The situation in Nigeria requires people to be in a loving and friendly environment for the sake of their mental well-being. People need to prioritize their happiness, surround themselves with those who bring them joy, feel loved, and avoid boredom.

Engaging in activities that create happiness is essential, as these are the only things that can serve as a consolation in the face of the country's challenges.

There are many struggling individuals out there because life has become extremely difficult. Overthinking has led many to mental health issues. However, you do not need to carry every burden on your heart. The same God who has taken care of you since birth is still watching over you and will never get tired of doing so. Trust in Him, leave everything in His hands, and focus on making yourself happy.

What we need most among ourselves is love—let's spread love everywhere we go, as that is the only true tonic for the soul, not the opposite.

It saddens me to witness a lack of love, especially in the Church, and unfortunately, this is common in some Catholic Churches.

A friend of mine recently attended St. Dominic Catholic Church, Ogungbade. She left home with a joyful heart, but sadly, some individuals ruined her mood. When I asked her what happened, she explained that although she rarely charges her devices in public, she had no choice but to do so at Church due to the lack of electricity at home. She needed her phone for important tasks after Church.

She arrived before Mass began and plugged in her charger in an available outlet. While doing so, she heard some people grumbling but ignored them. Later, a man stood up and arrogantly told her, "We need the fan." She was heartbroken, not because of the fan itself, but because she felt unwelcomed. The weather was cold, so she wondered why he was insisting on the fan being turned on. She believed it wasn’t really about the fan—they simply didn’t want her to charge her phone. To her, it was an act of unkindness. She left feeling deeply hurt and decided she would never attend that Church again. I had to counsel her, reassure her, and try to lift her spirits.

The truth is, some people in the Church are a disgrace to the Catholic faith. When such incidents are discussed publicly, they often generalize it as “the Catholic Church” rather than addressing individual actions. Some people go to Church, yet their behavior contradicts God's teachings. Small things matter, and this is one reason the Catholic Church is losing members, especially the youth.

My college mate also left the Catholic Church for a Pentecostal Church because she was allowed to charge her gadgets freely without interruptions or rejection.

I don’t see any harm in charging a phone inside the Church as long as it does not cause distractions during Mass. Why can’t we support each other in small ways? Some people seem to thrive on unnecessary conflict. The Church is God’s house and belongs to every Christian—no one has the right to control others as they please. Treat people with respect and love. When love exists, there is compassion, and we show mercy to one another.

 

Especially in these trying times, our attitudes should not push people away from the Church. People are like water—they flow wherever they feel welcomed. Don’t let your actions become the reason someone leaves the faith.

Let’s learn to love—it can save a soul. Be the source of happiness for others, not the one who ruins it. It costs nothing to spread love and touch lives positively.