• Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

    When I started this writing journey, I had no plan, no thoughts, no direction … less one. Serve God. As I got rolling with it, I thought that it was annoying and cool at the same time that I would wake up in the wee hours of the morning with messages … yes, messages. Sometimes I would write a devotion and then turn around and write one, two, and sometimes three poems. When my first book got picked up by a traditional publisher, I was super stoked and almost quit my job. Because you know, I was going to be a published author and my book would pay my bills. Obviously, God spoke sense into me, and I did not quit. Though I took quite some time off from writing, until now, anything that I wrote was for Him. He was my focus. My writing was and is all about bringing glory to Him.

    I belong to several online writing groups. There is a mixture of traditional (publisher does all the hard work like editing/marketing) authors, vanity (author pays publisher for the editing and marketing), and Indie (author does all the work and publishes through specific free publishing sites) authors in these groups. You can see through the comments where their heart lies. I read the posts and find the information that God wants me to see, and comment only where He leads me to comment. One common theme with them is that we all have one familiar mindset … ‘that is not how I thought this worked’.

    Traditionally, with the help of television and other stories, writing a book and getting it published was set on certain parameters. If you did not conform to those parameters, you were left out in the cold. Well, anyone who knows me knows that I do not conform well. Haha. I have always been an odd duck.

    In my scrolling, I have gotten several different ideas on how to better market my books. All of which require me to be present. To have face-to-face encounters. To sign all copies … without a separate fee. To get His message out there. To show the chaotic world that peace is possible. One of the areas that I found to market is in supermarkets. Yes, you saw that right … supermarkets. That concept gave me all kinds of ideas. I do a lot of small town fests and farmer’s markets. The other day, well before the 4th, I saw a tent set up in a Burger King parking lot to sell fireworks … I instantly thought, “Why can’t I do that?”

    When I first started looking at doing book signings, my mind was stuck in a rut of libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops. Places typically or stereotypically are associated with reading … but why not some place no one expects to see an author set up … grocery stores, fast food, random retail establishments … why not?

    John the Baptist was not a conformist. He actually was considered a radical. I have often called Peter my hero or soul mate of the apostles because of my hot temper; however, I am leaning into John the Baptist’s radical stubbornness … spread the word no matter how I look or sound or where I am located. Speak truth. Always. Everywhere.

    What is it that God is asking you to do that sounds too off kilter? What is keeping you from jumping in feet first? Nothing that Jesus did was in line with the religious leaders' vision of godliness, so why are you worried about the optics of the world? Why not be a part of the revival that is confusing those stuck on the law of tradition?

    My plan, moving forward, is the same as it has been … honor God … but in those places, any place, that I can set up … and speak Truth to the lost. If it is fests, markets, stores, fast food, or the middle of a random parking lot, I am in. How about you? Are you in to spread the Good News … regardless of the world’s view?

    Be blessed.

