Dami

Was I ageing, or was the world changing? This question crossed my mind when a friend shared a story. I was stunned by what I heard: a young person diagnosed with diabetes. As I listened, unease settled in. Was I really ageing that fast, or was the world around me changing at an alarming rate? I understand that several factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle, influence our bodies. But as I looked around, I saw more and more young people struggling with health issues that were once rare in their age group. Obesity, hypertension, mental health concerns – the list goes on. It dawned on me that the world was indeed changing and fast. As I delved deeper into this question, I noticed the subtle yet significant shifts in our lifestyles. We spend more time indoors, glued to our screens, and engaging less with nature. Our diets have become increasingly processed, and our stress levels have skyrocketed. It’s no no wonder that health conditions that were once typically associated with older adults or rare in youth are now being diagnosed or observed frequently in younger populations. But we can choose to refuse to accept this as the new norm. I believe that we can take control of our health and well-being by making intentional choices. It starts with small changes: taking a daily walk, cooking a home meal, or making time to rest and sleep deeply. These habits may seem insignificant, but they can transform our lives tremendously. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But I know that it is possible. So, am I ageing, or is the world changing? I say it’s a bit of both. But more importantly, I say it’s time for us to take action. Let’s make a pact to prioritize our health. We have just one life to live, remember? And if you are a Gen Z  and tempted to say, “Na something, go kill a man,” remember the pain and waste of resources that sickness comes with. Also, remember that your loved ones will be involved if illness strikes. A life of vitality is worth more than a viral joke. Health is wealth; don’t gamble with yours. “Beloved friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and that you continually enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering.” – 3 John 1-2 (TPT) We are a wise generation who understands that our health is required to carry out our divine assignment. This is where we belong!

Whenever the palm tree is mentioned, the plant that produces oil is what comes to my mind, so I believed I know the palm tree. While studying the Scriptures and meditating on this verse that says “the righteous will flourish like a palm tree (Ps. 92:12)”. Though it’s a familiar verse, but this time, in the ‘spirit’ of a researcher, I wondered why the righteous were compared to a palm tree of all the trees in the world. I decided to learn more about the Palm Tree. It was during my findings I got to know that the what we commonly call palm tree is actually called the Oil Palm and it’s just one of the many species of the Palm Tree. The most common types of palm trees include the Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera), widely known for its coconuts and found in tropical coastal regions, and the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), native to the Middle East and valued for its sweet dates. The Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens), also known as the Butterfly Palm, is popular in landscaping and indoor spaces due to its feathery fronds, while the Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii), a smaller ornamental version of the date palm, is often found in gardens. The Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) is commonly used in warm climates for its graceful appearance, featuring arching fronds and a smooth trunk. African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) produces red palm oil. These are some essential facts about the Palm Tree. Palm trees, belonging to the Arecaceae family, are characterized by their slender, unbranched trunks and a crown of large, fan-shaped or feather-like leaves, known as fronds. These evergreen trees retain their leaves throughout the year, contributing to their year-round lush appearance. Palms are highly adaptable to warm environments, thriving in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates. The palm is may bend, but rarely breaks. Depending on the species, palm trees can vary greatly in height, with some reaching towering heights of up to 200 feet. These trees are also known for their long lifespans, with some species living for over a century. Palms hold significant cultural and economic value, providing edible fruits such as dates and coconuts, ornamental beauty, and symbolic associations with peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Their unique and iconic structure makes them a defining feature of many landscapes around the world. This verse draws a powerful comparison between the life of the righteous and the qualities of a palm tree. Just as the palm tree is known for its resilience, ability to thrive in challenging environments, and its evergreen nature, the righteous are seen as people who remain steadfast and continue to grow spiritually even in difficult circumstances. The palm tree’s deep roots and upright, unshakable stature symbolize the stability and strength of those who live according to righteous principles. Furthermore, the palm tree’s ability to flourish in barren, desert conditions echoes the idea that the righteous are sustained by inner strength, rooted in faith, and nourished by a deeper spiritual connection. Just as the palm can live for many years, bearing fruit and offering shade, the righteous lead lives that are enduring, fruitful, and a blessing to others, embodying peace and prosperity. Can you catch a glimpse of what the Word of God says about you flourishing as a palm tree? Don’t play small! Thrive! Flourish! GROW! Glow! Excel! This is where we belong!