On school days, we say our morning prayers, and I bless my children in the car during the drive. This morning, as always, Agbenu turned on the music afterward. I had Building 429’s “Listen to the Sound” on repeat. Agbenu asked, “Dad, have you been listening to this song for several weeks?” “Yes,” I replied. “You know me—every now and then a song gets stuck in my head. This is the current one. I was getting ready for work one…
Last Christmas (2024), Ofu received a gift that a thirteen-year-old boy should be excited about at a Christmas party. I was excited for him and said, “Papi, it’s so cool, and I can’t wait to see how you will enjoy it.” Again, he amazed me with his reply, “I’m giving it away. I know someone who will like it. So I will give it to him as a Christmas present.” Me: “Papi, you always amaze me with your kindness and…
In 2021, the year “Epiphanies of Inspiration with Uncle Joe” was published, I included a copy of it and a copy of “Diary of Fatherhood (Series One)” in the Christmas packages of each member of my family. I affirmed them and highlighted their unique strengths on the autograph pages. As our children started to unwrap their gifts, they quickly noticed the inclusion of books and went for it. Once they saw the books they left the rest of their packages…
In this episode, I use three stories to recognize my children for the practical illustrations of their strengths to encourage them to continue building on them. “I Just Wanted to Honor You.” – Oche. In the aftermath of the recent Hurricane Beryl, one of our senior neighbors asked if Oche could assist in cleaning up their yard for pay. He did a good job, and when they offered him the payment, he declined, thanked them, and said, “I just wanted…
What do I see in this? My Number One is cool, calm, and collected with an easy-going approach. My Only One pours her heart into her relationships and everything she does. My Special One is caring, strong-willed, and very aware of his perspective on life. I also see a father who pleasures in being actively involved in the lives of his children. They are all leaders by their rights and producing good results. These are our mandate. The idea is…
As we were putting away our tools after working on our backyard, John said, “Dad, I’d like to ask you a question.” Me: “Sure.” John: “Please, I don’t mean this to be offensive, but I don’t know another way of asking it.” I smiled reassuringly and said, “It’s OK. It’s a question, and I won’t be offended.” John: “Are we financially unstable? The reason I ask is that I noticed that of late, when we’re in the store and I…
We just returned from Agbenu’s basketball game. She went into her room and changed from her uniform. She was wrapped in her towel, carrying her laundry basket, and heading down. “Excuse me,” she repeatedly asked John and Ofu, who adamantly played mischief and blocked her from descending the steps. Obviously, she was tired, gave up, and just stood watching. In a firm voice, I said, “Can you get out of her way? She’s been asking you to allow her to…
As my family and I were walking from the parking lot into the church, I reminded Ofu, “Hey, Papi, please remember to remove your hat when we enter the church.” Then he blotted, “But why?” Me: “Men and boys don’t wear hats in the church.” Ofu: “I want to know why.” Me: “It’s a mark of respect for God as we worship Him. It’s like how we remove our caps when we sing the national anthem.” Ofu: “Ooo! Why is…
While away on a trip, I placed a video call to check on my family. When it got to Ofu’s turn, he said: “Dad, I have something to tell you.” Me: “Tell me, My Special One.” Ofu: “I have been looking for my athletic shoes for a while. Then, I saw another student wearing it. So, I went and told him that those were my missing shoes that I’d been looking for. Then said he was sorry and that he…
Last week Thursday, a friend introduced me to the “1000 Thank You Jesus” prayer. I never knew of it until then. Immediately I became fascinated with it. It was an answered prayer as I have been wanting to upgrade my prayer of gratitude. I searched for it on YouTube and found it. I was awestruck and fell even more in love with it when I heard the introductory prayer. The soothing background music helped me to relax and concentrate. It…