How To Deal With Isolation
Are you feeling isolated and lonely? If so, you may feel as did the psalmist who said: “I am like a solitary bird on a roof.” (Psalm 102:7) The Bible’s wisdom can help you to deal with problems that are caused by isolation.
**Pursue spiritual growth**
**Read comforting bible pages**
**Understand the meaning of the world events**
**Avoid needless anxiety**
**Cultivate friendships**
**Stay physically active**
Pursue spiritual growth
Even while you are isolated, you can find happiness by being aware of your spiritual need and filling it. (Matthew 5:3,6). The following free resources can help you get started.
An online Bible that is accurate and easy to read
Online Bible study lessons that answer some of life’s most important questions
Short videos about some of the Bible’s essential teachings
“Bible Questions Answered ”—Direct answers to questions often asked
“Imitate Their Faith ”—This series brings to life the accounts of faithful men and women of the Bible
“Was It Designed? ”—This series highlights the beauty and complexity of the natural world
Read comforting Bible passages
These Scriptures have helped many to find comfort. Rather than reading several passages at once, try using your time in isolation as an opportunity to meditate on each passage and to pray .—Mark 1:35.
Psalm 23:1-6
Psalm 34:1-22
Psalm 46:1-11
Psalm 63:6-8
Psalm 91:1-6
Matthew 6:25-34
2 Corinthians 1:3,4
Philippians 4:6,7
1 Peter 5:6,7
Understand the meaning of world events
You can deal better with any troubling situation if you know why bad things happen and how God will undo them.—Isaiah 65:17.
Why does God allow suffering?
What does the Bible say about sickness and health?
What is the sign of the last days?
Who are the four horsemen of Revelation?
What will God's Kingdom accomplish?
Avoid needless anxiety
Articles on the following subjects can help you to deal with stress caused by isolation and to “stop being anxious.”—Matthew 6:25.
How to deal with stress
Maintaining a positive attitude
Anxiety about danger
Anxiety about money
Anxiety faced by young people
Cultivate friendships
Friendships benefit your mental and emotional health and are even more important when face-to-face connections are difficult. If you are confined at home, you may be able to use videoconferencing or voice calls to maintain existing friendships and build new ones. The following articles can help you to find and be “a true friend.”—Proverbs 17:17.
What makes a good friend?
Should you expand your circle of friends?
What if you feel you don't have any friends?
Build friendships by being generous
Build friendships through gratitude
Stay physically active
The Bible acknowledges that “exercise is beneficial.” (1 Timothy 4:8, footnote) It can contribute to mental health, especially when you are dealing with isolation. Even when you are confined to your home, likely there are things you can do to stay active.
Keep yourself moving
Build physical and mental resilience
Help For Victims Of Domestic Violence
“Violence against women is a global public health problem of epidemic proportion, requiring urgent action,” says the World Health Organization. That organization estimates that almost 30 percent “of all women who have been in a relationship have experienced physical and/or sexual violence” by their partner. And a UN report estimates that in one recent year, 137 women died each day around the world at the hands of their partner or another family member.
Statistics may reveal the magnitude of the problem of domestic abuse, but they cannot begin to describe the emotional and physical pain that each victim suffers.
Are you a victim of domestic abuse? Or do you know someone who is? If so, consider the following points from the Bible that can help.
**Domestic abuse is not your fault**
**Help is available**
**You are not alone**
**Domestic abuse will end**
**How you can help a victim**
Domestic Abuse Is Not Your Fault
**What the Bible says:** “Each of us will render an account for himself to God.”—Romans 14:12.
**Remember this:** Your abuser is responsible for his actions.
If your partner blames *you* for the abuse *he* inflicts, he is wrong. Wives deserve to be loved, not abused.—Colossians 3:19.
At times, an abuser’s actions may be influenced by a personality disorder, his family background, or the misuse of alcohol. Even so, he is accountable to God for the way he treats you. And he is responsible to do what it takes to change his actions.
Help Is Available
**What the Bible says:** “There is accomplishment through many advisers.”—Proverbs 15:22.
**Remember this:** If you feel unsafe or do not know what to do, others can help.
Why may you need help from others? Domestic abuse is a complex situation. When deciding how to deal with it, you may struggle to weigh factors that seem to compete with each other, such as:
Your personal safety
The well-being of your children
Your financial situation
Your love for your partner
A desire to salvage the relationship if your partner changes his actions
Naturally, you may feel confused and overwhelmed. Who can you turn to for help?
**A trusted friend or family member** may be able to provide practical and emotional support. Talking to someone who cares for you can make a big difference.
**Hotlines for victims of domestic violence** may offer immediate support. Those who work these hotlines can help you develop a safety plan. If your partner acknowledges his problem and sincerely wants to change, a hotline may be able to help him with the first steps he needs to take.
**Other emergency resources** can help you if you are in immediate danger. These resources may include doctors, nurses, or other trained professionals.
You Are Not Alone
**What the Bible says:** “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those who are crushed in spirit.”—Psalm 34:18.
**Remember this:** God promises to help you.
Jehovah cares deeply about you. (1 Peter 5:7) He understands your deepest thoughts and emotions. He can comfort you through His word the Bible. And he invites you to pray to him. When you pray, you can ask him to give you the wisdom and strength you need to deal with your situation.—Isaiah 41:10.
