by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 16, 2018 | Uncategorized |
The ancient city of RETARD is set to receive millions new migrants who have indicated keen interest in relocating to the fast-growing sophisticated metropolis.
The Happy Valley government in a bid to fulfill her promises on providing 50 million houses to migrants by 2025, have since commenced the construction of low cost houses in the sophisticated city of retard.
It would be recalled that the ancient city which is well known for its uncouth lifestyles has in recent times witnessed a large migration of persons who have by their conducts shown a resemblance with the citizens of RETARD.
As a result, the progressive Happy Valley Government has made adequate provisions for all those who are either considering migration or who have by their misdemeanor merited a relocation. These includes those who have chosen indecent lifestyles; and those who are unscrupulous, the dishonorable, dishonest, unconscionable, disreputable, as well as the fraudulent, corrupt, the fearful, the ungodly, and all manner of perverted lifestyles.
Aside fostering a splendid society, the government seeks to, as a matter of urgency, reduce the population in many of our growing cities. As part of its developmental programs, the Happy Valley government has made provisions for the first batch of 50 million migrants to be relocated to ancient city of Retard in the shortest possible time.
During the official media launch of this great initiative, one News paper correspondent asked what the requirement would be for migrants, and what would be the cost of the apartments. The media spokesperson for the agency in his responses, alluded that the houses which are prototypes of the ancient mud-thatched huts, and are free of charge.
He further said those who would qualify to live in these houses are who have proven to posses a sense of immorality and vile, the violent, and are abominable as well as those who practice evil. This he said would help de-populate our city and restore decency for those who want to live sensibly and peacefully.
For those who desire a safer, peaceful and moral society, you would have wished this happens here, so that wickedness would diminish and the world would be a better place. But this is a moral utopia.! This will not happen in this world but it is a shadow of what is to come.
Very soon, the creator of life will make an eternal separation between good and evil. And this action will determine the final destination of every human being. Where do you stand?
Like I said in a previous article, titled, WHEN NONSENSE MAKES SENSE, in every corrupt and ungodly society, God always reserves a remnant of people who in spite of the threat to life, would follow after and pursue righteousness and the fear of God. Where will you fit in at the end of the age? The choice is yours!
You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
*Broken News is a publication of Happy Valley Agency which seeks to examine political and moral utopias that would foster positive change.
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 15, 2018 | Uncategorized |
In a recent research, I encountered a situation in which what I would call SSS (Senseless Simple Solution), proposed by an unscientific man was applied in a problem solving phenomena that mesmerized a scientific law.
The basic Law of Magnetism states that like magnetic poles repel each other where as unlike magnetic poles attract each other. The fact is that a magnet or magnetic field is required to either attract or repel another magnet.
Unlike Iron, wood does not have free unpaired electrons whose spins can line up to form domains. The magnetic moment of the individual electrons is not available to be aligned with an external magnetic field. This is the reason wood is not attracted to magnets and cannot be magnetized.
A proven record was made of an event in the Holy Bible when Prophet Elijah was compelled to come to the rescue of the Sons of the prophet who had their axe head sank into the river while felling trees.
“So he went with them; and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down [some of] the trees. But it happened that as one was cutting down a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Oh no, my master! It was borrowed!” The man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron [axe head] float. He said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out with his hand and took it. (2 KINGS 6: 4-7).
Amazing, isn’t it? That a piece of floating wood would make a steel axe head float. This solution mesmerized a scientific law. What is the magnetic property of a wood that would make it possible for it to attract an iron or steel? I doubt this is possible! But it happened!
This phenomenon is certainly a senseless simple solution. It sure must have been a divine intervention; a wonder of God! Sometimes, complicated problems requires only a simple, humanly senseless solution. A divine intervention that would defy all known scientific and made-made laws. Imagine An Iron made to float by a wood…it’s phenomenal!
The way out of the seeming life threatening predicaments we are bedevilled with might just be a simple solution and only a PEACEFUL heart can be inspired to receive it. A confused and fearful heart is not a good ground to receive such answers because God works in ways we can’t humanly comprehend.
The quicker we are able to move away from the confused, depressed and faithless state, the quicker we get our heart flooded with divinely orchestrated peace that would open us to divine interventions.
Likewise, the quicker we take our focus away from the problems and fix our attention on The Omnipotent God, the quicker will His peace garrison our hearts against contrary thoughts and open us to divine insights that will make our problems light and passive.
Come to think of it, the solution cannot be found in a revengeful mission or suicidal act. Rather than solve the problems, it would only compound it more. If your worries are potent enough to get you out of your predicaments you should have been free by now. Yea? So, if running from pillar to post; or if medical or scientific approaches haven’t helped, then try God!
