Hooba Reflections
Welcome
Welcome to Hooba Reflections! Here, we share stories that uplift, inspire and encourage our community to grow in the way that would be pleasing to our Lord. Quote: ❝I aim to be a better version of myself with each passing day.❞ ⁓Anne J. ❤️
Story
Please use the Contact Us page to share your stories. Thank you! 😊 Shalom!❤️
Let Go & Let God 27/07/2026
It's another day so make it great! Let go and let God!
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22
Nothing is Too Heavy 26/07/2026
So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24
We are taught this yet so many families are broken. Why do we let pride and status, keep us away from the teachings of God?
Let's learn to genuinely love one another no matter how little or how much they have. Shall we?
Reflection Time 25/07/2026
Today let's reflect on ourselves, have we been truly walking closely with God? Have we taken the time to consume His Word? Or are we still lost in thought—thinking that knowing Him, praying and being a good person is sufficient to enter His Kingdom?
Prayer 24/07/2026
Dear Lord, may we always place you first in our lives—from the moment we wake up to how we treat others throughout the day. May we spread your love to all we meet. When night falls, may we go to bed with a clear conscience and a peaceful heart. Amen.
Respect=Grace 23/07/2026
It's crazy how. a parent can teach a child to suck up to someone just because they have money. Yup you read right.
Like, hello, what are you teaching your child? That kindness should be given only when you have something to gain? Could this why so many children are disrespectful?
I mean, instead of teaching children to be kind which is of curse the right thing to do, some are teaching them to be kind only when they have something to benefit from. Isn't this opportunism?
This says a lot about the parent yah. Like where is your integrity, your compassion, your humility? Lost somewhere?
Please lah, let's raise children who treat the garbage man with the same respect as the CEO, the poor classmate with the same respect as the rich classmate and the friend with the worn-out shirt with the same dignity as the one wearing the latest branded apparel. Teach them RESPECT.
At the end of the day, we will not be remembered for what we have or how big our bank account is. Instead, we will be remembered by how we treat others.
Breaks my heart to see so many disrespectful children and adults too.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
Give Me Hope 22/07/2026
Did you know the word Hope appears as many as 180 times in the Bible? Well, I didn't know until I searched it up. To be honest, I would have thought that it was just a few times. I don't even know why I searched it up, but here it is.
Hope.
It got me thinking. How many times have we lost hope? Hope in a business deal, hope in a relationship, hope in a job, hope in our children, hope in our friends? Could it have been 180 times? Maybe this is why God has constantly wrote the word hope in His precious book. He wants us to remember how important it is to have hope.
The thing is, we mere mortals tend to lose hope over things that can be fixed. We tend to throw our hands up in the air and give up too quickly. Perhaps, all we actually need to do is pick up the Word of God and read it. C'mon, let's be honest, how many times have we said to ourselves, I know the bible, I don't have to read it. It's okay, God understands...etc.
Yet, we didn't know how many times hope appeared.
So that, we can be reminded to have hope—hope in God that we would be able to manage all our trials and tribulations will strength. Most importantly, may be bring this hope to others.
Let's look around and see who needs a kind word, a listening ear, a helping hand and let's bring them some hope—the hope of God. Shall we?
Gifts from God 21/07/2026
Children are truly gifts from God. I think more educators can benefit from this phrase. It makes us understand them more, build rapport with them and treat them like how we would treat our own children—with kindness, love, respect and loads of patience.
Speak love and watch the love grow.
Reflection Time 20/07/2026
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Treasures in Heaven 19/07/2026
Another beautiful Sunday with God loving people around. It's funny how God leads us to the place we ought to be at. He truly works in mysterious ways.
Living in a bustling, bright city, the brightness of the lights dim out the beautiful creation of the stars that God made. But if you were to go far away from the city to a rural area. The magnificent sight of the stars, will leave in you awe—a sky covered with thousands of stars!
It made me feel very small at that time. But as I grew stronger in faith, I realized how magnificent our God is. A small, nobody was somebody in the eyes and heart of God.
So, whenever I look up at the sky now, I block out the bustling noise and brightness and be still, knowing that our God loves us all. So, let's give him thanks and praise and make this journey, a journey that draws us closer to Him, shall we?
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19
Reflection Time! 18/07/2026
Yesterday, I taught some students about the benefits of being optimistic. So today, I thought we could perhaps reflect on Philippians 4:13, shall we?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Guide the Young Wisely 17/07/2026
Sometimes, children lie to get out of trouble or when they are seeking attention. Feeding into their lies and not finding out the truth leads to that child becoming a compulsive liar, displaying manipulative and self-centered behaviours and it becomes harder for them to take responsibility for their actions. .
