Death Archives – Page 3 of 4 – Strength Of The Small

Death Strength of The Small Love Inspire Life Lessons People

Words: Power to Build or Destroy

By JM PerezNovember 25, 20124 min read1.4K views

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

I had my share of bullying growing up, one of which ended with a physical fight (and my bully never messed with me again). You see, I was a quiet one growing up and it made me an easy target for bullying. Anyways, a girl from my neighborhood regarded my slender body shape and silence as weaknesses because I refused to give into her constant attacks. One afternoon she decided to pick a fight while I was walking home. I kept calm and kept walking while she was insulting and pushing me. Just about two minutes away from home, some bystanders (who knew I was being bullied) made the situation worse by cheering. When that girl pushed me, again and again, I knew right there that the only way out was to fight back and win. That’s exactly what I did and she never bothered me again. I am in no way promoting violence; however, there comes a time in life when you are giving a choice: win (live) or loose (die). Which will you choose?

I have also been bullied because of my nose. I knew better because I was conscious about the size of my then disproportionate nose. I was coached about the temporary unevenness of growth during puberty and I was thought by my Sister to put and love myself first no matter what. She was my role model who constantly reminded me that I was beautiful inside and out. I believed and I refused to be defined by any part of my body.

“I am not a part. I am whole.” — Joan Ambu

Children Learn What They Live.
ActAgainstViolence.org.

For you the sufferers, I say, give silent words. Avoid the bullies if you can. If you can’t, always stay calm and never show them that you’re hurt (they will use it, if you do). Seek help, reach out to someone, speak up. In some extreme situations it’s best to have someone else fight your fight. Don’t stay down for too long as you might get comfortable and decide to adopt that position. Train yourself to memorize these powerful words: I am Worthy. You are a work in process yet to be perfected by the Almighty Father. You have the right to exist.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

The bottom line is that we are not what people think of us: we are what we believe to be. We become what we perceive ourselves to be. In a material world, some people seem to be better than others (I said ‘seem’ because certain things can’t be bought, which takes us back to the theory of appearances). You may not be better than someone, but no body is better than you and you have to believe it. Your oppressor is the one with issues, not you. Each time someone throws a hurtful word at you, you tell yourself: ‘self, I am not perfect, but I am worthy and I will not accept less.’ Sometimes your body language sends a false message, which a bully sees as weakness and decides to pick on you. Take a self-defense class to prepare you for those times when things really get out of hand and there’s no one to call for help. Change begins with you and you alone can decide when to start.

“You are a person. Words are labels.
Don’t ever accept to be labeled because labels are for things and you are not.” — Joan Ambu

If you witness someone being bullied, act. Be a good bystander and help out (defend the victim, find a way to discourage the bully or get an adult involved). Don’t be neutral because it could as well be you. Be more than just a bystander: reach out and stop it before it starts, if you can.

I know that some of us are not Believers and/or Christ followers. However, there is the Golden Rule which states that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Watch your mouths and most importantly, watch your inner thoughts. How are you using your words today? Are you using them to build or to destroy?

*Words are a Powerful Tool: Use them Wisely.*

TALK TO SOMEONE and GET HELP

HELP BULLIES TOO

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:36-37 (NIV)

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By JM Perez

Death Strength of The Small

Francois Xavier Etoundi {Memory of}

By JM PerezOctober 11, 20122 min read574 views

This year has been quite rough for some of us.
We have experienced Love and we have experienced extreme pain and anguish. Though the pain of death is universal; each one of us handles it differently. Less than 24 hours ago, I learned of the passing of a former classmate. The news came as a surprise to many of us as he was recovering from illness and was doing much better. He left behind a family and three children.

Join me in prayer, for the family of François Xavier Etoundi, as his loved ones prepare to lay him to rest. It’s especially in moments like these that we turn to God and ask Him to restore our inner peace.

Please donate. Nothing is too small or too big. We never know when our own time will come, but we can hope that when it comes to pass; our lives, in the end, will be remembered. In the Spirit of togetherness, love and kindness, let’s join our hands as one and celebrate his life.

May his gentle soul rest in peace and may God comfort his family during this hard time.

“We are nothing but die cut shapes flowing in the wind waiting to fall.” — Joan Ambu

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” – Revelation 14:13 (ESV)

DONORS LIST:

Joan Ambu – $75 (+ Transfer Fee)
Yannick Nke – $30
Raoul Feukia – $50
Anonymous – $25
Jean Emmanuel Kwe – $50

Marie Liénou – $30
Miriam Obele – $60
Aurelie Tomo – $50
Guy Beke – $25
Herve Ombede – $20
Willy Jouontso – $70

Donations are now closed. Thank you all for your support.