    **But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.—1 Corinthians 1:27
    **Therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.” –Isaiah 29:14
    Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. When I started this writing journey, I had no plan, no thoughts, no direction … less one. Serve God. As I got rolling with it, I thought that it was annoying and cool at the same time that I would wake up in the wee hours of the morning with messages … yes, messages. Sometimes I would write a devotion and then turn around and write one, two, and sometimes three poems. When my first book got picked up by a traditional publisher, I was super stoked and almost quit my job. Because you know, I was going to be a published author and my book would pay my bills. Obviously, God spoke sense into me, and I did not quit. Though I took quite some time off from writing, until now, anything that I wrote was for Him. He was my focus. My writing was and is all about bringing glory to Him. I belong to several online writing groups. There is a mixture of traditional (publisher does all the hard work like editing/marketing) authors, vanity (author pays publisher for the editing and marketing), and Indie (author does all the work and publishes through specific free publishing sites) authors in these groups. You can see through the comments where their heart lies. I read the posts and find the information that God wants me to see, and comment only where He leads me to comment. One common theme with them is that we all have one familiar mindset … ‘that is not how I thought this worked’. Traditionally, with the help of television and other stories, writing a book and getting it published was set on certain parameters. If you did not conform to those parameters, you were left out in the cold. Well, anyone who knows me knows that I do not conform well. Haha. I have always been an odd duck. In my scrolling, I have gotten several different ideas on how to better market my books. All of which require me to be present. To have face-to-face encounters. To sign all copies … without a separate fee. To get His message out there. To show the chaotic world that peace is possible. One of the areas that I found to market is in supermarkets. Yes, you saw that right … supermarkets. That concept gave me all kinds of ideas. I do a lot of small town fests and farmer’s markets. The other day, well before the 4th, I saw a tent set up in a Burger King parking lot to sell fireworks … I instantly thought, “Why can’t I do that?” When I first started looking at doing book signings, my mind was stuck in a rut of libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops. Places typically or stereotypically are associated with reading … but why not some place no one expects to see an author set up … grocery stores, fast food, random retail establishments … why not? John the Baptist was not a conformist. He actually was considered a radical. I have often called Peter my hero or soul mate of the apostles because of my hot temper; however, I am leaning into John the Baptist’s radical stubbornness … spread the word no matter how I look or sound or where I am located. Speak truth. Always. Everywhere. What is it that God is asking you to do that sounds too off kilter? What is keeping you from jumping in feet first? Nothing that Jesus did was in line with the religious leaders' vision of godliness, so why are you worried about the optics of the world? Why not be a part of the revival that is confusing those stuck on the law of tradition? My plan, moving forward, is the same as it has been … honor God … but in those places, any place, that I can set up … and speak Truth to the lost. If it is fests, markets, stores, fast food, or the middle of a random parking lot, I am in. How about you? Are you in to spread the Good News … regardless of the world’s view? Be blessed. **But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.—1 Corinthians 1:27 **Therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.” –Isaiah 29:14
    Like
    2
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 16 Vue
  • Please view the awesome poems on this page, they are all wonderful. Please view all the other pages and make a comment if you have been blessed

    https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/poets-corner/
    Please view the awesome poems on this page, they are all wonderful. Please view all the other pages and make a comment if you have been blessed https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/poets-corner/
    Like
    Love
    5
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 274 Vue
  • New poems and devotions and sermons have been placed on the site, please make sure you make use of these resources

    https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/poets-corner/

    https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/soak-in-scripture/


    https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/guest-devotions/
    New poems and devotions and sermons have been placed on the site, please make sure you make use of these resources https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/poets-corner/ https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/soak-in-scripture/ https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/guest-devotions/
    Like
    Love
    4
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 230 Vue
  • Some poems are imagined. This one is lived.

    Written from a season of uncertainty, unanswered prayers, and choosing hope even when tomorrow feels heavy.

    If you're carrying your own burdens tonight, may you remember that hope is never wasted.

    #HopeBetweenEmptyHands #ChooseHope #FaithOverFear #TrustGod #ChristianWriter #Poetry #HopeInChrist #KeepGoing #GodIsFaithful #UnansweredPrayers #GraceForToday
    Some poems are imagined. This one is lived. Written from a season of uncertainty, unanswered prayers, and choosing hope even when tomorrow feels heavy. If you're carrying your own burdens tonight, may you remember that hope is never wasted. #HopeBetweenEmptyHands #ChooseHope #FaithOverFear #TrustGod #ChristianWriter #Poetry #HopeInChrist #KeepGoing #GodIsFaithful #UnansweredPrayers #GraceForToday
    Like
    1
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 17 Vue
  • I am looking for poems to put on my poets corner on my website, if you area poet/prose writer, please send your poems to keitherichobkirk@hotmail.com

    thanks

    Keith
    I am looking for poems to put on my poets corner on my website, if you area poet/prose writer, please send your poems to keitherichobkirk@hotmail.com thanks Keith
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 149 Vue
  • I am tremendously grateful to God for allowing me to share in such a way through this website/blog, truly I don't know the effect it is having on people, but the Lord knows.

