No shade on religion or God. However, there’s a phrase I often hear among Christians and followers of other religions, like Islam: the idea that having humble beginnings in life or starting small is a way for God to test your faith. It’s said to measure how faithful you can remain even when things aren’t going the way you want, with the promise that God will reward your faithfulness with upliftment.

But in all honesty, is there anyone in life who starts something or ventures into anything without starting small? Even babies start small. Life is a gradual process, and I believe every rational person should understand this. There are some aspects of life that don’t necessarily have to be tied to religion—they’re simply natural.

Take a moment to look at your fingers: they aren’t equal. That tells us that everyone’s perspective in life is different. What one person considers small might be big to someone else, and what one person sees as big might seem small to another.

For instance, a wealthy person starting a business with a large building, many staff members, and all the necessary equipment might see this as starting small. But to someone who isn’t as financially privileged, that same situation looks like starting big.

The point I’m trying to emphasize here is that, no matter where you are in life, everyone starts small in their own way. Even people born into privilege who venture into something new often see it as starting small, with hopes of growth and eventual success.

That’s human nature—we are wired to grow and seek more out of life. It’s a process of development, and I feel it has nothing to do with religion.

So, let’s try to think critically and not be so gullible to everything religious leaders say. There is God, and there is common sense. Let’s learn to differentiate between the two and use both wisely.

If I Could Swim

I would go to a cliff, with an ocean beneath it

With the waves crashing against the rocks so high,

I'd stand at the edge with a happy sigh,

The sun would glimmer off the waters below,

And I'd let my hair in it's natural afro state down and let my worries go.

With my dim color gown fluttering in the breeze,

And my heart free from all unease,

I'd take a deep breath and close my tear filled eyes,

The free wind filling my lungs, I feel alive.

And then with a smile, I'd take steps back,

And run without fear along the cliff's track,

With arms wide open, I'd launch myself free,

And jump down into the ocean below, where the real peace could be.

With the sounds of the world drowned out in my ears,

I'd let my worries go and shed all my tears,

For in the ocean's depths, there is no strife,

Only serenity, joy, and the meaning of life.

If only I could swim and live in the sea,

There'd be nothing but peace and tranquility for me.

I was invited to a get-together at a five-star restaurant, which I attended with great anticipation. I took my time selecting the perfect outfit for the occasion and felt stunning when I arrived.

Upon reaching the venue, I started to feel shy and wondered if I had overdressed. Nervousness crept in just as a fine gentleman approached me, offering to walk me to the table. It seemed like he sensed my discomfort—such an angel.

It felt like something out of a novel. My imagination was standing right in front of me, and for a moment, it seemed like I had stepped into a dream, teleported into a book. There he stood, his eyes as captivating as the ocean. As I walked closer, my heartbeat quickened. He smiled warmly, and those eyes—oh, those eyes! My face betrayed me, and I felt the unmistakable heat of a blush creeping up my cheeks. Why do I always blush so easily? I thought.

There we were, face to face. A nervous "Hi" escaped my lips. He extended his hand toward me, and I took it, allowing him to lead me to my seat. After a while, we found ourselves deep in conversation, forgetting we were at a get-together . He was everything I imagined in a man, knowing exactly what to say—just like my imaginary boyfriend. Can he read my mind? I wondered. Every word he spoke made my stomach flutter and my heart race. Mind (My inner self), where are you?

I told him how much I love the ocean and how I’ve always dreamed of running along the cold sand at the beach, with different scenarios playing out in my head. To my surprise, he responded, "Okay, let's do it."

"Do what?" I asked, confused.

"Run on the beach," he replied.

Still unsure of what was happening, I agreed. He then led me outside the restaurant, which happened to have a beach and a hotel nearby. We walked toward the beach, and he helped me take off my heels—a gesture I found so manly. Next, he pulled a camera from his bag, having mentioned earlier that he had a passion for photography.

He handed me an AirPod and played Lana Del Rey’s "Red Dress." Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he said, "Bring your imagination to life." Normally, I wouldn’t have fallen for such words, but I guess the alcohol had kicked in. Before I knew it, I was running along the beach, freeing myself from all my thoughts, bringing my imagination to life. He was there, recording me with his camera.

I must say, it was the best night of my life. I couldn’t have asked for more. Afterward, he escorted me to my hotel room, where we said our goodnights. We never exchanged numbers, and by the next morning, he was gone. I never saw him again.

Though I never got to know his name, I had always remembered his as Jay.