WHEN PROTEST LOSES ITS CONSCIENCE What has happened in parts of France is deeply painful to watch. There are legitimate grievances in society, and peaceful protest is an important democratic right. But when protest turns into looting, arson, vandalism and the destruction of ordinary people’s livelihoods, something morally important has been lost. Recent unrest in France has seen businesses looted and damaged, public buildings attacked, and a historic town hall in Limoges badly burned. French authorities have also said opportunistic criminals were among those involved in the violence and looting. That is not the same as peaceful protest. When you smash the shop of a struggling family, burn somebody’s workplace, steal goods or destroy a historic building that belongs to generations, you are no longer merely expressing anger. You are transferring your pain onto innocent people who may have had nothing to do with the problem you are protesting about. And that is where parents must speak very clearly to their children. Teach them that anger does not give them ownership of another person’s property. Teach them that joining a crowd does not remove personal responsibility. Teach them that destroying somebody’s livelihood is not bravery, revolution or justice. Behind every small business is often a family. A mortgage. Rent. Children. Employees. Years of sacrifice. One shattered window may look insignificant to the person throwing the stone, but to the owner it may represent years of struggle suddenly turned into fear and loss. We should also be careful not to turn the behaviour of rioters into a judgement on whole communities, immigrants, religions or ethnic groups. Current reporting does not support sweeping claims that the unrest is simply the work of migrants or one particular community; authorities have described a mixture of radical activists and opportunistic looters. Parents, teach your children to protest injustice without becoming unjust themselves. Teach them to challenge wrongdoing without becoming wrongdoers.

Religion has become a sensitive subject, and I respect that not everyone believes in God or follows a faith. But I still believe that, at its best, religion should teach peace, love, tolerance, compassion, honesty, forgiveness and respect for human life. For young people especially, faith can become an anchor. It can teach discipline when temptation is strong, hope when life feels empty, forgiveness when anger feels justified, and the courage to choose what is right even when what is wrong is popular. That is what good religion should do. It should not make us arrogant, bitter, hateful or superior to others. If our faith does not make us more compassionate, truthful, patient and peaceful, then perhaps we have missed its deeper purpose. For me, Christianity has been more than a label. Growing up, its teachings helped shape my understanding of right and wrong, responsibility, sacrifice, forgiveness and hope. In a world filled with pressure, violence, materialism and confusion, faith can give young people something money, popularity and technology cannot always provide: a sense of meaning and moral direction. The Christianity I value is not merely spoken from the lips. It is seen in character. Because perhaps the greatest testimony of faith is not how loudly we profess it, but how lovingly, honestly and peacefully we live it. ~ ShamelDdon

Money is your defence! Money is your armour! Money is your weapon! Money is your most "stable and reliable" friend in most cases! Money is your most dependable ally! But also remember that the love of money is the root of all evil. I would say, POVERTY on its own is the root of all evil. No matter what you do in life, try your very best to do everything legitimately possible to have some money. Not necessarily a huge amount of money. No! No! No! I am NOT advocating for that. Just a small amount of money that can help you get by. A reasonable amount of money that will prevent you from "always" begging to feed yourself and family, if you have a family already. Lack of money can stripe you of all human dignity and expose you to shame whilst making you susceptible to all kinds of manipulations and humiliation. Ahhh may you never lack the money to feed yourself and family. Amen! Can I please get an Amen to this prayer! Shamel Ddon

Here is the funny and silly thing about marriage. You may be thinking that the bond holding your marriage together is very solid like concrete. Whilst that may be true, always keep in mind that there are phases you can pass through in the journey of your relationship that will make you realize how feeble and fragile marriage can be. And how easily it could be broken, damaged or completely destroyed by something very stupid and nonsensical that even has absolutely nothing to do with a direct dispute between you and your spouse. Sometimes big disputes and volcanic disagreements DO NOT destroy a marriage. It is usually that tiny inconsequential matter often overlooked that creates the most dangerous and destructive tension in the home and marriage. It is always a third party agent! No matter what happens, please try your very best to put pride, ego and arrogance aside and have an honest and open conversation aimed at resolution. Not every dispute should be capable of destroying marriage! Some strengthens the bond of the union and boosts your knowledge and understanding of how best to do things right next time. Remember "soft words breakthrough the bone." (Prov.25:15) Communication is key! Shamel Ddon

A lot of men that people call bad husbands and bad fathers are NOT as bad as people think. No! Lack of money can make a man fall short on his ability and capacity to provide for his family. Thus, people are quick to label him as a bad man, a bad husband and a bad father. Sadly, it seems as though the only yardstick used in measuring if a man is good or bad is his financial capability and his ability to provide money. Hmmm Most men do not ask for help...for obvious reasons. That's quite heartbreaking! Shamel Ddon