Domestic Abuse Will End
**What the Bible says:** “They will dwell, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one will make them afraid.”—Micah 4:4 footnote.
**Remember this:** The Bible promises a time in the near future when the home will be a peaceful place for everyone.
Jehovah God has the only complete and permanent solution to all of our problems. The Bible promises: “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” (Revelation 21:4) At that time, even bad memories will fade away as they are replaced with good ones. (Isaiah 65:17) This is the peaceful future that the Bible offers you.
How You Can Help A Victim
Do you know someone who is a victim of domestic abuse? Even if you are not a trained professional, you may be able to help her.
**Listen empathetically.** (James 1:19) Tell her that you are willing to listen, but do not push her to talk. Reassure her that you believe what she says.—Proverbs 20:5.
One domestic violence resource says: “It will have taken a lot for her to talk to you. [Victims] are much more likely to cover up or downplay the abuse, rather than to make it up or exaggerate. You might find it hard to imagine someone you know could behave abusively. But the person who is abusive will probably show you a very different side [from] the side the victim sees.”
**Speak encouragingly.** (1 Thessalonians 5:11)Use your words to build her self-worth. Tell her that you care about her. Remind her of her good qualities. And encourage her to get help.
**Offer support.** (Proverbs 17:17) Give her practical assistance, such as watching her children for a short time or providing a meal. Verify that she has a safety plan, including a place to go in case of an emergency.
**Build up her confidence in her ability to make her own decisions.** (Galatians 6:5) Provide her with information, and talk about possible options. But do not tell her what she should do.
Is Protest The Answer?
Thus, while the following article reports on specific examples of civil unrest, it does not endorse one nation over another or take sides on any political issue.
ON December 17, 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi reached his limit. He was a 26-year-old street vendor in Tunisia who was frustrated with being unable to find a better job. He was also aware of corrupt officials’ demands for bribes. On that particular morning, inspectors confiscated Mohamed’s supply of pears, bananas, and apples. When they took his scales, he resisted; and some witnesses say that a female police officer slapped him.
Humiliated and enraged, Mohamed went to the nearby government office to complain but could not get a hearing. In front of the building, he reportedly shouted, “How do you expect me to make a living?” After dousing himself with a flammable liquid, he struck a match. He died of his burns less than three weeks later.
Mohamed Bouazizi’s desperate act resonated with people in Tunisia and beyond. Many consider his actions the trigger for an uprising that toppled the country’s regime and protests that soon spread to other Arab countries. The European Parliament awarded Bouazizi and four others the 2011 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, and *The Times* of London named him its 2011 person of the year.
As that example shows, protest can be a powerful force. But what is behind the recent wave of protests? And are there any alternatives?
Why the Surge in Protests?
Many protests are ignited by the following:
**Dissatisfaction with social systems.** When people believe that the local government and economy serve their needs, there is little desire to protest—people work within the existing order to address their problems. On the other hand, when people feel that these systems are corrupt and unjust and rigged in favor of a select few, conditions are ripe for social unrest.
**A trigger.** Often, an event moves people to action, to change from resignation to a belief that they must do something. Mohamed Bouazizi’s case, for example, set off mass protests in Tunisia. In India, a hunger strike against corruption by activist Anna Hazare set off protests by his supporters in 450 cities and towns.
As the Bible long ago acknowledged, we live in “a world where some people have power and others have to suffer under them.” (Ecclesiastes 8:9, *Good News Translation*) Corruption and injustice are even more widespread today than they were back then. Indeed, people are more aware than ever before of how political and economic systems have failed them. Smartphones, the Internet, and 24-hour news broadcasts now allow events even in isolated places to trigger a response over a large area. https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/ecclesiastes/8/#v21008009
What have protests accomplished?
Proponents of social unrest would claim that protests have accomplished the following:
**Provided relief for the poor.** In response to so-called rent riots in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., that occurred during the Great Depression of the 1930’s, city officials suspended evictions and arranged for some of the rioters to get work. Similar protests in New York City restored 77,000 evicted families to their homes.
**Addressed injustices.** Ultimately, the 1955/1956 boycott of city buses in Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.A., led to the overturning of laws for segregated seating in buses.
**Stopped construction projects.** In December 2011, tens of thousands of people protested the construction of a coal-fired power plant near Hong Kong because of concerns about pollution, so the project was canceled.
Of course, protesters do not always get what they want. For example, leaders may crack down rather than give in to demands. Recently, the president of one Middle Eastern country stated regarding the protest movement there: “It must be hit with an iron fist,” and thousands have died in that uprising.
Even when protesters accomplish their aims, the aftermath invariably brings new problems. A man who helped depose the ruler of an African country told *Time* magazine about the new regime: “It was utopia that immediately descended into chaos.”
Is there a better way?
Many well-known people have felt that protesting oppressive systems is a moral imperative. For instance, the late Václav Havel, a former Czech president who spent years in prison for his human rights activities, wrote in 1985: “[The dissident] can offer, if anything, only his own skin—and he offers it solely because he has no other way of affirming the truth he stands for.”
Havel’s words foreshadowed the desperate acts of Mohamed Bouazizi and others. In one Asian country, dozens have set themselves on fire recently to protest religious and political repression. Describing the feelings behind such extreme actions, one man told *Newsweek* magazine: “We don’t have guns. We don’t want to harm other human beings. What else can people do?”
