Taylon Osorio, middle linebacker Hunter Noel and wide receiver/defensive back Caleb Falls, who all contributed on both sides of the ball in 2025. The Red Devils will have senior leadership built from experience and the weight room, along with added depth.
Offense
Last year’s leading rusher, Israel Ariaza, graduated after rushing for 568 yards and eight touchdowns. The Red Devils also graduated starters Braden Ford, Xavier Mitchell, Landon Noel, Ethan Brown, Jackson LaPlante, Blake Brown and Matthew Blankenship.
Many starters will return, with some moving to new positions.
Senior quarterback Taylon Osorio returns after producing 1,500 total yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Newcomer Linkon Brown will back up Osorio and also play wide receiver.
Junior Laderius Pigford will take over at running back and brings explosiveness and ball-carrier vision. Senior Hunter Noel will move from a utility position, while Carson Smith and Hayden Murphy provide depth.
Wide receivers Caleb Falls, Brayan Dedios, Hunter Kirby, Braxton Baker and Jordan Jones return as an all-senior group to lead the passing attack. Newcomer Joseph Buxton, a 6-foot-3, 160-pound sophomore who excelled last year for the basketball program, is expected to provide a boost.
Sophomores Rylan Cossin and Colin Wilson and eighth grader Mason Gibbs round out the corps for depth.
The offensive line will be led by seniors Ivan Raygoza and Cameron Gibson, who started last year, along with junior Chaise Platt. Tyler Nolen returns to the line as a senior after sitting out last season. New starter junior Avery Chestnut will round out the first group.
Senior Davion Ross, sophomores Jase Jackson, Tanner Klesko and Braylin Corley, freshmen Kristopher Bomberbach, Ayden Louvier and Kameron Kutyb and eighth graders Colby Bartlett and Brentley Miller will provide additional depth.
Defense
The Red Devils defense improved greatly from 2024, lowering its average from almost 28 points per game to 21. The defense scored five touchdowns and two safeties last season while recording 20 sacks using a multiple 3-5 defense.
Graduated defensive starters Xavier Mitchell, Braden Ford, Landon Noel and Ethan Brown are gone, while junior Jackson LaPlante also moved on.
The Red Devils will return a strong group of linebackers led by senior Hunter Noel, who shifted to middle linebacker this season. Noel, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 185 pounds, led the Red Devils with 81 total tackles last year.
Seniors Cameron Gibson, Hunter Kirby and Carson Smith complete the senior group at linebacker. Senior Braxton Baker, junior Laderius Pigford and junior Hayden Murphy will rotate with the group, while freshman Kristopher Bomberbach adds depth.
The defensive line will include seniors Ivan Raygoza and Tyler Nolen, junior Avery Chestnut and freshman Aydan Louvier. Rotational players include senior Davion Ross, junior Chaise Platt, sophomore Jase Jackson and Colby Bartlett.
The secondary will be led by returning defensive standout Caleb Falls, who intercepted five passes and returned three for touchdowns last season. Senior Brayan Dedios and sophomores Joseph Buxton, Rylan Cossin and Jordan Jones will round out the group.
Colin Wilson, Linkon Brown and Mason Gibbs will provide depth.
2026 Outlook
The Red Devils will say goodbye to players who helped jumpstart the program over the past two years, including graduated State Powerlifting Champion linebacker/wide receiver Braden Ford, running back/linebacker Xavier Mitchell, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Landon Noel, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Ethan Brown and tight end/defensive end Jackson LaPlante.
Pickering will return 10 starters on offense and five on defense this season.
The team’s commitment to the weight room through its powerlifting program continues to help build success, along with a strong commitment to offseason and summer programs.
The Red Devils will have significant senior leadership and returning starters this season, with many young players filling in behind them. New players who have joined the program will look to fill the roles of those who graduated and contribute to a successful season.
