Strong Feet, Soft Heart

Lately, I’ve been worried that I might be getting soft, especially after these two experiences.

The first was from my son. He sent me a message that began,

“Daddy, you remember you taught us from Scripture to ask if we want to receive, seek if we want to find, and knock if we want doors to be opened to us. Please, Daddy, we need you to get us some ice cream when you’re coming back.”

Omooo! After smiling at the message, I almost replied, “Those were the words of Jesus, not mine.” But then I remembered that teachers will be judged more strictly, and before I knew it, my fingers had already typed “Okay 😊” in response.

A few days later, Stanley came to my office at Jewel Publishers to talk about one of our favourite book clients, Rev. Father Anthony, who wanted two of his books published before the end of October.

As usual, we discussed the cost, which is often what stops many writers from publishing their work. Stanley said, “Father said this cost is quite expensive for him, oh. He said you should do something about it.”

Smiling, I replied, “Tell Padre he has written a very good book that deserves quality printing. Good soup na money make am.”

I thought Stanley would leave and deliver my message, but he just stood there smiling.

So I asked, “Who wants the discount, you or Father Tony?”

He didn’t say a word until we finally reviewed the cost and offered Padre a fair price he was happy to pay.

That day reminded me of something I learned from The Bible in One Year by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, the concept of SOFT HEART, STRONG FEET.

They shared the story of Jackie Pullinger, who has spent over 50 years transforming the lives of heroin addicts, gang members, and sex workers in the “Walled City,” where she began her mission in 1966.

In both parenting and business, I’ve come to realise that compassion has its place.

Sometimes we may lose a bit of profit or bend a little, just to ensure the people we serve, our kids, our clients, our team, don’t only receive good work, but also feel delighted whenever they think about how we treat them.

So while we keep delivering excellent service, our STRONG FEET, may we never forget that SOFT HEARTS matter too.

Shalom.

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