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EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 3:43pm On Feb 07, 2025
When Fixing Isn’t the Answer: The Power of Listening in Building Stronger Relationships

A woman once told me that she was talking to her husband one evening and she saw that her husband was not paying attention even though he wasn’t stopping her from speaking. This was painful to the woman, and the next day, she “paid” her husband back in her way. The husband had no clue why she was acting “weird.” This scenario is all too common in relationships, and it highlights a critical issue: the importance of truly paying attention and listening in conversations.

Listening is more than just hearing words. It’s about being present, showing empathy, and validating the other person’s feelings and experiences. When we fail to listen actively, we send a message—intentional or not—that the other person’s thoughts and emotions don’t matter. This can create distance, frustration, and misunderstandings in relationships.

In many cases, the root of the problem lies in differing approaches to communication. For instance, men and women often have different conversational styles, especially when discussing problems. Men tend to focus on solutions, wanting to “fix” the issue as quickly as possible. This is not inherently wrong; in fact, it’s often why they’re sought out for advice. However, this approach can feel dismissive if the other person is still in the process of expressing their feelings or clarifying the problem. Women, on the other hand, often use conversation as a way to process emotions and articulate their thoughts. They may not be looking for an immediate solution but rather for understanding and connection.

This disconnect can lead to frustration on both sides. Men may feel unappreciated for their efforts to help, while women may feel unheard or undervalued. The key to bridging this gap lies in recognizing and respecting these differences. For men, this might mean resisting the urge to jump into problem-solving mode and instead focusing on listening and asking questions to better understand the issue. For women, it might involve clearly communicating whether they’re seeking advice or simply a listening ear.

Active listening requires effort and intentionality. It means putting aside distractions—whether it’s a phone, a TV, or our own thoughts—and giving the other person our full attention. It involves acknowledging their feelings, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting back what we’ve heard to ensure understanding. This kind of engagement shows the other person that they are valued and that their story matters.
Moreover, listening is not just about the words being spoken. It’s also about paying attention to nonverbal cues—tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. These subtle signals often convey emotions that words alone cannot express. By tuning into these cues, we can gain a deeper understanding of what the other person is experiencing and respond with greater empathy.

In relationships, the ability to listen well can transform conflicts into opportunities for connection. When we feel heard and understood, we’re more likely to trust and open up to the other person. This fosters intimacy and strengthens the bond between partners. On the other hand, when we feel ignored or dismissed, it can lead to resentment and emotional distance.

The story of the woman and her husband serves as a reminder of how small actions—or inactions—can have a big impact. Paying attention and listening may seem like simple acts, but they are powerful tools for building and maintaining healthy relationships. They require patience, practice, and a genuine desire to understand the other person.

In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, giving someone our undivided attention is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer. It says, “You matter to me. Your thoughts and feelings are important.” So the next time you find yourself in a conversation, especially with someone you care about, take a moment to truly listen. You might be surprised at how much it can change the dynamic of your relationship.

Listening is not just about solving problems; it’s about creating a space where both people feel seen, heard, and valued. And in the end, isn’t that what we all want from our relationships?

Join Integral Value Telegram channel for more meaningful and valuable content. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
BusinessRe: Protect What Matters: Affordable Security Solutions by Growing(op): 5:10pm On Feb 06, 2025
Mobile Bomb Jammer: Advanced Protection Against Remote Threats

In today’s security landscape, remote-controlled explosive devices (RCIEDs) pose a serious threat to military, law enforcement, and VIP security teams. A mobile bomb jammer is a critical defense tool designed to neutralize these threats by blocking radio signals that could trigger an explosion.

🔹 Key Features & Benefits:
✅ Real-Time Protection – Disrupts detonation signals from mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and other RF devices.
✅ Portable & Effective – Designed for use in vehicles or tactical operations.
✅ Customizable Frequencies – Covers a wide range of communication bands to counter evolving threats.

When every second counts, a mobile bomb jammer provides a critical shield against remote-controlled attacks. Stay ahead of threats. Stay protected.

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EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 4:31pm On Feb 06, 2025
The United States of America has better things to do with their tax payers' money.

Watch this video full of revelations on USAID spending:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA3ma1MeSIU?si=Td334WhT-vB2r3vv

Join Integral Value Telegram channel for more meaningful and valuable content. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
PoliticsRe: FEC Approves $45.3m New Design For Transportation Routes In Western Ports by Growing(m): 4:12pm On Feb 06, 2025
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a $45.3 million contract for the feasibility study and engineering design of a rail route linking four seaports in Nigeria’s western region Deep Sea Port, Tin Can Seaport, Apapa Seaport, and Lekki Seaport to the hinterlands.