    This is the first full month of sharing and I wish to make you aware of what you can find in the month of June

    https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/2026/06/

    Asia action and world wide prayer.. Prayer points for Vietnam, North Korea and Pakistan

    China Cry Prayer points for every province in China

    Guest Devotions and Poets corner.. The very best devotions and poems written by my ministry friends

    Beautiful Britain.. Prayer points for the country of the UK

    Pulled out of the Pit.. My life story including my testimony

    During the first month, I have largely concentrated on prayer, but now we will start Several book series, including the whole of Nehemiah, Acts and Ephesians along with a series on the Christians alphabet.

    Please continue to come onto the site, you can copy any of my writings, but please don't use any of the guest devotions or poems.

    For my Chinese friends, I know English is not your first language, but please keep visiting as reading these will not only benefit you spiritually, but help your reading skills.

    Please share and make a comment if you have been blessed.

    Thanks for your encouragement as I seek to share and pray.

    God bless you

    Keith
    I am tremendously grateful to God for allowing me to share in such a way through this website/blog, truly I don't know the effect it is having on people, but the Lord knows. This is the first full month of sharing and I wish to make you aware of what you can find in the month of June https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/2026/06/ Asia action and world wide prayer.. Prayer points for Vietnam, North Korea and Pakistan China Cry Prayer points for every province in China Guest Devotions and Poets corner.. The very best devotions and poems written by my ministry friends Beautiful Britain.. Prayer points for the country of the UK Pulled out of the Pit.. My life story including my testimony During the first month, I have largely concentrated on prayer, but now we will start Several book series, including the whole of Nehemiah, Acts and Ephesians along with a series on the Christians alphabet. Please continue to come onto the site, you can copy any of my writings, but please don't use any of the guest devotions or poems. For my Chinese friends, I know English is not your first language, but please keep visiting as reading these will not only benefit you spiritually, but help your reading skills. Please share and make a comment if you have been blessed. Thanks for your encouragement as I seek to share and pray. God bless you Keith
    Like
    5
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 163 Vue
  • New Guest devotions and Poems on these two pages on the website, I hope that will bless you so much.

    https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/guest-devotions/

    https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/poets-corner/

    Thanks

    Keith
    New Guest devotions and Poems on these two pages on the website, I hope that will bless you so much. https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/guest-devotions/ https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/poets-corner/ Thanks Keith
    Like
    Love
    5
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 72 Vue
  • New Guest devotions and Poems on these two pages on the website, I hope that will bless you so much.

    https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/guest-devotions/

    https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/poets-corner/

    Thanks

    Keith
    New Guest devotions and Poems on these two pages on the website, I hope that will bless you so much. https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/guest-devotions/ https://totallylovedbygod67.cw.center/category/poets-corner/ Thanks Keith
    Like
    4
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 91 Vue
  • Years ago, I published a book of poetry written for women who were divorcing a narcissist. It was written during an amazing healing journey and features several pieces that were written for others who asked me to write about their particular journey, as well.

    I recently started a youtube and other platforms channel called 'Shattered Dreams Poetry' and set them into powerpoints to provide a visual to go along with the words. It's unbelievable what that adds. Some of course is symbolic for the mental and emotional bondage, the fear, and how hard it is to escape--especially if there are children involved--or other 'ties that bind.'

    Christian women are particularly vulnerable to narcissistic abuse because we take our vows seriously and always believe God will change them. We take too much, give too much, and have a hard time letting go, as much as because we think we can help heal them, or that God will 'fix it all.' It's a rough awareness to understand the God will not override their freewill, or that they have no desire or intention of changing. As the counselor told me, 'You either decide to get yourself out of this, cutting all ties, or decide today to give up everything you've ever wanted, needed, or ANY hope of a better life. You can remain a victim of narcissistic abuse, or you can decide you have enough value to cut the strings.

    I made that hard choice... and lost everything... along with the marriage. But, in a support group of women who came out of the same thing, I learned the truth. I was given the terminology to understand and explain what had happened to me. I was given the knowledge of what his psychological evaluation really meant. And it shook me to the core. They were the ones who initially offered the book titles, and youtube channels, that taught about the true damage, the ongoing self-doubt, and how to STOP being the person abusive people target.