As the adults, let's be wise to remember that there are two sides to a coin. Always, seek the truth and not pay heed to gossips.
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and reject not your mother’s teaching; for they are a fair garland for your head, and pendants for your neck. Proverbs 1:8-9
Prayer 16/07/2026
Dear Lord, please help me to remember why you had to go through all that pain and suffering just so I may live. May I never be caught up in this secular world that I lose my way back to you. Lord, when I start to stray, please throw me a lasso and gently pull me back safely to your loving arms. Thank you Jesus for everything. I love you.
Jouney of Love 15/07/2026
Aiyo, my friend and I were talking about how tired we were of people talking about how much money they have, showing off their material wealth and boasting about their next holiday trip. We get it, your rich. We're happy for you. But you know what, they are other ways to spend your blessings on.
Take for instance children from low income families—there are many who could use some help. The elderly and the vulnerable. They too would love to have someone spend some time with them.
Sometimes, we get too caught up in this world that we as Christians, forget that this road we are walking on is our journey back home—back home to our Father. So, let's stay humble, walk towards salvation, pray for guidance, wisdom and knowledge. Repent and be Reborn. Love with all your heart and soul and share the love of Christ with all we meet.
Let's make this journey, a journey of humility and love, shall we?
Sinners All Are We. 14/07/2026
Whatever the reason, aren't we supposed to be supporting all those around us and not just pick and choose who to help? Regardless of what they do or who they are? Or are we only lovey dovey to the ones we deem successful by the 'secularism scales'?
How can we be praising and worshipping God on one hand and on the other, we are slandering and gossiping about one another?
Let's not be that person who only helps when it's beneficial to us or help for the sake of boasting. Let's instead help one another because of our love for God, because He taught us to love one another. Most importantly, help one another draw closer to Christ. Let's do that shall we?
Prayer 13/07/2026
Thank you Father for the gift of of a loving community. May your faithful continue to grow and love one another as you taught us. Amen.
Fear Not! 12/07/2026
Remember the mustard seed faith I keep talking about? Well, sometimes, that faith gets stolen when we allow others' negative talk to get to us. When that happens, negative thoughts begin to manifest and as those thoughts grow bigger, our faith grows lesser.
How? We stop trusting the Word of God and instead depend on our own understanding. When this happens, we may even become thieves, thieves that steal the faith of others and ourselves that we have built. We steal our positive mindset—the mustard seed faith that we have been touched to have.
But fear not, it is temporary. Because God always guides his faithful back into His arms. So continue to grow in fellowship with others, continue to praise and worship Him, continue to pray and most importantly, confess your sins to Him. Ask for forgiveness for straying and the Father that sees all will wrap His loving arms around you. And once again, you will be holding that faith in your heart. Even if it is the size of a mustard seed, you will see your mountains move. Glory to the Living God! Amen.
Prayer 11/07/2026
Thank you for loving me and blessing me with your peace. I pray that my faith be strengthened and that I continue to walk in obedience, knowing that your timing is perfect. May I continue to help those around me draw closer to you.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Matthew 9:37
Walk in Faith, Watch the Fall! 10/07/2026
Remember how the wall of Jericho came falling down?
With that in mind, we remember how faithful our God is on His promises—it was Him that made the wall of Jericho fall and only Him who can defeat our enemies.
Who are our enemies?
Our enemies could be:
an illness
broken relationships
a financial burden
a dream that’s feels like it out of reach.
Like the Israelites that obeyed God, walked in faith and trusted Him with the impossible, we too need to do the same.
So let’s pray, let’s keep walking in faith and most importantly, trust and believe. For our God is still in the business of bringing down walls that seem totally impossible to overcome.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. Hebrews 11:30
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me and blessing me. I pray that my faith be strengthened and that I continue to walk in obedience, knowing that your timing is perfect. Amen.
Speak Blessings 9/07/2026
This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24
Educate with Love 8/07/2026
Someone once asked me how I felt working with children. My reply, “working with children is a joy!” She rolled her eyes in disagreement and sadly she’s not the only one who’ has done that. In the years, I’ve worked with children, I’ve heard many groans, sighs and complains from my colleagues who found working with children overwhelming. And there were times, I felt like asking, “then why work here?”
