The Human Story Film: There is Hope

My new documentary, The Human Story, premiered on YouTube on 28 September, 2021.

The Human Story documentary explores the effects of the COVID-19 virus on women and how they coped with household chores and taking care of their families while some were also working during the first and second lockdowns. As at the time of filming in May 2021, the virus had claimed the lives of over 2.71 million people, and by the time we wrapped up filming in August 2021, over 4.55 million people had sadly died.

As a practising Christian, hope is an integral part of my being, it’s something I hold on to when life gets so boring and unbelievably tough. But my hope is not in myself. It’s in God. I am an optimist. I believe in a better world, I always have, it’s inbuilt, it’s like an innate ability that no matter what happens now, there will be a better tomorrow. Life is sometimes painful, and as we trudge through it, we may have moments punctuated with joy, optimism, and hope. We can turn things around and that message of hope was the main driving force while I was producing this latest film.

The devastation and uncertainty of the pandemic are so pervasive that the loss of lives was one of the visual aspects of the virus. The hidden cost of the disease lies in lost jobs, shuttered businesses, economic devastation, and a mental health crisis that is seething underneath nations trying to crawl out of static survival mode to some form of normalcy. Every nation of the world is trying to claw back their dignity, and people are still struggling.

The core message of The Human Story is encouraging women to take care of themselves and their mental health. There is hope for everyone going through depression, fear, and anxiety; however, the first thing is recognising that one needs help. Anxiety and fear are so common now that it’s been trivialised, and they shouldn’t be. Recent events, such as the brutal murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, is preying on people’s minds. I had to go out yesterday in the night, and while coming back home, I was extra careful. Although I wasn’t afraid, many women aren’t as bold as I am, and it’s scary if we feel unsafe in our own city. A colleague once told me that she’s afraid of going out at night in London. As a Londoner, I tried to defend my town, but my voice sounded hollow because I think she was right deep down. Violence against women is increasing. We don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.

However, despite everything, I believe we can defeat fear and live free. I hope that many women will find ways to live better, stronger, and more stress-free lives while every single moment of their lives.

I am launching a new YouTube channel called ‘The Peace Project with Sandra S David,’ I would be discussing ways we can eliminate fear, anxiety, and worry through practical, proven methods. Life is short. Live it well!

On Free Speech and Common Sense

May24

Twenty-three years ago, I was a fresh graduate who was keen on saving the world from every form of evil and injustice. My armour was my pen, and I was operating within the laudable confines of free speech. I got a job with the local newspaper in my state and embarked on my journey.

I was unmarried then and as free as a bird. My salary was pitiable, but I was still living with my parents, and my bills were practically nonexistent. My dad was a firm believer in free speech with common sense, of course, so he taught me to write and report on issues affecting the ‘average person’ and that I should be upright and fearless. I took his advice and within a few months, I got promotion from roaming the fields looking for ‘breaking news’ to having a desk at the State House of Assembly (our House of Common here in the UK).

I was hungry for news and reported on mundane and boring things like the House Members sponsoring a Bill etc. One day, I was finishing my report when a member of the opposition party approached me, and dropped a paper on my desk.

‘See me at the Press Centre’, he said quietly.

Intrigued, I wanted to know more. As a respectable journalist, I believed in reporting the truth; I have to be impartial.

Later that evening, I met the gentleman, and he handed over some documents that were so hot, I turned bright red. The governor of the state had misappropriated over two hundred and forty-one million naira, (equivalent of almost a hundred million pounds), and although fear ripped through my body, I stuck by my principles and arranged an editorial meeting with my editor.

My parents were petrified. My mum voiced her concerns for my safety, but I was unperturbed. I was dabbling into the unknown world of mucky politics. My dad tried everything he could to dissuade me from publishing the story, but failed.

Although my editor was delighted for such a large ‘scoop,’ he was hesitant. However, I stuck to my guns. The public deserved to know the truth about the misappropriation of funds, and we published the story. The effect ripped through the state like a tsunami.