    It all that, God told me to 'write it out.' I did. Now, I'm upping the game. It won't be for everyone, and back then the anger was sometimes as prevalent as the pain, so know this was a decade or more back. I'm a little buried under right now with projects, but eventually I'll start a group on here to share all I learned. This book is actually used in a UT AUSTIN classroom by a professor who teaches on this. She loves it.

    The channel will also feature pieces from subsequent books that I haven't yet published. 'Rebuilt Seams' is when you're rebuilding your life, and 'Kingdom Poems' is straight up scripture and Christan living. The channel is called 'Shattered Dreams' because that's what the old website was called and people will look for that.

    If you too write poetry and would like me to set it into PP and feature it, contact me at askrinalynn@yahoo.com. Obviously, I won't publish everything. My platform is Raising the Bar of Knowledge, Healing Hurting People, and Spiritual Warfare. And, until I get the series and my new Oliabo business healthy enough financially, I'm very time constrained, so I'll pick the ones that most support the platform. Those endeavors are in part to free me so I can do more ministry and writing to teach others what I learned that saved my life and sanity.

    I can publish a poetry book for you through Total Freedom Publishing. Just contact me.

    This is one from way back, as the bands were being broken. I have one coming up called 'Gilded Sanctuary' that will explain the entire Shattered Dreams Poetry Platform. Watch for it. For those of you who have never known abuse... Wow... I'm so glad... but please don't forget that many have. Don't decide this isn't a place to share this. I can promise you from experience, there are many people on here, these will speak to. These poetry pieces are for them... and healing people everywhere. I can write a sermon or bible study as good as anyone... but there's plenty of those on here. I can minister to others this way. Jesus came to set the captives free. I coordinated a Narcissistic Abuse Recovery meetup for a while. Having your mind, will, and emotions, held captive is just as damaging as being physically bound.

    Drop a comment. Ask for anything you'd like written about.

    Start reading "Prepare For the End,' and help support Christian authors. One of my goals is to help others publish their stories. I just have to get free from the 9-5 first. You'll like it. Its chock full of people breaking free from painful pasts and letting God and the people around them heal them. “Prepare for the End reveals the unseen war between good and evil — fought not with magic, but with faith, honor, and courage.”

