A Life Lived

Over the past five years, I've felt alone. Alone in my beliefs mainly. Then, once in a while, I meet someone who shares my belief or lack, thereof, and it makes me believe that I'm not crazy. That I'm not off. That me not wholeheartedly believing in something like everyone else can actually be a thing. And, not just a thing, but a justifiable stance. People lose faith in religion, God and question what they are taught quite often but it's such a taboo topic that it isn't broadcasted (especially in countries where the majority of the population is very religious). Losing faith in religion or God is a world-shattering process. It affects your past, present, future and how you view yourself and the world around you. In the process of defining your beliefs, you often experience many unique things. You feel liberated Many religions place a massive amount of guilt and fear on its members to keep them in check. When you lose religion, you lose fear. People may try to...

“When you work and save, you can get what you want,” profoundly stated an excited Sherisse (9 years old) after listening to author, Aisha Acres, read from her book ‘The Money Adventures of Mike Murray and Friends’ as part of the 2018 Bocas Lit Fest Children’s Programme . The book introduces ten year-old Mike Murray who has to brainstorm and follow-through with a plan to go on a family vacation and attend a gaming expo abroad without handouts or the immediate help from family and friends.  This interactive reading was done in the Children’s Reading Room to a room full of children of various ages. The children discussed self-reliance, creativity in finding jobs, goal-setting, saving, honesty and determination. One parent revealed that she didn’t think that these seemingly ‘adult’ topics could be taught to children. However, Acres proved her wrong as she asked questions and made the session quite interesting even for adults. Children asked questions, were listened to a...