Luckily, I didn’t die through assassination attempts on my life like my dad had feared. After the ruckus died down, my dad was adamant that I should stick to writing articles and novels rather than investigating corrupt government officials. I took his advice, and I was glad I did.

What was I getting at? You may wonder. I believe in free speech but with the emergence of the internet and mobile technology, everyone has become a ‘source’ and misinformation and online bullying has reached a crescendo. People should be responsible online, words are powerful, it can build people up, or it may destroy them.

There are several ways we can change our world, and I think it starts with kindness, which is in short supply nowadays.

As a journalist, I believe in the power of free speech, but ‘keyboard’ warriors spurting hatred, racism and misogyny abound on social media, and that is disheartening.

The world is changing but if we think before we type anything online, we might be saving a life.

Think about it.

Alive and Renewed

Apr5

Love and justice mingle, truth and mercy meet.’
Nicky Gumbel

Love bought us freedom from eternal damnation, and the supernatural is as real as the next person to you. Although it’s difficult for some people to comprehend that there is life after death. I believe there is life after we pass away from this realm simply because of Christ’s Resurrection from the dead.

If I were to count the times I have been saved from physical harm, I would have to write a 200,000 word memoir to recount my experiences, and it would not be enough. Christ’s resurrection shows that there is still hope, not only in heaven but in this world too. I am alive and renewed by the power in the blood of Jesus Christ and the miracle of His resurrection.

I have experienced the supernatural power of God several times, and as a Christian, it’s with great pride that I declare my hope in the future; this life is certainly not the end, and humanity will be saved.

If anyone is reading this and you’re depressed, please don’t be, whatever you’re going through will pass if you put your faith in God. If disease has ravaged your body, there is hope and healing for you but you need to claim it through faith and prayers to God.

We all know that life is very complex but we have a complete God who sacrificed His only son for our redemption. There is hope for you, just believe in God, I did, and He changed my story.😄✨

Happy Easter to all my friends. Much love to you, always!❤️☺️🌟🌸

Life

Mar27

Earlier today, I was going through my posts on Facebook and saw this short article. I wrote it on April 16th, 2019. A lot has happened since then and this is just an update. However, the bottom line is, God has always been faithful. I am so grateful to be alive today. In January this year, I was sure I may not see the next morning due to so many obstacles I don’t want to write about yet. I want to encourage anyone reading this, the sun will shine again. Everything you are going through will make you stronger, just hold on.

If you have time, please read on.😀

God has been good to me, but it has not been plain sailing. I’ve had several surgeries in my short life. My heart has stopped thrice on an operating table.

I’ve experienced the loss of a child, and I’ve been blessed with three beautiful children.
I’ve lost my sweet, dearest father, but I carry in me, his strength, and love.

I’d endured pains unimaginable, yet, God has not handed me over to death. Life is hard, and incredibly beautiful at the same time.

If you meet someone on the street, and ask,
’excuse me, do you have a story?’ I bet they’ll tell you things you’d never have expected.

That’s the reason I enjoy reading more than writing, the passion behind my love for books, and publishing the works of other writers.

Bottom line, let’s be kind to one another. Life is short, and love is not costly, it is the most incredible gift in this part of heaven.

Let’s make love, not war. Let’s see beauty in diversity, not racism. Let’s see humanity, not religion. Let’s see hope, not despair.

Let’s work hard, and enjoy the rewards. Let’s build, not destroy. Let’s give, for we came to this world with nothing, and will leave with nothing.

Love can change our world.
Who wants love?

Much love, always!☺️

2021 is a Year of Possibilities

Dec31

Everyone knows how difficult 2020 has been and I won’t keep writing about that, but things are still so difficult for so many people. Anxieties, fear, loss and uncertainties pervaded the seconds, days, and months of that dreaded year.

There’s hope again. I believe in renewal and second chances and that is the reason we have new days. In a few hours, we will walk into the unknown that is 2021 and my prayer is that we will breathe freely and live with fresh hopes.

