The Elusive Price of Peace

The price of peace cannot be measured in tangible terms. I was speaking to a family friend about the Hamas/Israeli ceasefire and wondered why we find it so challenging to coexist peacefully with our neighbours. My friend replied dryly, “We all have free will to kill and destroy, or…” a glint appeared in his brown eyes, “to love and live in peace.” His words kept echoing in my mind as I watched the news of the prisoner exchange between the Israelis and Hamas.

The ceasefire announcement between Hamas and Israel fills me with cautious optimism. I have watched this conflict unfold, and while I recognise one ceasefire does not resolve everything, I believe each step towards peace is immensely significant. It reminds me that there is always hope for dialogue and understanding, even in the darkest times.

I was praying with my family last night and was grateful that bombs were not dropping near our bedroom windows, nor were sirens blasting through the streets. Yet, as I type this, my heart aches as Russia continues to pummel Ukraine with rockets and drones. The resilience of the Ukrainian people amazes me, but I can’t help wondering how many more lives will be disrupted before this conflict ends.

When I turn my attention to Africa, especially Sudan, I feel overwhelmed by the scale of human suffering. The ongoing civil unrest there and conflicts in other parts of the world are concerning. We can’t ignore these crises because they might seem far from home.

I understand we cannot measure the price of peace in simplistic terms. While experts can calculate military costs and infrastructure damage, I see the true price in the faces of displaced families, in the stories of lost homes, and in the eyes of traumatised children.

As I write this, I cling to hope. We just need to flip through the pages of history to know that peace is achievable. Every ceasefire, every negotiation, and every small step towards understanding brings us closer to a more stable world. We each have a role to play in this journey towards peace, no matter how insignificant our individual contributions may seem. That I’m writing this article means something; we need to desire peace wherever we are in the world.

Have a great, fruitful week wherever you are in the world.

Much love, always! 🙂

A Cry For the Past: Remembering the Fallen

Nov10

In the dimly lit living room of our home, I watched my adult son experience the brutal reality of war through Edward Berger’s adaptation of “All Quiet on the Western Front.” As tears streamed down his face, I realised that nearly a century after Erich Maria Remarque penned his haunting novel, its message still pierces young hearts with devastating clarity.

The film, released in 2022, doesn’t merely depict war – it thrusts viewers into the mud-filled trenches of World War I, where hope dies as quickly as the young soldiers who enlisted with dreams of glory. Through the eyes of Paul Bäumer, a German teenager who enthusiastically volunteers for service, we witness the systematic destruction of youthful innocence.

What makes this adaptation particularly powerful is its unflinching portrayal of warfare’s futility. The scene that broke my son wasn’t one of spectacular explosions or dramatic deaths – it was the quiet moment when Paul, having just killed a French soldier in hand-to-hand combat, watches the life slowly leave his enemy’s eyes. In that instant, my son understood what textbooks could never convey: the profound human cost of war.

As we observe Remembrance Sunday this November 10, the film serves as more than entertainment or historical drama. It becomes a bridge connecting generations – helping today’s youth understand why we wear poppies, why we observe minutes of silence, and why we must never forget. My son’s tears weren’t just for Paul or the countless young men who died in World War I; they were tears of recognition, understanding that each name etched on war memorials represents a story as accurate and tragic as those depicted on screen.

“All Quiet on the Western Front” accomplishes what every war memorial aspires to do: it makes us remember the statistics of war and its human face. As my son wiped his eyes after the film, he whispered something that would stay with me forever: “Mum, they were younger than me. They were just kids.” My son rarely shows his emotions. This was one of the few times he allowed the torrents to flow. My husband and I hugged him as I reflected on the war plaguing our world, from Ukraine to Congo, From Sudan to Palestine, it’s never-ending, and we must do better.

Wars must stop!

This Remembrance Sunday, as we honour the fallen, let us remember that the best tribute we can pay to those who sacrificed everything is to ensure their stories continue to move new generations. Through films like this, their experiences live on, teaching invaluable lessons about the cost of war and the precious value of peace.