Did I read that correctly or was it a typographical error?

Madness!
PoliticsRe: Reps Proposes Creation Of 31 Additional States (Full List) by Growing(m): 3:53pm On Feb 06, 2025
Who in his right mind suggests the creation of more states when a good number of current states are not viable?

Answer: The people who want to create more avenues for looting.

Madness!
PoliticsRe: Senate Moves Against ‘japa’ Syndrome by Growing(m): 3:49pm On Feb 06, 2025
They want to move against japa for the masses but their children are forever free to japa.

Madness!
EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 4:23pm On Feb 05, 2025
The Social Nature of Sanity: How Human Interaction Shapes Mental Well-Being

Human beings are inherently social creatures. Our thoughts, emotions, and even sense of self are shaped by interactions with others. Conversations help us process experiences, gain perspective, and organize our thoughts. Without social engagement, our minds can become cluttered, much like a home filled with unchecked possessions.

A well-functioning psyche is not solely the product of individual effort but also relies on the reactions and feedback of others. Engaging in meaningful discussions provides clarity, validation, and reality checks. This is why people who feel isolated often struggle with mental well-being. Without an external framework of social responses, internal thoughts can spiral unchecked, leading to confusion and distress.

Much of our behavior is fine-tuned through the responses of those around us. Whether through subtle cues like a raised eyebrow or more direct reactions like laughter or disagreement, we continuously receive information about how our actions align with social norms. These interactions shape our self-awareness and guide our personal growth...

Continue reading this post on Integral Value Telegram channel. Full post there. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
BusinessRe: Protect What Matters: Affordable Security Solutions by Growing(op): 5:02pm On Feb 04, 2025
Stay Protected with a Concealable Ballistic Vest

In high-risk environments, protection should never compromise comfort or discretion. A concealable ballistic vest offers covert body armor designed to keep you safe while blending seamlessly under clothing. Whether for law enforcement, security professionals, or personal defense, these vests provide lightweight, flexible protection against firearm threats.

🔹 Key Benefits:
✅ Discreet & comfortable fit under clothing
✅ Lightweight yet highly effective ballistic protection
✅ Designed for all-day wear without restricting movement

When safety is a priority, a concealable ballistic vest offers peace of mind without drawing attention. Stay protected, stay prepared.

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EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op):
Listening Helps Resolve Issues

In any relationship, whether personal or professional, conflicts are inevitable. However, the way we navigate these disagreements determines the strength and longevity of our connections. One of the most effective yet often overlooked tools for conflict resolution is true listening. Carl Rogers, a renowned psychotherapist, emphasized that many people struggle to truly listen because it requires courage and openness. He suggested a method where one must restate the other person’s thoughts and feelings to their satisfaction before responding. This approach fosters deeper understanding, minimizes misinterpretations, and ultimately leads to resolution.

Listening is more than just hearing words; it involves fully engaging with another person’s perspective without immediate judgment or the urge to respond defensively. Often, people enter conversations with preconceived notions and a need to assert their own viewpoint. This creates barriers to effective communication and escalates conflicts. When one genuinely listens, however, they make an effort to understand the emotions and reasoning behind the other person’s words. This validation does not necessarily mean agreement, but it reassures the speaker that their thoughts matter, reducing hostility and promoting cooperation.

A significant advantage of this approach is that it encourages self-reflection. When individuals listen deeply, they gain insight into their own biases and emotional triggers. This awareness allows them to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Moreover, listening can soften resistance in the other person. When someone feels heard and understood, they are more likely to reciprocate, creating a foundation for mutual respect and problem-solving.

Furthermore, practicing active listening strengthens emotional bonds. In romantic relationships, for example, misunderstandings often stem from unexpressed feelings or unmet expectations. A partner who listens attentively can identify underlying concerns and work towards solutions that satisfy both parties. Similarly, in friendships and family dynamics, validating emotions rather than dismissing them helps build trust and fosters a sense of security.

Another crucial aspect of listening is the willingness to be changed by what one hears. Rogers highlighted that embracing another’s perspective might alter our own attitudes or beliefs, which can be unsettling. However, this openness is essential for personal growth and meaningful relationships. By acknowledging that we do not hold absolute truth and that others’ experiences are valid, we create space for deeper connections and constructive dialogue.