The Pickering Red Devils will have six home varsity games this season at O’Banion Stadium, with the home opener set for Friday, Sept. 4, against Pine Prairie.
Vernon Parish 4-H celebrated Chad Hagan after he was honored with the Meritorious Service Award during the Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals Annual State Convention Awards Supper.
The Meritorious Service Award recognized 4-H professionals with 15 or more years of service who demonstrated innovative youth programming, professional leadership and a lasting commitment to 4-H Youth Development.
Hagan’s years of service had made an impact on 4-H members, families, volunteers and communities throughout Vernon Parish and Louisiana.
Hagan will travel to Kansas City to be recognized by the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals alongside 4-H professionals from across the country.
I’ve always felt that I grew up in the perfect era. It was the early ‘70s and the Vietnam War was coming to an end. My generation never had to worry about being drafted by the armed forces. If you wanted to join the military, it was strictly voluntary.
While a few of my classmates chose to go in that direction, my attention was trying to get an athletic scholarship to play either football or baseball on the Division 1 level.
Let’s go back to my early years of growing up in the small East Texas town of Mt. Pleasant. As a child during this time frame, we had a lot of freedom. If you had a bike, it was this form of transportation that was basically unlimited. If you could ride your bike on it, there was no limit to where you could go.
We woke up at daylight and were on our bikes by 8 o’clock every summer morning and only came home for lunch, or right at dark. My kids still have a hard time understanding that the only rule we had — be home when the streetlights came on.
Parents didn’t always check on their kids. They pretty much knew where they supposed to be. My mother always knew where I was and who I was with most of the time. There was also a certain amount of trust between parents and their kids, until that trust was broken and we got into trouble.
We lived about three miles out of town and several days out of the week, I would ride my bike for miles. I was either playing ball somewhere at a local ballpark or somebody’s back yard. We rode our bikes looking for coke bottles on the side of the road that we could trade for candy at the local country store.
We played in creeks and ditches, especially after a big rain. As friends we were always together every day and spent a lot of time playing baseball or going to the local pool.
Occasionally, you could find me fishing at one of the stock ponds, or tanks as they call them in Texas. If I wasn’t at one of the ponds on our ranch, our neighbor Mr. Rayford Jones, who lived across the road from our house, owned a cattle farm and allowed my brother and me along with his grandson to fish his two ponds (tanks) that were full of bass and catfish.
Growing up in the country meant you probably had a garden to tend to. Every other day, I had to spend a couple of hours raking grass out of the garden, which was absolute torture for me. But the produce that came out of the garden was incredible, especially after dad had a load of chicken manure brought in!
We also had about two acres around our house that had to be mowed once every two weeks. Not with a riding mower, but with a push mower! That’s right, a 14-inch cut push mower, which required at least two days to complete the job.
I had a brother, seven years younger, who was supposed to take over the lawn cutting duties after I left home for college. Guess what showed up two days before I left home: that’s right, a Sears riding mower!
To say I voiced my displeasure to my parents about this purchase would be an understatement. For five years I push-mowed two acres and now my little brother would get to use a riding mower!
That being said, there were several chores demanded of me that my brother never took on. So, I guess you could say being the youngest had its privileges.
Looking back, I had an awesome childhood with more freedom than kids have today. They say it’s a different world than what my generation grew up in. I’m not sure that’s totally right.
There’s just so much more media exposure with up to the minute news and social media sites that are always shedding light on topics most really don’t want to hear about.
There’s always been bad people in the world who are looking to prey upon the weak. Today’s kids are growing up in a bubble of overprotection. Parents are less likely today to allow their kids to roam free like we did.
I think kids and young teenagers today are not near as mature as earlier generations. This is due to parents being overprotective, afraid to let their kids make mistakes they can learn from. With my generation, we all had summer and part-time jobs that helped us to mature and understand responsibility at an early age.
Our parents did a great job of preparing us for the real world. That gave us something I think is lacking with so many of today’s youth –maturity and accepting responsibility. We can only hope and pray that the generation of today will find its own path to success sooner rather than later.