The thing is, I could never understand why the need for the complains. You see, for me working with children is one of lives greatest joy. Their curiosity, creative and honesty makes me want to support them to learn even more. They are full of wonder and everyday brings something new, something unexpected and always there is something to smile about. The day goes by smoothly and joyfully.
How to achieve this?
Build rapport—this is the key.
But how do we build rapport? Take the time to know the child.
You see, every child is a good child. There may be times when we may encounter a child who displays challenging behaviors. In these moments, all we need to do is to remember that behind every behaviour, is a reason. Perhaps the child is crying out for help. So instead of sighing and groaning or even saying things like “what’s wrong with that child?”. We should instead be asking ourselves, “is there something the child is trying to tell me?”
Take the time to observe, listen and encourage. Look for ways to support and not just correct. Sometimes, as adults we may tend to expect children to respect us because we are older or because we are in authority. But we need to remember that respect is a two-way street. We must first show what respect is like before they can respect us. Be firm when necessary and always be gentle. Instead of shouting—speak. I’ve seen grown-ups, shouting at little ones. Why do that? To gain control? That’s not going to work. More often than not, the child stops listening and only hears anger.
They are the children, we are the adults—set the example and speak with kindness, love and respect. Understand them and always remind them of how wonderful and amazing they are. Always speak with encouragement and patience. It is a joy to work with children, if we only took the time to hear them.
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
Just a Little Patience 7/07/2026
Today at the supermarket, there was an elderly aunty queuing up in front of me. When it was her turn to pay, I watched as she struggled to take out the money in her purse. The cashier got impatient and hurried her in an unkind voice. The lady apologized profusely as continued to struggle to get her money out, she was trying her best but her feeble hands slowed her down. My heart broke seeing this and I couldn’t keep quiet. So in a gentle voice, I told aunty to take her time, I was in no hurry. The cashier again hurried her and this time saying that a queue was forming up. Again, I told aunty not to worry as I was in no hurry and to take her time. It was nice to hear others behind also voice out and told the aunty not to hurry.
As I was leaving, aunty was at the exit, slowing putting her change back in her purse. I stopped for a moment and told her to take her time and take care. She smiled the biggest most beautiful smile. All it takes is some kindness and a little patience to make a person happy. Maybe, the cashier was having a bad day or maybe to her she didn’t think that her words were causing aunty to be anxious. Whatever it was, I just hoped that by us voicing out, the cashier might have taken the hint and learned some patience.
So, let's remember to always be kind and patient, especially to the elderly.
A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Blessings 6/07/2026
A little sore today from all the hype from yesterday but it’s always good to do God’s work. No matter what challenges we face, let our heart, mind or body not be stressed, for we have the gift of faith to heal. Remember? So let’s take away the words, stress, worry, fear from our lives and fill it with the words of blessings! As for the soreness, all it takes is a prayer for it to go away. So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20
Miracles 5/07/2026
Had a great day today. It was a blessings to see someone step into the church for the first time after a long, long time. Hearts were filled with joy! It was a joy that could only come from God. The beautiful part was to see the amount of faith this person has. Thank you Jesus for your love.
For with God nothing will be impossible. Luke 1:37
Raise Your Hallelujah! 4/07/2026
Many years ago, a friend introduced me to the song Raise a Hallelujah. This was the time when I was going through some rough patches in life. Even in those rough times, I had cheerful heart. But of course, even with my cheerful heart, there was fear, anxiety and worry.
Fast forward to today, I have learned to claim Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Let’s be filled with the Holy Spirit!
Raise your Hallelujah!
Amen!
Fire Faith! 3/07/2026
On fire for faith! Let our hearts be ignited with this treasure that is burning in our hearts, the treasure of the Holy Spirit—a gift from God. So, allow the Holy Spirit that lives within us, to guide us in our words, our thoughts and our deeds. Let our hearts boil with spiritual passion.
Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Romans 12:11
Blessings 2/07/2026
This month, let’s work on our faith. Let’s strengthen it and make sure that the walls Jericho come crashing down. Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.
All God’s people say, AMEN!
Prayer for July 1/07/2026
Heavenly Father, thank you for everything you have given to us in the month of June. As we begin, the month of July, we pray that we continue to grow in our faith and in or trust in you. May be continue to believe on your promises and spread your love especially to those who need it. May the new month also remind us to “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past. Isaiah 43:18 and trust in your word—See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19
Ripen Fruits 30/06/2026
Summer begins in June and it’s often associated with growth, harvest and abundance. Plants that started as tiny seeds are now big trees shoeing off their ripen fruits. If we think about in a spiritual sense, we learn that God desires us to bear fruit—Gelatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law. When we learn to practice the fruits we are taught in Gelatians, we see our lives slowly transforming. Like the small seed that grew into a big tree bearing ripen fruit, we too will grow in abundance in our love for God. These are the fruits we offer to Him—the fruits of a loving heart.
