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tv 6 VOCA BI-WEEKLY JOURNAL / 25 AUG MMXX

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

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25 AUGUST 2020

9 T W O A R E B E T T E R T H A N O N E B E C A U S E T H E Y H AV E A

M O R E S AT I S F Y I N G R E T U R N F O R T H E I R L A B O R ; 10 F O R I F [A]E I T H E R O F T H E M FA L L S , T H E O N E W I L L L I F T U P H I S C O M PA N I O N . B U T W O E TO H I M W H O I S A L O N E W H E N H E FA L L S A N D D O E S N O T H AV E A N O T H E R TO L I F T H I M U P. 1 1 A G A I N , I F T W O L I E D O W N T O G E T H E R , T H E N T H E Y KEEP WARM; BUT HOW CAN ONE BE WARM ALONE? 12 AND THOUGH ONE CAN OVERPOWER HIM WHO IS ALONE, TWO CAN RESIST HIM. A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT Q U I C K LY B R O K E N .

E C C L E S I AS T E S 4 : 9 - 1 2 [ A M P ]

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A C T I V E A U G U S T

VOCAtv Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

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tv VOCA BE.

BECOM E.

BE HOLD .

Editor-in-Chief JAYLEE GERTSE

Deputy Editor ASISIPHO TSOTSA

Editorial Team LIAM BARNWELL | TONI ERASMUS JOHN-DANIEL JOSEPHS | JAY-DEE PRINS ELEAZAR RODGERS | CHESRAY RHODE JUSTIN WESSELS

Founder / Director / Designer

The views expressed throughout kréhon VOCA is based on the diverse findings of stories discovered from different corners of the local and international region. We aim to deliver sound truths and facts that are biblically, culturally and economically accurate. above all, this is a platform for freedom of expression.

We promote peace, connection, wisdom and understanding.

MARK ZION MICHAELS

F AC E B OO K / @ K RE HO N / I N STAG RA M / @ K REHO NM E DI A E MA IL : KR EH O N . VO CA @G MA I L .CO M / 081 33 4 853 1 kréhon VOCAtv

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COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

By DEVON DIVINE

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Contents 6

Sunshine Thoughts // Behold

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Moving Forward // Can Any Good Come from a Pandemic?

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Creature Feature // Bloodsuckers of the Sea

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GTI presents // Lonely Lockdown Pt. 2

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The Poet Tree // Die Vrou by JayDee Prins

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Song Vine Music Video // We Will Worship

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Pop-Up Feature // Women Defying the Status Quo

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Steps in Love with Justin // Two is Better Than One

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JAYLEE GERTSE Editor-in-Chief

“I am passionate about food, music, poetry, nature, children, social activism and Jesus.”

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Behold…

S U NS H INE TH OU G HT S

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Greetings beloveds.

Are you aware that God’s presence is so manifest all around us? All creation in unison and harmony exclaim His glory and splendour. It's like music to the ears of those who just listen. I've been extremely occupied lately, and my mind has been trying to process a whole lot of things all at once, it felt like I had so many tabs open. Regardless of my reality, I experienced something genuinely breath-taking.

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At first, I missed it, but then I realised I'm hearing the same thing repeatedly at different moments and with different sounds. Moving between tasks, and thoughts I could hear “behold”, “look”, “I’m with you”, “I’m present”, “I didn’t leave you”. My dad tends to remind me that God often confirms a specific word in our spirit. And throughout those moments I could hear the harmonious sounds of creation confirming “He is here”. As I listened, I knew it was very personal and meant for my heart, but I could also hear that the ‘with you’ was meant for all God’s beloved children. Whilst hearing Him whisper to me it urged me to acknowledge and confirm, “Lord, You are here”. His presence folds around us like a blanket; it seems strange to realise that He doesn’t necessarily need our praise and acknowledgement, but He delights in it. Honestly this week/month/year I haven't received everything I prayed for. And some of the things were hardcore "Lord I need you to come through/answer me immediately" prayers – desperation at the core of each word. Yet reflecting even on those moments when He didn't answer me immediately or at all He still focused my mind on His goodness and His presence.

Elevation worship sings: “Not for a moment, was I forsaken. The Lord is in this place, the Lord is in this place.”

This testifies that the Lord has been present even in those moments that I truly couldn’t feel His presence with me this year, and when I felt He abandoned me; because let’s keep it real, those moments also characterised my journey.