It’s time for a positive outlook. I believe it. I have not made any new year resolutions, but I have a vision of what I want to achieve. Here’s to a year of possibilities friends, believe it and let’s work into 2021 with hope in our hearts, strength in our bones, and dreams in our eyes.

Happy New Year to you all. 🙂

Much love, always! 🙂

Why Celebrate Christmas?

Dec25

Photo by Ekaterina Bolovtsova on Pexels.com

As a Christian, Christmas reaffirms my faith in Jesus Christ. It brings to the fore, the reasons I celebrate. This year has been very difficult for the world, and to be alive, and well, are reasons enough to celebrate.

Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Pexels.com

We live in such a beautiful world, and there are moments when the stress and pressures of life may blind us to see the surrounding beauty. Let us take a pause during this holiday season to enjoy being alive and appreciate that many people aren’t so lucky.

Some people may mourn loved ones; if you’re in that position, take heart, the sun will shine again. It’s easier to say, you may think, but it gets easier with time. May the joy inherent in Christ be with us all.

To my friends who aren’t Christians, may you find joy, rest, and peace this holiday season. 🙂

Wishing all my friends a peaceful Christmas and a happy new year!

Much love, always. 🙂

Decisions and the Ripple Effects

Dec4

Photo by Simon Matzinger on Pexels.com. A nice, snowy, magical road!

When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.
Paulo Coelho

I want to touch briefly on decisions but before I do that, it’s December folks! Yay! I can’t believe it’s already December ( honestly, I’m grateful 2020 is rolling away!)

We’ve all been living in the backdrop of the pandemic, and while many lives have changed dramatically, we’ve all been affected by the events of this year, one way or another. It’s been sobering, sad, inspirational, boring, and the list go on. The human cost has been huge, my prayers go to anyone that has been affected by the faceless virus.

On the bright side, we now have a vaccine! (different vaccines, by the way). But like everything in life, many people are pro-vaccine, some are not. (I will be taking the vaccine when it’s available). On my side, I have been very busy as usual but I am determined to update my website as often as possible, starting now.

Photo by Louis on Pexels.com. I love the picture of this dude. He’s probably contemplating how to spend the rest of 2020 Covid free! 🙂

Something happened to me recently, it’s just a mundane thing but it got me thinking. It’s true that we may not be able to determine our race, family, or the colour of our eyes, however, there are some decisions we make that will ultimately change the trajectory of our lives.

A couple of weeks ago, I was on my way to a very important meeting. Before I left home, I decided to check the backdoor again, there was nothing bad in being extra careful but that last-minute decision ultimately changed my day. I was still able to go for my meeting but I was very late, and I hate giving a bad impression but there you go. Some decisions have deeper consequences and could be life-changing, and that is the reason we need to tread carefully and weigh our options before committing to a project or an idea.

We should weigh our decisions carefully. Life has no rewind timer. Our decisions shows the type of person we are and the content of our character. The late Adolf Hitler had friends and followers and they murdered millions of people, and he started by convincing people to follow him.

They made the call. They made the decision. Aptly put, think before you act. Your life may depend on it.

Does anyone have any decisions they made that changed their lives? I would like to know in the comments below.

I hope everyone will continue to stay safe.

Much love to you! Always!! 🙂 🙂

Patience

Sep8

(Photo credit: Lizabee. The beginning )

(Photo credit: Lizabee – The end. The artist spent hours working on this stunning image.)

Life is in stages.

Just like an artist drawing a picture, the images always come in a sequence of thoughts, and then the sketching takes place followed by shading the lines to bring the perfect vision to life.

Books are the same. A writer has an idea and as the story takes shape, unfolds, and the plots unravel, we see the overarching purpose of the book. But by the time we come to the climax of the story, we can then exclaim with signs of relief. In some unresolved cases, it may cause pangs of disappointment.