Quiet Time
Mediate on Matthew 17:20.
Prayer 29/06/2026
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and your blessings. As I continue to grow in my faith, I believe and trust that you are growing within me to help me grow my branches. May I spread your love, by showing kindness to all I meet and to love even those who may not like me. I love you with all my heart and my soul. Thank you for walking beside me.
Mustard Tree—Grow Your Branches. 28/06/2026
Yesterday, I talked about the mustard seed. Now, it got me think about the mustard tree. And in Matthew 13:31-32, Jesus compares the ‘kingdom of heaven’ to the tiny mustard seed—He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.
Just think about this, the tiny mustard seed has the potential to grow into a flourishing plant so wide that it is able to provide shelter for birds. If we were to compares ourselves to that small mustard seed. Might it look something like this? We or even others often judge us by what we are today—our weaknesses, our fears, our limited abilities, our bank accounts, our tiny ‘doll house’ etc. But these are what the enemy wants us to think. God however, loves us and see what we can become when we are rooted in hIm.
In order for the mustard seed to grow, it needs nourishment from the soil, water and sunshine. Like that mustard seed, we too need nourishment, nourishment from the Word of God, we need to water our hearts with prayer, and let the rays of faithfulness fills both our hearts and minds. For, every act of obedience and every moment we spend with God, divulging in His Word, any branch grows in our lives and draws us closer to Him.
So let’s allow God to grow within us and let it be shown by our kindness and our love and how we treat one another. Let’s look with the lens of Jesus. Shall we?
Have a blessed day and remember, Jesus loves you!
Mustard Seed—Grow Your Faith 27/06/2026
As I was having some mustard the other day, I thought about Matthew 17:20 where Jesus teaches his disciples that if they have faith as small as a mustard seed, they could command a mountain to move and it will happen. This made me think about my own faith, how can I make a mountain move? Then it hit me, I have moved ‘mountains’ but my ‘mountains’ were my own obstacles, my injuries, my emotional stress and burdens I was carrying.
Why, just the other day, I prayed whole-heartedly and puff just like that, I was healed of an injury. So, it’s all about having faith, whole faith! Believe with all your heart and trust.
Trust whom? Trust in Jesus.
Why? Because He said so.
Where? In the Bible my dear.
So, to recap the point: genuine faith even if it’s small like a mustard seed can accomplish great things only because we have a loving and mighty God in whom that faith is placed.
Thank you Jesus for your love! I love you too.
Now go and let your faith grow, one mustard seed at a time. Shalom!
Acts of Kindness 26/06/2026
The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds me of someone I know who is always ever ready to help someone in need. She doesn't help just family or friends but total strangers. Amazing woman! May God continue to give her the strength to continue her kind deeds.
May we too have that same courage to uplift others.
Zip It 25/06/2026
Proverbs 12:2
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight. I will never be able to understand how someone can so easily lie—especially when the lie that can hurt someone. It makes me wonder if they have a conscious or are they just plain mean. Perhaps, they have yet to read Proverbs 12:22. Whatever it is, let's pray for the people who knowingly lie to hurt others. May their lies stop and may they learn to speak the truth.Protecting our Speech 24/06/2026
Using profanities seems to be the norm among some of the young ones these days. It can be quite disturbing to hear, especially when we are not comfortable with such language.
Perhaps some have never been taught that using vulgar words is wrong. The word vulgar in itself does not sound pleasant when spoken and when in written form, it can feel jarring and out of place.
So, how can we encourage our young or not-so-young ones, to refrain from such talk?
Perhaps, we can remind. them of Ephesians 5:4—which says, "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving."
It should be that simple right? Well, perhaps for some, but what about those who feel pressured by their peers to participate in such conversations and are afraid of losing friendships should they choose to speak up?
Wisdom teaches us not to adopt habits that go against our values. Therefore, we can choose to gently make our discomfort known. A true friend will understand and respectfully do their best to refrain from such speech in our presence.
It is always good to share our feelings about what troubles us. By doing this, we also gain insights into the nature of friendship itself. A true friend will care about what affects us and will strive to show respect and understanding.
