Dami

When I was a child, my father taught us that the laws in Scripture aren’t just about God; they’re for our good. One of the examples he gave was: God doesn’t have a farm to steal from, so He didn’t command us not to steal because He’s afraid of losing His property. Instead, whoever steals and is caught faces consequences. Over time, I’ve seen the truth in my father’s words, and similarly, I’ve come to realize that this principle also applies to our struggles with anxious thoughts and worry. And so, the Scripture warns us against worry. Let’s have real talk today about – WORRY. What do Scientists say about it? We all do it. Some of us wear worry like a badge of honour, as though being constantly stressed means we care more or are more responsible. But here’s the truth, worry has never been, and will never be your friend. It’s that uninvited guest that overstays its welcome, eats all your snacks, and leaves you drained. See, I used to think worry only caused issues like high blood pressure or hypertension – until I found in Norman Vincent Peale’s book “The Power of Positive Thinking” that worry may also cause ulcer. I was surprised, and so I conducted further research that revealed to me the hidden ways worry infiltrates not just the mind but also our physical health, including the stomach. We often assume worrying is productive, and may help fix our problems. But guess what? Worry never solved a single thing. Instead, it leaves us with sleepless nights, a racing heart, and, at one point may cause ulcer. Now, I’m no doctor, but I’ve learned enough to know that when you’re constantly anxious, your body goes into overdrive. Your stress hormones spike, your stomach churns, and before you know it, you’re dealing with acid reflux or even worse – a full-blown ulcer. Let me paint you a picture: Imagine pouring acid on a surface over and over again. What happens? It corrodes. Now imagine your stomach lining is that surface. When we worry, our brain signals our body to release more stomach acid. This acid is meant to digest food, but when there’s too much and it lingers too long, it starts to attack the very organ it’s meant to protect. The result? Pain, discomfort, and a reminder that worry doesn’t just affect your mind—it attacks your body too. Let me share some of the ways stress and anxiety may contribute to or exacerbate the development of ulcers. According to a 2022 study, peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects four million people worldwide every year. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori – a gram-negative bacterium) infection is indeed a well-known cause of peptic ulcers. But it has been reported that psychological factors such as stress and anxiety may act as additional triggers, especially in individuals already predisposed to ulcers due to other risk factors. Chronic worry and stress have been reported by several studies to exacerbate existing conditions or contribute to the onset of ulcers (Read more here 1, 2). While stress alone may not directly cause ulcers, it can increase stomach acid production and lead to behaviors (like increased NSAID use) that are associated with ulcer development. Chronic stress can impair the body’s ability to heal, potentially complicating existing ulcer conditions. Stress may weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections like H. pylori, which is known to cause ulcers. Here’s the kicker: most of the things we worry about never happen. That meeting you’re dreading? It’ll go fine. That bill you’re stressed over? You’ll figure it out. The child(ren) stressing you? Everybody will be alright. That future you’re agonizing about? God’s already there, working it out for your good. Remember the question of Jesus in Matthew 6:27, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Think about that. Not a single hour. Instead, we lose hours – hours we could’ve spent smiling, enjoying good food, and laughing with loved ones. So, what can you do about whatever wants to stress you? Talk to Someone: See a trusted friend, a mentor, a therapist, or God in prayer – don’t bottle it up. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: Worry magnifies the problem; action shrinks it. Practice Gratitude: It’s hard to worry when you’re counting your blessings. Practice journaling. Take Care of Your Health: Drink water, eat balanced meals, and rest. Your body needs love too. Remember Who’s in Control: Cast your cares on God because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Friend, life is too short to let worry steal your peace and damage your health. You deserve better than that. So the next time worry tries to move in, kick it out! You’ve got a purpose to fulfill, and ulcers should have no place in your story. Your health is important to God, as well as the lives He has called you to serve. Stay strong, stay peaceful, and remember – you’re not alone in this journey. So, whenever you’re tempted to worry, remember that high blood pressure and ulcers are not your friend. Love always! References https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9342757/ https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/pn.38.3.0021a https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12461190/

Recently, I stumbled upon a beautiful song by Timi Dakolo titled Nothing Dey Spoil For God Hand. It struck a deep chord in my heart—so much so that I had to play it repeatedly, dancing joyfully to the music. It’s amazing how a melody can capture a truth we’ve always known: God with us. The idea of God with us isn’t just a Christmas sentiment or a theological concept to me; it’s a personal reality. Life can be messy, unpredictable, and full of challenges, but the assurance of God’s presence makes all the difference – always! For me, ‘God with us’ means having a steady hand to guide me through life’s uncertainties, trials and tribulations when in fact it might not feel like it at every moment. Many times the storm of life is strong and the sailing is quite rough and we feel like we are lost and swallowed up. But in hindsight, when the storm is finally calm, it becomes clear that God was with us all along helping me to navigate through the challenges of life. His presence had kept me from stumbling even when I had leaned unto my own understanding thereby making errors in judgements, in decisions and my choices in life. However God doesn’t just watch from the sidelines. He turns my errors, my imperfections and shortcomings into spring boards for greater success. God with us doesn’t translate to the absence of trials and tribulations, it simply means that even in the midst of the tribulations, we should be of God cheer, cause he has conquered the world. The phrase God with us – Emmanuel –  is far from a cliché. He isn’t distant or uninvolved. He’s right here, walking beside me, whispering wisdom when I’m unsure, holding me up when I feel like I might fall. What about you? Do you believe He’s right there with you as well? No matter what you’re facing today, never allow anything make you doubt His presence. Be rest assured: God is with you. And that’s more than enough. Happy new month, Great People. Love always❤️