Ultimately, resolving issues through listening requires patience and practice. It demands setting aside one’s ego, being present in the moment, and demonstrating empathy. While it may not always lead to immediate agreement, it paves the way for mutual understanding and long-term harmony. In a world where many struggle to feel heard, mastering the art of listening can transform relationships and create a more compassionate society.

Join Integral Value Telegram channel for more meaningful and valuable content. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
BusinessRe: Protect What Matters: Affordable Security Solutions by Growing(op): 5:01pm On Feb 03, 2025
Why Locking Doors and Windows Matters More Than You Think

Your home or business is your sanctuary, and securing it starts with a simple yet crucial habit—locking your doors and windows every time you leave. Many break-ins occur due to easy access points left unsecured, making it effortless for intruders to enter undetected.

By consistently locking up, you deter potential burglars and reinforce your security. Take it a step further with smart locks and surveillance cameras that provide real-time monitoring and alerts. A small action like locking up can make a big difference in protecting what matters most.

Stay vigilant. Stay secure.

Contact below for security and surveillance equipment and services.
PoliticsRe: FG Plans Fresh Electricity Tariff Hike by Growing(m): 4:41pm On Feb 03, 2025
And most Nigerians are yet to be metered...

This Tinubu-led government is insensitive, clueless, directionless, arrogant, and incompetent.
EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 4:46pm On Jan 31, 2025
🔒 Home Security Tip🔒

🏠 Protect Your Home, Protect Your Loved Ones! 🏠

Your home should be your safe haven. One of the best ways to enhance security is by installing CCTV cameras at key entry points. 🎥👀

✅ Why?
✔️ Deter Intruders – Criminals think twice when they see cameras.
✔️ 24/7 Monitoring – Keep an eye on your property anytime, anywhere.
✔️ Evidence Collection – In case of incidents, footage helps with investigations.

📢 Take Action Today! Secure your home with reliable surveillance solutions.

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BusinessRe: Protect What Matters: Affordable Security Solutions by Growing(op): 4:26pm On Jan 31, 2025
🔒 Home Security Tip🔒

🏠 Protect Your Home, Protect Your Loved Ones! 🏠

Your home should be your safe haven. One of the best ways to enhance security is by installing CCTV cameras at key entry points. 🎥👀

✅ Why?
✔️ Deter Intruders – Criminals think twice when they see cameras.
✔️ 24/7 Monitoring – Keep an eye on your property anytime, anywhere.
✔️ Evidence Collection – In case of incidents, footage helps with investigations.

📢 Take Action Today! Secure your home with reliable surveillance solutions.

Need CCTV installation? We’ve got you covered! 💪🔐

📞Contact below.
EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 1:16pm On Jan 31, 2025
Listening Matters

Years ago, I was working in an office in a church, and a married woman I didn't know walked in and started sharing some of the issues she was having with me. Truth be told, I wasn’t ready to listen because I was working. I almost interrupted the woman to tell her I didn’t have the time. But I didn’t. For some reason I don’t know, I listened to her story.

About seven minutes later, the woman stopped, looked at me, smiled, and said, “Thank you, brother. You are a good listener. God bless you.” Then she left. I did not address the issues she shared with me. She felt heard. She was dying to be heard—by her husband.

Genuine conversation involves listening—a lot of listening—and talking. You can hear someone talk, but you cannot truly listen without paying attention. People can tell you quite a lot if you really listen. It seems that if a person is speaking and you are listening, she is not just talking; she is articulating, exploring, and organizing her thoughts. In the process, she herself talking, or you the listener, or both of you, can have a revelation. This revelation can be helpful in fixing the issue. This is probably the process that helps in therapy...

Continue reading this post on Integral Value Telegram channel. Full post there. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 1:15pm On Jan 30, 2025
Lies Corrupt Your Psyche

I know a woman who told lies until she was indebted in millions and running from her creditors. She dwelt in falsehood and that produced chaos later. I have reasons to say she has made it very difficult for herself to see the truth let alone tell it. Her lies have made her blind to reality. That has been costly for her.

You start by telling a “little” lie; then more little lies to cover up the initial ones. You may not realize that at this point, your thoughts have become distorted. As the consequences of your distorted thinking begin to manifest, you tell more lies to cover up the consequences. Something terrible happens at this stage – you somehow believe your lies, at least unconsciously.

Because you live in falsehood, that would be the foundation of your actions. There is now a gap between reality and what you unconsciously believe. You are trying to bend reality but reality snaps back at you like a rubber band you are holding close to your face and stretching out snaps back when you let go.

