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.

Comments

My Learning Today – 20th August : STOP GOING TO PARTIES AND EVENTS EMPTY HANDED. E GET WHY.

Your little gifts today may be the open doors tomorrow. My friend Musa was in my office when I got an invitation to our mutual friend Paul’s birthday party. The invite clearly stated: “Access card valid for one person only.” For over an hour, Musa quietly waited for his own IV, until he finally asked: “Paul never send my own IV oh, abi him no want make I come?” Awkward moment. Weeks earlier, Paul had told me he wanted the party to be very exclusive. When I checked his guest list, Musa’s name was missing. I assumed it was a mistake, so I asked Paul. Smiling, Paul explained: “I don’t want people who never hold parties and never bring presents. They are always the first to arrive and the first to leave, with nothing in their hands.” Let me not lie, he hyped me small. He said he couldn’t remember me ever attending his house or events without a gift, even if it was something little from Jewel Publishers (like mugs, t-shirts, sports jerseys) or gadgets from Jewel Multiservices (like laptop...

Beyond Tribe and Religion: Why Nigeria Must Choose Righteous Leadership

When we go to the hospital, we do not ask about the tribe or religion of the doctors, nurses, or other health practitioners before receiving the care we need. When we go to the market to buy our daily needs, we do not concern ourselves with the tribe or religion of the sellers. We simply get what we need and move on. When we rent houses or attend schools, we rarely pause to consider the tribe or religion of others. What remains stunning, however, is that during elections, politicians suddenly remind us of our differences in tribe and religion, using them as distractions from the things that collectively benefit us: healthcare, infrastructure, education, security, and good governance. Today at Mass, the Church marked Interfaith Week. The service was beautiful and deeply moving. Three Imams visited our parish and stayed through the Holy Mass. They were given the opportunity to address us as brethren, different in faith, yet united in many core beliefs: 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐨...

My Learning Today – 16th August: IF YOU DO NOT WANT IT TO GO VIRAL, DO NOT SHARE IT

Can you really keep a secret once it leaves your lips? A few years ago, a close friend of mine was fired from his job over financial misappropriation, something our firm does not tolerate. Because he had served diligently, management recalled the dismissal letter and allowed him to tender a resignation instead. (Those in HR will understand the difference.) Since he was one of the most popular staff members and close to me, colleagues kept asking about him when he suddenly stopped showing up for two weeks. Under pressure, I let slip that he had been fired, not knowing the official story was that he resigned. That was enough for the office rumour mill to catch fire. Staff began digging for details, and when they finally pieced it together, my words confirmed the truth. Some reached out to him with sympathy. Others confronted him harshly, asking why he would ever stoop to behaviour “expected only from criminals.” He didn’t bother verifying the source. He simply called me, blasted me, warn...

Ask Chuka

Search This Blog