Work- A Blessing!

Ecclesiastes 2:24 - New International Version (NIV)

24 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,

If we look at work as a means of gaining wealth or making a name for ourselves, we will eventually agree with the writer of Ecclesiastes that all labour is “vanity and grasping for the wind” (2:17). But if we see it as a part of God’s plan for a purposeful life, it will build strong character and a better world in which to live.

The 19th-century British author Charles Kingsley wrote, “Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done whether you like it or not. Being required to work, and doing so to the best of your ability, will breed in you self control, diligence, contentment, and a hundred other virtues which the idle never know”.

Consider what these three people gave to the world by working with diligence: Noah Webster labored 36 years and crossed the ocean twice to produce his dictionary; John Milton rose at 4 O’clock every morning to compose and re-write his poetry; Edward Gibbon spent 26 years writing his famous history, The Decline and Fall of The roman Empire.

What we do may seem insignificant by comparison, but if we work “heartily as to the Lord” (Colossians 3: 23), He will use our labour to provide for our needs and the needs of others. Any kind of wholesome work can be a blessing.

Let’s Get Growing

2 Peter 3:18- New International Version (NIV)

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Several years ago, my interest in flowers had our home resembling a nursery. There’s something about the presence of growing plants that I find very enjoyable. As I daily inspected their progress, I gained from my little green friends a new appreciation of the joy and necessity of the wonderful process of growth. (James 1:22)

Several years ago, my interest in flowers had our home resembling a nursery. There's something about the presence of growing plants that I find very enjoyable. As I daily inspected their progress, I gained from my little friends a new appreciation of the joy and necessity of the wonderful process of growth. (James 1:22).

As Christians, we too are like plants. We should put down our roots, break up through the earth, spread out our branches, and burst into blossom. Such a thriving condition, however, isn’t always evident in our lives. It’s so easy to become bored and listless in the bland routine of our daily lives. Often we just hang on and merely exist without moving steadily toward maturity and fruitfulness. (1 Peter 2:2)

At such times, we are at a spiritual standstill and must allow Jesus the “Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2) to warm our hearts anew with His love. We must send our roots deep into the word of God by meditating on it day and night (Psalm 1:2). Then we will be like a fruitful tree planted by rivers of living water, and our branches will extend outward I an ever-increasing influence and witness. They will be filled with blossoms that reflect the beauty of righteous living. (Hebrew 10:25)

If we’ve become dormant, let’s get growing! (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 15:33-34).

If God can make a tiny seed into a flower so fair, what can He make, O soul, of thee through study, faith, and prayer? (1 Corinthians 11:28). When growth stops, decay begins. (Psalm 1, Psalm 37:7)

SMILE!

Colossians 3:12-17 - New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I read about a man who had become so despondent that he was going to take his life by jumping off a bridge. As he was walking toward the bridge, he decided that if he met just one person who smiled and appeared to be friendly, he won’t jump. Strangely, the story ends without telling what happened, but the writer asked some penetrating questions: suppose that man had passed you or me on that dark day, would he have changed his direction? Would he have chosen life over death? Or would he have carried out his desperate plan?

The chance of encountering an individual in that state of mind is small. Yet everyday, we come in contact with many people who are carrying heavy burdens, facing trying situations, or worrying about the future. They long for a kind word, a sympathetic ear, and a warm smile that reflects a caring heart.

I know a young man who is always ready with a big smile that radiates the love of Christ. I believe he is the kind of person who would have caused that desperate man heading for the bridge to stop and turn around.

Today, for Jesus’ sake and with Christ- like love, may we encourage people who are hurting by giving them a kind word and a friendly smile!
It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but it scattered the night like morning light, and made the day worth living.

If you see someone without a smile today, give them one of yours.