    https://youtu.be/Bmr25UhcRfM
    Years ago, I published a book of poetry written for women who were divorcing a narcissist. It was written during an amazing healing journey and features several pieces that were written for others who asked me to write about their particular journey, as well. I recently started a youtube and other platforms channel called 'Shattered Dreams Poetry' and set them into powerpoints to provide a visual to go along with the words. It's unbelievable what that adds. Some of course is symbolic for the mental and emotional bondage, the fear, and how hard it is to escape--especially if there are children involved--or other 'ties that bind.' Christian women are particularly vulnerable to narcissistic abuse because we take our vows seriously and always believe God will change them. We take too much, give too much, and have a hard time letting go, as much as because we think we can help heal them, or that God will 'fix it all.' It's a rough awareness to understand the God will not override their freewill, or that they have no desire or intention of changing. As the counselor told me, 'You either decide to get yourself out of this, cutting all ties, or decide today to give up everything you've ever wanted, needed, or ANY hope of a better life. You can remain a victim of narcissistic abuse, or you can decide you have enough value to cut the strings. I made that hard choice... and lost everything... along with the marriage. But, in a support group of women who came out of the same thing, I learned the truth. I was given the terminology to understand and explain what had happened to me. I was given the knowledge of what his psychological evaluation really meant. And it shook me to the core. They were the ones who initially offered the book titles, and youtube channels, that taught about the true damage, the ongoing self-doubt, and how to STOP being the person abusive people target. It all that, God told me to 'write it out.' I did. Now, I'm upping the game. It won't be for everyone, and back then the anger was sometimes as prevalent as the pain, so know this was a decade or more back. I'm a little buried under right now with projects, but eventually I'll start a group on here to share all I learned. This book is actually used in a UT AUSTIN classroom by a professor who teaches on this. She loves it. The channel will also feature pieces from subsequent books that I haven't yet published. 'Rebuilt Seams' is when you're rebuilding your life, and 'Kingdom Poems' is straight up scripture and Christan living. The channel is called 'Shattered Dreams' because that's what the old website was called and people will look for that. If you too write poetry and would like me to set it into PP and feature it, contact me at askrinalynn@yahoo.com. Obviously, I won't publish everything. My platform is Raising the Bar of Knowledge, Healing Hurting People, and Spiritual Warfare. And, until I get the series and my new Oliabo business healthy enough financially, I'm very time constrained, so I'll pick the ones that most support the platform. Those endeavors are in part to free me so I can do more ministry and writing to teach others what I learned that saved my life and sanity. I can publish a poetry book for you through Total Freedom Publishing. Just contact me. This is one from way back, as the bands were being broken. I have one coming up called 'Gilded Sanctuary' that will explain the entire Shattered Dreams Poetry Platform. Watch for it. For those of you who have never known abuse... Wow... I'm so glad... but please don't forget that many have. Don't decide this isn't a place to share this. I can promise you from experience, there are many people on here, these will speak to. These poetry pieces are for them... and healing people everywhere. I can write a sermon or bible study as good as anyone... but there's plenty of those on here. I can minister to others this way. Jesus came to set the captives free. I coordinated a Narcissistic Abuse Recovery meetup for a while. Having your mind, will, and emotions, held captive is just as damaging as being physically bound. Drop a comment. Ask for anything you'd like written about. Start reading "Prepare For the End,' and help support Christian authors. One of my goals is to help others publish their stories. I just have to get free from the 9-5 first. You'll like it. Its chock full of people breaking free from painful pasts and letting God and the people around them heal them. “Prepare for the End reveals the unseen war between good and evil — fought not with magic, but with faith, honor, and courage.” https://youtu.be/Bmr25UhcRfM
    Like
    1
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 44 Vue
  • * I WAS JUST HUNGRY*

    *A Cry From The Traps Of Life*

    Some days ago, someone shared this heartbreaking image of a little mouse caught in a trap.

    —Its tiny eyes were swollen with tears.
    —Its paw was crushed.
    —Blood stained the wooden floor beneath it.

    Yet, what caught my heart wasn’t the pain or the blood—but the words written beside it:

    *"I’m not a dangerous animal and I won’t hurt you. I was just hungry."*

    It took me back—way back to my early years in Alagbado, Lagos State.

    There was a young boy in our compound named Chima. He was always dirty, always sneaking into kitchens when no one was looking. At least once a week, someone would shout, “That Chima don carry my garri again oh!”

    I remember how we mocked him. Called him “thief.”

    Some adults would beat him up.

    One woman even tied him to a tree once, under the hot sun, for taking a piece of fried fish..

    But what we didn’t know—what we never even asked—was that Chima was just hungry.

    His mother had died when he was six. His father, a drunk, barely returned home with enough money to buy a sachet of pure water.

    Most nights, Chima and his younger sister slept on empty stomachs. So, he learned to steal to survive. He learned to beg, to sneak, to be smart.

    And while the world saw a thief, what he truly was… was a boy in pain.

    Now, years later, I see this mouse crying in a trap and I see Chima’s face.

    I see the countless boys and girls in our streets.

    I see the bus conductors who shout angrily—not because they enjoy it, but because life has never been kind.

    I see the prostitutes in Allen Avenue, the young cult boys in Badagary. The jobless graduates walking the streets of Lagos and Abuja, the countless prisoners in cells not because they’re wicked—but because they were just hungry.

    Hunger isn’t always about food.

    Some people are hungry for love.
    Some are hungry for peace.
    Some are hungry for hope.
    Some are just hungry to be noticed—to be seen as human.

    But what does society do?

    We set traps.

    —We judge before asking questions.
    —We condemn before listening.
    —We punish without understanding.

    And sadly, sometimes, even the Church—yes, the place meant for healing—becomes a trap too.

    A brother falls into sin and we throw him out...