Leading with Integrity & Wisdom 23/06/2026
Being a boss is not always easy especially when staff make mistakes that leads to a customer being upset. Tensions rise and in these moments, leadership skills are truly tested.
To be a good boos, we need to understand that, leadership is not just simply about being in authority or giving instructions. A good boss understands the importance of taking responsibility for their employees as well as the people the organization serves.
It means taking the step to correct staff when necessary and helping them understand the importance of serving others well. Serving others well does not only mean completing tasks but also about showing respect, care and professionalism in every interaction. Whether a customer pays $5 or $500, all should receive the same level of care, sincerity and professionalism.
Correcting staff does not mean shaming, humiliating or tearing someone down. The best way to correct is, to guide them, help them understand the mistake and why it was wrong and then help them learn from their mistakes. It's all about ensuring that they grow to become better employees and better individuals.
At the same time, a good boss should also support the customer for they too have a right to be heard, respected and valued. Especially when genuine concerns have been raised. Many times, because of shortage of staff, some bosses may ignore complaints or worse still become defensive. These character traits does not solve the problem and does not help the employee improve from their mistakes.
A good boss understands that it is wise to navigate both the employee and the customer with fairness, grace and compassion.
At the end of the day, being a good boss means leading with integrity, courage and wisdom. A boss who does not have these qualities, is a detriment to the organization.
❝For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.❞ 2 Corinthians 8:21
Reminder 22/06/2026
It's good to reflect on ourselves.
Today's Reminded: Gossiping is a sin.
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29
For I fear that when I come, I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish; I fear that there may perhaps be quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 2 corinthians 12:20
Be Still & Listen 21/06/2026
In Matthew 17: 5, God tells us to listen to Jesus: “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”
After reading this, I asked myself:
Did I practice what I preached or did I allow myself to forget to listen to the words of God?
Did I choose my own desires over God’s will?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to be still and listen. especially with so many distractions around us.
Just think about how noisy life has become. The worries, the pressures and the desires of our hearts, can easily drown out His voice.
So, I’m going to remind myself that when life gets a little too noisy, I need to be still, quiet my heart and remember to listen to His voice.
A Prayer for Courage 20/06/2026
Today, I prayed for courage—courage to keep going on. Courage to continue to be there for those who are not able to fend for themselves, courage to run this race, in a world that can seem so daunting at times.
So if you're feeling a little down or you feel your energy draining away, do what I did and pray for courage.
"I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9
Peace be with you all.❤️
It's Not About the Money 19/06/2026
Someone recently asked me why I chose to create faith-based, positive vibes products, instead of just selling regular apparel. What she meant to say was that by selling to a broader market, I'd be reaching a wider audience and potentially be earning bigger profits.
Thing is, I already knew that if I sold to everyone and focused only on what's profitable, I would indeed be making a ton of money.
But life isn't just about dollars and cents. Yes, we need money to survive—but it is not the only thing we need. We need each other. We all need someone to walk beside us through both the difficult seasons and the joyful ones—and that is exactly what I hope to build with Hooba
Running Hooba isn't easy, but I continue because I want to help others—even if it is in a small way. We live in a world where many people are so focused on themselves that they overlook the neighbour next door or the stranger quietly struggling on the street.
You see, Hooba was never meant to be just another store. It is meant to spread the love that scripture has taught us. It is about kindness, compassion and empathy. It is about building a community where people feel seen, encouraged and cared for. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 teaches us this—"Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing."
So just as Christ walks with us, let's also share His love with others and be proud to wear our faith.
Oh, and I also reminded my friend that God doesn't look at our bank account but our hearts.❤️
Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child. 18/06/2026
Today, as I scrolled through my phone, I came across a video of a father helping his son how to write.
The poor child was struggling to form the characters and was clearly having a hard time. The father grew frustrated and shouted at his son. The boy looked visibly scared and what broke my heart even more was the moment the father slammed a can on the table next to his son. The child jumped in fright and started to cry.
Watching that video stirred up memories from my own childhood.
I remembered what it felt like to be on the receiving end of the cane. The whippings I got were usually for playing outside too long or talking back. The only time I was physically punished for not understanding schoolwork was when a neighbour tried to teach me a language foreign to me. I could not understand what he was saying and instead of trying another way to explain it, he used a ruler on me. Not once, not twice, but every single time I made a mistake.
I eventually grew to dislike the subject because of that experience and refused to return for tuition.
That made me think about something important—when we cane a child for not being able to do homework, are we really helping them?
