Tag Archives: compassion

Spreading Christmas Love…

24 Tuesday Dec 2019

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Christmas is a season of renewed hope, joy, peace and unconditional love and these are the very seeds that the ladies from Yataghan Foundation, sowed recently. The team took to the streets of Durban to spread some festive cheer with less fortunate children and their parents.

Leader of Yataghan Foundation, Karen Wallace, said: “It’s our privilege and an honour to be able to reach out to those in need. Sharing a meal and a special treat with children who are ordinarily ‘forgotten’ at this time of the year is priceless. The hugs, the big smiles and the general excitement on their little faces is heart-warming.”

She added: “The stories the world over is full of doom and gloom; and while it’s easy to be caught up in that negativity, there is hope. For as long as we have the grace to go out and be a beacon of hope and love, our team will continue to serve the people of Durban and wherever there’s a need.”

Wallace and her team take to the streets of Durban almost every weekend to share a meal and an encouraging word with those who have no shelter. Their mandate is very clear – pay it forward, one meal and one moment at a time with unconditional love.

As you celebrate with your family and friends this Christmas, pause for a moment and consider reaching out to those in need. After all, this is a time for caring, sharing and giving… unconditionally!

Love wins the day…

04 Friday May 2018

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I woke up with a song in my heart. It’s a golden oldie but the words ring true today, more than ever.

Some of the lyrics: “What the world needs now, is love, sweet love… it’s the only thing, that there’s just too little of…”

The ghastly headlines, the atrocious stories of inhumanity, hurt and hate, and all-round anger seems to be the order of the day. But… why?

Where have we gone wrong?

Why are people triggered so easily?

What is missing?

Can we find our way again?

Can one person make a difference?

These are some of the questions I contemplated.

It appears we lost our way when we lost our ability to love – and when I speak about love, I mean unconditional love.

It appears we are missing that all important fundamental that we are all born with – compassion; having a heart for others.

It appears we have become complacent and happy to focus on our own needs and those within our sphere.

It appears we have taken our eye off the goal – the purpose of walking and serving in love.

It appears that we have allowed ourselves to be swept up in all that is unkind, cruel and selfish.

But…

All is not lost.
We can find our way again, if we choose to look within and allow the seeds of love to spring forth.

I’d like to challenge you.
When life chooses to distort the canvass of (y)our world, I hope you will always choose to sow seeds of love; and not just any love… unconditional love.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

You’ve come too far…

23 Monday Apr 2018

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Have you ever had one of those seasons where it feels like the walls are caving in?
Like you just can’t go on anymore because your plan has taken a nosedive?

That time you find yourself throwing your hands in the air and yelling, ‘that’s it… I’m done… I’m over all of this.’

Well, I’m here to encourage you.

You can go on.
You will fulfill your purpose.
You will be glad that you held on.

I write this from first hand experience.
Those in my inner circle will attest to the fact that I too have temper tantrum moments… and on occasion through the snot and tears have made some rather ridiculous comments.
Thankfully, His grace trumps it all.

I was reminded recently that at the core of walking in purpose is giving up the right to do things our way.

This reminder was all thanks to an amazing young lady (that’s a blog for another day – an old soul with the biggest heart, full of potential and promise), who (unconsciously) made me realise that it’s easier to take the lessons from the pain and press on.

Don’t fight the process.
As the purpose unfolds, there’s a process running parallel and so instead of walking/working against the grain… just surrender.

We don’t need to know all the details but simply trust implicitly that it’s all going to pan out as it should – Romans 8:28.

When we choose to walk in purpose, our feelings, emotions and self-imposed deadlines take a back seat because it’s **never** about us.

It’s about a bigger plan, all orchestrated by the Master Himself.
A purpose that drives kindness, peace, hope and compassion. A purpose that comes to life when we choose to serve with (unconditional) love.

So… wherever you find yourself in this moment, I pray that you never choose to stop living on purpose… and just trust the process.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous xxx

One random act…

06 Monday Mar 2017

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…of kindness is all it takes. Whether it’s a simple hug, smile or opening the door.

It could also be paying the parking ticket for the car behind you, tipping the waitress (even if there was no smile), a petrol attendant or packer in the store. If you’d like to do something on a slightly bigger scale, drop off breakfast, lunch or dinner for a friend or family.

A friend shared how she buys gift cards from a local grocery store, attaches an encouraging note and then drops it off on door steps of homes that are in need of some assistance. Someone else shared with me how they visit orphanages and read/play with the kids for an hour or two. Then, someone else visits an old age home and pampers the grannies with a mani/pedi  and hairdo.

All in the name of love.

It’s these little acts of compassion that have a huge impact in the life of the recipient. I truly believe that this world would be a less horrid place if we all reach deep within and pay it forward.

The truth is, you are blessed to be a blessing. Don’t waste another moment to spread a little TLC.

Aaaaand… go.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

Somewhere, someone needs you…

09 Thursday Jun 2016

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Someone asked me the other day whether I have “bad” days.
Of course, I do.

I’m not a robot.

I love. I laugh. I smile. I cry. I frown. I grit my teeth.

My patience runs thin from time to time and I have moments where I lose my cool. But, you can count those on one hand… and they hardly ever last long.

At the end of the day, I’m just an imperfect vessel living in a complicated world, getting through each day purely by His grace.