But He reminds us through His word, “I will

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never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5). The term ‘never’ refers to the past, the now, and the future. As we journey through life, it may boost our faith if we take a moment to ‘behold’ and ‘listen’; all around us are signs of His presence. When life moves in the opposite direction of what we plan or want we tend to question Abba’s nearness. During this season I saw Him present in the support of my loved ones, even strangers. I saw Him present in the meals that I ate, in the doctor’s office, in a phone call with my grandma and parents. I experienced His presence late one night whilst working, the silence all around me for a moment was interrupted by drops of rain making a melody on the pavement and mingled with the response of the crickets in the stream.

If we follow the word of the Lord, hardships seem to be part of being human. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

Amid all the hardships, please don’t stop living.

Don’t stop beholding His goodness and don’t stop acknowledging His presence. He will never leave you, nor forsake…not even for a moment.

Take care and stay safe.

25 AUGUST 2020

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BY

Eleazar Rodgers

We are living in such an interesting time. The Pandemic has truly shaken the world. We have experienced so much change - it’s almost as if we had to hit the restart button. For Gamers this should be very familiar, if we are honest then we would agree that when the game defeats us we hit the restart button so that we can recreate an opportunity to beat the game.

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We had no idea the world would change in this way.

How can we trust ourselves, mere mortals?

CAN ANY GOOD COME FROM A PANDEMIC?

M O VI NG F ORWA RD W IT H R O DG E R S

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In

most cases, we will persistently play and restart until we achieve satisfaction for winning the game. During this process, we gain a lot of knowledge. If we didn’t we would never have completed the game. Nevertheless, we have all heard the saying “knowledge is power.” I agree that this is true but when we use our knowledge and power for self-gain then it becomes futile. How do we gain knowledge and power during this time of the pandemic?

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge.”

Proverbs 3:5 ERV The above verse says we should not depend on our own knowledge but rather on God and His Word.

"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Proverbs 1:7 NLT The Word of God should be our Foundation, it will teach us to be wise and disciplined in all that we do. Yes, I know it is easier said than done but this is what we should do. How can we trust God during this very difficult time?

Does he understand our situation? Yes, He does which is why he laid down his life for us. How often do we trust in His word over ours? Let's be honest.

thankfully along the way I have learned that I can do nothing without God. God is the creator of heaven and earth and everything that is in it. The pandemic taught me that nothing on this earth has been prepared for it. We had no idea the world would change in this way. How can we trust ourselves, mere mortals?

So what good can come from the Pandemic? When I hear this, I’m reminded of the question quoted in John 1:46 ERV But Nathanael said to Philip, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip answered, “Come and see” Jesus was the fulfilment of the scriptures and he came from Nazareth a desolate place. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27 ERV).

We have to live in obedience to God and use our talents' abilities and skills to bring Glory to God. This should be our hope during this very difficult time, even though I too suffered a heavy loss I will continue to use my soccer abilities and platform to honour God. Wherever you find yourself today follow God’s Word with a contrite heart and declare that You are the good that will come from this Pandemic.

Singing You are good, good oh/ You are good, good oh oh…

"For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure.”

Matthew 6:21 TPT What a powerful portion of scripture, where is your heart today and what do you value as your highest treasure?

As a professional soccer player, I have been able to hit the restart button; not in an attempt to beat the game, anything or anyone, but rather to get back to where I am supposed to be. Soccer was my treasure for a very long, not God;

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Eleazar Rodgers is a Professional Footballer for Ajax Cape Town. His biggest passion is to love people back to life. He loves coffee, games, music, food and praying.

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C R EATU R E F EATU R E

Bloodsuckers of the Sea BY

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Liam Barnwell

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It’s fascinating to consider that even more terrifying creatures exist in the ocean.

Just when you thought the deep couldn’t get any creepier, this little dude shows up.

Barely bearing a dorsal fin, lampreys are worm-looking creatures that are in effect classified as fish.

The most distinct feature about them is that they have 11 to 12 circular rows of teeth – which sounds like something that belongs on Skull Island (King Kong's home, go check it out). These fish are parasitical, latching onto the side of other fish, and thereafter having a bloody feast.

You can imagine how annoying it must be to not have arms long enough to smack off this oversized leech that is slowly draining your life away.