LEAVING FOOTPRINTS IN THE SANDS OF TIME

Taking a slow walk on the cool sandy beach after a day’s hard work or after a week of a seemingly never-ending list of activities, one cannot help noticing repeated impressions made on the white wet sandy surface of the beach which immediately remind you of nothing but the human feet. Yes indeed, I mean the human feet which slide in and fit well in our shoes. These impressions are known as footprints and they commonly inform us that some one took the same walk on that same sandy surface some days, hours, minutes or seconds ago. But irrespective of how beautiful, large or positioned these impressions (footprints)are made, they are eventually covered by the same sand that supported their molded figure with the aid of in-coming water waves or wind, leaving the surface as smooth and plain as it was before the impressions (footprints) were made, indirectly giving room for another cast.

Life is a beautiful thing. To the new born babe, it is the sweet milk that is waiting to be sucked from the breasts of a joyful mother; to the toddler, it is all about discovering fundamental characteristics of being human in a brand new world; to the growing kid, it is all about fun and learning in an attempt to lay the basic foundation of a promising future; to the teenager, it involves a high dissipation of energy in an attempt to be in line with the ethics of a dynamic world; to the young adult, it’s all about having dreams and hopes of a near-perfect and glorious future; to the mid-aged-adult, it is an actual transformation from a dreamer to a partaker of the realities of the uneasy life; to the elderly and the old, it is a time to recap beautiful moments of the years gone by in preparation for a glorious exit to high heavens. To the farmer, life is beautiful and abundant harvest of fresh crops after a long planting season; to the lecturer and the teacher, it is the end of another tutorial episode; to the student, it is the joy, gladness, and satisfaction of acing all courses; to the banker, it is the wonderful feeling of having soon many depositors; to the entrepreneur, it is a well and just concluded business deal; and to the sailor, it is a cool sail across the oceans without or after a heavy ocean storm. No matter how and what we define life as, we are the architects, the builders and the roofers.

We live in a dynamic world with a high degree of civilization which makes us unique as a plant. From cradle to grave, we, the major inhabitants of our world, engage in daily energy-driven activities in order to justify our existence. By being major players of life’s activities, we struggle to the best in order to see who is better. We devise ways of doing things and even go as far as employing some kind of technology to boost our speed and accuracy. The end product is usually success or sometimes, failure.

Everyone in the human race wants to be associated with success in as much as it is not easy to come by. Of surprise note is the fact that not many are ready to scale the high hurdles which litter the path of success. These hurdles are scaled with PURPOSE, PREPARATION, HARDWORK, and DETERMINATION by the belief, inspiration and guidance of a supreme being in this case, GOD. They are footprints which are left/ made in the pathway of success (the sandy beach). They are inspirations to the next generation, they propulsion forces to our final destination and serve as justifications for our existence as the years come and go. PURPOSE defines the reason for our stay here on earth. It puts in us a vision and a mission. PREPARATION involves planning (effective planning). DETERMINATION is a dogged attitude which is geared towards achieving the set goal or objective while HARDWORK is the dedication towards achieving the set goal.

Great makers of the earth’s brief history are remembered for the impacts they made on the existence of mankind. These great men, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Benjamin Franklin, John F. Kennedy, etc., all left footprints for us to follow.

I so much admire their plan of action, hardwork and endless determination they put in towards the good of mankind. However, it is important to note that these men had good moral standards which helped in deforming their purpose.

One of the beauties of life is seeing a new generation who have learnt from the older ones, positive lifestyles. It will someday fit into the shoes of a weak elder, whose energy is depleting. Just like little ducklings which follow a mother duck, the next generation looks up to us for guidance. They await an exemplary life style which they can follow. Therefore, a great importance is attached to a positive lifestyle characterized by truth, decency, love, respect, hardwork, determination, peaceful co-existence, planning, a high degree of morality and loyalty to the almighty. They are footprints which the next generation should and must see on the sandy beaches of life.

My Leadership Philosophy

Character- The Jewel of Human Existence: A leader lives by the golden precept that a good name is worth more than wealth or possessions. We need to coalesce around a vision of the future that redefines our character which is a basement to national character based on universal standards of right and wrong. I’m always inspired by this quote from one of the “Irons that sharpens me”- Mahatma Gandhi. He said: “The end of all knowledge must be building up of character.”

