Come to God, who never disappoints

The readings for this 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time remind me of one of the greatest lessons I have had to learn in my own faith journey: only God can truly satisfy the deepest hunger of our hearts.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah gives us one of the most beautiful invitations from God:

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the water; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!" (Isaiah 55:1)

What touches me about this invitation is that God does not say, “Come when you have everything together.” He does not say, “Come when you are strong enough, worthy enough, or have solved all your problems.” He simply says, “Come.”

This reminds me that God desires us exactly as we are. There have been seasons in my life where I felt tired, overwhelmed, and empty. Moments of grief, disappointment, and uncertainty made me question how I would find strength to continue. There were times when I looked for answers everywhere else, hoping that people, achievements, or circumstances could fill the spaces in my heart.

But God gently reminded me that the hunger I carried was not something the world could satisfy.

Isaiah continues:

"Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare." (Isaiah 55:2)

How often do we spend our energy chasing things that leave us empty? We seek approval from others, we worry about what people think of us, we try to prove our worth, and we hold onto things that God is asking us to surrender.

Yet God offers something far greater. He offers peace that circumstances cannot take away. He offers love that does not disappear when life becomes difficult. He offers hope even when we cannot see what lies ahead.

The Gospel continues this message through the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. When Jesus saw the crowds, Matthew tells us:

"He had compassion on them and healed their sick." (Matthew 14:14)

Before Jesus performed the miracle, He first saw the people. He saw their needs. He saw their hunger. He saw their brokenness. This reminds me that God is not distant from our struggles. He is a God who notices, who cares, and who responds with compassion.

When evening came, the disciples approached Jesus and said:

"This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late; send the crowds away..." (Matthew 14:15)

The disciples saw scarcity. They saw what was missing. They saw five thousand people and only five loaves and two fish.

But Jesus saw an opportunity for God to work.

He replied:

"They need not go away; you give them something to eat." (Matthew 14:16)

This verse speaks deeply to me because sometimes we look at our own lives and think, “What can I possibly offer?” We look at our weaknesses, our limitations, our past mistakes, or our struggles and feel that what we have is not enough.

But Jesus never asked the disciples to provide everything. He only asked them to bring what they had.

The Gospel tells us:

"Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and said the blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds." (Matthew 14:19)

This is the beauty of God. He takes our little and transforms it into something extraordinary.

In my own life, I have experienced this many times. There were moments when I felt I had nothing much to give. My energy was limited, my heart was carrying pain, and my faith was being tested. But God showed me that He does not require perfection. He only asks for surrender.

A small act of kindness, a simple prayer, a willingness to serve, a word of encouragement, or even sharing our own struggles with others can become something much greater when placed in God's hands.

The miracle did not happen because the disciples had enough. The miracle happened because they trusted Jesus with what little they had.

The Gospel ends with a beautiful reminder:

"They all ate and were satisfied. And they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full." (Matthew 14:20)

God does not just provide enough. He provides abundantly.

Looking back at my own journey, I can see how God has always been faithful, even in moments when I could not understand His plans. Some of the greatest blessings in my life came unexpectedly. Some people entered my life at the moments I needed them most, becoming reminders that God's timing is always perfect.

Like the disciples, I am learning that my role is not to understand every detail of the miracle. My role is simply to bring what I have, place it in God's hands, and trust Him to do the rest.

Today, I ask myself: What is the hunger I am trying to satisfy on my own? What are the “five loaves and two fish” that I am afraid are too small to offer God?

Because the truth is, when we place our lives in His hands, nothing is wasted.

God takes our brokenness and brings healing.

He takes our struggles and brings purpose.

He takes our little and creates abundance.

So today, I choose to come to Him again, just as Isaiah invites us:

"Come to me and listen, that you may live." (Isaiah 55:3)

Because the world may disappoint us, people may fail us, and circumstances may change, but God never does.

When we come to Him, we will never leave empty.

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Reflective question: What are my "five loaves and two fish" today that / can place in Jesus' hands?

When I reflect on the Gospel of the multiplication of the five loaves and two fish, I often find myself asking, what are my “five loaves and two fish” today that I can place in Jesus’ hands?

For a long time, I thought I needed to offer God something extraordinary. I felt that what I had was too small, too ordinary, or not enough. I looked at my weaknesses, my past struggles, my fears, and even my broken moments and wondered how God could possibly use them.

But the miracle of the loaves and fish reminds me that Jesus does not ask us to bring what we do not have. He simply asks us to bring what we already have and trust Him with it.

My “five loaves and two fish” today are my experiences, my stories, my talents, and even my wounds.