The corruption of the psyche through falsehood is subtle but devastating. The more you deceive, the more distorted your perception of the world becomes. The truth, which once seemed clear, is now obscured by layers of deception. Your instincts become unreliable. You no longer know what is real and what is fabricated. At this point, you are not only lying to others; you are lying to yourself.

Every lie adds another brick to the prison you are building around yourself. You may begin to experience anxiety because deep down, you sense that your foundation is fragile. Every action you take based on falsehood weakens your ability to engage with reality effectively. This breeds chaos in your life. Situations spiral out of control, relationships crumble, and opportunities slip away because they were built on shaky ground.

You may attempt to deceive yourself into believing that your suffering is undeserved. Instead of acknowledging the role your falsehood played in your downfall, you seek external scapegoats. You blame people, circumstances, and even fate itself. The refusal to take responsibility further deepens your self-deception.

The more you resist the truth, the more your suffering intensifies. Your actions, driven by falsehood, produce results opposite to what you desire. You aim for success but meet repeated failure. You long for peace but experience constant turmoil. You want meaningful relationships, but deception alienates you from others. Frustration sets in. Your suffering, instead of leading you to introspection and correction, fuels resentment.

Your deceits start dragging you towards hell. Your relationship with reality has been corrupted to the point of destruction. Almost all your actions do not produce the intended results. You experience failure again and again. You are frustrated. Because you live in falsehood, you do not see how the failures you created for yourself are your fault. You blame everyone and in your arrogance, you also blame God. You then see God as punishing you and like Cain in the Bible, you harbour resentment towards God. You seek revenge against God but because you can do nothing to harm God, you aim at harming his beloved creatures, human beings.

This is hell for you.

Join Integral Value Telegram channel for more meaningful and valuable content. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
BusinessProtect What Matters: Affordable Security Solutions by Growing(op): 11:27am On Jan 30, 2025
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See contact below.
EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 2:13pm On Jan 28, 2025
Living in Truth: A Risk Worth Taking

I was listening to a news analysis radio programme one morning. In the course of the programme, people call in to express their views after the journalist has done his analysis and given his views about news that have made it to the front page of the newspaper for that day. A listener called in, “People should allow me to be pessimistic. I have my reasons,” he basically said. Hardly is there any good news on the front pages of the newspaper. That does damage in its own way. So, one can understand if people end up being pessimistic after being blasted daily with unfortunate happenings in the country and around the globe. The pessimist, if he has not already, is close to asking, “Is existence good?”

It appears to me that question is not an easy one to answer given our reality on earth. You can find out if existence is good but only by taking a risk, a terrible risk, you may say. If you want to find out if reality is good then you would have to align with reality. That means you will have to tell the truth and live truthfully. If all you do is lie, then you are bending reality for yourself. But you cannot bend reality. Reality will keep trying to snap you back into the truth, into alignment with the truth. That would be painful for you...

Continue reading this post on Integral Value Telegram channel. Full post there. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 4:58pm On Jan 27, 2025
What You Worship Shapes Your Life

Everything does not have equal value for you. You value some things more than others. And then there is what you value as the highest good. By default, you worship what is of highest worth to you. That becomes your God. In this matter, there are no atheists. There are only people who know the God they serve and those who do not know. What you are seeking depends on what you are serving. If you do not see God as the highest good, what you are seeking, which has taken the place of God, will regulate your emotions and determine your thoughts. Then you will lie to yourself and bend everything to your ambition. The goal possesses you and in that state, you will not be able to discover if another goal would serve you and the society better.

Consider what happens when power, wealth, or fame becomes your highest pursuit. These can be compelling goals, but they often come with significant costs. When power is your ultimate aim, you might manipulate others, losing trust and genuine relationships along the way. When wealth takes precedence, you may exploit people or prioritize material success over moral values. And when fame becomes your God, your sense of worth hinges on the opinions of others, leaving you vulnerable to constant judgment. These pursuits, while not inherently wrong, cannot bear the weight of being your highest good. They are limited and can easily lead to disillusionment or harm if you let them dominate your life.