Lampreys are the only living vertebrates with one nostril and can regain their swimming ability after having a severed spine. Once emerged from their eggs, lampreys realise that the world is a scary place and after a few weeks, burrow back into the ground where they can remain for 1 to 5 years.

They only eat mucus in this larval state, and after emerging from the ground, they are transformed into blood-sucking mouth faces.

There are about 50 species of lamprey around the world and can be found in lakes, rivers, saltwater and freshwater.

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Lampreys are the only living vertebrates with one nostril and can regain their swimming ability after having a severed spine.

HEADER LAMPREY SMELL

SEA LAMPREY FISH

Liam Barnwell is a 3D Animator, loves all things animation, enjoys dancing, playing music, photography, games and animals.

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GT I Y OU TH p re se n ts

It wasn’t my fault but now it’s my fight

BY

Chesray Rhode

The English language holds many surprises. It’s rich in culture, history and consists of many idioms and expressions that can either leave one enlightened or equally confused. Ever heard of the English idiom, “not my circus not my monkey”? It essentially means that something is not your problem. The expression can be used as an indication that one shifts the blame - wants no part of it.

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However, what is to happen when a problem is not something that you looked for but something that found you? Something that you did not want but you got it anyway. It's like inheriting a family heirloom that you did not want. Or inheriting a family characteristic that makes you want to put your head in the sand and run away from faster than the roadrunner. Human development teaches us that certain traits are passed on from generation to generation. This would explain children looking like their mother or father. Being able to sing like your mother or dance like your aunt. While many of us might welcome these traits with open arms the opposite is also true. In the same way that physical traits can be passed down to other generations, other challenges like socio-economic statuses, drug abuse, substance abuse, and domestic violence are all things that follow us even when we don't want it to. Many times, we find ourselves having to fight the same battles our mothers and fathers had to fight. In these cases, it was not our choice but still became our responsibility.

As mentioned in the issue of 5 August 2020 GTI is currently busy with the series called ‘Lonely Lockdown’. In part 1 we discussed Jesus’s ability to feel our pain as He was fully man and fully God. We recently had part 2 of our series titled “It wasn’t my fault but now it’s my fight”. The main scripture reading was Acts 3 verses 1-5. This is a rather well-known story within the Bible. It’s one of the fundamental stories children hear within Sunday school accompanied by its very own children's hymn that tell the tale of how, "Peter and John went to pray they met a lame man on the way. He asked for alms and held out his palms and this is what Peter did say. Silver and gold, have I none, but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" The Bible tells us that this man laying at the gate of Beautiful as indicated in verse 2 was born paralysed. The Bible does not provide us with any other information concerning the reasons for this man's disability. This man was born into his condition, he did not choose it. It was out of his control; It was not his fault, but it

became his fight. We can put ourselves in the shoes of this lame man. We are born into certain situations we had no control over and if we could, we would choose another path for our lives.

The Bible states that this man asked for alms, this does not only refer to money this also refers to pity. He wanted passers-by to feel sorry for him.

However, the fate of this man changed when he asked Peter and John for money, on that day he did not get what he wanted but he got more than he bargained for. The ability to walk. You may find yourself fighting a battle that you did not choose.

Feeling as if you are paralysed in your situation waiting for someone to pity you. You need more than the temporary relief offered by this world.

God is the only one who can get you walking in victory. Money is nothing compared to the Messiah’s mercy.

Chesray Rhode is a Qualified Social Worker. Currently pursuing Masters in Social Work. Loves God, creative writing and lots of talking!

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T HE

POE T

Dink jou in, in 'n wêreld sonder 'n vrou.

Dis soos 'n wêreld met 'n hemelruim wat wit is en die wolke blou.

Onnatuurlik letterlik en figuurlik, Dink jou nou net in, dié wêreld sonder 'n vrou.

T R EE

Wie of wat sou jou vir nege maande dra?

Waar sou jy groei?

Wie sou jou beskerm?

Terwyl jy rustig slaap onder die ritme, Wat speel deur haar hart, longe, lewer en niere.

Haar liggaam het die vermoë Om 'n teken te toon van 'n nuwe begin. 'n Nuwe begin wat sy soms kan beheer En soms vang dit haar onkant, tog druk sy deur.

Sy kan vat aan die wind, Met 'n gekraakte kompas kan sy haar weg weer vind.

Sy voed haar siel met die rëen En les die dors van die een wat op sy toontjies staan Om 'n stukkie van haar tepel te leen.