They are the lessons I have learned through seasons of grief and loss. They are the moments when I had to lean completely on God because I did not have the strength to carry everything on my own. They are the memories of people I have loved and lost, which have taught me that love never truly disappears but continues to shape who we become.

They are also the gifts God has placed in my hands; my ability to write, to encourage, to connect with people, and to share my testimony. Sometimes I wonder if the words I write or the stories I share really make a difference. But the Gospel reminds me that a small offering, when placed in Jesus’ hands, can feed thousands.

The disciples only had five loaves and two fish. By human understanding, it was impossible. But Jesus took what seemed insufficient, blessed it, broke it, and multiplied it.

Perhaps that is what God has been doing in my own life.

He has taken my broken pieces and turned them into something meaningful. He has taken my struggles and used them to help me understand the struggles of others. He has taken my moments of emptiness and reminded me that He is the one who fills what the world cannot.

Even my desire to serve others, whether through mission, writing, or simply being present for someone who needs encouragement, is not something I created on my own. It is something God placed in my heart.

But surrender is not always easy.

Sometimes I still hold onto my five loaves and two fish tightly because I worry they are too small. I question whether I am enough. I compare myself to others and wonder if what I can offer truly matters.

But I am reminded that God does not need me to be perfect. He does not need me to have everything figured out. He only asks me to trust Him enough to place my little into His hands.

Today, my prayer is:

“Lord, take whatever I have. Take my gifts, my weaknesses, my dreams, my fears, my past, and my present. Bless them, break them, and use them for Your greater purpose.”

Because when my five loaves and two fish are placed in the hands of Jesus, they are no longer small.

They become enough.

Enough to bring hope.

Enough to bring comfort.

Enough to serve others.

Enough to reveal God’s love.

The miracle was never about how much the disciples had. The miracle was about what Jesus could do with what they were willing to surrender.

And today, I choose to surrender mine.

Movie Recommendation: Deep in My Heart (1999)

 

When I first watched this film, I expected it to be a simple drama, but what I found was a deeply emotional story about identity, family, love, acceptance, and the painful reality of how society has treated people who are considered different.

This movie follows the journey of Barbara Ann Williams, an adopted woman who begins searching for her biological mother and the truth about her past. What she discovers is a story filled with love, heartbreak, difficult choices, and the impact of a world that judged people based on race and appearances rather than the person they truly were.

What touched me most about this movie is not just the story itself, but the questions it makes us ask about humanity.

Why is it that even today, after so many years of learning, growing, and becoming more connected as a world, we still struggle to look beyond someone’s race, skin colour, background, or physical challenges?

Why do we continue to judge people based on things they never chose?

A person does not choose the colour of their skin. They do not choose the family they are born into. They do not choose whether they live with a disability or face challenges that others may not understand. Yet somehow, society has spent generations making people feel like these differences make them less worthy.

And that is something I find incredibly heartbreaking.

At the end of the day, every single person on this planet has a heart that feels, dreams, hopes, and loves. We all experience happiness, sadness, fear, and pain. We all want the same basic things in life. We want to be accepted. We want to be valued. We want to feel like we belong.

So why is it still so difficult for the world to see beyond what is visible?

Deep in My Heart reminds us that behind every face is a story that we may never know. The person we judge today may have faced battles we cannot imagine. The person we overlook may have the biggest heart. The person we think is different may actually teach us more about kindness and compassion than anyone else.

One of the most beautiful messages in this movie is that family is not always just about blood. Sometimes family is built through love, sacrifice, and the people who choose to stand beside us. The people who raise us, support us, and believe in us can sometimes leave a bigger mark on our lives than those connected to us by DNA.

This is something I truly believe in. Love is not limited by race. Love does not see colour. Love does not see disabilities or imperfections. Love sees the person.

The performances in this movie are incredibly moving. Gloria Reuben brings so much emotion to the role of Barbara Ann as she searches for answers about who she is and where she comes from. Anne Bancroft’s performance is also unforgettable because she portrays someone carrying years of pain, regret, and complicated emotions. The characters are not simply good or bad. They are human beings shaped by the circumstances and beliefs of the world around them.

That is what makes this movie so powerful. It does not just tell us what happened. It makes us understand how decisions, prejudice, and fear can affect generations of people.

Watching this movie today, I cannot help but think about how much more we still need to do as a society. We have made progress in many ways, but there are still moments where people are judged unfairly because of their race, their appearance, their abilities, their age, or where they come from.

We often say we want a kinder world, but kindness begins with how we see and treat the person standing in front of us.

Maybe the first step is to stop seeing labels and start seeing people.