However, aligning yourself with the highest good, God, who is infinitely beyond material gains or fleeting status—brings a sense of balance and fulfillment. This means serving God, who is truth, love, and just. It involves dedicating yourself to virtues that uplift both you and others. When your values are oriented toward something greater than self-centered ambition, your actions become more meaningful, your relationships deeper, and your life more purposeful. You begin to experience harmony within yourself and with the world around you.
This does not mean abandoning ambition or striving for success. It means grounding those ambitions in something enduring, something that enhances life rather than distorts it. When you prioritize the highest good, your goals and desires align in a way that promotes integrity, wisdom, and compassion. You remain open to learning, recognizing that what you thought was important at one stage of life may no longer hold the same weight as you grow and encounter new truths.

If you are open to the truth and do not allow your false god to blind and possess you, your values transform as you navigate through life. If you allow yourself to be informed by the truth, the reality manifesting itself, what you consider important will change. You may undergo a gradual or radical reorientation.

Join Integral Value Telegram channel for more meaningful and valuable content. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
CareerRe: On Data Analysis by Growing(op): 6:15pm On Jan 21, 2025
Someone asked me today whether he should go into UI/UX Design, Cybersecurity, or Data Analysis. My response was that he should find out more information about all three first and then see the one that aligns with his interests.

What you are interested in sometimes proves helpful in making a decision.

Contact me for data cleaning, analysis, and visualization services. Contact below.
EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 8:37pm On Jan 18, 2025
Don't Worship Reason

As human beings we can reason. Reason is a tool for us. It helps us analyze situations, make informed decisions, and solve problems. Reason helps us understand the world by drawing connections between cause and effect, weighing evidence, and forming logical conclusions. With reason we can plan for the future, anticipate challenges, and develop strategies to overcome them. It enables us to learn from our experience, refine our thinking, and adapt to changing circumstances, which are crucial for personal and collective growth.

But reason has its temptations and weaknesses. Reason can see far but it can fall in love with itself or with its own productions. What reason produces may be good. No matter how good it is, it is not good to regard it as the highest good. That may produce hell. To regard the product of reason as the highest good is totalitarian. This perspective assumes that all that is important and can be discovered is known. The need to confront the unknown aspects of life is dismissed. But when you are in trouble, what you know may not be sufficient to save you. Then you need to learn from what is unknown to you. To do that is courageous but the totalitarian doesn’t do that rather he denies. He denies because he believes he knows everything worth knowing.

Communism did not really appeal to the oppressed workers, who were supposed to be the beneficiaries, but to intellectuals whose pride in their intellect told them they were always right. The utopia never materialized, rather the horrors of Stalinist Russia and Mao’s China were produced. Christianity declined, rationality rose to prominence. It did not produce prosperity like some people then and now think. It produced horrors in which tens of millions of people perished. Except one blatantly refuses to learn from history, one should be scared of a post-Christian society. Refusal to learn in the face of error degenerates into a deepening hell...

Continue reading on Integral Value Telegram channel. Full post there. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
InvestmentRe: You Can Make Money From Crypto Airdrops by Growing(op): 9:29pm On Jan 17, 2025
So, Nodepay (NC) listed today and is presently at $0.27.

Some people who started with the first season cashed out today but are not making noise.

Airdrops and more posted on my Telegram channel. Go to Telegram and search for Cryptowina. It is a public channel so you should see it and join. It is the channel with the image attached to the first post of this thread.
EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 3:35pm On Jan 15, 2025
The reason for the California Fire.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4wcBt6VnvA?si=F9TxaY3EAv4PgRCp

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CareerRe: On Data Analysis by Growing(op): 9:53pm On Jan 13, 2025
The journey to becoming a Data Analyst is not an easy one. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are lying.

A lot of focus and persisitence.

Grit.

Contact me for data cleaning, analysis, and visualization services. Contact below.
InvestmentRe: You Can Make Money From Crypto Airdrops by Growing(op): 9:50pm On Jan 13, 2025
Nodepay TGE: January 17, 2025.

11am Nigerian time.

Are you ready?

Airdrops and more posted on my Telegram channel. Go to Telegram and search for Cryptowina. It is a public channel so you should see it and join. It is the channel with the image attached to the first post of this thread.
EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 2:27pm On Jan 12, 2025
Battles on Set

For years Mel Gibson carried it in his heart. He felt called to do a movie about Christ but he kept giving himself excuses not to respond to the call. After living with the feeling for about 15 years, he approached Jim Caviezel and started talking about “Jesus this...” and “Jesus that...” Jim asked him, “You want me to play Jesus?” Mel responded, “Yes.”