The Bible offers a solution to injustice, corruption, and oppression. It describes a government that God has set up in heaven that will replace the failed political and economic systems that lead to protest. A prophecy about the Ruler of this government says: “He will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. From oppression and from violence he will redeem their soul.”—Psalm 72:12, 14. https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/psalms/72/#v19072012 https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/psalms/72/#v19072014
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that God’s Kingdom is mankind’s only true hope for a peaceful world. (Matthew 6:9, 10) Thus, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not engage in protests. But is the idea that a government by God could eliminate the reasons for protest unrealistic? It might seem to be. Yet, many have developed confidence in God’s rulership. Why not look into it for yourself? https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/matthew/6/#v40006009-v40006010
About Myself
My name is Noble. I'm a Nigerian and I'm less of a career writer, a passing student of NIIT where I studied network engineering. My being here is to improve my writing skills, get to know more from what others post and most especially, get into the crypto world.
Song Of Soul
I’m thankful that i’m still alive
Should be in church but my flesh decides to take five
Take a break
from the weeks hustling my Souls strugglin’
but the body needs comforting….
from the punishing schedule Soul’s in need of fuel
wrestling with the body but it loses that duel
…biased mind….
its in cahoots with the body
tells my Soul “Go to church, but you aint taking body”
my body celebrates
grabs a pen and grabs some paper
puffs on a roach n tells my Soul; “i’ll see you later”
now ma Soul’s all shook up, in tha room corner
contemplating what he gon tell tha Father….
…as his vessel rebels,
he’s like a snail with no shell
Like Alfred with No Bell
Pause
Alfred had NoBel…..
ok
Sou’ls in a good mood i mean Soul’s a good dude
he dont take it to Heart
cos He knows Hearts Bodys Dude…
Hmmm
What to do/ What to do/ What would Jesus Do?
Turns to the Guardian Angel; “See what i’m going through?”
Dude don't care, going to be on Earth for like 90 years
Then its all me,
Will it be Fire or will be Cheers?
meehn!!! i’m outta here….
but he knows he cant;
Body’s starting to pant
choking on d roach, eyes starting to slant…
Then Mind speaks….
“Yo Bud, you dont look so sweet, put down that spliff
go lie down for a minute”
Body obliges;
Soul rolls his eyes, scanning thru the Movie that is their Life….
“Lord, i’m falling”
it’ll be Night Eternal with the Son of the Morning
n dis selfish dude dont care
he wont be tha one dats burning….
selfish twit cares only for cash, ass, liquor n sleep
plus the words he pens occasionally on a sheet
Borderline atheist
Lord i’m losing my Patience…
“How do i cut off my nose n still save face?”
No time for riddles
Body’s Gasping, clutching his middle
Soul returns home..n the Reaper puts away His sickle…..
The Angel Smiles….
Five Signs Of Psychopaths You Should Know
That individual may appear your closest companion with your eventual benefits on a basic level, yet that may simply be what they need you to accept in light of the fact that they are insane people.
They Lie Easily
On the off chance that you discover somebody lying easily and without wincing, be extremely frightened. Insane people can breeze through polygraph assessments since they don't encounter obvious responses like a raised pulse when they lie.
An examination directed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison uncovered that "insane people have diminished associations… between the piece of the mind liable for suppositions, for example, compassion and blame, and the amygdala, which intercedes dread and nervousness.
They Are Remarkable Entertainers
Insane people are what could be compared to strategy entertainers, and they will assume whatever job they think you need them to play so they can utilize you. They get a rush out of fooling individuals into accepting that the picture they anticipate is genuine when truly it is a delusion.
They are talented entertainers who take cover behind covers and are skilled at emulating feelings they can never truly feel. One of their realized stunts is controlling others into feeling frustrated about them.
They're Not Hollywood **Generalizations**
Individuals frequently partner insane people with a threatening and effectively conspicuous reprobate in a Hollywood film. In actuality, nothing could be further from reality, as indicated by Psychology Today.
The most alarming thing about insane people is most don't seem to be fierce or terrifying. Frequently they can appear to be totally ordinary and not show any outrageous or fierce practices.
They Weaponize Beguile
Who doesn't care for sweet talk and consideration? With unrivaled center, insane people focuses on their prey, alluring with praises and acclaim to pick up that individual's trust. Maniacs are ace controllers who have the uncanny capacity to delight and trap vulnerable individuals with words that slid directly off their tongues.
**They** Can Be Leaders
Sociopaths don't have companions—just casualties. Since they should be in charge, they can be both heartless and alluring and may wind up in an influential position.
A great deal of CEOs have psychopathic qualities. They consider individuals to be items to use for their very own benefit, and they get fulfillment from transforming others into the contorted identical representation of themselves.