Instead of asking where someone comes from, maybe we should ask what their story is.

Instead of noticing what makes someone different, maybe we should appreciate what makes them unique.

Instead of judging someone by what we see on the outside, maybe we should take the time to discover the beauty within.

Deep in My Heart may be a movie made in 1999, but its message is something the world still needs today. It is a reminder that we have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.

This movie made me reflect on how often people carry invisible struggles and how important it is to choose compassion over judgement. It reminded me that everyone deserves to be loved, respected, and accepted for who they are.

I would highly recommend Deep in My Heart to anyone who enjoys emotional movies that do more than entertain. This is a film that touches the heart, opens the mind, and reminds us of something we should never forget.

We are not defined by our race, our skin colour, our background, or our challenges.

We are defined by our hearts, our actions, and the love we give to others.

What Drained My Energy in the Last 12 Months

 

The last twelve months have taught me that exhaustion is not always caused by working too hard. Sometimes it comes from carrying too much emotionally while still trying to show up with a smile every day. Looking back, I realize that my energy was not drained by one major event but by a series of responsibilities, disappointments, moments of grief, and the constant pressure I placed on myself to keep moving forward.

One of the biggest drains on my energy has been grief. Grief is a strange companion because it never truly leaves. It simply changes its shape. There are days when I can laugh, work, and enjoy life, only to have a song, a photograph, or a simple conversation bring back memories that hit me just as hard as they did years ago. Losing someone you love changes the way you experience the world. It teaches you that healing does not mean forgetting. Carrying that emotional weight while trying to live a full life has required far more energy than I ever expected.

Another source of exhaustion has been constantly trying to be strong for everyone around me. I genuinely enjoy helping others. Whether it is offering advice, supporting friends, volunteering, encouraging someone through a difficult season, or simply listening, I find purpose in being there for people. However, there have been moments when I forgot that even those who support others also need support themselves. I became so focused on lifting other people that I rarely stopped to ask myself whether I had enough strength left for my own journey.

This year also challenged me professionally. Like many people, I have dreams that extend far beyond my current circumstances. Building new projects, creating content, writing, developing businesses, and pursuing new opportunities all require creativity, discipline, and persistence. While these goals excite me, they also come with uncertainty. There were countless hours spent planning, researching, designing, rewriting, and questioning whether I was making the right decisions. The emotional investment behind every project is often invisible to others, yet it quietly consumes enormous amounts of energy.

Social media has been another unexpected drain. I love connecting with people and sharing stories that inspire, encourage, and educate. It has introduced me to incredible friendships and opportunities that I never imagined possible. At the same time, maintaining an online presence requires consistency, creativity, and resilience. There is always another post to create, another comment to reply to, another message to answer, and another expectation to meet. Even when people see the polished final product, they rarely see the hours of thought, editing, and emotional investment behind it.

The past year has also reminded me that growth often comes with sacrifice. Pursuing ambitious goals means giving up comfort, routine, and sometimes even rest. I found myself saying yes to opportunities because I believed in them, but every yes also meant saying no to something else. There were evenings when I continued working long after I should have stopped because I wanted to make one more improvement or finish one more task. Over time, those extra hours accumulated into fatigue that became difficult to ignore.

Health has also played its part. Stress has a remarkable way of affecting both the body and the mind. There were periods when anxiety made even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Instead of feeling refreshed after sleeping, I often woke up already thinking about everything that needed to be done. The mental checklist never seemed to disappear. I realized that being busy and being productive are not always the same thing. Sometimes I was simply surviving rather than truly living.

One of the hardest lessons this year has been accepting that I cannot control everything. I like planning ahead and solving problems before they become crises. Unfortunately, life rarely follows carefully written plans. There were situations that required patience instead of action, faith instead of certainty, and acceptance instead of control. Learning to let go has been emotionally exhausting because it goes against my natural instinct to fix things.

Relationships have also demanded emotional energy. Every meaningful relationship requires time, communication, understanding, forgiveness, and compassion. There were moments when misunderstandings, distance, or changing circumstances reminded me that people are constantly growing and changing. Maintaining healthy relationships is deeply rewarding, but it is never effortless. It requires vulnerability, and vulnerability is never easy.

Despite everything that has drained me, I have also discovered something incredibly important. Energy is not simply about physical strength. It is deeply connected to purpose. The moments that exhausted me the most were often the same moments that reminded me why I do what I do. Loving people deeply, pursuing meaningful work, serving others, honouring those I have lost, and continuing to believe in a better future are all worth the effort, even when they leave me tired.