The next day Mel called Jim and tried talking him out of it. Mel was probably thinking, “I have done all of these things that are not so examplary and people will eventually find out that I am this kind of person. I am the wrong guy to direct this movie.” Mel was not the first person to make a commitment to Christ and having a second thought about it. No thanks to the devil. Mel told Jim, “If you do this movie, you may never work in this town again. I don’t want to be responsible for that.” Jim felt the fear as he thought of the nice things he has that money has bought but he realized that God brought him into the movie industry and his talent came from God, not man. Jim told Mel, “Look man, we are all called to carry our own cross. If you don’t pick up and carry your cross, you will be crushed by the weight of it.” Mel got quiet on the phone. And Jim said, “Oh my!” Mel asked, “What?” Jim replied, “I just realized my initials are J.C. and I am 33 years old.” “God! You are freaking me out,” Mel said and hung up the phone.

Mel Gibson ended up directing and Jim Caviezel ended up playing Jesus in the 2004-released-movie, The Passion of the Christ. Mel shot that movie with his own money, about $30 million.

And it started, the battle between light and darkness with respect to the movie – the movie that was more than just a movie. Mel Gibson was persecuted as an artist, as a man, as a filmmaker, as a Christian, even as an American – his rights were violated and it bothered him. People said the movie was anti-Semitic, it was bad filmmaking, Mel Gibson was a bigot. Mel harboured some anger about it then.

On the very first day of shooting, the crowd rushed in around Jim Caviezel, guards hit him with whips which hit his flesh. His arm was wedged under the 150 pound cross when someone yanked the top of the cross in the other direction. His muscles wrenched, his shoulder separated, he fell to his knees, dropped the cross, and buried his head in the ground. This scene is actually in the movie – the scene in which Jim experienced his shoulder dislocate. Yes, he was acting Jesus but in that very scene captured in the movie, he suffered a real dislocation. Pain! Jim carried the cross in that condition and every day he carried the cross, it was like penance. Jim said, “When you do films like this, you are always going to be under attack.”

Talking about the movie, Mel said in an interview that the subject they were filming draws enemies, “In the world there is good and bad, and anybody who wants to tell a story of this magnitude, about the nature of good and evil, is going to draw people who are influenced by something dark and it’s going to come and afflict you in some way. And I am not just talking about only people. I am talking about a whole other realm because I believe in these realms. I believe there are realms outside our own. If I didn’t, then I would wonder about the point of this.”

Mel believes that there was a spiritual battle taking place while the movie was being shot and he took steps to “put on some armour” having engaged the spiritual realm. He went to Mass daily and “tried to stay clean” which was a tough job according to him. “The big dark force didn’t want us to make this film,” Mel said, “I believe the Holy Ghost is looking favourably on this film and he wanted to help.”

Jim Caviezel while acting had daily confessions, prayed the Rosary daily, attended Mass and received Holy Eucharist daily. This strengthened him for what he was passing through as he played Jesus. What were the things he passed through?

The film was birthed in pain. I already mentioned Jim had a shoulder separation from the start. Then Jim was like, “Hello God. We are trying to do a movie here. I am an actor. Just an actor. You are letting the devil to destroy us.” That was only the beginning for Jim. Due to Mel’s athletic directing, “Mary” ran to Jim and slid right into him. That moment the cross came down on Jim and his dislocated shoulder. Jim bit his tongue so bad that his own blood ran down his mouth. “Wow! That’s brilliant. I love it!” Mel said as he smoked.

Make-up time for Jim in order to look like Jesus with wounds all over his body was from 2am to 10am. It took two hours to take off the make-up. Latex was used for the make-up and taking it off took with it the top layer of Jim’s skin. As a result of this, Jim had sores all over his body – real sores. Also, one of his eyes was shut and he worked with only one eye open. That wreaked havoc on his depth perception and gave him headaches.

During the scourging scene, a metal plank was placed about a foot away from Jim’s back which was what was being hit. There was a language barrier between Mel and the men doing the flogging. Mel told his assistant to tell them to hit Jim like a pitcher in baseball. One of them went back, took a run and hit the plank hard. Due to momentum, the whip went over and landed on Jim’s back. This gave Jim a 14 inch gash on the back. Deep cut. He went down like the wind was knocked out of him. Later, feeling like Satan, Jim turned around, looked at the man and uttered some expletives, “@#$%^& *&^ %$#@ !%$@# ^&%&%@#$.” “Jesus” was swearing. As if that was not enough, Jim was accidentally hit again. He was hurt so much that he pulled his hand quickly from the shackles scrapping his wrist badly. Jim knows that Jesus loves him but at that moment he was like, “Lord Jesus, love me less.” OK, the last sentence was a joke.

