Saul...Paul
Besides Jesus, there are certain characters that I favour in the Bible such as Gideon, Esther and Paul among others. But my favourite character is Paul.
I like and appreciate his life story for several reasons:
(1) That he taught us to embrace positivity or optimism even when faced with challenges and obstacles, and to have faith and trust in God in those difficult times that He has a plan for us.
(2) That he encouraged his followers to treat others with compassion and respect, namely love, regardless of their differences, whatever shape that takes e.g. skin colour, nationality etc. He taught us to be kind and loving towards friends, family, and even strangers.These I find especially important when witnessing to others about Jesus being Lord and Saviour.
(3) That he was a warrior even without the visible armour about his body because he persevered through many hardships which included imprisonment and persecution for his beliefs and we can do the same because God will enable us. I find this especially appealing since I was always the shy and timid kid who was always afraid of others' criticism but in high school I decided to ditch that version and go for faith in God because between now when I'm young and healthy and when death comes nearer that's not the way I want to die.
(4) That he used his talents and gifts such as being a skilled writer and speaker to spread the teachings of Jesus and share his own story of transformation. I
find this to be one way that we can serve others and make a positive impact in the world. This resonates with me because it's one way to feel useful whereas I would've continued to feel not.
(5) That he sought to deepen his wisdom and understanding by devoutly looking to God's Word for it. This too, we should practice daily because just as our bodies need refreshment daily so those our spirit.
(6) That he demonstrated humility and service towards others despite all his accomplishments and leadership in the early Christian church, and he remained humble and grateful even in times of success and prosperity. I'm reminded that we can do the same by humbly serving those around us and using our resources and abilities to help those in need and stay humble and grateful throughout while giving credit to God for the successes and achievements.
(7) That we can learn from him to practice forgiveness and let go of bitterness and resentment towards others because he eventually came to forgive himself and others, and other Christians came to forgive him as well for all the horrible things he had done to them.
(8) That he was unafraid to stand up for his beliefs, even in the face of opposition and persecution. He remained steadfast in his faith and continued to spread the message of love and salvation, even if it was unpopular and challenging.
(9) Lastly, that he trusted in God for his that His plan is always for our ultimate good just as Romans 8:28 says. Here we can learn to surrender our own desires and trust in God's perfect plan for our lives because His is far better or beyond than our own.
There's a quote that says there's only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing and be nothing. But I refuse to say nothing, do nothing and be nothing because as Jesus and Paul taught me, that's not how I want to live and die.
Dreamer’s Flower
In a garden that blooms, fair and bright, where various life,
small and great, reside,
there stands a flower that outshines the glow of the moon, by a mile and by far.
With petals of lavender, and a center of gold, this flower's magnificence is a sight to behold, purple in all its glory, splendor and royal robes.
It grows in the shade of an ancient tree, where leaves dance and sing with glee. Its scent is sweet, like a honey kiss,
and its nectar is said to grant you lovely dreams.
It is called the "Dreamer's Flower" by name, one of the prettiest things around. Whisperers say the beholder's eyes will be blessed and they
will remember its name, face, shape, even the sound.
For it has the power to make dreams sprout and grow; flower
with a single touch, of the hand.
Its leaves are soft, like a butterfly's wings, and they tell of a world of their own, that most humans have never trod. This flower's beauty is beyond compare, unique is its wonder and gown. For in this world of fantasy and dreams, it's the most precious flower.
Her True Self...
To a writer, staying away from your craft even for a day can make him or her feel like ages have passed. Thus, it was no different for Adella when she finally entered and sat down at her white desk and chair in her sunroom after a year of abandonment.
As she sat there, staring at the blank page in front of her, in a space where creativity usually flowed out of her effortlessly, this time it triggered no response and the words just wouldn't come no matter how hard she'd try.