Of What Use Is Rape
OF WHAT USE IS RAPE
(Tell me "ooh men")
Of what use is rape
When pains is been inflicted
Blood flows like running waters
When her wall is been pierced
By a nail in a manhood
Of what use is rape
When you are suppose to protect her
But you broke her defence
You took what was her
And flee away like a bird
Of what use is rape
When tears floods like ocean
And broke her spirit and soul
Like a broken bottle
Shattered and can't be mended
Of what use is rape
When you ease your pleasure
And brings course upon yourself
When you cripples her legs
And breaks the innocent jar
Of what use is rape
When she screens to the silent sound
The woman in her cries out
Yet none to help
And the humanity is gone
So tell me ooh men
Of what use us rape
#SaynotoRape
#StopSexuaulAbuse
Chased Or Something Like That
Like every other day, I was buried in the deep slumber I finally had the chance to savor, and like every other night, it was predestined to be another short sleep. Needless to say that it was necessary to make the best use of that moment before we were awoken to the new day’s burdens.
I had not closed my eyes for ten minutes when cold hands stabbed my feet gently. I struggled to keep my eyes open, Was it morning already? Mornings came quite early, but how was this day’s earlier than the usual? And the waking too, was calm, almost the soft touch of pure fraud, unlike the hit from oga’s boot which came more times than I can recall. Something was wrong, I told myself as I scratched the itchy point I had been tapped. I was still held in the world between dream and reality, fighting very hard to get as much of that sweetness I could before reality unplugged me.
‘Liyu!’ A whispered voice called out, and I knew immediately who had uttered my name.
‘Ladi.’ I yawned, as my eyes squinted to greet the brightly shining torch directly confronting my face. ‘Is it morning already? Is there a problem?’
‘Shhhh!’ My 14 year old brother shushed, gesticulating with an index finger across his lips. ‘We are leaving today… now in fact!’ He said rapidly, although in a whisper.
It took a few seconds before the words sank in. I repeated the words again and again in my brain, so that I could fully comprehend the meaning. ‘Today? Leaving?’
‘There’s no time to think about this Ladi. I already told you.’
And just like that, his hands pulled mine up and I instinctively began to crouch after him in the morning darkness. For a brief moment, I wondered if it was safe to run out of this house wearing just my shorts and a torn shirt with no foot wears; it wasn’t like I had any meaningful foot wear any way, but the different pair of torn slipper I usually wore still meant something to me. As soon as we crossed the main passage through to the backyard door, I heard Ladi lift the wooden frame to avoid its notorious noisy creak, then I realized that our other clothes had already been tucked into a small Ghana-must-go bag which my brother carried against his back as we started making our way out of the compound.
First, we tiptoed in a single file, ensuring that no sound escaped us, until we got to the open gate of the compound. It wasn’t a surprise to see the gates open, the goats that paraded the neighborhood and littered the entire compound with dungs ensured that always. We made our way in that dark, out of the compound, and then walking as fast as we could, so that we would not raise suspicion of other passerby.
It was hard to believe that we were actually going to leave the notorious residence we stayed finally, this amusing thought made it difficult to swallow a fist of phelm that congealed in my throat. It still appeared to me like one of my early morning duties of errand running. I still felt that when we got to some point around, my brother would just turn around and laugh at me for actually believing that we were going to run, and then send us back into the most unwanted compound we usually lamented about.
As we proceeded, I kept smiling to myself, it was too sweet a thought to consider where an eleven year old boy like myself was heading, with a brother that’s barely four years older. To me, it was anywhere but back. Our feet made over joyous sounds as it scrunched the sandy path that led out of the district. The morning breeze was misty, and I could feel droplets of dew perching on my hard skin. There was no electricity in the street, only a few houses had weak lights reflecting from them through their windows, but as we walked, we came by no one, and we didn’t hear the sounds of people sweeping their compound, as was the first activity in every home once someone in the home was awake.
‘Do you know what time it is?’ I requested politely, after we had walked a few miles.
‘I don’t know,’ my brother responded, ‘But I could still hear Oga snoring when I woke up.’ Ladi panted, he was trudging under the load he carried, but he made no attempt to invite me to assist him.
I exhaled, as we kept moving. It still seemed like a dream. I was still somehow expecting that by the time I woke from this sweet dream, even Ladi himself would laugh me to scorn. A few more miles, and some birds chirped and flew.
They were obviously not expecting such an early disturbance from their secret lovemaking. The sounds of crickets chirping and croaking toads emanated from virtually every dark spot. Ladi deliberately turned off the big Oga’s torch he had carried along. I didn’t disturb myself to imagine what would happen when Oga finally wakes up to discover that his precious touch was gone. I could not say for certain that he would miss us any more than he would miss his precious torch, and I did not even bother to think about how Ladi had been able to sneak it from Oga’s watch. This would be another sweet story for another day.
We kept walking in silence; only our scrunching feet and our labored exhales supported the noise from the morning animals. The cold harmattan mist settled on our lungs providing the chill necessary for our great mischief.
We walked past the popular Ikebe Super Spot, where most of the touts in the area kept their late nights drinking and sleeping with cheap prostitutes. A few bottles of beer lie fallow towards the entrance of the interior section, with a dozen crates of well-arranged bottles. That section was only demarcated by a railing of wooden construction covered with curtain, behind the curtain was a glowing flicker of local hurricane lamp. It gave the room a dim illumination without grotesque shadows on the wall, most of the occupants were still very much asleep and as we walk by the spot, we could hear the dead snores of drunk men.
‘Avoid walking near the light!’ Ladi called out.
His voice sent me crossing to the other side of the road immediately, but my ear already caught the unconscious talks of one of the drunken men as he insentiently demanded for one of the sweetest chicks. I smiled, not knowing whether to laugh or not.