It was bone-chilling cold while the crucifixion scene was being shot. It was November in Italy. Jim was on the cross with only latex and loin cloth. Back then when the Romans crucified people, it was not really loss of blood that killed the crucified. It was oxygen loss – asphyxiation. Jim gasped for air on the cross and his legs went numb. Hypothermia (a condition in which the body temperature is much lower than normal) set in for Jim. To bring his temperature up, they brought gas heaters. They brought them too close that the latex started to melt and his toes started to fry.

Towards the end of the movie, Jim’s body became blue while he was on the cross. You could see that if you watched the movie. It was no make-up, his body was actually blue. A man put a stethoscope on his chest and told Mel, “He can die.” Something was wrong with Jim’s heart. Mel looked at Jim and asked, “What do you think?” Jim replied, “This is between me and God.” At that point Jim thought if God willed that he dies while acting the movie, God’s will be done. Jim was ready to go home. Eventually he made it through and went for a heart surgery.

At the end of the movie, they were to shoot the Sermon on the Mount. As Jim was half way the mountain side and everybody was in location, he felt an evil presence come over him and it was like, “You are a dead man.” He got to the top. The cloud was low and there was lightning and thunder. It came to a point Jim could no longer hear anything in spite of the thunder. Seconds later, light came down from heaven and lit him up – he was struck by lightning! Rather than Jim being incinerated, people witnessed an illumination around his body and a fire on the right and left side of his head. According to Jim, “For one moment, I was looking at myself outside my body.” Before Jim got struck, Jon Mikalini, the assistant director was struck by lightning. After Jim was struck, Jon got struck again.

Dislocated shoulder, headaches, hypothermia, deep cuts, sores on the body, burnt toes, heart problem…Mel Gibson wondered if Jim was experiencing something otherworldly. As it was, Jim was actually experiencing some of the pains Christ experienced.

Some conversions took place on set. Luca Lionello who played Judas asked for confession from a priest who was present. He was transformed by the experience. He baptized his children, sanctified his marriage, and came back to the Church. A number of people were affected during the filming including a Muslim who became a Christian. Some people became Catholics. It has been said that a couple of people’s diseases were healed on set. I am leaving out the conversion a lot of people had after the movie was released. That may require a book.

If you dig into what transpired while this movie was being shot, you would most likely start to see and feel that something, or rather, many things, more than ordinary happened on set. If there is one thing this true story about the movie shows, it is this: The fight between light and darkness is real. Young, middle-aged, or old Christians should understand this and appreciate why we are called the Militant Church. Many Christians trivialize this most serious war being waged against their Souls; the war that has eternal significance. I dare say that the Christian who does not take this battle serious is already losing. The Christian who acknowledges the nature of this battle will understand the necessity of putting on spiritual armour like St. Paul advised.

It is a serious battle, a life and death battle with eternal consequence. The Christian who in the end comes out victorious in this battle has the ultimate victory.

If you are a Catholic, use the sacraments as your spiritual armour. They are very effective in bringing God's graces to our Souls. Don't take them for granted. And as you use them, make some effort to be at right with God regardless of what man thinks of you. In the end, God's "view" of you is what will count.

If you are not a Catholic, pray and deepen your relationship with God.

Join Integral Value Telegram channel for more meaningful and valuable content. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
PoliticsRe: Telecom Tariff Hike Will Reduce Inflation – Rewane by Growing(m): 4:28pm On Jan 10, 2025
This man should just keep quiet. Does he think we are fools?

What sort of foolishness did he spew?
CareerRe: On Data Analysis by Growing(op): 4:19pm On Jan 10, 2025
If you are interested in Data Analysis, what exactly interests you?

This question is important if you are to stay motivated in this field.

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EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 11:31am On Jan 08, 2025
Lies Corrupt You as well as the Society

Lies and inauthenticity are far more dangerous than they appear at first glance. When individuals or groups embrace falsehoods, the consequences can ripple outwards, affecting not only personal integrity but also the health of entire societies. History offers sobering examples of how lies can lead to devastating outcomes, including the horrors of the Gulag Archipelago under Joseph Stalin’s Soviet regime.

Lies erode the foundation of an individual’s integrity. When you tell a lie, you betray your principles, weakening your character over time. Each lie, no matter how small, chips away at the trust you have in yourself and the trust others place in you. This lack of integrity makes it difficult for you to face challenges honestly. You then resort to more lies to cover up the initial falsehood, creating a damaging cycle.