Die Vrou DEUR

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Terwyl die wêreld slaap, En die son stadig ontwaak Loer sy oor die onderdeur na 'n wêreld waardeur haar kleintjies moet vaar.

Baie foute kan sy maak, Sommige tye luister sy verkeerd.

Haar natuur kan sy nie beheer, Haar liefde kan sy nie keer.

Ons woorde kan maak dat sy nie verlang om meer hier te verkeer.

Jay-Dee Prins

In die wêreld, Sonder haar aanraking is dit leeg en alleen.

Sy't nie gevra om hier te wees maar die Vader het geweet sonder Eva voel Adam alleen.

Nou sê jy my, hoe sal die wêreld klink en lyk sonder die lied en aanraking van 'n vrou?

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“Sy kan vat aan die wind, Met 'n gekraakte kompas kan sy haar weg weer vind.

Sy voed haar siel met die rëen En les die dors van die een wat op sy toontjies staan Om 'n stukkie van haar tepel te leen.”

Jay-Dee Prins studied Early Childhood Development.

Believes education is an ongoing thing.

Enjoys reading, writing, singing and playing guitar.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

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Onnatuurlik letterlik en figuurlik, Dink jou nou net in, dié wêreld sonder 'n vrou.

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S ON G V INE MU S IC V ID EO PR E S S PL AY

We Will Worship // Mvini (Rest In You)

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P OP -U P F EATU R E

Women defying the status quo BY

Asisipho Tsotsa

More and more, we are seeing the steady rise of girl bosses as women realise and own their power. We are aggressively exploring our potential and being unapologetic about pursuing our dreams. Here we profile just a few of those women who are, in the words of Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi, ‘taking up space and cementing themselves’ especially in spaces that were previously dominated by men.

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Refilwe Ledwaba

Hlomela Bucwa

Helicopter Pilot

Politician

Obstacles and challenges led Refilwe to become the first black woman to pilot a helicopter in the South African Police Service (SAPS). She is also the founder of Girls Fly Programme in Africa, an NPO that encourages and empowers the girl child to innovate within the STEAM field, with a focus on aviation and space.

At the age of 23, Hlomela became the youngest Member of Parliament.

Prior to this, she had served on several leadership structures in university, which all culminated in her becoming the first female to be elected as president of the Student Representative Council. During her term of office at the National Assembly, she was a member of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training.

“I will continue being an advocate against social injustice, inequality, and the empowerment of young African people. I will continue to be an activist and be on the ground to build One South Africa for All” – Hlomela Bucwa

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Gerda Steyn

Kim Daniels

Athlete

Journalist

A long-distance runner, Gerda became the first woman to run the Comrades Marathon in under six hours in 2019. What’s more outstanding is that Gerda only started running professionally less than five years ago but has gone on to break world records. Undeterred by the current global climate, she will be running the Cape Town 10km Virtual Peace Run from France in October this year.

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Kim has been on the frontline of the pandemic - keeping South Africans abreast with COVID-19 updates and how regulations have been affecting ordinary South Africans and their businesses, as a reporter for SABC News.

Kim has changed the narrative for women from being people who were deprived of the freedom of expression in the past to being a leading voice that amplifies the story of the masses. In 2019, Kim was awarded the Vodacom Journalist of the Year award for her comprehensive coverage of the Iron Man event. Her coverage was supported by the camera work of Nathasha Magquntulu, another woman in media.

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Minenhle Mthembu Occupational Therapist

Minenhle is passionate about promoting mental health and wellbeing in both children and adults. To this end, she works at a special needs school in Johannesburg and also facilitates adult life skill groups to mental healthcare users at a rehabilitation centre. Her innovation and compassionate servanthood have found Minenhle at the centre of critical discussions on South Africa's health system. She is also a member of My Online Therapist, an online platform that serves as a simple way for children to access therapy in their home or school. A highly necessary tool granted the new normal.

Khanyiso Mwanda-Jonas Linguist

Khanyiso is a linguist working as an isiXhosa Language Practitioner at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport in Cape Town. She is also a Ph.D. candidate doing her research in the field of psycholinguistics. Khanyiso is a part of the team that produced the first South African Sign Language (SASL) book and DVD set called ‘Sign Language Saves’. The set is for both hearing and hearing-impaired children and is available in five languages – South African Sign Language, Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa, and isiZulu. Additionally, Khanyiso is a Mental Health Hero. Mental Health Heroes is a platform that spotlights the mental health of women of colour through discussions of gender, race, traditional knowledge systems, academia, and business to name a few. A sheer shero!