Our country is at a crossroads in so many ways today. Far left extremists continues to gain ground in small areas of the country. But I don’t think when it comes down to a national election, they will have enough support to win.
I think common sense once again will prevail with the American people,like it did back in the good ole days. If it wasn’t for today’s social media, these small pockets of far-left activists would never even be heard. In God we trust! Stay strong America!
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
A bomb discovered at a Nevada casino on Aug. 26, 1980, was supposed to be carefully dismantled by the FBI. Instead, the attempt to disarm it triggered an explosion that caused millions of dollars in damage.
The bomb had been planted at Harvey’s Resort Hotel in Stateline, Nevada, by extortionist John Birges. He demanded $3 million from the casino and built the device inside a large metal box.
When authorities discovered the bomb, FBI bomb technicians were brought in to dismantle it. During the operation, however, a mistake caused the device to detonate. The explosion tore through part of the hotel and caused an estimated $18 million in damage.
Despite the enormous blast, no one was killed.
The bizarre incident became one of the more unusual chapters in the history of casino crime and bomb disposal. Birges was eventually arrested and convicted for the bombing.
Human beings are amazing creatures. We can build skyscrapers, transplant hearts, send people into space, and teach a telephone to recognize our face. But ask us to do something difficult—even something we have dreamed about doing—and suddenly we become extraordinarily creative theologians.
“I would, Lord, but…”
That sentence may be humanity’s oldest hymn.
Moses certainly knew the tune. In Exodus 3, God appears to him in a burning bush and essentially says, “Moses, remember that thing you have cared about most of your life? Remember your people suffering in Egypt? Remember how you once tried to do something about it? Well, I’m sending you.”
You would expect Moses to shout, “Finally!”
Instead, Moses begins producing excuses like a Louisiana mosquito produces relatives.
“Who am I?”
“What if they don’t believe me?”
“What if I don’t know what to say?”
“I’m not a good speaker.”
And finally, when the theological arguments run out: “Lord, please send somebody else.”
That last one is refreshingly honest.
We do exactly the same thing.
“I’ve always wanted to write a book.”
Wonderful. Start writing.
“Well, I really need the right desk.”
So we buy the desk.
“Now I need the right chair.”
We buy the chair.
“Of course, proper lighting is important.”
Six months later we have a magnificent home office, three notebooks, seventeen pens, a new computer—and not one sentence.
Or maybe we have always wanted to get in shape. Monday morning arrives with all the promise of a new creation. Unfortunately, Monday is inconvenient. Tuesday looks better, except there may be rain. Wednesday is Bible study. Thursday feels too close to Friday, and everybody knows you should never begin anything major that close to a weekend.
Next Monday it is.
Church people are particularly gifted at sanctifying excuses.
“Someone ought to visit that person.”
Someone ought to.
“We really need somebody to work with the children.”
Absolutely.
“Somebody should invite that new family to lunch.”
Amen!
Apparently, “Somebody” is the busiest member of every congregation in America.
The funny thing is that we sometimes make excuses about doing the very things we have asked God to let us do.
We pray for an opportunity, and when God provides one, we say, “Not quite what I had in mind.”
We pray, “Lord, use me.”
God says, “All right.”
And suddenly we begin renegotiating the contract.
“Lord, when I said ‘use me,’ I was thinking perhaps in an advisory capacity.”
Moses discovered something important at the burning bush. God never really answered Moses’ question, “Who am I?”
Instead, God answered the question that mattered: “I will be with you.”
That is the hope for all of us excuse makers.
God does not wait for us to become fearless, eloquent, organized, perfectly prepared, ten pounds lighter, completely confident, or free next Tuesday.
God simply calls.
And when our excuses begin piling up, God keeps saying what he said to Moses:
I will be with you.