Creative people, especially writers, are always keen to share their experiences through words using different genres to reach their audiences. Artists, writers, filmmakers, poets and everyone working in the creative industries all have a singularity of purpose; to reach audiences who would read, enjoy, and maybe critique their works.

But it all starts in stages.

Let’s learn from creators by not being in a hurry to reach our destination. Every experience in our lives has a purpose, to either break us down and make us better, or to build us up, and strengthen us, then we can be kinder to people in a weaker or similar state.

There are several reasons writers create, some write for themselves, but others write to teach us patience. Unfortunately, we live in the ‘now’ generation where we always want a quick-fix to everything.

If it were possible to get pregnant and the child will get to the stage of babyhood, then adulthood and leave our home before nightfall, some people would prefer that experience.

We should learn to find the reason things work, and the reasons some things don’t. And that takes patience and a lot of learning. Some school of thought might argue that some things are best when they happen at once, but where is the joy in savouring a tasty meal when you swallow it whole? Books could change our lives, and if it does, we should not forget the core themes in the narrative and the patience it took to write it.

A book that ends with the beginning, the middle, the end, teaches nothing. However, some people might still argue that it does.

Don’t be in a hurry. Patience is an important virtue we should all learn.

Much love, always! 🙂

Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in your mind.” David G. Allen
David G. Allen

Saving Humans

Jun5

Photo credit: Flickr

We’re all human, aren’t we? Every human life is worth the same and worth saving.”

J. K Rowling

Humanity has always been on the brink of destruction several times.

Studying history is akin to studying the art and history of warfare.

We kill, we hate, we love.

And then we do it all over again, forgetting that we bleed the same.

And we walk in twos, talk and smile.

We all have hopes and dreams.

We teach our children to hate another, we fear what we don’t know.

We change history.

Hatred destroys the hater because we were once created to love and laugh.
Hatred twisted the reason we exist.

When you love people, you love yourself.

When you hate, you’re killing your essence, your humanity.

It’s the law of the universe.

So, what do we do?
Let’s love ourselves.

Start.

Today.

Much love, always!

George Floyd’s Tears Echoes Through Eternity!

May29

The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.
Albert Einstein

In the height of ’Jihadi John’ reign of terror, the Islamic State executioner who derives pleasure in executing journalists, that image stuck in my mind because it was widely available online. However, it has been replaced with Derek Chauvin grinding his knee into George Floyd’s neck while the poor man cried for mercy. When Jihadi John murdered several innocent journalists, mostly whites. I was angry and wrote about the atrocities of ISIS. It has come as a surprise that people are eerily silent about the murder of George Floyd, although, after a while, protests has erupted around the world against racism.

Alas, Derek and countless other heartless cops in the US are terrorists protected by the state. The US President has threatened to kill looters but killers like Derek would not have been arrested without worldwide protest. Killer cops like Derek Chauvin are degenerates, racist and divisive.

I grew up in a picturesque little town in Nigeria watching American films, Hollywood portrayed the US country as a land of the free, where everyone is the same, and actors fight for peace. However, that was just Hollywood. Minnesota cop, Derek Chauvin committed murder with people filming while bystanders pleaded, George Floyd also pleaded for mercy. That scene was not from a wild western flick, and yet, the cop was only arrested after an outcry and worldwide protest.

There are so many terrorists like that in the US, terrorising the lives of African Americans. Killing them with impunity, and if prosecuted, Jury always find them doing their job.

I am black British, not American but I have to speak out against this seemingly calm terrorist while the President was also inciting more violence? Looting is wrong, but you don’t encourage more racists to start shooting and killing, and then it becomes an orgy of violence. There’s something called ’dialogue’ even kids do it.

I am very sad for George Floyd, the US has lost the last shred of respect I had for it as a democratic country where the lives of anyone with a darker skin tone is in danger, from an erratic and unstable government to devilish, racist citizens to people who found this difficult to talk about.

Derek Chauvin and other terror cops that has killed so many innocent black people are inhuman, but the brilliant thing about civilisation is this; change is constant.