Echols: Jaylen Wells’ assist that never showed up in the box score
Highlighting men and boys who are kind and strong
Memphis Grizzlies wing Jaylen Wells speaks during a news conference at the NBA basketball team's media day Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (George Walker IV/AP file)
Candace Echols
Candace Echols writes whatever she notices as she goes about her daily life. Living that way has landed her bylines in National Geographic, Garden and Gun, The Gospel Coalition, Southern Living, golf.com, Cowboys and Indians, Common Good, Risen Motherhood, and others. Someday, she hopes to have a writing cottage in Oxford, England or Oxford, Mississippi; either will be just fine. Candace and her husband live with their children in Midtown Memphis.
Opinion by Candace Echols: “Behind the scenes — when no one is watching — that same man is quietly using his talent and fame to give attention to those who might otherwise be overlooked.”
Candace Echols on demand
Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Candace Echols' stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Related stories
Echols: ‘What wrestling with God has looked like for me’
“When the story of who God is and what he has done for humanity comes to light, the risk of offense is high, granted, but the potential for bellyaching laughter is even higher. And one outweighs the other every time.”
Echols: ‘Not understanding each other’ is hardly limited to different languages
“The cacophony of languages rising from the upstairs coziness of this one tiny coffee shop in a small foreign village brings back wonderful memories for me as well as excitement for my children.”
Echols: Heaven is a long and delightful and forever hello
“I am keenly aware of the sting of goodbyes. Right now, even insignificant moments seem to carry weight; every parting hints at some grander departure that’s waiting just around the bend.”
Comments
Want to comment on our stories? If you’re a subscriber, scroll down to the comments. If you’re not a subscriber, only paid subscribers can add their thoughts, so subscribe now. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.