I believe these words by Mahatma Gandhi that the things that will destroy us are politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice.

We need hundreds of leaders who are not afraid to rise up not for their own personal gain, but to address the problems of common people. It will bring fame and money. It adds responsibility.

“Today’s world needs people who express goodness in their words and deeds. If such noble role models set the example for their fellow beings, the darkness prevailing in today’s society will be dispelled, and the light of peace and non-violence will once again illuminate this earth. Let us work together towards this goal”- these words are not mine but from Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, a world renowned saint whose extraordinary acts of love and self sacrifice have given rise to a vast network of spiritual and charitable activities.

History will judge societies and governments — and their institutions — not by how big they are or how well they serve the rich and the powerful, but by how effectively they respond to the needs of the poor and the helpless. However important the struggle is and however much misery and poverty and degradation exist, we know that it cannot be more important than one human life.

I am a Collaborative Leader. To truly engage a large group in community decision-making requires me to practice what is probably an unfamiliar form of leadership called collaborative leadership. A successful collaborative leader has the ability to share power, is flexible, can see the big picture, is trustworthy, and has patience, abundant energy and hope.

Being a collaborative leader requires a range of skills from me:

• Be inclusive, promote diversity
• Practice shared decision making
• Resolve conflicts constructively
• Communicate clearly, openly, and honestly
• Facilitate group interaction
• Nurture leadership in others and encourage top-level commitment

I have a dream! That one day, we (NIGERIA) shall rise and shine as the star for the world to see and be led to changes. Weary hands that hang down shall be lifted up and feeble knees that stoop to fall shall be raised. Freedom will reign amongst men. What about the nations all over the world?

I believe in Next level leadership. This is more about a certain level of predictability about a person’s consistent ingenuity and innovativeness in matters arising both in the present and in the future. It is characterized by factors which include:

• Vision- the picture of the future one wants to create. This certifies that every leadership must be guided by a vision. Vision keeps one focused even if distracted; it fosters accountability to oneself and followers.
• Scenario planning- the process by which certain trends and events of the present are carefully studied and reviewed. This creates a workplan which is the engine or force of a vision.
• Communication- the sharing of a vision statement and the workplan with the people concerned.

My Vision: A community of thoughtful and mindful people built and deeply concerned with development emanating from harmony and a strong feeling of deep affection and great happiness for each other.

My Mission: To use creative and innovative processes to empower and meaningfully engage people with beneficial knowledge towards creating a positive change in their communities.

I am convinced that the truest act of courage, the strongest act of manliness, is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally nonviolent struggle for justice. To be a man is to suffer for others. God help us to be men!

Inspiration is the heart of true leadership and the breath of God is the source of inspiration. “A lamp that does not glow itself cannot light another lamp”- Rabindranath Tagore

My End Note: Ella Wheeler Wilcox tells me that there is no fate, no circumstance, and no destiny that can circumvent, turn or reverse the firm resolve of a determined soul and I strongly believe her.

God bless us all!

Samuel Uchenna Okwara
{SUO}

Troubled People- Who Can Hear my Call?

The cry of a man who struggles to live;
The cry of a woman who lives to grieve;
Each day they wake up from sleep;
They wish to be happy and free.

The child who never had a home;
The girl who walks the street alone;
The roses when the bombs begin to fall;
Who can help them all?

The agony of a man that crawls,
‘Cos he was kicked by a lord;
The dream of a boy that yawns,
He’s stressed out and wishing to be strong.

The black man who struggles everyday;
The white man who turns his back away;
The pains of one who wants to stand;
The gains of one who sends the gang;

The boy who won’t reach twenty-one;
The man who gave that boy a gun;
The people with their backs against the wall;
Who can save them all?

Now I spend this priceless time under a willow;
I think of the tear of eye that wets your pillow.
When the mighty hates the small,
Who can hear my call?

Yours,
SUO

Passion for Love.