It had been like this for the past year. Ever since she had started dating Malik, her writing had taken a backseat. At first, she didn't mind it. She was in love and she thought that was all that mattered. But as time went on, she realized that the relationship was in fact "bad news," a quote by her younger and older sister both, who could never really agree on anything except that they could never understand how she could choose to become a writer after spending years studying to become a doctor. According to them, the pay just isn't the same. Nonetheless, this should have tipped her off on what a red flag this relationship with Malik was and the severity of its toll on her once budding creativity. Unfortunately, it never did until much later on.
This all started after an incident where she had been at the center of discussion by the online community where she would often interact with fans of her novels and short stories. However, a few comments struck her where it hurt and stuck with her as they mentioned her biological clock ticking and her dating life or lack thereof needing a major update from the first love she once knew in her teens.
She was open with her fans so that they knew this much and more about her life so needless to say that when she met Malik, and told them that she had begun a new relationship, they were thrilled that she was starting something new.
But what they didn't know about and neither did Adella at the time, was Malik's true personality. He was charming, handsome, and seemingly perfect on their fancy restaurant dates. But behind closed doors, he was actually controlling, manipulative, and emotionally abusive. It started off with small things, like criticizing her writing and making her doubt her abilities which made her, as she soon realized, distance herself from her love of writing. But as their relationship progressed, it turned into constant put-downs and gaslighting. She was always walking on eggshells, never knowing what would set him off, and what he would criticize her more on next...her weight, her height, her laugh maybe?
She tried to talk to him about it, but he would always turn it around on her saying that she was too sensitive or overreacting. She didn't want to lose him, so she believed his words and stayed with him even though she endured and would continue to endure constant emotional turmoil.
But as the months went by, she started to feel suffocated. She missed her old self, the one who would sit for hours and pour her heart out onto the pages. She missed the feeling of being lost in her writing, of creating something beautiful. She realized that she couldn't continue like this, sacrificing her passion for a toxic relationship.
Finally, after a year of constant turmoil, she mustered up the courage to end things with Mark. It wasn't easy, but she knew it was the right thing to do for herself and for her love of writing. As she walked away from him, she felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. She was free from the chains of his manipulation and control.
As she sat down to write again, she felt a surge of inspiration. The words flowed seamlessly like unbothered streams of water, as though they were trapped inside her for so long, waiting to be set free. Adella set her sights on beginning and completing a new novel. One that took her weeks then months to write but gave her an opportunity to communicate with her audience and her fans about her pain, her struggles, and her journey to freedom.
She poured her heart out onto the pages, and with each word, she felt a sense of healing. With each chapter, she realized again and again that she was stronger than she ever thought possible.
As her writing gained recognition and her words resonated with others, she knew that she had made the right decision. She was no longer in a bad relationship, and she was no longer sacrificing her passion for someone who didn't appreciate her. She had found her voice again, and she was using it to inspire and empower others.
Looking back, she couldn't believe that she had let someone else control her and her passion for so long. But she also knew that the experience had not been in vain because it made her stronger and more resilient. She was grateful for the lessons she had learned, and she was determined to never let anyone dim her light again or her faith.
As she closed her laptop, she felt a sense of closure. She had finally let go of the past and was ready to move forward, with her writing and her faith by her side. She smiled, knowing that she had found her way back to her true self, and she would never lose herself again to please or keep someone else.
Internet Stranger
Sophia was the cautious type of woman but she wasn't always this way. Her childhood years were more carefree and wild however with the passage of time and the worsening crime stories on the printed press and the television media, her fears of living in society grew making her that way. Needless to say, when different social media platforms became a hit for her other middle-aged friends to get the tea on the neighbours and others' dirty laundry, she didn't think so fondly of it. In fact, she was skeptical and hesitant but somehow, she got roped into it
- let's just say the devil was busy that day, a popular Trinbagonian saying, that too gained popularity with Sophia and her mother now because it took one link sent from one friend, one app download and one clink that led her to meet, date and eventually marry Darryl. The online Facebook friend. The man whom she thought was the man of her dreams but was merely a fake.
