His father had many children and opted to reduce his burden by sending the boy to a relation to raise. The teenager was worse for it as his guardian’s apparent priority was his equally sizable family. The boy – now a farm hand, was an advertisement for parental abandonment and had little hope of ever going to school or realizing his potential.

 “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” – Psalms 27: 10 (KJV)

 Every child deserves your love.

Let the Son shine in your heart daily.

 By, Nosa Owens-Ibie,

The boy admitted their mother was at home, till he was asked to lie after entering the house and coming out again. But the junior sister insisted their mother was in despite the subtle threat from her now converted brother. It was an innocent response in a new world where parents train their children to disobey God and end up regretting when they reap the harvest.

 “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)

 Mind the seeds you sow.

Let the Son shine in your heart daily.

 By, Nosa Owens-Ibie,

As the two children ran round, barging into the room and interrupting our discussion, their father became impatient. A rebuke here and a spank later, and I remembered a few years back when the story was different. One of those to consent to the marriage had vowed never to allow it. The man had been deeply troubled about the possibility of not marrying the woman he loved and had to be assured that when Jesus says “Yes”, nobody can say “no.” The kids were a reminder of an overcome challenge.

 “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” – Psalm 127:3 (KJV)

 Indeed, God has been faithful.

Let the Son shine in your heart daily.

 By, Nosa Owens-Ibie,

The business which brought her to the office over, and this young girl politely turned down the offer of tea and snacks. Her reason was that she doesn’t eat between meals. It was a childhood training she was not about to abandon.

 “The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.”  – Proverbs 23:24 (KJV)

 Is your child an ambassador of Christ?

Let the Son shine in your heart daily.

 By, Nosa Owens-Ibie,

She was enjoying the freedom of campus life, sporting the dress of liberation and strolling with her boyfriend, when her mother emerged. It was an unexpected visit and hoping the woman did not see, she disappeared back into the hostel to present the face of the “good girl” the parents worked and prayed hard to bring up.

 “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” – Proverbs 28: 1 (KJV)

 Sooner or later, the real you will express itself.

Let the Son shine in your heart daily.

 By, Nosa Owens-Ibie,