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By JM Perez

Death Faith Love Family Life Lessons

Proverbs 22:6 – A Legacy

By JM PerezOctober 5, 20123 min read656 views

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

Today I am sharing with you, the story of seven siblings (Kenedy, Emer, Jackie, Emmanuel, Patrick, Julius and Genevieve), who are, to the best of my knowledge, a wonderful example of Proverbs 22:6.

If you are like me then you will admit to be drawn to the beautiful faces and smiles of the individuals on the pictures. Yes, they are beautifully made in the image of our Creator. Yes, they are unique and they are my family. What you may know or not know about them is that they have lost both parents; their Father in 1992 and their Mother two years ago, on August 29^th, 2010).

Aunt Sarah was a beautiful, gentle, soft-spoken and a woman of noble character; even when she tried to frown, it only accentuated her beauty. She was a Christian who never cheated life; who believed, followed the Words of God and gave thanks in all things. Being in her presence was comforting and when she smiled at you, all you could do was smile back. She was a biological mother to seven wonderful individuals and an adoptive mother to countless. She embraced everyone who crossed her path as her own. She didn’t just tell you how much she loved you; she made sure you felt it. She was a Mother, a Friend, a Comforter, a fervent server of the Lord and she lived a life that some of us can only dream of. She did an amazing job raising her children, who are a great examples of what Proverbs 22:6 is all about.

“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” – Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

Kenedy, Emmanuel, Patrick and Julius Ejacha — *Kenedy, Emmanuel, Patrick & Julius.*

Some might think that in losing their parents they had lost everything. It’s quite the opposite because in losing both parents, they gained new strength. I am not insinuating that they don’t care or that they don’t feel a thing. The pain is there. It is raw, perpetual and it will only ebb with time. I know because I have walked in their shoes.

When my Sister suddenly died in 1998, Jackie was the one by my side. She stood strong by me and showed me unconditional love. She became the other voice of reason; she helped mend the pieces of my shattered heart. She pretty much took over my shadow and kept me sane. Thank you, Jackie, for everything and for being such a loving and caring person.
This is the legacy aunt Sarah instilled in her children – devotion to God, respect for self and compassion toward others.

They were thought at a very young age to walk by faith and to live by hope. They were thought to be kind, especially to the unkind and hope that their love is strong enough to move them.
They are now stronger than ever. Love grows more love and it’s in giving that we receive (St. Francis of Assisi).

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.” – 1 John 3:1 (NLT)

Whenever we forgive truly and love someone with the intend to elevate them, something miraculous happens and our lives are changed. We do not have to love people because they mean something to us; we have to love and respect them because they exist and because God teaches and commands us to love one another.

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By JM Perez

Poetry Death Strength of The Small

Pain of Death

By JM PerezOctober 1, 20121 min read873 views

Death, you must know
Is a loner
Is not sociable
It doesn’t negotiate
It doesn’t give a second chance
It doesn’t sympathize.

To some it can be gentle
And to others, unkind
Either way
The outcome is the same
When a loved one cease
The living is thorn.

Pray and be prayerful
Do not find joy in another’s grief
Do not let your anger destroy your dreams
Look around you
Be grateful for what you have
Keep your faith alive and your heart open.

Regardless of circumstances
Death is nothing to rejoice about
As much as it comes as a relief to some
It leaves others empty
And robs them of an opportunity
To cherish the ones who have ceased.

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By JM Perez

Death Strength of The Small Love

Merville Kenfack {Memory of}

By JM PerezAugust 9, 20121 min read1.2K views

Dear friends,

I regret to inform you that my beloved sister, Merville, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, the 7th of August 2012 after giving birth to a beautiful boy.

Merville was very kin about her privacy. At this time we would ask that Merville’s final wishes are observed, and there are to be no pictures of her posted either privately or publicly. Please, there are to be no speculations (posted) as to the cause of her death- as Christians, we all turn to our father GOD in heaven.

Since some of you live overseas, we understand you will not be able to come. However, donations are very much appreciated; click on the link below.

If you have any well-wishes for my family or just pay your respects, please leave your messages on the following blog under the coordination of Joan Ambu (which the family will review after the funeral).

We also very much appreciate any spiritual support and prayers.

Regards,

Eve Kenfack