Thankful Wednesday: the good men that I cross paths with

I love my job because I get to meet people from different walks of life. There's been one elderly man who has become a father figure to me. I hold him dearly to my heart. I met him in August and if you read my blog, you'll remember I shared a letter that he wrote.

So this elderly man was a teacher and then became a school principal. But what stands out for me is his love for mankind. The first time we met, he shared his creamed buns with me. He shares with everyone. He speaks kindly, he complements others, whether by mentioning how good they look or just something good that they are doing ; he speaks a word in season, brings food and reminds me to eat or to take a break.

I've had the pleasure of typing documents for him and I must say, I am always inspired to keep writing, reading and just be the best that I can be.

We also share a love for writing, thoroughness and teaching.

I also met another elderly man. He spoke so gently. I shared a pamplet with him but the words he spoke really touched my heart. While speaking to another man, he said all that God does is good. He also admonished us to live Cbristianity because through our misconduct we misrepresent God. This has honestly made me think quite a bit. Titus 1:16 comes to mind.

It's so comforting to see godly men who are gentle, kind, considerate - attesting to the fact that God is able to raise godly men regardless of heredity or social standards.

This is particularly refreshing to someone like me, who does not have a godly father figure.

I am thankful for hearts who love and who by their conduct point me to God. True greatness is character.

P/S If there are spelling errors it's because I'm using my phone. I'm still getting used to blogging here.

HOW DO I GAIN VICTORY OVER SELF-DECEIT? [PART 4]

 I believe in order to gain a clear perspective of our own deceitfulness, it’s crucial to see where we come from and compare how far we’ve fallen and how much we need God to help us.

The Genesis account of the origin of mankind records:

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our own likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

So God created man in his image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the every living thing that moveth upon the earth.-Genesis 1:26-28

How can we know the image and likeness of God?

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom he also made the worlds.

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the power of his word, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on High.-Hebrews 1:1-3

In order to understand how we were character-wise before the fall, we need to study the character of God and see how much we have fallen.

The character of God according to His image

 ²⁰But ye have not so learned Christ;

²¹ If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

²² That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

²³ And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

²⁴ And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.- Ephesians 4:20 - 24

From the text above we learn that the image of God is righteousness and true holiness

The Character of God from Scripture

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. –Jeremiah 9:23, 24

The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.-Psalm 145:15

The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. - Psalm 145:8, 9

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. - 1 John 4:7

From the texts above we learn that God possesses:

-Lovingkindness

-Judgement (Justice)

-Everlasting Righteousness

-Everlasting goodness

-Impartiality

-Compassion

-Slowness to anger

-Holiness

-Truthful

Lastly, God is love

The Character of God as Revealed in Christ’s Life

²⁸And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

²⁹ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. - Romans 8:28-29

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ; for I am meek and lowly in heart. -2 Corinthians 10:1a; Matthew 11:29b

²¹ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

²³ Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

²⁴ Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. – 2 Peter 2:21- 25

Christ, the express image of God and thoroughly expression of God:

-Meek

-Gentle

-Never sinned

-Without guile (purity of speech / without deceit)

-Reviles not

From the few scriptures we’ve gathered we have learnt about the image of God, which only reveal him in part; and since men were created in His image, we can conclude that:

Mankind came from the hands of God possessing love, compassion, humility, impartiality, right doing (righteousness), justice, gentleness, without deceit and more. He possessed no taint of sin.

In the next article, we’ll look at how sin has corrupted mankind and led to self-deceit. We’ll also look at the cure for self-deceit thoroughly.

REST A WHILE, WEARY CHILD!

Rest a while, weary child,

In the mighty arms of God. Lay your head upon His chest, Close your eyes and simply rest. He knows all that you need, He has heard, He has seen. So come and lay your burdens down, let His love surround and hold you. That tender love of God for you, never failing ever true. Rest a while, driven child in the shelter of His wings. They have been a place of refuge to both homeless and kings. Rest assured, He knows your needs. He is the giver of good things. From ages passed, to eternity He had promised to Provide for you. (CHORUS) For you are His precious treasure, He loves you without measure. You are His delight, priceless in His sight. And wherever you may go, may you always know, The tender love of God for you, never failing ever true, That tender love of God for you, never failing ever true. Rest a while, broken child and by healing hands of God. Hands that hold the reeling spheres, Will wipe away your tears. He who makes all things new, Will do the same for you. He is faithful, good and true and he's promised to restore you (CHORUS) For you are His precious treasure, He loves you without measure You are His delight, priceless in His sight. And wherever you may go, may you always know, The tender love of God for you, never failing ever true, That tender love of God for you, never failing ever true.💘