As I reflect on the past twelve months, I no longer see exhaustion as a sign of weakness. Instead, I see it as evidence that I cared deeply. I invested my heart into people, projects, dreams, and causes that mattered to me. While I still need to learn healthier boundaries and give myself permission to rest, I also recognize that every challenge has shaped me into someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

Moving forward, I want to protect my energy more intentionally. I want to make time for quiet moments, celebrate small victories, and remember that rest is not something I earn after finishing every task. It is something I need if I want to continue serving others with joy. I want to choose peace over perfection, progress over pressure, and balance over constant busyness.

The past year has drained me in many ways, but it has also revealed the resilience I never knew I possessed. I have learned that even when my energy feels depleted, hope can still remain. As long as hope remains, I know I can continue moving forward one step, one day, and one new beginning at a time.

Movie Recommendation: Purple Hearts (2022)

 

If I had to recommend one movie that genuinely surprised me emotionally, it would be Purple Hearts (2022). Going into the film, I expected a typical romantic drama, but what I got was a story that felt much more layered and heartfelt. The movie follows Cassie, a struggling singer-songwriter, and Luke, a Marine dealing with personal challenges, who enter a marriage of convenience for practical reasons. What makes the film compelling is how their relationship gradually transforms from something transactional into something deeply human.

One of the biggest reasons this movie left such a strong impression on me is Nicholas Galitzine. After watching him in Masters of the Universe (He-Man), The Idea of You, and now Purple Hearts, he has officially become one of my favorite actors. Seeing him take on such different roles made me realize just how versatile he truly is. In Purple Hearts, he portrays Luke with a mix of toughness, vulnerability, anger, and tenderness that feels incredibly authentic. He doesn’t rely on one-note acting; instead, he makes the character feel like a real person with flaws and emotional depth.

What impressed me even more is how different each of these roles is from one another. Whether he is playing a larger-than-life action hero, a charismatic romantic lead, or a wounded Marine trying to find his way, Nicholas Galitzine manages to make every character feel distinct. That kind of range is rare, and it is the reason I have started actively looking for other movies he stars in.

Beyond the performances, Purple Hearts also resonated with me because it explores themes of sacrifice, family expectations, financial struggles, and the way love can grow unexpectedly between two people from completely different worlds. The soundtrack adds another emotional layer to the story, and several scenes stayed with me long after the movie ended.

What I personally loved most was that the film made me feel both hopeful and emotional at the same time. It reminded me that people are often more complicated than first impressions suggest, and that genuine connection can develop in the most unexpected circumstances.

Overall, I highly recommend 'Purple Hearts' to anyone who enjoys romantic dramas with strong character development and memorable performances. It is not just a love story. It is a story about growth, understanding, and learning to see someone beyond their surface. And for me, it was also the movie that truly confirmed Nicholas Galitzine as one of my favorite actors because of how effortlessly he demonstrated his incredible versatility on screen.

Confirmed in God’s Perfect Timing: My Journey to Confirmation After 31 Years

 On Saturday, I received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

For many Catholics, Confirmation is received during the teenage years, usually around the ages of sixteen or seventeen. For me, it happened thirty one years later. At the age of forty seven, after a long and often winding journey of faith, I finally stood before the Church, before my family, and before God to receive the final sacrament of initiation.

And it was perfect.

Not because it happened when everyone else did, but because it happened in God’s time.

Looking back, I can see that God has been patiently leading me to this moment all along. My faith journey has not always been straightforward. As a teenager, I was far from enthusiastic about attending catechism classes. In fact, I was a terrible teenager and had very little interest in spending my weekends learning about the faith. While many parents might have insisted, I am grateful that my mother never forced me. At the time, I did not appreciate it, but today I understand the gift she gave me.

Had I been forced into Confirmation as a teenager, it might simply have become another obligation completed and forgotten. Instead, receiving Confirmation now was entirely my decision. It was a choice made freely, prayerfully, and intentionally. I chose to say yes to God. I chose to strengthen my faith. I chose to continue walking with Christ.

God truly works in mysterious ways.

From the circumstances that led me back to Him, to the people He placed in my path, to the timing of every step along the journey, I can now see His hand guiding me. There were moments when I thought Confirmation would never happen, yet God was quietly preparing everything according to His plan.

I first considered receiving Confirmation in 2024 when I noticed an announcement in our church bulletin inviting adults who had not yet been confirmed to register. My heart immediately felt drawn to it. However, there was one major obstacle. I did not have a sponsor.

As I learned more about the requirements, I realized my mother could not serve as my sponsor. My uncles were not active churchgoers and could not fulfil the role either. With no sponsor in sight, I decided to wait another year.