When I was in the University, I attended the Gospel Student Fellowship (GSF), AAUA chapter, God’s Sweetest Family. One of the best gifts I received from the fellowship was the book titled “When God Doesn’t Make Sense“. I was gifted the book as the best worker-in-training during my set. This book, written by Dr. James Dobson, has remained one of my favourite books of all time. It’s a great reminder for those times when we’re left wondering “WHY.” It’s about trust—trusting God’s heart and His love, even when things seem dark or confusing. One of the stories that has stayed with me from the book is a beautiful illustration of a child who had toothache, and his father took him to a Dentist to be treated. This little child, overwhelmed by pain gazed at his dad with big questioning eyes. He couldn’t understand why his dad would allow him go through such a painful procedure. The child felt betrayed and that made the pain even worse. Unknown to him, his father’s heart aches too, but he knows the pain is temporary and necessary for the child’s long-term health. There are times we, like that little child, wonder why God is allowing something painful get to us. Yet, like the father, God’s love never leaves us, even in the moments that don’t make sense. Maybe right now, you’re facing a situation that feels bewildering or even unfair. Maybe you’ve prayed and waited, yet you’re left wondering if God is listening. Friend, this is when trusting God becomes more than words – it becomes a decision we have to make. God’s plans may be mysterious, but His love for you is unchanging. He has the full picture, and though we may not understand everything now, He promises to be with us through it all. I encourage you never to forget that God is working, even in silence, even in those times when it seems we cannot see His hand. God is never the enemy; He is never against you. So, if you’re in a season where things don’t add up, I encourage you to cling to the truth of who God is. Trust that He’s right there, loving you, holding you, and working out His perfect plan, even in the mystery. Even if you have lost something, He is the reason you have not lost everything. It’s okay to cry; let no one make you feel you’re weak or foolish for shedding tears. But I encourage you not to overdo it. Crying doesn’t solve a matter. You might need to ask Him what He would have you do in a time like this. In all, please never forget His promise… “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” — Isaiah 43:2 (NLT) Keep going, keep trusting – God’s got you. And know this: I love you, too. Recommended Song: Way Maker – Darlene Zschech & William McDowell | REVERE Emphasis on 5.17 Even when I don’t see it, You’re working Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working You never stop, You never stop working You never stop, You never stop working

I saw a thread that went viral some months ago. A medical professional posted that lifestyle modification is key in combating several disease conditions. I saw people’s reactions to this post, and I was baffled. She was right, after all. Over the years, I’ve learned the impact of lifestyle choices on our bodies, and I’ve been applying that knowledge to my own life. My journey towards better health and wellness has taught me that small, sustainable changes can add up to make a big difference. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing the power of lifestyle modification with you. By making intentional choices about how we live our daily lives, we can take control of our health, boost our energy, and cultivate a deeper sense of happiness and fulfilment. I’d love to share some essential lifestyle modifications that have worked for me and can work for you, too. First off, we cannot over-emphasize the need to eat an adequate diet. It is a common saying that we are what we eat, and sadly, this is so. Drees, a Professor of Medicine, explained that “The food we eat should bring us both health and happiness.” Our food can as well be our medicine, of course, that is if we eat right. I know it’s hard to resist those tasty treats but trust me, your body will thank you for fueling it with whole, nutritious foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains. If possible, make your meals at home. It is most times cheaper and healthier. Next, exercise! I’m not saying you need to become a marathon runner or gym enthusiast (unless that’s your thing!), but incorporating some form of physical activity into your daily routine can work wonders for your body and mind. Even a short walk or some light stretching can make a big difference. You may choose to do some 10 minutes of jogging in your compound in the evening or a 5-minute jogging before bathing every morning while you listen to your favourite podcast or audio Bible. If you stay consistent, you’ll be surprised at how many minutes you’ve done in a month. Now, let’s talk stress. I know it’s easy to get caught up in the struggle of life, especially in a country like ours. And I can imagine if you’re based in Lagos, I understand that living with stress is like the norm, but it’s so important to take a step back, breathe, and relax. There is this statement in my language that reads, “The life of work is longer than that of man”. Make time to relax and pick up a magazine or book to read. Listen to music; this works for me a lot. Find what works for you and make it a habit. Another point is sleep. Sleep is also super important, friend! Getting a good night’s sleep helps your body repair and rejuvenate itself. I also learned recently that memories are formed during deep sleep. Establish a bedtime routine to signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Also, please keep away from your gadget when it’s close to bedtime; it helps you sleep faster. Lastly, choose happiness. Do the things that make you happy, definitely not against the laws of the Lord! But whether it’s painting, playing music, or simply reading a book, prioritise activities that bring you joy and make your heart sing. Remember, small changes can add up to make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. Start with one or two modifications and see how your body and mind respond. God wants you to be in good health, take care of you! Photo Credit: AI References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9616445/