The wedding was fantastic, smooth. She was on cloud nine being surrounded by her loved ones, marrying the man of her dreams. And for a while, it seemed like a wonderful day- dream of sorts but that quickly thereafter changed into a nightmare as she would come to learn.
The sweet, kind, handsome and charming man she knew slowly but surely disappeared. Each time creating a crack in her happiness and self-confidence.
After their honeymoon, however was when the real nightmare began, as Darryl became more moody and distant than after the wedding ceremony, and he would often come home late, claiming he had to work overtime. One day, when Sophia tried to talk to him about it, he brushed her off saying she was overreacting.
He was mad and he made sure she knew that by storming out of the living room into their bedroom then locking the door behind him leaving Sophia to sleep outside. Sophia, convinced it was her fault that he got mad, the next day prepared a surprise dinner for him, which she would drop in at his work office to give to him.
To her shock, she caught him
flirting with another woman, his co-worker. Sophia was heartbroken and confronted him, to which he responded with anger and accused her of being paranoid.
Once they returned home, things only got worse. They got into an argument as Sophia questioned him about the type of relationship he has with that co-worker she witnessed. Darryl snapped. He slapped Sophia across the face, grabbed his jacket from the handle of the metal chair where it had been thrown, got into his car and drove off. He had gone off the grid for days without any calls made to Sophia about his whereabouts or well-being. Sophia was worried sick and when her friends and family started to notice these changes in him and got updated about their situation, they warned her to be careful. That something didn't seem right about him.
But Sophia was still in love with Darryl and refused to believe that he could be capable of anything bad. She convinced herself that he was just going through a rough patch and that things would get better.
But they didn't. Once Darryl returned home after a couple of days, his behavior only became worse. He would come home drunk and angry, and would often lash out at Sophia for no reason. She would try to talk to him, but to no avail as he would refuse to listen and blame her for all their problems.
One day, Sophia came home to find that Darryl had emptied their joint bank account and disappeared without a trace. She was devastated and felt like her entire world had crumbled before her eyes.
It wasn't until the police contacted her that Sophia learned the truth about Darryl. He had been leading a double life, using her for her money, and had been involved in various illegal activities, from gambling to selling drugs to thieving antics. Sophia was shocked and couldn't believe that the man she thought was her soulmate and loved was nothing but a complete stranger.
She realized that she had been blinded by her love for Darryl and had ignored all the red flags. She also realized that her family and friends had been right all along, but she had refused to listen.
Sophia's fairytale wedding was not a fairytale marriage as she had hoped, and she couldn't help but feel like a fool for not seeing the truth sooner. But she also knew that she had to get over it and start a new life without Darryl. Forgive and forget, as the saying goes. She felt hurt and betrayed but she also felt that it would be the best way to move on with her life.
It was a painful lesson, but Sophia learned that sometimes, the person you think you know and love can turn out to be a complete nightmare. And that it's important to listen to the warnings of those who care about you, even if it's hard to hear.
My little dog, my forever boy...
I once had a fluffy little puppy.
I had gotten it from my cool farmer aunt. Timeframe, probably 12 or so years ago, I can't pinpoint it on the dot.
It was my first ever puppy so I was ecstatic but also afraid that I could be bitten by the dog or somebody else so naturally as a child would, I acted different.
Little did I know that that furry little fella would become my most cutest most playful ever furry little friend. A buddy I would often come around to play with but my bestie at the time I never did that well. Why so? You ask. Because I was a shy kid who never really talked much, I was shy and timid. That was me then.
Anyway, moving on and back to the point, I gained a loyal companion with eyes so bright. A tiny little chestnut I'd become concerned with most days and most nights. It's been a while now, years I mean, but I still recall its name, Sonic based on the well-known cartoon.