We crossed the muddy lane rightwards, the entire street was silent now but still murky, thick droplets of fogs blurred our views even more despite the natural darkness that hovered around us. Even the crying crickets seemed to have been fumigated away from this new ominous street. It was the more modern part of the area and we hoped that people here would have been awake. But as we kept walking, we encountered no one still. We turned again to the right, and walked past Merciless Football Centre. I stumbled on a frame, it was the huge black board which sat had earlier balance weakly on its wooden tripod feet, on which match fixtures were written for fans’ notice.‘Careful!’ Ladi bellowed, ‘Watch where you are going.’
I stood and nodded, and we kept moving in that dark. Walking past houses, and shops and complexes; some were lite from the previous night, while others were thickly dark. We walked past closed stalls. It was the first time I would witness the emptiness of a well crowded market. The traders resumed early and closed late, but with there not being a single soul in the arena, I began to wonder what time Ladi had brought us out of the house.
Suddenly, amidst the dark and quiet grotesque silhouettes of the market structures, a bright torch reflection flashed in our direction. It took some minutes to discover that it came from a fearful night watchman who was supposed to be watching over the market but had been undoubtedly caught unawares from a comfortable slumber, obviously because he wasn’t expecting any intruder at such hour.
‘Who is that? I said stop there!’ He yelled sporadically, in a much shaken voice.
This was going to be the end of our attempt at an escape, I told myself, as I watched my brother reduce the gap of his stride and finally stop at a spot, and having no choice, I stood just beside him.The man was too afraid to come over, as was the way of Africans, he feared that we might not be mortals, he simply withdrew his whistle from his pocket and began to alert the others by blowing at it very desperately before we would think of transforming into our actual forms and probably flying away. I froze. I wondered what punishment oga would serve us when we were reported to him. There was simply no end to what would befall us. Oga might have anticipated anything but this; An attempt to run away from him? – being our savior! – the only man who had boldly decided, amidst all odds, to take care of us since the death of our parents, and this was how we chose to pay him back? Running away? I simply couldn’t reach the end of it.
I swallowed a gulp of saliva with great difficulty. My brother’s bravery had now become stark folly. I was overwhelmed with the same feeling the children of Israel must have had after Moses led them out of Egypt to confront an overpowering red sea without any means of escape… Even our family members would not forgive us for such a foolish venture. No one was ever willing to take up our responsibility since the death of our parents, and with this outcome, we have only given everyone a strong justification to back up their intentions. Now, we would have to survive with so much hardship staying with oga, and that was if the old soldier decides to take us back in.I began to wish that we had been more reasonable about the approach. I hadn’t even been let in the know, the entire idea had been cooked up by my elder brother, and like an human lemming, I had just allowed myself to be used by him. Only now was I wishing I had somehow protested and perhaps kept us both safe.
The watchman’s whistle still bellowed wildly, and his torch light still remained glued to our backs. From a distance, we could hear a similar whistle. The concept of this whistling was to unite the entire guards in the area, so that they can all apprehend whoever the culprit was.
‘Liyu.’ Ladi beckoned me over.
I made attempts to walk towards him, but a quick stern instruction from the guard drew me back.
‘Liyu,’ he continued stubbornly, keeping his voice so low so that the guard would not hear from where he stood, ‘we have to go, we can’t afford to go back and stay in Oga’s house.’ My brother declared finally.
A second guard finally made it to our position. He walked closer to his partner and they began to talk about us. They were considering apprehending us immediately or waiting for the others to arrive before they did, – needless to say that they were afraid that these seeming small boys could be immortal spirits taking human forms.
Ladi dropped the big bag behind himself, and he began to count down from three. I knew what to do when he was done, and immediately he yelled; ‘Go!’ we both began to run swiftly in criss-cross paths. Our immediate move scared the guards so fearfully that immediately they heard the sound of our races, they were disoriented and they also ran in completely different paths, giving room for us to come back to pick our bag if we wanted too, but we were only too excited at the turnout of our action that we kept running for a long time.
With the renewed strength, Ladi ran ahead while I followed closely, until we entered into a different area and we began to hear the sound of early Morning Prayer from a nearby mosque. Morning was here already! we slowed our pace, and panted heavily as we sought a place to rest a bit.
We were now sure that no one could apprehend us now since morning was already over us, and brightness had chased the darkening clouds away, but where we were going to head towards from where we now were still remained a blurry hope. What kept this hope alive however, was where we were coming from. It didn’t matter if we were going to remain poor all our lives, it just didn’t fit that we stayed in a place where we were incessantly confronted with hunger, pains and hatred. We found comfort under a table in front of a container shop, above the table were chairs and benches, all chained together to avoid theft, and a cloth was spread over it to conceal the furniture, so that market thieves would not be enticed at seeing it. We simply lay underneath the table, nestling in each other’s arms as we covered ourselves with the cloth. The cloth didn’t keep the cold off, but I felt completely safe in my brother’s arms, with that satisfying feeling that we were never going back to oga’s house.