What has been somewhat liberating is embracing the fact that with time, some people will be left behind as my journey takes a few detours.

A few years ago, I would never dream of accepting this and would want to cling to those who crossed my path like my life depended on it. Time is a wonderful thing. Perspective is everything.

I’ve also come to the realisation that some people will never fully understand or accept the kindness, compassion and love you choose to offer. And that’s okay too. Pray for them and leave them be.

Somewhere, someone is in need of your authenticity.
Now go out there and keep living, loving and learning.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

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All things considered

01 Sunday Nov 2015

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1 November…

I’m not going to state the obvious about how this year has whizzed by. No.

I’d like to get us all thinking about something else.

At the start of each year most of us set out to achieve certain goals. Some are easier to achieve than others and this makes us feel rather chuffed; like well-rounded, disciplined, balanced beings 🙂

As I sat reflecting earlier today, the one nagging question that kept popping up: were your goals in line with God’s will?

Mmmm… let’s see.

I’ll give you some time to chew on that…

If you look back on your 2015 to-do list, how much of it contribute to your purpose driven life?
Are any of your objectives in line with advancing your Kingdom assignment?

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I hope that when you sit and reflect about the last 10 months you are satisfied with:

* your personal growth
* your choices for self and others
* your behaviour towards self and others
* your thoughts/words spoken about self and others
* your commitment to your work
* your time spent – on self and others

Over the coming weeks, I’d like to challenge you to be kind to yourself (and others). In a previous post I spoke about choosing the high road… do it. If not for anyone else but for you.

YOU dear reader, are a beautiful, kind, caring, compassionate, wonderful soul with a heart of gold. Your mere existence lights up the world for so many people – you might not know it but it’s true.

Now go out there and make the rest of this year spectacular, because YOU can.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

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Take it all because you can!

09 Sunday Aug 2015

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As you prepare to ride the wave of life this week, I hope that you will trust the process even though you don’t understand it.

I hope that you will open your heart and be receptive to receiving every good thing coming your way.

I hope that you will find the nerve to pick up the phone and make that call, send that text or email.

I hope that you will choose to learn the lesson and grow as opposed to wallowing in self-pity or any other toxic behaviour.

I hope that you will find the strength to say “I’m sorry, I forgive you” and continue to move on… walking in perfect peace as you should.

I hope that you will continue to give of your best (even if it appears that your efforts are not acknowledged or appreciated) for one day you shall reap the rewards.

I hope that when it comes down to the wire, that you will choose kindness, compassion and love. Always!

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

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Best doctor hands down!

23 Thursday Jul 2015

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There are doctors and then there’s Dr WB Zieciak; an extraordinary ENT Specialist based in Durban.

My little nephew, Eli (I’ve written about him before) underwent a cochlear implant earlier this week; and we couldn’t have chosen a better surgeon to lead this life-changing procedure. 

If this post sounds like I’m his number one praise singer, yes I am. You see, in this harsh, cruel, selfish world, when we cross paths with a good old fashion solid person, they deserve to be acknowledged and applauded.

From the first appointment to the day of the operation, Dr Zieciak has demonstrated empathy, compassion and a standard of professionalism that is second to none.

His warmth, patience and all round caring attitude helped us get through what is ordinarily a nerve-wracking procedure. But, even more admirable is his humility. I’m sure the mere thought of this post would see him shrugging his shoulders and muttering something along the lines of its a team effort. I’ve yet to meet such a selfless human being!

If ever you need an example of a servant’s heart then look no further than this man. Enough gushing…

My earnest prayer is that Dr Zieciak will continue to make a difference in the lives of those he meets; may he be blessed with good health, a sound mind and steady, healing hands. And most of all, may the love and peace he shares with his patients be returned to him a hundredfold IJN!

The next time you meet someone from the medical fraternity (or any other field) be sure to commend them for a job well done.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured & fabulous x

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It starts with YOU…

23 Tuesday Dec 2014

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I have seen this picture so many times before. But today it was different, it tugged at my heart more than words can describe. My heart sank and I swallowed very hard to choke back the tears.

In the sweltering heat (40 degrees in the shade) stood a woman whose face told a story of the harsh realities of life. With crimson cheeks from the sun beating down and humidity charged wind, this lady held a sign that read:

“Any donation of food welcome. Children are hungry. God bless.”

I watched as cars whizzed by; locals and visitors all caught up in the buzz of this season. Nobody stopped. Nobody noticed. Or, if they did they pretended not to see.

Even as I sit here typing I’m still trying to figure out how or when we lost our moral direction…

I stopped. Exchanged pleasantries. And left her with a blessing. Her facial expression was a combination of gratitude and sadness.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not trying to take the moral high ground when it comes to compassion and reaching out to those in need.

This Christmas apart from appreciating the real reason for this season – Jesus – try to spread kindness. No act is too big or small. It all starts with one kind gesture. It starts with YOU…

Family/ friends, I hope you will choose to share the love that this time of the year brings with it.

Love heals.
Love builds.
Love restores.
Love endures.
Love protects.
Love shares.
Love unites.
Love makes a difference.
Love lights up the world.
Love is the hope each person deserves to experience and enjoy – this day and always.

P.S I could not resist sharing the tunes below.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous x

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAZd3mMeKBY&sns=tw via @youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWHkI6Xns7E&sns=tw via @youtube