    A sister becomes pregnant and we push her to the back. .

    But have we ever stopped to ask: Why did she fall? What hunger was she trying to feed?

    Beloved, this world is full of "mice"—innocent souls trapped not because they wanted to destroy anything, but because they were just trying to survive.

    That boy who stole your phone may have lost both parents.

    That girl in makeup and tight jeans may be the breadwinner of her family.

    That man who sleeps under the bridge may once have been a promising young graduate—until life dealt him a bad card.

    Let me ask you sincerely:

    How many people have you judged lately without understanding their hunger?

    How many "mice" have you set traps for in your heart—silently condemning them because their scars were too messy for your clean world?

    The Bible says in Proverbs 21:13, “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.”

    Every soul you ignore, every cry you silence, every pain you mock—you’re setting a trap for your own day of hunger.

    My dear friend, life is deeper than appearances.

    Sometimes, all a person needs is a listening ear, a plate of food, a kind word, or even just a smile. Don’t be too quick to condemn. Don’t let your heart become a trap.

    Choose mercy.
    Choose kindness.
    Choose love.

    That small mouse in the image?

    That’s someone in your street today. That’s a child in your church.

    That’s your neighbour.

    That could be you tomorrow.

    Sometimes, the people we cast out are the very ones God sent to test our compassion. Not all who wander are rebels—some are simply lost, and looking for a place to rest.

    We live in a world full of invisible battles. That man who didn’t greet you in church might be battling suicidal thoughts.

    That lady who keeps to herself may be recovering from abuse. That child who is always moody may not have eaten since yesterday.

    We walk past people like shadows, forgetting that they are made of the same flesh and tears as we are.

    One day, a friend shared a story of a mad man in Aba who used to talk to himself and eat from the dustbin. Everyone avoided him. But after he died, a diary was found on his body—pages filled with brilliant poems, love notes to a woman who never loved him back, prayers he wrote to God, and letters to a son he never saw again. He wasn’t mad. He was broken. He was just hungry—for love, for healing, for one more chance.

    Even in the Bible, the prodigal son wasn’t a bad child—he was just hungry. It was hunger that made him return home. And what did the father do?

    He didn’t lecture him.
    He didn’t punish him.
    He embraced him.

    Fed him.
    Dressed him.

    That’s what love does. Love restores.

    Love understands that behind every fall is a cry for help.

    Beloved, be careful how you handle people in their low seasons.

    One day, they may rise—and remember who mocked them and who showed them mercy.

    Be the reason someone believes in kindness again.

    Be the reason a broken soul finds courage to start over.

    The mouse in the trap may not have been dangerous—but the silence of those who watched and did nothing… that was dangerous.

    Let’s not be spectators of suffering. Let’s be instruments of healing.

    For the day may come when you too will whisper:

    “I’m not dangerous. I won’t hurt anyone. I was just hungry.”

    And may God send you someone who listens… before the trap springs.

    ———————————

    * THE END...

    Beloved, has this message touched your heart?

    Don’t just read and move on... share it with someone who might be struggling in silence. Every soul matters to God.