Oh, you said you have sought several men of God, and some even deceived you, yet you are still battling with the problems. Yes, some would take advantage of you in a bid to proffer solutions. But gladly, Christ is the ultimate hope and he has solutions to all life’s problems.
Perhaps, you need to change your approach -first establish a sincere relationship with your maker, trust his saving grace and lay your life before him. Then He will make His peace attend your heart and inspire you with a simple solution that would glorify him.
A peaceful and graceful spirit is a medicine to the body. The Lord is near you. You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 11, 2018 | Uncategorized |
At about 3:00 am, I got up from a restless sleep, and as I sat down to study I wondered why my night was so restless. Just then I was inspired by a thought that led me to discover one sure way to live a radiant life. Please permit me to share this with you.
Before I do, I’ll like to allude to some facts about you. I know you’ve been troubled so much by reasons of these complications you now experience in your relationships. And the frequency of failures and disappointments has made you resigned to fate, and to conclude that you are an unfortunate being.
Yea, you have often wondered if this is the kind of life you have been destined to lead, where nothing seem to be working for you. Month after Months, year after years, yet you still seem far from your aspirations.
You still grapple with the fact that you are still jobless after so many years of searching for one. Even though you pray so well, yet you’ve been worried and downcast at the seeming silence of God in critical areas of your life, even though He says He cares.
And to make matters worst, you’ve been severely disappointed by the complacency of those that should be concerned about your plight. Even your intimate have abandoned you since you chose to stand for what is right.
I do understand that you have struggled with certain familiar illnesses for a while, and you wonder how long you are supposed to manage these for. However, I do appreciate that you’ve been standing still in hope of victory for a while and at getting tiring to keep hanging on.
In the words of my friend, “I’ve tried very hard to put behind me the ugly pasts and regrets, but it’s not been easy. It’s being hell but you are still optimistic that the new year will bring you much respite and gladness. I like your spirit!
Trust me, you’ve done well! You’ve survived hardship, rejection, failures and victimisation. You’ve really shown a strength of character. But still, you should do more more than just survive, you must inculcate a sure principle that will keep you steadfast, even in the most troublesome situation.
You must resolve to always rejoice and delight yourself in God. When you do this; and with an assurance that God will not fail you, your tolerance and patience will be known to people who know your history, and you will would encourage them to trust your God too.
And also, you would radiate a beautiful and gracious spirit on the outside; your health will spring up quickly and you will glow in radiance and glory, basking in the euphoria of a peaceful life.
Trust me, this is one sure way to live a radiant life. You’re Winning! Yes, we are winning!
Greatmark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 9, 2018 | Uncategorized |
Poverty and penury is a common phenomenon among retired pensioners; ditto many Nigerians. This is also the case in many third world countries where retired civil servants and the poor masses protests over unpaid pensions or economic hardship.
Majority of the aged pensioners who retired from active service have been in the habit of complaining or protesting of either not receiving regular pension or about its inadequacy in meeting their growing needs, or in some cases, outright non-payment or negligence in the part of the government.
This sad development of course is not unconnected with poor remuneration or minimum wage which in spite of inflation remains the same for so many years. And of course, the age-long corruption activities of pension administrators in that sector cannot but be mentioned; remember Maina to mention a few!
The sudden arrest of Mr. Paul Umar by the Happy Valley agency is laughable but interesting. A peccable source revealed that Mr Paul Umar, a retired civil servant and a pensioner is being questioned on why he remained in abject poverty. This is said to be one of many cases which the agency is seeking to prosecute, in a bid to finally make poverty a forgotten phenomenon.
An investigation was said to be carried out to determine the liabilities of this 65 years old man and those of his 30 years old son who is said to be a hawker on the streets of Lagos. According to a senior officer of the agency, Mr. Paul Umar will be questioned on why he remains poor in spite of the rigorous fight against poverty by the Happy Valley administration.
A spokesperson of the agency, who pleaded anonymity said that the reason for this project is to press charges against poverty and its allies. And when poverty is found guilty, it would be sentenced to life imprisonment, while the pensioner, Mr. Paul Umar and his poor family shall be acquainted. This, he added would serve as deterrent to other poverty crimes.
Pause and reason.
Is this achievable in Nigeria, Africa or anywhere in the world? A situation when poverty becomes a crime, and where poor persons would be arrested for living with poverty? Is it possible that the Government would not only chase corruption but also implement measures that would arrest and prosecute poverty and not the poor? This is a political Utopia; a happy valley! I believe that in order to reduce corruption, the government need to fight poverty.
Political utopia can exist, but not in this world. However, we can make life beautiful for ourselves if we are determined to.
*Broken News is an satirical online publication of a fictitious Happy Valley Agency which seeks to examine societal utopias that could foster positive change.