In remembering, we must do more than recite “Lest we forget” – we must help our children understand why we must never forget. Sometimes, it takes a son’s tears to remind us that the past isn’t as distant as we think.

Peace, Integrity and Politics

Jul2

March Haigh Reservoir, Marsden Moor – Photo Credit: Kate Harney

The image above is so peaceful, and although I wished it was indicative of our political landscape in Europe, the reverse is the case. As we gear up to elect new leaders in the UK on Thursday and the US prepares for its November 5th, 2024, election, the ideals of peace and integrity seem increasingly elusive. Far from being serene and respectful, political campaigns often descend into bitter battles and mudslinging. I recently saw clips of the debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, and I bemoaned how politicians have sunk with no integrity whatsoever.

Peace, the cornerstone of stability and harmony, is ironically tested in politics. Instead of engaging in calm and rational debates, candidates often resort to fierce rhetoric and underhanded tactics. The goal is to win votes and tarnish opponents, disregarding the civility that should underpin public discourse.

Integrity, the foundation of trust and honesty, faces a daunting challenge in the political sphere. Accusations fly, scandals erupt, and misinformation spreads rapidly. Instead of embodying integrity, politicians frequently employ tactics that undermine public trust in the electoral process.

Both the UK election this Thursday and the upcoming American election serve as stark examples. Campaigns are riddled with controversies, personal attacks, and the manipulation of information. Ethical standards are often compromised in pursuing power as candidates prioritise victory over transparency and fairness.

Despite the chaos, I still believe in hope. As voters, we have access to information and platforms for discourse and demand accountability. Movements advocating for ethical standards in politics gain momentum, reminding leaders that integrity should not be sacrificed for ambition.

As we reflect on these dynamics, it’s crucial to remember that democracy’s essence lies in casting votes and upholding the values that sustain it. Peaceful transitions of power and principled leadership are not just ideals; they safeguard a society’s stability and progress, something our leaders seem to have forgotten.

In the days leading to these elections and beyond, we must challenge our leaders to rise above the fray. We must hold them accountable to the standards of integrity and civility we expect in our everyday lives. Only then can we ensure that politics serves its true purpose: to represent the will of the people and to strive for a future built on trust and harmony.

While politics may often seem at odds with peace and integrity, it is within our power to shape a political landscape that reflects our highest ideals. I am looking forward to a new leader in the UK on Friday, and I won’t only consider policies and personalities but also the values that define us as a society. I hope we can all do the same.

My postal vote is on its way; what about you? Are you voting? Answer in the comments below. 🙂

Much love, Always. 🙂

Victory Over Death!

Mar31

When I think about Jesus, I feel joy, appreciation for His sacrifice, and overwhelming relief that my life is free from the clutches of sin and shame. Christ paid the ultimate price for me and everyone who believes in Him. He translated my earthly being into a spiritual and heaven-bound believer.

What an overwhelming victory!

Death could not hold Him. Propelled by love, Christ went down to hell and defeated the enemy of our souls. As we enter into the Easter season, I am drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Scripture, which illuminates the significance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection for humanity:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
Matthew 28:6

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate triumph over sin and death, signalling the promise of new life for all who believe in Him.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24

This Easter, let us reflect on these powerful truths and rejoice in the hope and redemption that Christ’s death and resurrection bring. May our hearts be filled with gratitude and our spirits renewed as we celebrate the victory of our risen Saviour.

Happy Easter! 🙏🌷✨

Infinite abyss

Feb16

A few hours ago, I learnt the unfortunate news of Alexei Navalny’s death. He was a Russian anti-corruption activist and Vladimir Putin’s arch-enemy. For some unknown reasons, Alexei’s death was a kick in the gut. I’m not Russian, but I’ve been following his fight for democracy and his fearlessness as a critic of Putin. And this brings me to the topic of my article, ‘infinite abyss’. What’s the purpose of life? No matter how powerful a man is, like Putin, one day, he will die, and there’s nothing he can do about it. The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, will not live forever. And what would have been the purpose of his life? Killing everyone who opposed him?