I didn’t know what Ladi was thinking about this adventure, I didn’t even know how he was hoping to keep us through all of this, but what I was very sure about was that this freedom meant something. It was to be the beginning of our actual life since the death of our parents. We were never going to be told to do what we didn’t like to do anymore. For me, I believe that we could now watch other kids with caring parents, and then act like them as proper children were meant to do. The feeling of freedom was quite sweet, and for a ten year old boy, it was just as sweet nonetheless. I snugged myself into my brother’s arms, it was comfortable and as sweet as the feeling of freedom and sleep gently took me away, only this time, I knew that I was never again going to be awoken by oga’s boots.
My First Love
She looked straight into my eyes, with a gaze as sharp as a piercing sword and told me those reverberating words that changed my life forever- “I wish you are not my brother”. She chortled amidst bouts of tears. My heart broke!
I could not sleep for the rest of the night. We had just finished our usual rendezvous, but rather than sneak out quietly to her room as usual, she stayed behind to tell me those heart rending words.My heart ached as questions floods through. After 2 years, why is she just telling me now? Who told her?
I cannot believe this. Daddy told me she was an orphan.Will I ever see Ola as a sister or a sex machine? Where did she get this from?
Having been with us since I was four, I have not always seen her as a sister, especially against the reality that huge chunk of flesh has covered those parts where bones once ruled.
Dad had brought her after he and mum had a huge argument one morning.He had stormed out of the house in anger,only to come back with a skinny being.
I remember asking daddy if she was a refugee from Somalia.Perhaps he didn’t want to disappoint my curiousity or for what ever reason that has left me in a quagmire, told me that she was an orphan whose parents were killed in one of those religious skirmishes up North. That information is obviously out of line now.What will I do? I have been sleeping with my sister all these years.
No it cannot be, I must investigate.
No doubt, my feelings for Ola has gone beyond what they call “pako love”. I cannot deny the reality that I am in love with her.She must understand this, i have to make her understand, but she has been avoiding me ever since that night she broke the news to me. She always keeps to herself and has stopped talking with me.
She even stroll past me in the house and ignores me totally as if I don’t exist. I cannot take this any more. No body can blame me, don’t i have a right to fall in love with who ever I please? I don’t know who told her this, but i think people should not poke their nose in other people’s affairs. What rubbish.
Our love is pure and true to the core.Yes I can say it is clean of any external influence more because we were the first to pluck each others apple. If you know what I mean.
I remember how it all started; under the bed in my parent’s bedroom. It was one of those days when my neighbours, Bimbo and James came to play with us…
Today she broke the sad news to me and my mind cannot comprehend still. I have no choice but to ask the parties, involved-my parents.
They must tell me why this was kept from me for so long. Why do I have to find out this way? God!!! What kind of parent would do this to its child? Its only child. I must control my self before I do something nasty.
Ola is my first love and I plan to marry her, nobody can stop me, not even this lie they have told!
11 Laws On How To Make Friends And Create Strong Connections With People You Just Met
I’ve realized quite often how easy it has been for me to create new friendships. If I’m in a new environment, before leaving that place, I’d have converted a stranger to a pal. And if I so decided to pursue the friendship further, I could easily do that. But I’m naturally not big on having a lot of friends, I’m the kind of person who has few but trusted strong friendships. As I got conscious of this ability, I’ve been able to break down what I do to make making friends effortless. I’ll be letting you in on it today.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE INTERESTING, A TALKER OR THE LIFE-OF-THE-PARTY TO MAKE FRIENDS
I decided that before listing out things to do (and not to do) to make new friends, I should point out a big misconception about making friends. A lot of people think that to make new friends you have to be interesting, a talker or the center of attention. This is false. The techniques I’ll be teaching you to make new friends does not require any of these.
Of course it’s good to dress well, and if you look presentable people would gravitate towards you like moth to a flame. But that’s not the interesting I’m talking about. When I say interesting I mean having cool things to say or being impressive with personal stories you share. You don’t need all of that. I’ll show you why.
One more thing I’d also like to point out: these techniques can be used by both sexes on same or opposite sex. Pardon my use of masculine pronouns, it’s hard to keep putting he or she and him or her multiple times throughout my writing. It makes it tiresome. English can be limiting atimes due to it’s lack of unisex verbiage.
Now that I’ve cleared the air on certain misconceptions, let’s go into what you need to do to make new friends and create strong connections with people you just met. I like to call them The 11 laws of making new friends and creating strong connections.
THE 11 LAWS OF MAKING NEW FRIENDS AND CREATING STRONG CONNECTIONS
These laws are very simple. Adhere to them and you’d be surprised at how easy it can be to form new connections and create friendships that can last for years with people you just met.
1. Talk less and allow the other party talk more
2. Create similarity
3. Use humour and learn to smile
4. Ask the other party about himself
5. Cut off bad or unhelpful topics
6. Be positive and give encouragement where necessary
7. Give compliments
8. Do not criticize or insult
9. Do not strongly disagree with the other party
10. Do not go into controversial topics except you both share the same views
11. Do not boast
1. TALK LESS AND ALLOW THE OTHER PARTY TALK MORE
It should be a known fact that every individual loves to talk about themselves. Everyone wants to be the centre of attention. If you allow the other party do more of the talking while you do less, the person would feel like you know him so much. They would feel connected to you. It’s surprising how it works. You can meet an individual, you both talk for 30minutes. You know almost everything about him (cause 90% of the discussion has been about him) while the only thing he knows about you is that your name is Michael and you like his shirt but yet he feels like you both have known each other forever.
