We’ve all heard the saying: “Hurt people hurt people.” And it’s true—people who carry deep pain often project that pain onto others. They lash out, shift blame, dismiss your feelings, or twist your words. Maybe you’ve felt this firsthand. Maybe you’ve poured your heart into someone, only to be met with criticism, anger, or silence. It’s draining, isn’t it?

Being mistreated—especially by someone you love—can leave you feeling invisible and questioning yourself. You start wondering, “What’s wrong with me? Why do they treat me this way?” But here’s the truth:

This morning’s verse on my Bible app really spoke to me:

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;” – Romans 5:3 (KJV)

Over the last year and a half, life has felt like one storm after another. I’ve faced so many challenges that, for a long time, I truly wondered if I was being punished. That’s where my mind stayed for months—thinking maybe I had done something wrong, and that’s why it felt like everything was falling apart.

But lately,

Parenting and Perception: Challenging the Norms

Dear Readers,

Today, I want to share a profound conversation I had with my daughter. She brought up a powerful point about how society often views parenting—and the double standards that come with it.

She asked why single fathers are frequently praised simply for showing up, while single mothers—who carry the weight of parenting day in and day out—are seen as just fulfilling their “duty.” Why is a father celebrated for doing what he’s supposed to do, while a mother rarely receives the same recognition?

This isn’t to take anything away from fathers. In fact, I’m one of those people who often celebrate dads fo