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 1, 2018 | Uncategorized |
Finally, we have arrived at the Fair haven, a place of safety; a shelter, a temporary abode to wait for a favorable wind. We have arrived to a new year we have so much anticipated. The new year usually offers ecstatic and reassuring experiences for lots of people.
Many of us have looked forward to a new year which we believe should normally afford us a break from our painful or unfavorable pasts. We have eagerly hoped for another year where we can start again, adopt new strategies, and re-fire our passion to succeed.
Crossing over to a new year is usually with great expectations in which we hope that our condition would look better, and we would take up new opportunities, and start again in the areas where we had not faired well. And gladly, we have come from there to here; we have reach the fair haven.
In many of our organizations, both religious and secular, we promote themes of hopes and uncommon prosperity. Many people take advantage of the last hours of the outgoing year to make new resolutions, as well as ensure that they pray into the new year and receive prophetic declarations from God’s oracles.
Individuals and families sets new targets, and goals for the new year. Businesses raise the bar on achievements and successes of the company. Retreats are organized to strategize on how to achieve greater feats and profitability in the new year.
It is good to note that in spite of our fair haven and optimistic dispositions, that challenges and difficulties are sure to abound as good opportunities would. In fact, more often than none, those hard times would usually birth for us greater glory as long as we are courageous enough not to give in to defeat.
Therefore, we should not dismiss the fact that as the earth approaches its nadir, terrible hard times shall come, and sufferings would increase world over. Political unrest, terrorism, famine and poverty, wars and rumors of wars, wanton destruction of lives and properties by stone-hearted men, religious intolerance, and all manner of evil will be on the increase as we approach the end of all things.
The experience of Apostle Paul and his team gives more insight into what a fair haven is: He reported, “After sailing slowly for many days, we arrived off Cnidus. When the wind impeded us, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. After we had moved along the coast with difficulty, we came to a place calledFair Havens, near the town of Lasea.” Acts 28:7-8.
The past years may have been very difficult for you, and you have longed for a fair haven, a place where you can have a relieve from the pains of struggles. You have anticipated a political paradigm shift, a new Government, or a new policy that would make life better . Your are welcome to 2018, a fair haven of some sort.
While we continue to face the realities of our times, we should also be certain that goodness and Mercy, fulfillments and prosperity, growth and accomplishments, resounding successes and excellence will continue to abound. Many will fall and many will rise, as strength of character will be tested by prevailing difficulties.
However, many who have anchored their hopes on the unchanging God would remain unperturbed even in the midst of world calamities. Those who would inculcate a winning attitude would stay afloat in the ocean of life.
Like sailors, we must make the best of the wind as we voyage through the ocean of this world. When the winds are contrary, we must be getting forward as well as we can. In the words of Matthew Henry, “Many who are not driven backward by cross providences, do not get forward by favorable providences.” Absolutely true!
Year 2018 may be a fair haven for you; a get away from the stress, disappointments and difficulties of 2017. But be rest assured that every fair haven is not a safe haven. The only safe haven is found in the creator of your life, yes, the bishop of your soul.
A little child was asked to recite The popular Psalm 23, and she began by saying, “The Lord is my Shepherd I have all I need.” Yes, when you make him your shepherd, you will have no need to fear the terror that is imminent on the world.
Welcome to year 2018, a fair haven, where things will be well sorted for your wellbeing and prosperity only if your soul is anchored on the unfailing and indefatigable God. Like i said in one of my piece, TESTED & PROVED! SEE THE ANCHOR THAT CAN SURVIVE THE MOST TEMPESTUOUS STORMS!, You will stand strong when your hope is in the unshakable; when your anchor grips the solid rock and not an unstable phenomenon.
You are winning; yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Dec 28, 2017 | Uncategorized |
There’s a long and sacred history of the use of “X” to symbolize the name of Christ, which is the reason Christmas is written as “XMAS”. Although, this may not be intended to disrespect the person of Christ, yet, I do have my reservations. I think It doesn’t give a proper representation of the word “Christ” IN CHRISTMAS.
The use of abbreviations has become so popular especially with the advancement of the new media. We live in a jet age; everything is done in a rush; we hardly have any time to waste even in writing.
The fact is if you don’t learn about words and abbreviations you might miss out on certain information. Common examples include “sup”, meaning ‘what’s up? “Lol”, laughing out loud. “Brb”, be right back, “Asap”, as soon as possible to mention a few.
More recently, in the Christian parlance, abbreviation of some important words have become widely acceptable. Such words like: ” IJN”, which means “In Jesus Name”, “GBU”, to mean “God bless you”, and so on.
By the way, this article may be one of a controversial piece, but I intend to generate thoughts that would further enlighten my curiosity about the symbol used for Christ. This article is not a complete piece, as I seek to continue to research on the verity and acceptability of the abbreviation used for Christ in Christmas.