This, perhaps, is the single most effective way of creating a strong connection with a stranger, thereby making you both friends. I know we naturally want to express ourselves, but for the sake of making new friends let’s shelf that for now. You can talk as much as you like, once you’ve known each other a bit longer. Anywhere from 65/35 to 80/20 in ratio of how much he talks vs how much you do, is good.
2. CREATE SIMILARITY
It is innate in us humans to gravitate towards people who we find are alike to us. This can range from physique and physical appearances to personalities and belief systems. This is why we have social circles, religions and tribes. They simply are a group of people that share a certain similarity.
How you use this when meeting a stranger is to first listen to whatever he’s saying and then once he mentions something you know about or love, throw in your support on that particular topic. If you’re following the first law which is letting him talk more, you’d easily find a couple of similarities you both share.
So for example, he’s talking about how he started raring dogs from childhood and grew up to love them and you also love dogs, you’d just weigh in on the conversion. Tell him it’s really cool and that you love dogs too. That’s how you create similarity. Another way is to compliment him on something he’s wearing that you also love. It shows you both share a similar taste. This would create instant similarity.
3. USE HUMOUR AND LEARN TO SMILE
Everyone loves a person with a good sense of humour. If you both can share a laugh because of what he or you says, it’ll help create a bond. When using humour, try not to say anything controversial or insultive in any way. Learn to smile at appropriate times. Smiling disarms the other party and makes him trust you more.
4. ASK THE OTHER PARTY ABOUT HIMSELF
When trying to create new friendships, small talk doesn’t cut it. You need to go deeper than that so you can build a strong connection with the person. You do this simply by asking him about himself. Ask him his name, where he’s from, what he does for a living, where he grew up, if he loves his job, why he has a foreign accent, etc. Anything that would make you know more about him brings you both closer.
5. CUT OFF BAD OR UNHELPFUL TOPICS
When you meet an individual and you both speak, you want to leave that person happy not sad. This is how you create friendships. You cannot achieve this when the other party keeps talking about personal sorrowful experiences or negative topics. Unfortunately, you’d encounter this alot if you’re following the talk less law.
How you handle this is to allow him express himself, then sympathize with him (if It’s a personal experience) or acknowledge what he said (if it’s impersonal to him) and then change the subject to something more positive.
I must point out however, there are people who love to dwell on negative topics. They always seem to see life from the bad side. They see themselves as victims of other people’s evil doing. If you encounter this kind of person, no matter how much you try to change the subject, you won’t succeed. I’d advise you to avoid these kinda people. They don’t make good friends. You need positive people around you.
6. BE POSITIVE AND GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT WHERE NECESSARY
In the previous law, I pointed out that you avoid negative people. This also means that you shouldn’t be negative yourself. People gravitate towards those that are positive because it’s contagious, and most people love to be happy.
For instance, say you’re sad and I come into your house happy and beaming with positve energy. Somehow, you’d start feeling better. It’s how it works. Be positive and look at things from the bright side.
You just met the person, don’t begin to him how your life sucks, or that your boss is evil. Do not complain or rant. It doesn’t give a good impression.
Also, learn to say some words of encouragement if the other party talks about a nad experience. Learn to sympathize with people where necessary, and tell them there are better days ahead.
7. GIVE COMPLIMENTS
The act of giving compliments can be very rewarding. Some people use this to flatter, and even when the recipient suspects it’s not genuine, it still disarms the person –making the individual like the giver of the compliment more. Learn to give compliments, genuine ones.
I like your hat.
You’re smart.
You look sharp!
Compliments make the individual feel good. And if you make a person feel good, it’ll be easy to create a strong connection.
Another way to compliment someone is when they tell you more about themselves. If he tells you how he volunteered in a charity foundation tell him that’s cool and that he has a good heart. Or if he mentions his favorite musician, tell him he has good taste. You can even compliment him on how smart he is for guessing right where you come from.
8. DO NOT CRITICISE OR INSULT
No one loves criticism, not even those close to you. How much more someone you just met. It can be hard sometimes, but try not to find faults in the person. Even if you do, just ignore. No one is perfect, even yourself. Criticism isn’t a bad thing, coming from a friend. In fact, a good friend criticizes you when necessary. However, coming from someone you just met, it’s upsetting.
Same applies to insults, don’t do it! This should be obvious right? Don’t insult a person you just met if you wanna be friends. But you’d be surprised how many people do this. Wether it is sarcasm, teasing, a joke or argument. Don’t do it.
9. DO NOT STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH THE OTHER PARTY
This is in relation to the law on creating similarity and not criticising. If you don’t disagree with a person it means you’re both similar. And strongly disagreeing with a person is an indirect way of criticising that individual. You’re saying he is wrong. It’s normal to disagree with some views an individual holds, but you don’t have to be critical about it. If you can ignore and move to another topic, then do just that.
Sometimes however, you just have to state your opinion. Do this by first acknowledging what the other party has said and letting the person know you understand why he chooses such a stance. Then tell him what you personally feel about it. And let him know it’s just your personal opinion. That’s how you make new friends.