Dear reader, the following words are not mine, but i'm moved by the message it spreads. Life has given us the opportunity to live and love. Love completes us. We feel we have someone in our corner who supports us even with our flaws. Someone who knows us inside and out and accepts us as we are in life. We know that person will be there when we are down just as we will be there when they’re down. We want someone to share the obstacles of life with and know that together we can survive anything together. We need someone to love to share the happiness in life that comes our way. We need someone to share the pain when our loved ones, our parents, pass away who also feel that our loved ones have become their loves also. We need someone to sleep with at night, no matter whether they snore or not. We can always give them a nudge if necessary but it’s nice to know they are there. We need someone to love so that we can give love to our children together. To let all of them know that they have two people who will always love them more than anything in the world. We need someone to grow old with so we can complain to each other about our aches and pains along the way as we slow down. We need them in order to make the moments that we will later look back at as the most beautiful memories of our lives.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Perhaps it’s time to look again at the ways and power of love. For many, just the thought that love is a real possibility gives hope to what could otherwise be an empty life. What harm can come from mutual respect, gentleness, goodness, trust and peaceful coexistence? Think about it. Only love has the power to unite without taking away another’s dignity, another’s self. Only love holds no jealous possession over people and nations. Only love is capable of putting humanity before ideology or race. Only love can supply the endless energies required to overcome hunger and despair. “Love one another”. These words were spoken more than two thousand years ago. Powerful though this command is, many of us have succeeded in ignoring it for these many years. We all give lip service to it but few of us expect anyone to really practice it. We leave that to madmen and saints. In fact, we have become suspicious of lovers and either dismiss them as naive and irrelevant, or we see them as phonies. We are certain that no one could really care about anyone else without having some ulterior motive. The qualities of love such as tenderness, commitment, concern, generosity, and trust are relegated to the realm of platitudes and are ignored. Today the phrase “lone one another” takes on a more urgent tone. It seems to me that we must love one another or die. Modern society shrugs off still another plea for love. It is amused by the suggestion that the world could be cemented together, not by the threat of holocaust or an arm race, but through a deep respect for life. No one will deny that we have reached a critical point in our history. In fact, there are growing numbers of fatalists who believe we have reached a point of no return.

One thing is painfully obvious. Conventional methods to bring peace and understanding to our world have failed. The more we look about us, the more we find hate, violence, prejudice and disregard for human life, more than one hundred million people were killed just alone in the 20th century alone, this doesn’t include the people who died in natural disasters. We listen to newscasters and read columnists who deal out statistics about war dead, starvation, children being abused and sacrificed, disregard for human dignity and human rights. And all with about as much feeling as report of the day’s football scores. We have become conditioned to a whole spectrum of wasted human potential. still, we continue to ignore love as possible alternative. A friend of mine was telling me a story that happened during one of his trip to the old Soviet Union, he met a man in Moscow that said to him,”Why do you want to kill us?” he tried to make him understand that he wanted to kill no one, that he celebrated life, not death. Somewhere buried in our respective ideologies were two people trying to relate their very real and very human concerns-not only for the world, but for each other as individuals. Through the magic of caring communication, they accomplished a victory of sorts- they both forgot about all the things that separated them and were soon lost in one another. At that instant all contradictions and symbols were refuted. They both choose life. I am sure that many would respond to this as naive and unrealistic; that love is barely strong enough to maintain most close family relationships and beyond that, the heart is strained to its limits. So it is ridiculous for anyone to count on the power of love for a solution to international problems. I’ve often been told that in my zeal to love everyone I risk ending up loving no one. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Universal love is not only possible, it is the most complete love of which we are capable as human beings. But love can only work when we give up the antiquated mindsets which continue to paralyze us. We need to challenge the sophisticates who view it as romantic nonsense, idealistic bosh, unscientific and anti-intellectual. We need to accept love in our live as the most universal force for unification and good, accessible to all who really want it. Only then we will discover that love, fully realized, has the power to lay aside the petty things which separate us and reveal the fact that our enemy has a face and a heart. It is at this point that all things again become possible.

Make love a part of you!