Then 2025 arrived.

Once again, I hoped to finally begin the journey, but life had other plans. That year I was preparing for and participating in a church mission trip to Vietnam. The experience was deeply meaningful and life changing, but it meant postponing Confirmation once more.

By the time I saw the church bulletin announcement again this year, something inside me knew it was finally time.

I signed up.

Yet the question of a sponsor remained.

I searched and asked around but found no suitable candidate. Eventually, I became discouraged and was close to giving up altogether. Then, quite unexpectedly, an old family friend came to mind.

Uncle Alan.

He has been part of my family’s life long before I was even born. He is not related by blood, but he is very much family. Gathering my courage, I sent him a message and asked if he would consider being my sponsor.

Without hesitation, he said yes.

Not only did he agree, but he immediately began gathering the necessary documents and certificates for registration. His enthusiasm touched me deeply. It felt as though he had been waiting for the opportunity.

Then I discovered something remarkable.

Uncle Alan had been baptized almost seventy years ago in the very same church where I would receive my Sacrament of Confirmation.

At that moment, I knew this was not a coincidence.

It was God’s plan.

I am incredibly grateful to Uncle Alan for standing beside me on this important day and for being part of such a significant milestone in my faith journey. He has truly been chosen family, and his willingness to walk this journey with me is something I will always treasure.

I am equally grateful for Martin, who coordinated and guided our Confirmation group. From the very beginning in 2024, he encouraged me, supported me, and helped me navigate every step of the process. His kindness and dedication were a tremendous blessing.

The catechism classes themselves were another blessing. Far from being something I dreaded as a teenager, I found myself looking forward to each session. They deepened my understanding of the faith and renewed my relationship with God. They challenged me to reflect on what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ and reminded me that faith is not simply something we inherit, but something we choose to live each day.

One particularly memorable moment came during the rehearsal before the Confirmation Mass. To my surprise, I ran into three former schoolmates. Their children were among the teenagers preparing to receive Confirmation. When they first saw me, they assumed I was there as a sponsor or godparent. Their surprise quickly turned into joy when they discovered that I was actually one of the five adults receiving the sacrament myself. We laughed together, and it became another reminder that God writes stories far better than we ever could.

Then the long awaited day arrived.

Dressed in white, I entered the church filled with gratitude, anticipation, and emotion. At first, I felt slightly embarrassed knowing that I would be walking down the aisle alongside the teenage confirmands. I was undoubtedly one of the oldest candidates present.

Yet as I walked down that aisle, something changed. I saw the smiles of the congregation. I felt their encouragement and support. I saw people celebrating not only the young confirmands but every person answering God’s call, regardless of age. As I walked, I fought back tears.

When I reached my seat, I looked behind me and saw my family. My mother was there, and her face radiated joy. In that moment, I thought about all the years that had passed, all the prayers she had undoubtedly offered for me, and all the grace that had brought us to this day.

Ed and my children were there as well. Although they are not Catholics, they came because they knew how important this day was to me. Their presence reminded me that love and support transcend denominational boundaries. Seeing them there filled my heart with gratitude.

The Mass itself was beautiful and deeply moving. It was celebrated by Father Shaun and His Eminence Cardinal William Goh. Throughout the liturgy, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and belonging. One Scripture passage particularly resonated with me: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” These words capture the very essence of Confirmation.

The word Confirmation means strengthening. Through this sacrament, the Holy Spirit comes to strengthen the gifts first received at Baptism and bring them to maturity. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, a person is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthened for service to the Body of Christ, the Church.

Confirmation is not simply a personal milestone. It is a call to action. It is often described as the sacrament of social action because it sends us out into the world to live and proclaim the Gospel. The strengthening and maturity we receive are not meant solely for our own benefit. Rather, the gifts we receive are intended to help us contribute actively and creatively to the Church and to the world around us.

As I reflected on this, I began thinking about how I hope to respond to that call. I want to become more involved in the mission of Christ. I want to serve where I am needed, participate in ministries, perform acts of charity, visit the sick, help the poor, and support the vulnerable. I want to be generous, compassionate, and caring. I want my life to be a witness to God’s love. I want to share my faith when opportunities arise, support the Church’s call for social justice, defend the dignity of every human person, and continue growing in prayer and sacramental life.

The history of Confirmation itself is rich and beautiful. The laying on of hands is recognized by Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament, perpetuating in a certain way the grace of Pentecost within the Church. By the second century, Confirmation was also conferred through anointing with holy oil known as Sacred Chrism. This anointing connects us to Christ Himself. The word “Christian” means “anointed one,” deriving from Christ, whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit.

