Keep Calm and Hope

Tola, 20, wrote in “ I’m broke. It’s helping me save money because now I’m not buying on impulse again.” I let out a big laugh at this one. Any other impulse buyer out there? I definitely can’t enter a store like Walmart or Shoprite and come out with just one thing. Due to many workplaces closing temporarily, a lot of people are out of jobs and are now forced to live off of their savings so some of us can definitely relate with Tola. Damola, 20, said “I’ve had to adjust a lot of things. Definitely my sleep schedule and life schedule in general.” How true is this? For some people, everyday is a weekend now. I remember my brother asking me what day of the week it was and even I had to check my phone just to be sure! Schedules are being changed, people are now working from home and now most schools are online. This pandemic has certainly changed many lifestyles.

Now it wasn’t all bad reviews. I got very good reviews about this ‘waiting’ period so to speak. A lot of people are really out here learning new skills and brushing up on old ones! I know I am. I’ve been doing a lot of cooking especially with new and different techniques and so far so good so this time is fortunately not going to waste. With the permission of the writers, here are some good reviews.

Cherish, 17, wrote “Been digging deeper in the word and its been fun and interesting!” I can’t tell you how happy this made me. This is a time to grow in faith and commune with God. We literally don’t have any excuses. Most of us are at home with our families so this is a really good time to grow closer with God. Now we can do anything we were not able to do; devotion with family, bible study with friends (I would recommend the zoom app), our own little quiet time and now that most churches are online, we can watch online sermons and still be in the presence of God. God isn’t confined to any church building. We are the church. We are mobile temples of God so He is always with us whether at church or at home.

Ms Funmi wrote, “I’m exercising more.” The gyms being closed is certainly not stopping many from still keeping fit. I still see some people taking walks and some even jogging in

Let’s pray, help anyone who is in need, check on our loved ones and spend time with our families. Don’t forget, this too shall pass.

the morning or in the evening. Create a fun little workout spot at home and watch videos.There’s Youtube and there are now apps that can be downloaded that are just for working out. I saw this funny post that said ‘some people are going to come out of this lockdown either fatter or slimmer’ and honestly, I hope for the latter.

This pandemic has many people shaken up and some with no idea of what to do. Remember that God, who doesn’t sleep or slumber, is still in the business of preservation, protection, provision and healing. In these times, let’s put our focus on Him and live by faith instead of being ruled by fear. Let’s pray, help anyone who is in need, check on our loved ones and spend time with our families. Don’t forget, this too shall pass. gw

Be My Guest

Funlola Ifebogun “A life of hospitality begins in worship, with a recognition of God’s grace and generosity. Hospitality is not first a duty and responsibility; it is first a response of love and gratitude for God’s love and welcome to us.”

– CHRISTINE POHL

As an interior designer, over the years, one of my secrets to customer loyalty and retention is the warm hospitality they receive when they visit my office showroom. I learned earlier in business the importance of great customer service at every transaction especially the first impression. The way and manner you demonstrate customer service and create a personal connection goes a long way. I believe in celebrating people and making them feel great. It creates an atmosphere for interaction, customer relationship and productivity. Impressions such as smiles, compliments and a great attitude are not much but can lift the soul of any human. Some might argue that it’s a personality trait, but I believe that no matter a person’s peculiarity, one can acquire new and positive qualities such as great customer service on the job or through training.

As women, we dress well, look good and expect compliments even though some of us rarely give them. We are used to sizing up one another to determine the level and manner of interaction. If I meet a person for the first time, as my customer, no matter who, I try to create a friendly atmosphere to make the customer feel at home and be my guest.

A very typical experience I had was back in 2004. My sister and I were at my mini store then at Adeniyi Jones where we had an open house display. Suddenly, two mallams alighted from their bikes (popularly known as Okada) and inquired about our bean bags, floor pillows and other soft furnishing. At the first glance, they were not looking too tidy, yet we celebrated