Hello fam! Happy Memorial Day. Today we remember those who sacrificed their lives so that we can live freely, with courage, including not wanting to wear a mask :).

I love the United States of America. If there is any nation where the spirit of freedom is alive, expressed, exercised and activated, it is here. From the north to the south, Americans love their freedom and are ready to defend it with WHATEVER. There is a good and bad side to it, but the spirit of America is freedom. We remember those who paid the price and will pay the price in the future.

This time 2 years ago, I was in Cape Town, SA with family celebrating the holy matrimony between my brother and his wife. If you would like an inside scoop on what Cape Town is like, you can follow this link

A couple of days ago, a sister acquaintance of mine reached out to me to see how I was doing. She had noticed that I had been quiet on social media, particularly my WhatsApp status posts. My WhatsApp status is where I lay it all bare, tell what is on my mind in a loving way, provide information to folks in my circle of influence and also point folks to my blog, and other social media handles. However, for the month of May, I did not do much because I took a break to seek God’s face and to also introspect.

When the 9-11 attacks on America happened, I was a sophomore at Smith College, I can remember where I was. I wanted to go make sandwich when the house chef (forgotten his name) said “The twin towers have been attacked”. At the time, I did not understand what this seismic event will mean for me as an international student. I kept it moving. It was after my marriage that the effects of 9-11 caught up with me. Immigration challenges and woes. This time, we are all dealing with the pandemic. It is biting everyone at varying degrees. I needed to understand what it meant for me, for my family and my immediate community at large.

COVID-19 suddenly turned everyone into an influencer and expert. I did not want to fall into that trap. I did not want to write just because. I did not want show my face just because. Blogging or posting or musing is not something I do because other people are doing it. If I am pouring my thoughts or coming on IGTV or WhatsApp, it is because I feel strongly in my heart that someone somewhere might benefit from the information I am sharing. My goal is to make someone’s life better through the words I write or the information I share. I have been given a second chance at life. I intend to use it wisely. It is not about having followers for the sake of it. I want doers, not blind followers

There is something about social media that puts pressure on its end users. This unhealthy habit that you must always post, always be relevant, always look for ways to be viral, rack up followers, checking for likes and comments etc. It is easy to fall prey to it. It is a slippery slope and we have to be careful not to get sucked into it.

Many a times, I have seen myself checking statuses or Facebook before I start my devotion. Before I know it, I am jumping to other apps and I have wasted 30 minutes doing nothing and not setting my spiritual priorities right. I repented 2 weeks ago. Is the temptation there? Most definitely!! Recognizing the seduction of social media is the first step. Acknowledging our weakness is the next and powerful thing to do.

Moral of the story: I was sheltering in place digitally :). Thank you so much for reading. I look forward to spending quality digital time with you again.

xoxo

OEMA