The Greek letter Chi or X in English is often used to abbreviate the name Christ, as in Christmas (i.e Xmas). When fused within a single typespace with the Greek letter Rho, it is called the labarum which was a military standard (vexillum) that was first used by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. The idea was to superimpose the first two letters of the word Christ or Χριστός, in Greek.
Chi (χ) and Rho (ρ) (☧) consisted of a flag suspended from the crossbar of a cross, it was ideally suited to symbolize the crucifixion of Christ, and used to represent the person of Jesus Christ. Later on a wreath was added to symbolize Christ’s victory over death. Thus, if ☧(with a wreath around it) is a symbol adopted for Christ crucifixion, does it literally represent the name “Christ”? Search me!
X (named ex /ɛks/, plural exes[1]) is the 24th and antepenultimate letter in the modern English alphabet. The “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός, which in English is “Christ“.
My worry is, If the symbol ☧ is only the first two letters of the word “Christ” (that is, CH or Χρ ), then I don’t see how that is a complete representation of Christ in “Christmas”. And if the superimposition is thought to be true, was Christ crucified on an X-shaped cross? And so, why did the early traditions adopt the Chi-Rho as an abbreviation for Christ?
Since Chi is X, then I think Christmas should be written as Chi-mass, or X-mas (named ex /ɛks/mas). I am not schooled in Greek, but I don’t think the word “Christ” is ideally represented by the use of just X (or Chi-Rho) as a replacement. Chi-Rho might as well represent other things.
Inquisitively, the Christian cross, seen as a representation of the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus, is the best-known symbol of Christianity. The basic forms of the cross are the Latin cross (✝) and the Greek cross (✚), with numerous variants used in text, visual art, heraldry, and in various confessional contexts.
Again, why was X considered the symbol of the cross of Christ, and not ✚ or ✝? Oh, because that’s what is found in the Alphabets, and means cross? Arguably, there are various shapes of the cross used for capital punishment in those days. The truth is whichever shape of the cross Jesus was crucified on has nothing to do with the verity and sufficiency of His sacrifice.
Having said that, I do know from the history of Christian tradition that Apostle Peter was crucified upside down at his own request, since he saw himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus. That makes the shape of his cross and inverted one.
Who was crucified on an X-cross? Early texts, such as the Acts of Andrew known to Gregory of Tours, describe Andrew as bound, not nailed, to a Latin cross of the kind on which Jesus is said to have been crucified (that is ✝); yet a tradition developed that Andrew had been crucified on a cross of the form called crux decussata (X-shaped cross, or “saltire”).
From this school of thought, one could conclude that it was Andrew, not Jesus that was crucified on an X-shaped cross. Then, why is the X used as a representation of the cross of Christ? Even though X could mean “cross”, as well as represent the first letter of the word Christ in Greek. However, does this abbreviation truly represent Christ.
For instance, my name is GreatMark. But does GR fully represent me? Besides, GR might mean several things. I’m still wondering! Therefore, X may have been an acceptable representation of the word “Christ” for hundreds of years. But, I don’t seem to agree with the use of this as an ideal representation of “Christ” in Christmas.
I recall that the same letter, Chi (X) can be calculated in the Four-figure table as χ² (X-squared) which is used to compare the distribution of a categorical variable in a sample to another sample. So, does this also means Christ-squared? And also, the symbol Rho (ρ)is used in the physical sciences to represent: Densities: mass density, air density or charge density (ρ) Resistivity (ρ) Rho meson (ρ+, ρ−, ρ0).
Therefore, the same Greek alphabets which is considered as the first two letters of Christ can also be used to represent chi-squared and density, even though the two letters are super-imposed to mean the crucifixion of Christ (that is☧), why not superimpose the Rho (ρ) on ✚, which is the true symbol of the cross of Christ?
As a student of English, I am mesmerized by the pliability of “X.” alphabet. The same letter that is used to represent the sacred name of Christ in Xmas is also used in other parlance as, the profane (in “rated X”), as well as the unknown (“X-ray“, or to find the unknown in a mathematical equation). Likewise, in Biology, X is used to represent Chromosomes, called the X-chromosomes.
In my opinion, I do not see any correlation between Xmas and Christmas. The alphabet “X” doesn’t represent “Christ” in the true sense of the word. Therefore, “X” cannot mean the same as “Christ” in the word Christmas!
Whether it dishonors Christ or not, I would rather write Christmas, and not as Xmas, not even for the purpose of abbreviations. I see the true essence of Christmas when the “Christ” is conspicuously written. Therefore, I would say, there’s no Xmas! It is Christmas, a celebration of the birth of the savior of the world –Jesus Christ!
Christmas symbolizes victory of death. Christ is the reason for the season. You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