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Tebogo Ditsebe

Farmer, Businesswoman, and Founder of Botebo Wines Growing up, Tebogo, never imagined that one day she would own both a vineyard and a wine label. Today, she owns 18 hectares of vineyard and different cultivators. Tebogo is proving that first-rate wine does not only come from the Western Cape as her farm is located in the Free State. When asked about her selection of wines, she responds, “When people taste my wine, I receive a good response and feedback. I have no doubt that will continue being the case, because my grapes are good, and they have been nurtured from the strength of a woman!”

Ntomboxolo Ngxwashula

Town Planner

Ntomboxolo is a professional town planner whose objective as a planner is to make a difference in the Built Environment field and take part in the Spatial Transformation of South Africa. In addition to being the manager of the municipality she works in, she recently completed her Master's degree in Property Economics & Valuations. She is passionate about mentorship and ensuring that she paves the way for many others like her. Ntomboxolo is truly a trailblazer girl boss literally taking up space!

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Melene Rossouw Attorney

Kelly Baloyi

Community Leader and Founder of Girls Leading Change

Being the founder of the organisation Women Lead Movement, Melene is an internationally recognised Gender Rights activist. Her organization aims to educate, empower and inspire women to lead social change in their communities. Among her excellent achievements, she also holds a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, with the specialisation in Public and constitutional law.

Girls Leading Change is an NPO that aims to create a space to unlock passion, focus, and great leaders in the girl child in rural communities. This is done through healthy engagements, education, and empowerment programs. The NPO is meant to create a space where the girl child will be able to dream beyond their current circumstance and where the potential of every girl will be ignited.

Kelly is committed to being a driver of change, even taking her fire into parliament, as a Parliamentary Caucus Researcher and further setting up soup kitchens during lockdown.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Asisipho Tsotsa is an Occupational Therapist, currently working in mental health and passionate about words, relationships and a pure lifestyle.

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S TE PS I N L O VE W IT H J U ST I N

“And from the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.”

Genesis 2:22 (King James Bible)

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE BY

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It's women's month and it's only fitting that we celebrate women - not only this month but daily.

“If the bible says that we are made in the image and likeness of our Father, then we best start acting in the integrity given to us.”

Justin Wessels

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You will notice the scripture we’re starting with you are probably thinking that it has to do with a woman coming from a man and the man being the dominant species…not really; it’s quite the opposite! This passage of scripture stands out for me because modern people are so sensitive around the topic of gender (like ‘girl power’ and ‘men are trash’ just to mention two) but if you look at this scripture a little deeper you will see that the two need each other.

Yes, the man was created first but that does not give men the right to overpower or abuse their position. The Lord said, “it's not good for man to be alone…” (Genesis 2:18) - hence the creation of women. He further said “I will make a suitable helpmate" meaning the two will complement each other. As I read at the beginning of the Bible after Eve was presented to Adam, unity in operation is evident, I see a purpose and every need being met (which is still the Devine plan today). Although, it’s clear that

the enemy is coming in like the snake that he is and still doing the same today as in the time of Adam and Eve. The devil is causing strife and division between the two whether married or single. He knows that when the two can collaborate it is a powerful force in operation that's ordained by God. I’d like to clearly state that as men need to honour the women in our lives; whether it be our grandmothers, mothers, wives or daughters. We need women in our lives because they most certainly play an important role in any man's life.

If we are the first created out of the two then we need to take a stand for what is right and not for what we think suits us according to how we feel on any given day. If the bible says that we are made in the image and likeness of our Father, then we best start acting in the integrity given to us.

"How beautiful and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell in unity." (Psalm 133:1) I used to think that faith was the only thing that was pleasing to the Lord until I saw this verse This is why the enemy is doing his best to steal, kill and destroy any kind of relationship between men and women because he knows that where there is unity God commands a blessing and we also know that the same blessing maketh rich and add no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22)!

We (both male and female) can function as God intended and we surely do have the capacity to love the way our heavenly father loves, but it’s a choice. I pray that you will make the right choice not just this month (because its women’s month) but for the rest of your days to come, amen.

ALL LIVES MATTER!

Justin Wessels is a single dad and Welder by trade and a leader of a group called Sons of God. Working with people affected by drugs and broken homes.

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