With a wag of its tail, it made my heart sing a thousand merry little tunes. But I suppose that's the way it goes when you love something, ain't it? That's how you do.
It carried a coat of brown so deep, soft and fluffy also like a pillow to sleep.
Its playful antics brought me so much joy like when it would chase its own tail and gleefully run around. Who knew that I could carry such a wide smile -
it must have been its cute little face, full of innocence and charm.
One time it fell asleep, while play-biting one of my dad's shoe.
It made me laugh, and my heart grew more and more fond.
For in that moment, I saw pure bliss. It reminded me of a baby that knows not what joy it brings. To the one who owns it, comfort and happiness; from it you receive unconditional love.
I thought so this must be the kind of things dog-owners ramble on about.
Though we walk not together anymore for its life on this plane is gone; that night as I saw it lying there life-less on the ground,
I ran to my parents' room where my tears did shed. I was saddened that night as I sat crying on their bed.
That was a single part of the story, its death, but the brighter segments are more present in my heart still. It was a wonderful dog and though it never got to grow older because sickness consumed it early on, it was my lovely forever first and last puppy who has a place in my heart.
Palatable Produce
Oh how you grow, Produce,
from seeds to fruits, all within
a matter of time and in a row.
With a desirable leafy-green colour you glow, attracting the attention of most like a superstar. You are nourishing and fresh, too, out of the soil you grow.
But tell me, do you want to be eaten? Or do you possess apprehension at the order you have been given?
In the fields, you thrive and bloom but eventually on our plates, you wind up food.
Do you long to stay on the vine?
Or do you rejoice in your purpose divine?
While it matters not, whether you desire to be eaten, what matters more is that you, Produce, are a blessing.
Yes, you and animals alike exist for a reason that surpasses sustaining that of only yourselves. It is for us humans too. Us, humans, while above you, we must eat but not abuse. In the end, we are grateful that God created you and that you give us food.
.
My best, I give
The best shot of advice I can give is from what I have prepared in my line of defenses
alone. I cannot give what I don't have, so friend, from the bottom of my heart and in all honesty,
here I go.
Life may be many things and it may not always be fair. When it
hits you with a barrage of problems, I hope you let go of worry and fear for in a sincere heart of faith and repentance, God is near.
Trust in Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding even when the path seems dark. In all your ways acknowledge him and He will direct your path through the ugliness of the dark.
As I often say, as long as you're living there will come troubles, sufferings, storms but it doesn't mean that you have to bear them alone. So do not be anxious, do not despair, do not allow depression, worry and fear to add more gray hairs and lessen your years.
Instead, I want you to remember that even when the odds seemed impossible, God was with Gideon when He used him to triumph over a Midianite army of 135, 000 with only 300 men.
Consuming fire
I let my memories of the forgotten past,
burn away at the sorrows
and pain I had experienced
in times gone.
Now they have resolved into
ash.
The weight I carried, simply dissipated, no longer was I in dismay.
The chains that grounded me
to the melancholy of the past, broke its link with me,
when I, in desperation, knelt down oft and prayed.
Then, I, like a bird freed from prison walls, flew away.
In my head, I pictured how
the flames danced and swayed
as it took my brokenness away.
It was then that a new beginning, a fresh start had begun, bringing with it much needed peace and calm to
take its place.
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swhen
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From job to Home
The cumbersome weight of the daily strife, troubles my sleep, my relationships, my quality of life, my health. Slowly but steadily, it shrinks my energy fast, I go from a hundred percent to ten.
Work is taking its toll on me, physically, mentally wearing me out. I'm burnt.
Beside the window, my typewriter awaits, a blank page returns my gaze.
If I don't write the job will consume me whole, so for but a brief time today evening, the letters become my embrace.
I take a deep breath to let the stress melt away, as I freely create, words then form sentences that rhyme - in a word, the poetry flows.
My creativity oozes out from within my mind and takes shape, then once again I remember I am more than just my job or my title at the workplace.
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