During Confirmation, the bishop lays hands upon the confirmands, invoking the fullness of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. Through this action, we are strengthened for ministry, renewed in our commitment to Christ and His Church, and equipped to bear witness to the faith. The anointing with Sacred Chrism is particularly meaningful. As the bishop anoints the forehead, he says, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” That seal is permanent. It signifies that we belong to Christ, that we are chosen by God, and that we have a purpose within His plan.

Chrism itself carries profound symbolism. Consecrated by the bishop during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, it is made from olive oil and balsam. The fragrance of balsam symbolizes the sweetness and beauty of holiness. Olive oil symbolizes life, endurance, healing, and peace. Olive trees survive storms, droughts, and the passing of generations. In many ways, they mirror our own spiritual journeys.

As Christians, we are called not merely to acknowledge the Holy Spirit but to develop a relationship with Him. For me, the Holy Spirit means God’s constant presence in my life. In moments of fear, grief, uncertainty, and struggle, He brings comfort, wisdom, peace, and strength. He reminds me that I am never alone.

The Holy Spirit bestows seven gifts: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. These gifts are strengthened and sealed within us at Confirmation. Unlike material gifts, they never go out of style. They do not break, spoil, tarnish, or need replacing. They remain with us throughout our lives. Our responsibility is to use them well.

As I reflect on my own life, I believe I have been using these gifts by encouraging others, listening with compassion, serving where help is needed, and sharing hope through my writing and actions. During difficult seasons, I have tried to choose patience, wisdom, kindness, and faith, allowing God to work through me.

Have I always done this perfectly? Certainly not. But I believe the Holy Spirit has continually guided me back to God and helped me remain faithful to the mission He has placed before me. Moving forward, I want to intentionally invite the Holy Spirit into my daily life. I want His wisdom to guide my decisions, His courage to strengthen me, and His love to transform my heart.

Among the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, and self control, the one I most desire to grow in is patience. I often want answers immediately. I want healing quickly. I want circumstances to change overnight. Yet God continues teaching me to trust His timing. I pray for a calmer heart, gentler responses, and the grace to wait faithfully.

Ultimately, I pray that the Holy Spirit will transform my life so that I may bear fruit and give witness to Christ.

Before ending, I want to share two moments from Cardinal William Goh’s homily that stayed with me. The first was when he spoke about people being forced into faith practices. I smiled because it reminded me of my own journey. Thirty one years late by conventional standards, perhaps, but I was there entirely of my own choosing. No one forced me. No one pressured me. I came because I wanted to be there.

The second was when he spoke about reaching a stage of faith where what others say about you can no longer truly hurt you because your identity is rooted in God. Those words resonated deeply with me. After everything life has taught me, I believe I have finally reached that place. Not perfectly, but sincerely. A place where my worth is no longer determined by the opinions of others but by God’s love.

And for that, I am profoundly grateful.

Thirty one years later, I finally received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Not late. Not behind. Exactly when God intended. And what a beautiful gift it has been.

Movie Recommendation: Masters of the Universe (2026)

 

There are very few movies that can transport you back to your childhood the moment the opening scene begins. Masters of the Universe (2026) did exactly that for me. Long before superhero films dominated the box office, before cinematic universes became the norm, there was one hero who captured my imagination more than any other: He-Man. Growing up, I rushed home to watch the animated series whenever I could. Like so many children of the 1980s, I was captivated by the magical world of Eternia, Castle Grayskull, the unforgettable battle cry of "By the Power of Grayskull," and the timeless struggle between good and evil. He-Man wasn't simply another cartoon character to me. He was my childhood hero.

When the first live-action Masters of the Universe movie was released in 1987, I could hardly contain my excitement. Seeing Dolph Lundgren step into the role of He-Man was a dream come true. At the time, it felt as though my favourite cartoon had leapt straight from the television screen onto the big screen. Lundgren had the physical presence, the commanding stature, and the quiet confidence that made him believable as the legendary warrior. Looking back today, I know that the film had its limitations, particularly with the technology available at the time, but none of that mattered to me then. I was completely in awe. To a young fan, it was everything I had hoped it would be.

Fast forward almost four decades, and a new generation has been introduced to the world of He-Man through the 2026 reboot. Walking into the cinema, I carried with me a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and a little apprehension. Whenever a beloved childhood classic is reimagined, there is always the fear that it won't capture the same magic. Thankfully, those fears disappeared almost immediately.

