My little corner of the world
Published 4:58 am Sunday, March 1, 2026
Today the world roars with crazy stuff, and I am happy to live in my little corner of the world.
Oh, it is not perfect here, nothing is perfect this side of the Pearly Gates. But as you read this morning, if your zip code is anything like 39301, then you are the lucky one. We are the lucky and the blessed ones, I must quickly add.
Yes, we have crime, hate, and all of the deadly sins in the Meridian community, but we as well have compassionate, God fearing, law-abiding, tax-paying citizens who make an uplifting difference in our community and want the best here.
And a shout-out to our first responder’s. It is a tough job, but in Meridian as well as throughout the USA, I think, the career has to be a mission of love for those involved because the money is not there.
Below is an excerpt from my book, “Historic Photos of Mississippi.” I think it says it all.
“Imagine a ride with the Mississippi mockingbird as it soars through the Mississippi skies. Beginning in the land of Elvis at Tupelo, one moves down to the Piney Woods of East Central Mississippi where the ground is covered with fragrant pine straw and where Choctaws once walked the trails. Then turn south where ocean waves swell upon sandy beaches and sea gulls hover and squawk in the breeze. Continue onward to the historic mansions of Natchez and the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta where the blues reigns supreme. Finally swoop down toward Old Man River, the majestic Mississippi, and skim across its yellow waters. The waters have seen war and defeat, loss and love, heartbreaks and triumphs. No sentiments need speaking. Only the sweet songs of the mockingbird are required to understand a land whose beauty is second only to the strength of its people.
“I have written all of that to say this, and it pours out with great thankfulness.
“As I awoke this morning, it was not because someone was banging violently on my front door, nor was it because a bomb fell from the sky, or an enemy wanted possession of my country. As I awoke this morning, I thought of my breakfast of grits and biscuits. I didn’t shudder with dread that there was no food for me and my family. I knew my car was parked safely in the garage, filled with gas, albeit high dollar fuel, but yet, filled to the brim. I knew if I chose to do so I could drive as far as I want today and I can shop, visit with friends, make preparations for a Sunday Dinner, because in Mississippi Sunday dinner is important. .
“Yes, all of this done in my little corner of the world.“
As I read and hear condemnations from outsiders aimed toward my beloved State, I admit at times a grin will emerge upon my face. Because you see, they don’t know. Those mouthy ones do not know the peace we know as we live in the ‘Sipp. And between me and you, we want to keep it that way. No need congesting our wonderful habitat with naysayers.
I think we must become overwhelmed with thankfulness, because the world is roaring, but Mississippi just keeps flowing along.
Praise God from whom all blessing flow.
Anne McKee is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau. See her website: www.annemckeestoryteller.com.