Living a lie distances you from your true self, leading to feelings of emptiness and disconnection. When you act inauthentically, you suppress your genuine thoughts, emotions, and desires. This disconnect from who you truly are can result in a loss of purpose and self-respect, making it harder for you to pursue meaningful goals or build healthy relationships.

Lies also hinder your personal growth by preventing you from learning from your mistakes. An authentic person acknowledges errors, reflects on them, and uses the lessons to improve. In contrast, someone who lies often blames others or circumstances, avoiding accountability. Over time, this avoidance of responsibility stunts emotional and intellectual development, leaving the individual ill-equipped to handle life’s inevitable adversities.

As long as a compass is good, it can help in direction. There is something in you that helps orient you in life; that helps you in moving forward in the right direction especially if it is not corrupted. You need that “something” more when you are facing adversities in life. If you have corrupted yourself with lies and inauthenticity, that “something” becomes a faulty compass and rather than help you navigate your way out of adversity, you are likely to lead yourself deeper into chaos. Many people fail to see the consequences of falsehood – they are not good.

On a larger scale, lies and inauthenticity within groups or societies can create environments where corruption thrives. In such situations, individuals suppress the truth to avoid conflict or protect their interests. This collective deceit enables harmful ideologies and systems to grow unchecked. For example, in Stalin’s Soviet Union, widespread dishonesty and denial allowed the state’s oppressive machinery to flourish. People ignored the suffering caused by the regime, rationalizing it as necessary or inevitable. This refusal to acknowledge reality contributed to the atrocities of the Gulag Archipelago, where millions suffered and died. If you have never heard of the Gulag Archipelago, try learn about it.

To counter the corrupting influence of lies, individuals must commit to authenticity. This means acknowledging mistakes, facing uncomfortable truths, and acting in alignment with personal and shared values. Authenticity requires courage, but it is essential for personal growth and societal progress. Small acts of honesty can disrupt cycles of deceit and foster healthier, more transparent communities.

Living a life of truth and authenticity allows you to build a strong foundation of self-respect and confidence. When you are honest with yourself and others, you align your actions with your values, creating a sense of integrity that is unshakable. This alignment enables you to trust your decisions and stand firm in your beliefs, even in challenging situations. Over time, this inner strength becomes a powerful tool for navigating life with clarity and purpose.

Being authentic allows you to connect deeply with others and form meaningful relationships. When you present yourself as you truly are, you invite others to do the same, fostering trust and mutual understanding. These genuine connections create a support system that helps you weather life's difficulties and celebrate its joys. In a world where authenticity can be rare, your honesty becomes a magnet for like-minded individuals who appreciate and value your sincerity.

Embracing truth and authenticity also encourages personal growth and fulfillment. By facing the realities of your strengths and weaknesses, you open yourself to continuous improvement. Mistakes become opportunities to learn, and challenges become stepping stones to success. Authenticity frees you from the exhausting cycle of pretending to be someone you are not, allowing you to channel your energy into pursuing goals that truly matter to you. This sense of purpose brings lasting satisfaction and a life well-lived.

Join Integral Value Telegram channel for more meaningful and valuable content. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
EducationRe: A Thread That Promotes A Meaningful And Productive Life by Growing(op): 4:44pm On Jan 06, 2025
It is a 2-hour video that will be of help to anyone suffering from any form of addiction:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6xbXOp7wDA?si=6w4u7n0PY01wxQ55

Join Integral Value Telegram channel for more meaningful and valuable content. Go to Telegram and search for Integral Value. It is the channel with the image on the first post of this thread.
InvestmentRe: You Can Make Money From Crypto Airdrops by Growing(op): 7:24pm On Jan 02, 2025
capnies:
YOUR TELEGRAM CHANNEL IS WRITTEN IN Arabic
No.

A number of persons have joined following that same instruction. The channel is not in Arabic.
InvestmentRe: You Can Make Money From Crypto Airdrops by Growing(op): 5:57pm On Dec 31, 2024
If you are doing PAWS, make sure you have visit their website and connect your TON and Solana wallets TODAY.

Video guide on my Telegram channel.

Airdrops and more posted on my Telegram channel. Go to Telegram and search for Cryptowina. It is a public channel so you should see it and join. It is the channel with the image attached to the first post of this thread.
CareerRe: On Data Analysis by Growing(op): 2:32pm On Dec 27, 2024
If you want to learn SQL, go for Microsoft SQL Server rather than MYSQL for a start.

My opinion as at today.

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