10. DO NOT GO INTO CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS EXCEPT YOU BOTH SHARE THE SAME VIEWS
This is very simple: controversial topics stirs up arguments which can create dissimilarity. And to create a strong connection with an individual, if similarity is the gas that stirs up the flame, dissimilarity is the fire-extinguisher that kills it. Controversial topics can be politics, religion, feminism, etc.
However, if you can tell an individual shares same views with you on a controversial subject, then talk away! You both will create a strong bond.
11. DO NOT BOAST
If a person sees you as being proud, that individual would rather avoid you. Boasting about your great accomplishments, wealth or status doesn’t help you get closer to your listener. He might feel you’re worlds apart. You might even end up creating rivalry or jealousy, both being the direct opposite of what you want to achieve.
My advise to you is to avoid looking proud in anyway. Humility on the other hand is an admirable trait that makes it easy for people to relate with you. It creates friendships and helps build strong alliances.
So there you have it, a highly effective guide to making new friends and creating strong connections. Heed to them and you’ll find out how amazing it feels to meet a stranger and after an hour you’re both feeling like long lost brothers (or perhaps he feels that way and you’re just glad you formed a new alliance).
I Lived In An Era
I lived in an era
When I am old and Gray
Wrinkled and all frail
And my words come out in trembling echoes
My wards a warm huddle
That flank Around my hoary soul
What will I tell them?
What will I say?
Will I tell them
I once lived in an era
Where my ears were inundated with love talks,
But the hatred that floods the streets, gory my sight ?
That strange seeds sprouted up from terrible soils;
Grew like wildfire and
Razed down the vestige Of principles all round our cities and towns;
In those days, Ill-bred children buttered our days with painful migraines?
That everybody wanted to skip crawling,in those days
And dashed to walking like flies to sweet;
Nobody walked in those days –
That they were always in a haste ,and
Patience was a curse ;
Not a virtue , or a treasure in those rushy hours…
and when we looked up to the TV screen
Instead of comfort , its reflection
compounded our woes ,and set our heart in palpitating motion
For they flaunted fast and faux life
As the only way to thrive and shine ?
Will I say
I lived in an era where Gold time is the best?
Because they all thought the slow tickling God’s blessing clock was no more working..
Where it’s blood for benzes
And tears for cash?
Where plenty of love songs lifted lofty trophies,
But our streets were litters of crushed spirits?
Will I say
I lived in an era, where the meagre needs
Of the working,but struggling poor ,
Were debated in endless circles
But our overfed glutton-lords who lived flourishly
On saying His and nays had theirs
swiftly passed at a single sitting ?
Those days when our leaders are abreast
With sucking our nation milk and honey .
Because it was only yourself , thyself , oneself,
Before ‘other are served’ in those days ?
That we dreamed of peace enthusiastically in those days ,
On our hope-filled reclinnng chairs of roses,
Only to be jolted up to scary nightmares
On thorn-filled stools!
Will I say
I lived in an era , where you didn’t know
What tomorrow will bring
Even when you sent today a clear message
Five Reasons Why You Should Check Out Independent Movies
Most people line up outside their local movie theaters to see the latest blockbusters from the major movie studios. The major studios have the financing to buy the rights to big name stories, bring in popular actors, and utilize marketing that makes people want to go out and buy a ticket. The other side of the movie industry is made up of independent films and those films can also have big stars and popular story names, but they lack the kind of budget necessary to make a big splash. Despite the funding issues, there are still plenty of good reasons to see an independent film.
See up and coming actors
In many ways, independent films act as the farm system for the Hollywood big leagues. New actors are often cast into significant roles because the independent studios cannot afford big names. The advantage to the moviegoer is that they get exposed to a variety of actors that they may have not otherwise seen. Many of the biggest names in Hollywood today got their starts playing major roles in independent movies.
Enjoy story lines that hollywood will never touch
If you love movies, then you will enjoy the fact that independent movie studios often make films that the big Hollywood studios would never make. In some cases, the subject matter is too controversial for Hollywood, or the story is too violent. Sometimes independent studios give moviegoers the chance to see works written by artists that Hollywood will not do business with for various reasons. For example, an author who is known for their controversial subject matter will not find work in Hollywood, but they can create a career with independent films.
Watch big names play unexpected roles
There is a segment of Hollywood that not only respects independent films, but often wants to be involved in those films because they offer significant opportunities. For example, you may hear of a big name actor who takes a big pay cut just to play a role in an independent movie that the actor finds very appealing. In independent films, you get to see your favorite actors in roles that you would never expect them to play. It is an opportunity to see the real acting range of the professionals who help create the Hollywood epics.
Necessity breeds creativity
An entertaining element of independent movies is the creativity that comes about out of necessity. When independent movie studios cannot afford to hire big name directors or pay for spectacular special effects, the result is an entertaining innovation that can sometimes affect the way that the bigger studios make their movies.
Accessibility
If you try to send an email to your favorite actor in Hollywood, the chances are very slim that your message will get through. However, many professionals involved in the independent movie scene are very active on social media and accessible to their audiences. It enhances the audience’s experience when that audience can get on social media and discuss an independent film with the people who made that film.
Big studio executives such as Marc Shmuger often decide to start their own independent movie studios after years of working for the big Hollywood organizations. The result is the mix of big studio experience and independent studio innovation that can lead to very entertaining movies.
@Noble_chinda