So perhaps the next time God opens the door we have spent years asking him to open, instead of developing another excellent reason why we cannot walk through it, we might take one trembling step.
We excuse makers may discover that God has already gone ahead of us.
And apparently, he is not nearly as impressed with our excuses as we are.
Strabo was a Greek geographer born in 64 BC in what is now Amasya, Turkey. Strabo was from an affluent family which afforded him a good education. When he was about 21 years old, Strabo continued his education in Rome where he studied grammar, writing, history, rhetoric, and philosophy. At some point, Strabo began writing a geography based on his extensive travels throughout the known world. He described the people, places, animals, and collected stories from the places he visited. He published his first edition of Geographica in 7 BC which included the story of a hetaira called Doricha. A hetaira was a highly educated female companion who often served a variety of roles including artist, entertainer, conversationalist, and some say, prostitute. Strabo wrote that Doricha “was bathing, an eagle snatched one of her sandals from her maid and carried it to Memphis; and while the king was administering justice in the open air, the eagle, when it arrived above his head, flung the sandal into his lap; and the king, stirred both by the beautiful shape of the sandal and by the strangeness of the occurrence, sent men in all directions into the country in quest of the woman who wore the sandal; and when she was found in the city of Naucratis, she was brought up to Memphis, and became the wife of the king.” In his story, Doricha became the queen of Egypt. I must stress that there is no evidence that there ever was a queen of Egypt named Doricha.
Strabo’s tale has been told and retold through the centuries. In 1634, Italian Giambattista Basile published a notable version called La Gatta Cenerentola in his book entitled Il Penatamerone. Cenerentola derived from the Italian word “cenere” which meant ash or cinder because the clothes of servants at the time were usually soiled by ash or cinder because of their cleaning duties. In his version, the first to be published in the Western world, Basile changed Doricha’s name to Zezolla. In 1697, Frenchman Charles Perrault published an even more embellished version of the tale in his book which translates to Histoires ou contes du temps passé (Histories, or Tales of Past Time). Perrault changed her name from Doricha to another name which was a reference to her clothes being dirty. It is Perrault’s embellished version of Strabo’s 2,000-year-old tale that we all know because he added a magic pumpkin, a fairy godmother, and a glass slipper. Perrault called her Cendrillon, but we all know Doricha as Cinderella.
Sources:
1. Strabo, The Geography of Strabo, trans., Boox XVII, P. 93, accessed August 16, 2026, https://penelope.uchicago.edu/
2. Giambattista Basile, Il Penatamerone, trans., Chapter VI, Gutenberg Project, accessed August 16, 2026, https://www.gutenberg.org/
James Deans Sr.
Service: Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 12 pm at Mount Olive Baptist Church
Jody Glen “Slim” Toney Sr.
Service: Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11 am at Hope Springs United Pentecostal Church
Teena Michelle Garess
Service: Sunday, August 30 at 3 pm at Labby Memorial Funeral Home
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A burn ban is in effect in Vernon Parish due to extremely dry conditions and elevated winds, according to the Vernon Parish Police Jury.
The burn ban was ordered by Vernon Parish Police Jury President James B. Tuck and is effective immediately. The ban requires all private and open burning to cease until further notice.
The ban includes open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles and similar fires.
In Louisiana, open burning is defined as the combustion of any material in an open, outdoor area or in a container without a stack or chimney, primarily involving trees, brush, leaves and yard debris by private individuals.
Outdoor cooking is not prohibited by the burn ban. However, it is recommended that outdoor cooking be conducted with safety measures in place, including using contained cooking equipment such as grills and smokers designed for cooking purposes only, on a flame-resistant surface with a water source or fire extinguisher nearby.
The order does not apply to prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry or those who conduct prescribed burning as a generally accepted agricultural practice as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law.
The burn ban was issued Aug. 19, 2026, in concurrence with Vernon Parish Fire District No. 1. It will remain in effect until lifted by the president of the Vernon Parish Police Jury.