Blaise Pascal, a religious philosopher, mathematician, and Catholic writer discussed the emptiness mankind feels that human effort can’t satisfy in a collection of work called Pensées (“thoughts”) released posthumously. Pascal described a craving humans feel and it was a timely reminder of how futile life can be without God.

Pascal wrote: “What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him … though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; by God himself.”

So no matter what we do, there’s always this yearning and emptiness we can’t fill. Conquering Ukraine and eliminating political opponents won’t fill the emptiness in Vladimir Putin’s life. He will never find true and lasting fulfilment in life without God.

It is crucial to contemplate the legacy we will leave and the positive influence we can have on others. Alexei Navalny fought for an incorruptible Russia and paid with his life. Generations yet unborn will laud his efforts. Whatever we do, it’s important to think about the legacy we’ll leave behind. To folks who believe in God as I do, the impact we’ll have in people’s lives is immeasurable. The fulfilment and joy we have for having God in our lives is priceless.

Part of a Movement: It’s The New Year!

Aug14

No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible
George Chakiris

As 2021 draws to a close, it has been another extraordinary and challenging year—a replica of 2020. I have taken stock of my life, and I am grateful and blessed to be alive, surrounded by love. Many people aren’t so lucky, and that’s not lost on me.

Our world has changed in more ways than one. We are still battling a pandemic that has taken over millions of lives; I have lost count of the dead. Yet, our world finds a way to renew. When a new day dawn, we repeat living all over again. People fall in love; they fight, bicker, and save lives. People have just been, well, human.

However, I am determined to live my life as part of a positive movement of change. I want to make a difference and foster love rather than hatred, encouraging generations of people who are determined to preserve life, not destroy it.

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. we are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day
Edith lovejoy pierce

I will not make a new year resolution. Instead, I want to put a smile a people’s faces. We all need to laugh more and enjoy every moment of our lives. Why? Because our time on this part of heaven is so short.

Happy New Year to all my friends and everyone reading this. May God bless and keep you all!

Much love, always.

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.

Hope

Apr14

Hope is a mere four-letter word, but it is loaded with life in these unprecedented times. The world is grappling with a faceless enemy that can not be annihilated by bombs or weapons of mass destruction. We have to fight together, regardless of our race, religious affiliations or differences.

Andre Bocelli’s voice resonated through an empty street in Italy but with it comes hope amid death. The song ‘Amazing Grace’ has been sung several times, but this performance outstrips them all.

His voice carried with it, the gift of rebirth, and how Jesus Christ’s resurrection gives hope to all of humanity. One of my WhatsApp groups in my local church, BE Church in Barking, London shared the clips, and I just had to do the same.

There is hope for all, we just have to believe it!

Much love, always! 🙂

The Fight for Freedom

Jun5

(Allied forces in a landing craft, 6th June 1944)

It’s 75 years tomorrow when allied forces landed in the vast beaches of Normandy, France. Several European nations came together after Germany occupied France. These brave soldiers waged a decisive battle against Adolf Hitler and his German forces entrenched in occupied France, and their bravery finally fostered peace in Europe, and the rest of the world.

Whether we have been able to achieve enduring world-wide peace is still up for discussion at a later date, but the Allied forces put an end to the gory adventures of Adolf Hitler, and many of us live in relative peace today. The fight for freedom was encapsulated in a moving speech by William Churchill on May 18 1944, he said:

‘’We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war, by sea, land, and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory despite all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be.’’

The United Kingdom, under the leadership of William Churchill, joined the rest of Allied forces to fight against a force so brutal it is intent on the total annihilation of several nations of the world. The Allied forces worked towards the goal of defeating the enemy on 6th June 1944.

They are our heroes.

The world is not totally at peace, but what we have today is a luxury we can only dream of if Adolf Hitler’s dream to rule the whole world was realised.

Let us rejoice today, and hopefully, the coming days will see a more peaceful world free from slavery, racism, poverty, murders, hatred, and petty human emotions that inhibit living peaceful lives.

NP: I haven’t been able to update my website due to health issues, work commitments, and postgraduate studies. I have respite for a few months and would endeavour to post more articles and would also visit many blogs as much as I can.

Much love, always. 🙂