What made this experience even more meaningful was the reason I was there. My children knew how much He-Man meant to me growing up. Although they had never watched the original cartoon and knew very little about the franchise, they surprised me by taking me to see the movie. It was such a thoughtful gesture because they weren't going for themselves. They were going because they knew how much it meant to me. Ironically, by the time the credits rolled, they had become fans themselves. Watching them become invested in the characters, laugh at the jokes, and cheer during the action sequences reminded me of how I felt all those years ago discovering He-Man for the very first time.

One of the smartest decisions made by director Travis Knight was to tell the story from a fresh perspective. Instead of immediately introducing us to the fully formed hero, the film begins with Adam as a young boy before circumstances force him to live on Earth, separated from his home and his destiny. He grows up believing fragments of his past while trying to make sense of who he truly is and searching for a way back to Eternia. This approach gives the audience a chance to connect with Adam as a person before he becomes the legendary He-Man. It adds emotional depth that wasn't explored nearly as much in earlier adaptations and makes his eventual transformation feel earned rather than inevitable. 

Nicholas Galitzine deserves enormous credit for bringing this version of Adam and He-Man to life. Taking over such an iconic role is no easy task, especially when generations of fans already have a clear image of what He-Man should be. Galitzine manages to honour the character while making him his own. His performance balances vulnerability, determination, humour, and heroism beautifully. As Adam, he is relatable and grounded. As He-Man, he possesses the strength, confidence, and larger-than-life presence that fans expect. His impressive physical transformation certainly helps sell the role, but it is his sincerity and emotional performance that truly stand out. 

The screenplay also deserves praise for recognising that modern audiences appreciate moments of humour alongside epic fantasy. The original cartoon certainly had its lighter moments, but this new film injects clever comedic scenes without ever undermining the seriousness of the story. The comedy feels natural rather than forced, often arising from Adam's awkward life on Earth and his interactions with those around him. These moments provide welcome breathing room between the larger action sequences and make the characters feel more human. The film never forgets that while audiences enjoy spectacular battles, they also want characters they can laugh with and care about.

Visually, the difference between the 1987 film and this new adaptation is extraordinary. That is not a criticism of the original because technology has advanced dramatically over the past four decades. The earlier film achieved a great deal with the resources available at the time, and it still holds a special place in my heart. However, the 2026 version is able to fully realize the grandeur of Eternia in ways that simply weren't possible before. The landscapes are breathtaking, the action sequences are thrilling, the creatures feel alive, and the magical elements finally have the scale they always deserved. It is not a case of one film being better than the other. Rather, they are products of their respective eras. The original remains a treasured classic for nostalgic reasons, while the new version embraces modern filmmaking to bring the world of Masters of the Universe to life with incredible imagination.

Perhaps my biggest surprise, and undoubtedly my favourite moment of the entire film, was seeing Dolph Lundgren appear in a cameo. I had managed to avoid spoilers, so when he appeared on screen, I couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. It was one of those moments that instantly connected the past with the present. Rather than simply being a nostalgic gimmick, his appearance felt like a heartfelt passing of the torch from one generation of He-Man to the next. For longtime fans like myself who grew up admiring Lundgren's portrayal, it was a genuinely emotional tribute to the franchise's history. 

By the end of the movie, I realised something special had happened. I had walked into the cinema hoping to relive a piece of my childhood, but I walked out having shared that experience with my own children. They entered knowing almost nothing about He-Man, yet they left talking excitedly about Eternia, the characters, and hoping there would be another sequel. Watching them discover the same hero who inspired my own imagination decades ago was perhaps even more rewarding than watching the film itself.

Masters of the Universe (2026) succeeds because it respects its legacy while confidently forging its own identity. It honours longtime fans without relying solely on nostalgia and welcomes a new generation into the world of Eternia with heart, humour, spectacular action, and memorable performances. Nicholas Galitzine proves himself to be a worthy successor to Dolph Lundgren, while Lundgren's touching cameo serves as the perfect bridge between the past and the future.

For me, this wasn't just another trip to the cinema. It was a journey back to my childhood and a reminder that some heroes never truly leave us. They simply find new ways to inspire the next generation. And by the power of Grayskull, He-Man still has that power.

Are Gmail Addresses Unprofessional?

 

For years, I have worked with people from all walks of life, from students taking their first steps into the workforce to experienced professionals looking to reinvent their careers. One of the questions I hear surprisingly often is whether having a Gmail address is considered unprofessional. It is an interesting question because email remains one of the primary ways we introduce ourselves in the professional world. Before someone hears our voice or meets us in person, they often see our email address. That small detail can create a first impression, and first impressions matter.