Listen here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXJ0yFI9RrQ

The Black Task Masters

They know their employees' struggles
They know suffering-from a distance or from experience
Yet they are severest in oppressing
They will stop at nothing to make sure your situation doesn't improve
They are stumbling blocks to personal development
The lie is: the slave will always submit
The slave has nothing going on for him/her
The slave will die a slave
The task master- the black task master is our greatest enemy
At least seemingly.
He thinks of his black subordinate as a slave
Each day I find myself in the hands of such a master
But I won't die a slave

What Matters

I keep losing important stuff
I'm even losing other people's important stuff because at some stage, some things are beyond our control.
But I'm learning an important lesson: nothing tangible lasts forever; even some things that are not tangible perish.

But this remains (as I console myself):

I'm learning that there are riches and true riches. True riches last forever.

Don't mind them

To my beloved twin and to many who've been discouraged by naysayers

Don't let their negative words even stay in your memory
Don't let their words pierce your heart - they not worth keeping
They say many words but they hold no weight
Remember:they don't know your journey nor your dreams and your aspirations
Don't let those who know not your purpose make you tremble
Don't mind them

Don't even be fazed
Don't be moved
Don't incline your ear
Don't mind them

Don't fear mortal
No matter what mortals do, they can't take your purpose away
Don't let the purposeless convince you otherwise
Don't mind  them

Don't give them a chance
Don't entertain them
Don't let them in your space
Don't mind them

You won't be tamed
You can't be tamed
Envision it
Your dream is that valid
Don't mind the naysayers!
Don't mind them

Are you feeling the pressure? My thoughts today

Are you feeling the pressure?

Posted on October 22, 2018

Image Source: nyweddingco.wordpress.com

So, I’ve had about 3/4 people ask: Are you married? or Would you like to get married? or When are you getting married?

And my answer is more or less the same : I laugh, say no or not yet. Or I’m not ready yet.

And I wish people could understand:

I was born for something greater

I am more THAN my hips and my breast

I am called for something greater- outside of my marital status

I am called for something greater- outside of motherhood

I am called to Christ-likeness

And there’s a deeper conviction that the question shouldn’t be: are you married?

But, are you becoming more like Christ?

As much as I look forward to my wedding day and getting married to beloved One

It won’t mean a thing if I am not becoming Christ-like daily

I can never be a good wife, if my heart is unconverted and there’s no daily conversion

My children won’t be blessed, if sin is my daily portion

My destination is not marriage

My destination is heaven

So, I aint pressured! I’m just alright  !

My pressure: A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next.-Maranatha 223.2 (emphasis mine)

A good character is a capital of more value than gold or silver. It is unaffacted by panics or failures, and in that day when earthly possessions shall be swept away, it will bring rich returns.-Maranatha 223.4 (emphasis mine)

[Article copied from my other blog .]

My heart is starting to bleed on a daily basis: Part 2

Reflections about Sunday (14/10/18)

There's another group of children. They come from affluent families. Definitely nothing wrong with this. So these are the kids who wear smart clothes and everyone wants to be friends with them.They attend model C schools. Some don't. But you can tell they come from privileged backgrounds.

I don't teach this  group of kids because they belong to the Adventurer Club, aged 2-9. So this past Sunday I had the privilege of teaching these children. Their teachers had not arrived yet so I figured I could help.

When I viewed their books I was shocked. Little work to nothing had been done. So I told the first boy I was helping to come to me whenever he needs assistance for the day. And this really broke my heart. His mother is always working and the father is occasionally present. I just found myself wondering about when does he get to spend time with his dad. I found myself wondering if he has the experience of sharing all his childhood trials and experiences with his mother. Sure, it's great that dad is there- but he needs mom too.

I couldn't help but realize that sometimes parents use money to make up for their lack of their availability in their children's lives. Sure, they want the best for the children; but I'm realizing that children appreciate closeness and intimacy; more than other things and this is good for them on so many levels.