    Follow for more stories, or feel free to send me a DM
    *🐰 I WAS JUST HUNGRY* *▪️A Cry From The Traps Of Life*😢 Some days ago, someone shared this heartbreaking image of a little mouse caught in a trap. —Its tiny eyes were swollen with tears. —Its paw was crushed. —Blood stained the wooden floor beneath it. Yet, what caught my heart wasn’t the pain or the blood—but the words written beside it: *"I’m not a dangerous animal and I won’t hurt you. I was just hungry."* It took me back—way back to my early years in Alagbado, Lagos State. There was a young boy in our compound named Chima. He was always dirty, always sneaking into kitchens when no one was looking. At least once a week, someone would shout, “That Chima don carry my garri again oh!” I remember how we mocked him. Called him “thief.” 😢 Some adults would beat him up. One woman even tied him to a tree once, under the hot sun, for taking a piece of fried fish.. 😢 But what we didn’t know—what we never even asked—was that Chima was just hungry. His mother had died when he was six. His father, a drunk, barely returned home with enough money to buy a sachet of pure water. Most nights, Chima and his younger sister slept on empty stomachs. So, he learned to steal to survive. He learned to beg, to sneak, to be smart. And while the world saw a thief, what he truly was… was a boy in pain. Now, years later, I see this mouse crying in a trap and I see Chima’s face. ▪️I see the countless boys and girls in our streets. ▪️I see the bus conductors who shout angrily—not because they enjoy it, but because life has never been kind. ▪️I see the prostitutes in Allen Avenue, the young cult boys in Badagary. The jobless graduates walking the streets of Lagos and Abuja, the countless prisoners in cells not because they’re wicked—but because they were just hungry. Hunger isn’t always about food. ▫️Some people are hungry for love. ▫️Some are hungry for peace. ▫️Some are hungry for hope. ▫️Some are just hungry to be noticed—to be seen as human. But what does society do? We set traps. —We judge before asking questions. —We condemn before listening. —We punish without understanding. And sadly, sometimes, even the Church—yes, the place meant for healing—becomes a trap too. A brother falls into sin and we throw him out...😢 A sister becomes pregnant and we push her to the back. .😭 But have we ever stopped to ask: Why did she fall? What hunger was she trying to feed? Beloved, this world is full of "mice"—innocent souls trapped not because they wanted to destroy anything, but because they were just trying to survive. That boy who stole your phone may have lost both parents. That girl in makeup and tight jeans may be the breadwinner of her family. That man who sleeps under the bridge may once have been a promising young graduate—until life dealt him a bad card. Let me ask you sincerely: How many people have you judged lately without understanding their hunger? How many "mice" have you set traps for in your heart—silently condemning them because their scars were too messy for your clean world? The Bible says in Proverbs 21:13, “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” Every soul you ignore, every cry you silence, every pain you mock—you’re setting a trap for your own day of hunger. My dear friend, life is deeper than appearances. Sometimes, all a person needs is a listening ear, a plate of food, a kind word, or even just a smile. Don’t be too quick to condemn. Don’t let your heart become a trap. Choose mercy. Choose kindness. Choose love. That small mouse in the image? That’s someone in your street today. That’s a child in your church. That’s your neighbour. That could be you tomorrow. Sometimes, the people we cast out are the very ones God sent to test our compassion. Not all who wander are rebels—some are simply lost, and looking for a place to rest. We live in a world full of invisible battles. That man who didn’t greet you in church might be battling suicidal thoughts. That lady who keeps to herself may be recovering from abuse. That child who is always moody may not have eaten since yesterday. We walk past people like shadows, forgetting that they are made of the same flesh and tears as we are. One day, a friend shared a story of a mad man in Aba who used to talk to himself and eat from the dustbin. Everyone avoided him. But after he died, a diary was found on his body—pages filled with brilliant poems, love notes to a woman who never loved him back, prayers he wrote to God, and letters to a son he never saw again. He wasn’t mad. He was broken. He was just hungry—for love, for healing, for one more chance. Even in the Bible, the prodigal son wasn’t a bad child—he was just hungry. It was hunger that made him return home. And what did the father do? He didn’t lecture him. He didn’t punish him. He embraced him. Fed him. Dressed him. That’s what love does. Love restores. Love understands that behind every fall is a cry for help. Beloved, be careful how you handle people in their low seasons. One day, they may rise—and remember who mocked them and who showed them mercy. Be the reason someone believes in kindness again. Be the reason a broken soul finds courage to start over. The mouse in the trap may not have been dangerous—but the silence of those who watched and did nothing… that was dangerous. Let’s not be spectators of suffering. Let’s be instruments of healing. For the day may come when you too will whisper: “I’m not dangerous. I won’t hurt anyone. I was just hungry.” And may God send you someone who listens… before the trap springs. ——————————— *🚫 THE END... Beloved, has this message touched your heart? Don’t just read and move on... share it with someone who might be struggling in silence. Every soul matters to God. 🙌 Follow for more stories, or feel free to send me a DM
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 13 Vue
Plus de résultats