My answer may surprise some people. I do not believe that a Gmail address is unprofessional. In fact, I would argue that Gmail has become one of the most widely accepted and respected email platforms in both personal and professional settings. What determines professionalism is not the domain at the end of your email address. It is the way you present yourself, the name you choose, and the quality of your communication.

When I receive an email from someone using Gmail, I rarely stop to think about the platform they are using. Instead, I notice the person's name, the clarity of their message, their tone, and how they conduct themselves. A well written email from jane.doe@gmail.com leaves a far better impression than an email from a company domain that is filled with spelling mistakes, poor grammar, or an unprofessional attitude. Professionalism has always been more about the person than the technology they choose to use.

That said, not all Gmail addresses are created equal. This is where many people unintentionally make mistakes. An address such as john.doe@gmail.com or jane.doe@gmail.com appears neat, simple, and credible. On the other hand, addresses such as partygirl88@gmail.com, crazygamer123@gmail.com, or cutiepie4ever@gmail.com can send the wrong message in a professional setting. While those names may have been fun choices during teenage years, they can unintentionally suggest a lack of maturity when applying for jobs, networking with clients, or communicating with business partners.

I often encourage people to look at their email address as part of their personal brand. Just as we choose appropriate clothing for an interview or prepare a professional résumé, our email address deserves the same level of consideration. It represents us every time we send a message. A clean and simple email address that includes your name helps build trust and makes it easier for people to remember you. It also demonstrates that you take your professional image seriously.

There is another reason why Gmail has earned such widespread acceptance. It is backed by one of the world's leading technology companies and offers exceptional reliability, security, and functionality. Businesses, educational institutions, charities, government agencies, and multinational corporations communicate with Gmail users every single day. Many organizations even use Google Workspace, which is built upon the same Gmail infrastructure while allowing companies to use their own custom domain names. This has further strengthened Gmail's reputation as a professional communication platform.

Some people believe that only an email address with a custom business domain looks professional. There is certainly some truth to that, especially for businesses wanting to strengthen their brand identity. An email such as debra@companyname.com immediately reinforces the company's name and can create a stronger corporate image. For entrepreneurs, consultants, and established businesses, investing in a custom domain can enhance credibility and marketing efforts. It tells clients that the business has invested in its own online presence.

However, context matters. A university student applying for internships does not necessarily need a custom domain. Neither does someone applying for their first job or an individual networking within their industry. A professional Gmail address is perfectly acceptable in these situations. In many industries, hiring managers are far more interested in your qualifications, experience, communication skills, and attitude than whether your email ends with gmail.com.

I have reviewed countless résumés throughout my career, and I can honestly say that the email address itself has rarely been the deciding factor. What catches my attention is when an email address looks careless or inappropriate. Those small details can sometimes create unnecessary doubt. If someone has invested significant time preparing a polished résumé but includes an email address that sounds like a gaming username from childhood, it creates a disconnect. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest problems to fix. Creating a new Gmail account takes only a few minutes, yet it can significantly improve a person's professional image.

As technology continues to evolve, perceptions also change. Years ago, some people viewed free email services as less credible because businesses often relied on corporate servers. Today, that distinction has become much less significant. Gmail has become deeply integrated into everyday business operations around the world. Video meetings, shared documents, collaborative workspaces, cloud storage, and calendars all work seamlessly within the Google ecosystem. As a result, Gmail has become a familiar and trusted part of professional life.

There is also something refreshing about simplicity. An email address that simply reflects your name demonstrates confidence. It does not need unnecessary numbers, symbols, or clever phrases to stand out. In fact, simplicity often communicates professionalism more effectively than creativity in business communication. People appreciate being able to type your email address easily without worrying about multiple underscores, unusual spellings, or confusing punctuation.

Ultimately, professionalism is built through consistency. It is reflected in how promptly you respond to emails, how respectfully you communicate with others, and whether you honour your commitments. Your email address is simply the doorway to that interaction. Once the conversation begins, your character, knowledge, and reliability become far more important than the platform you use.

If someone were to ask me today whether they should be worried about using a Gmail address, my answer would be no. I would encourage them instead to ensure that their email address is clean, appropriate, and based on their real name whenever possible. I would also remind them that professionalism cannot be purchased with a domain name alone. It is earned through integrity, competence, and respectful communication.

In the end, I believe that we sometimes focus too much on appearances and not enough on substance. A Gmail address is not what defines a professional. The person behind the email does. A thoughtful message, a respectful attitude, and a commitment to excellence will always leave a stronger impression than any email domain ever could. When those qualities are present, a Gmail address is not only acceptable but entirely professional in today's connected world.