More often than not, we are not teaching them but instead we are instilling fear. We may think we are correcting behaviour, but in reality, we may be causing the child to associate learning with shame, anxiety and trauma. Even today, I still remember that neighbour. I do not hate him, but the discomfort and disgust from those memories remain. He clearly didn't know about Piaget's different stages of cognitive development and clearly lacked patience.
But we, in this generation, should know how to effectively communicate with our children, our students. Shouldn't we?
It's like this—when helping a child with homework, communication matters. A lot! So instead of reacting with anger, perhaps we should pause and try to understand where the child is struggling. Ask questions, listen to what they have to say. What exactly do they not understand? What is preventing them from writing properly? Could they be struggling with motor skills? Are the finding it hard to hold a pen for long periods? Or perhaps, they simply need more time and encouragement.
We need to remember that not every child learns at the same pace.
Some children grasps concepts quickly, while others need repetition, patience and assurance. That does not make them lazy or stubborn. It simply means that, they learn differently. After all, practice makes progress.
As I watched that frightened little boy, my heart ached. Was that level of fear really necessary? What saddened me even more was reading the comments below the video. Many people were actually approving of the father's actions.
I know we shouldn't "spare the rod and spoil the child," but personally, I believe that discipline should never be confused with punishment out of frustration. There is a difference between correction and intimidation.
Discipline can come in other forms, such as, time-outs, losing privileges or missing a trip to the playground for the day. You can choose to have consequences instead of physical punishment.
Most importantly, effective communication is a must. I believe that children need understanding, guidance and patience. Lots and lots of patience.
God Bless. ❤️
To Cross or Not to Cross—17/06/2026
Living in a country where drivers are often in a hurry to get to their destination, can be stressful for pedestrians at zebra crossings.
There was a time when pedestrians could step onto a crossing with confidence, trusting that approaching vehicles would slow down and give way. Today it often feels like the opposite. Pedestrians find themselves hesitating at the curb, waiting for vehicles to slow down before deciding if it is safe to cross.
Just today, I was barely halfway across a zebra crossing when two motorcyclist's decided it was acceptable to move forward. One was so close behind me that my heart started racing. I thought what if that had happened to an elderly person? I mean, I myself was shaken, but an elderly person might have been terrified. What seems like a small act of impatience to one person can feel like a frightening experience to another.
As I continued my walk, I couldn't help but wonder—when did we become so impatient?
Perhaps it is the pace of modern life. We rush from one appointment to the next, constantly watching the clock, trying to squeeze more into each day. In the process, we sometimes forget that every person around us is carrying their own burdens, worries and responsibilities.
The few seconds a driver saves by inching forward at a crossing may seem insignificant. Yet, for the pedestrian standing in front of that vehicle, those few seconds can feel intimidating and unsafe.
What concerns me most, is not the impatience itself, but what it reveals. Have we become so focused on our own schedules that we no longer notice the people around us? Have convenience and urgency replaced courtesy and consideration?
I always believed that a society is not measured by how quickly its people move, but by how they treat one another. Small acts of kindness—slowing down, giving way, waiting a few extra moments, may seem insignificant, but they communicate something important: "I see you. Your safety matters."
Perhaps the real issue is not traffic or road etiquette. Perhaps, it is that in our increasingly busy lives, we are all in danger of forgetting a simple truth: every person we encounter deserves patience, respect and care.
So, the next time we approach a zebra crossing, whether as a driver, cyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian, perhaps we can all slow down a little—not just on the road, but in our hearts as well. ❤️
God bless! ❤️
Trusting the Process—16/06/2026
Scripture repeatedly teaches us not to fear, for our God is always near. Yet there are moments in our lives when we forget these truths and allow worry to take over our minds and sometimes even our hearts. We tend to forget the many times God's Words had reminded us to not be anxious.
Why do we do this?
Could it be because we are human and as imperfect and mortal beings, we are vulnerable to our emotions? Fear, anger, jealousy, pride and worry can cloud our judgement and distract us from God's promises. In difficulty moments , it can be easier to focus on our problems and not on the One who is able to carry us through them.
But we can be grateful that we have a loving God who understands our weaknesses. He does not expect perfection from us but instead He invites us to place our trust in Him again and again. We can take comfort in His Word knowing in our hearts that His presence never leaves us.
As Isaiah 41:10 reminds us:
Fear not for I am near. Do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
No matter what challenges we face, we can find peace knowing that God is near, faithful and always in control. He will uphold us, all we need to do is trust the process.