Then this little girl. My heart literally broke. I assisted her. I saw 2 scriptures she had to memorize and next to them both was written homework. When I inquired as to why she had not done  her homework, she said her mom was busy and couldn't assist her. Arg man, I was sad. When she said it she sounded quite heart broken. I 'cry' for her today. Her brother also needs attention. It's a mess.

There's also another hyperactive boy  who's just busy and never wants to settle down. But yesterday he insisted that I teach him as well. And as I read out loud to him- he laid his head on my shoulder.

I exist for him. I exist for the little girl whose mom is too busy to assist. Sure, I'll wonder why. But I'll mother these children occasionally or whenever they need me. I believe I exist to mother other people's children who due to circumstances cannot be there.

Image Source

http://kissingthecollarbone.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-mothering-blackness.html

My heart is starting to bleed on a daily basis : Part 1

On behalf of children growing up in this day & age; especially those who live in Christian homes.
Their home lives should be different. They should be different because they are not of the world. But the more you observe, your heart breaks. It breaks because innocent children are brought to this world without any proper preparations. This is not to say these children are any less important; but the only concern is: little care is placed when raising them. So much emphasis is placed on taking care of physical needs; but little importance is placed on the cultivation of character, skills & abilities.

Parents are pleased if their children have some As in their report cards. But the truth is, sometimes As are a false indicator of the capabilities of a child. Anyway, what really saddened me this previous weekend is: I had asked one parent to assist her daughter with revision and she said she'd try. And on Sabbath she came to tell me she had tried but her daughter is struggling a bit. Mind you, this daughter of hers has so much potential. She's one of my top students.

I then tested her and she knew nothing. And I couldn't help but wonder: how is that parents can facilitate potty training but not mental activities? As a parent you're the most acquainted with your children, how can it then be difficult to help them with school work and other activities? I couldn't understand.Anyway the child was just lazy. So I had to force her to read, pinch her and smiled with her and by the end of it all: we finished 2 stories and our relationship was not even marred. She even came to class again on Sunday- even went to fetch me for class :).

It's really crucial to lay this particular principle for our children: feelings aren't true guides. Just because you don't feel like it , doesn't mean you should not do it.

Anyway, there are many sad stories just from this past weekend and you can't help but wonder: why not wait till you are complete and everything is sorted and are willing to ensure the best in the development of your child before having one?

Anyway, who says you owe them children? If you truly aren't prepared, why have a child who sadly becomes a burden? 

EMPLOYEES: COMMODITIES AND NOTHING MORE?

For the past weeks, I've been thinking a lot about the workplace and specifically about how employers view their employees. I can't help but wonder if they truly value their employees purely for being human instead of the work and the capital they bring?

A month or so ago, I met a man in his early 50s and he had worked for this particular company for 18 years. Then in 2012 or 2013 he lost his dear wife and this devastated him so much that he struggled coping at work and he lost his job. Upon learning this, I asked if they had arranged a psychologist or anyone whom he could speak to and he said no. He mentioned that his family had suggested that he sees a psychologist but because of his stubbornness he refused.

I couldn't help but wonder if the employers had done enough to retain him. Did they care enough, did they visit him at home? Did they make him know that he was valuable still regardless of the loss and perhaps let him know they don't want to lose him? How do you let 18 years of experience just go to the drain?

A week ago I met a young, pregnant lady who needed her employer to sign her unemployment insurance fund document. We were at our wits just trying to get her to sign. It turned out there was an issue with the email address & the following day I called and I requested her to email me back. She did and I replied on her emails and a week later suddenly there's some temporary error. When I contacted the lady to find out if her issue had been sorted, she said no. She later went to the Labour department, which decided to take the matter to CCMA. I'm still to ask her for an update.

There's also an issue with my mom's friend whose employer refuses to pay and many other examples of poor treatment of employees. And I can't help but wonder what do employees bear on a daily basis.I can't help but think employers sometimes view their workers as commodities and nothing more. They don't know them. They sometimes see payment as something great; whereas it isn't. Shouldn't employers be focused on giving their workers opportunity for improvement? What about their employees' dreams, talents, capabilities and struggles? Do they care?

With each passing day, I think of ways of not ending up with a boss. God forbid that my people continue to suffer like this while God has given each one of us talent and mental power.

On Patience

My heavenly Father is seriously teaching me patience. 

I also happen to do a job that requires so much patience from me! Today was the severest test on patience but my mind ran to the text below and it's really starting to make sense.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.-James 1:4