The violence within

 The Violence Within

​“The earth was also corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”

— Genesis 6:11 (KJV)

​According to the study Bible, the term "corrupt" means “a moral decay and departure from God's intended order.”

​What is violence? Well, the online dictionary defines it as such: “behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something.”

​While the dictionary has a good definition, it doesn't address the full scope of the word. For example, in Malachi 2:16 (NKJV) the Bible says:

​"For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says the Lord of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."

​The New Living Translation says:

​"For I hate divorce!" says the Lord, the God of Israel. "To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty," says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. "So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife."

​Redefining Violence: Broken Trust and Wounded Spirits

​So here, we see that God defines violence as dealing with someone treacherously. You made a vow before marriage—"until death do us part"—and then you break that vow. You committed violence. Why? Because you broke trust. While the violence may not have been physical, you still wounded their spirit. That wound may now lead the person into a downward spiral affecting their mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Here we can see how dealing treacherously with someone is great violence.

​When God said the earth was covered with violence in Genesis, He wasn't just talking about physical violence, but any type of action that deliberately harms another, whether it be spiritually, mentally, emotionally, or physically.

​And the truth, my friend, is that we are very violent. Whether we go to church or not, we are violent. Violence will automatically be our default setting once self has gained the ascendancy in the life. All of us, to varying degrees, are under the control of self; and violence is within us.

​Why do we yell, get angry so easily, curse at each other, and do things to purposely hurt each other? It is the expression of inner violence. The sweetest-looking individual can harbor intense violence within.

​The Hidden Faces of Abuse

​For example, in domestic violence relationships, you’ll often find the man to be the physically abusive one. That doesn't mean women are not abusive as well, as we well understand that physical abuse is not the sole kind of abuse. Women are not as abusive physically—not for lack of violence, but for lack of physical strength.

​Women display their inner violence through hurtful words, emotional manipulation, etc. Remember, violence is anything that one uses in order to harm another, whether emotionally, physically, spiritually, or mentally.

​A harsh word spoken in anger can be violence. And violence always destroys trust, as individuals will seek to protect themselves from the violent person.

​The Fortress of Fear

​Why are nations heavily armed? To protect themselves against other nations. Why do nations seek nuclear weapons? To protect themselves against nuclear-armed nations. Why are American citizens heavily armed? To keep themselves safe from other violent people. Violence always leads to a rush to arm oneself, to defense, to the building up of a fortress, to isolation.

​The more violent we become as individuals, the more defensive those around us will be. People may live in a home together, yet be spiritually and emotionally guarded against each other due to the violence of one another. A person who lacks self-control over themselves, their mouth, or their emotions is a violent and reckless person. They will harm those around them. They claim to love, but war will soon rise up—not necessarily a physical war, but a war of words; a war that leads to emotional withdrawals and eventual separation.

​Violence always leads to separation, even if not physically.

​The Empty Soul and the Mask of Society

​So why was humanity so violent? Why are we so violent? It is because we lack the Holy Spirit of God. For the fruit of the Spirit is love, meekness, temperance, self-control, etc. A person without the Holy Spirit feels empty and angry—angry because of the many disappointments in life, the many rejections and frustrations.

​For the majority of people, the fear of looking bad in the eyes of society keeps this violence hidden until you get close to them. Because of this, some people, in order to maintain a good look in society, don't allow people to get too close to them. But get close enough, and you’ll experience the violence within: the anger, rage, vile words, tantrums, manipulation, the desire to hurt, and the seek for revenge.

​And usually, the person closest is the one who experiences the violence. The irony of such a case is that we hurt and kill the person we claim to love. This is why domestic violence cases are so high. People hurt and kill the person closest to them because, in close and continuous proximity, it is hard to pretend and control the inner violence.

​The Breaking of the Dam

​The inner violence cannot be controlled all the time. The more we seek to control the inner violence, the more it builds, and one day, like a broken dam, its waters will overflow and sweep away everything in its path. This is why sometimes we see violence rise up from people from the smallest triggers. It’s the small, continuous rain that eventually breaks the dam.

​So how do we free our soul from the violence within? There is only one way, and it is by bringing the self before God with all its wounds, disappointments, and frustrations, and then asking God for His healing grace—asking God for His Holy Spirit. A one-time ask will not do; we have to continue to come to God and present the deep issues in our hearts to Him.

​This is why, in the aforementioned verse in Malachi, God warns to guard ourselves that we do not deal treacherously with our spouse. Meaning, unless we are on constant guard through prayer, we will deal treacherously with our spouses, we will deal treacherously with each other, we will wound, we will harm, and we will destroy one another.

​Seeking the True Ark of Safety

​Human beings are destructive by nature. Our default setting is to protect self and attack others—to keep for self and take from others. Our default setting is violence. And in the days of Noah, God said:

​"...My Spirit shall not always strive with man, because he is but flesh..."

— Genesis 6:3 (GNV)

​The natural man without the Holy Spirit is violent, and so if we want to stop being violent and stop being destructive to those around us, let us seek the Lord daily. Let us ask the Lord to remove the violence from our hearts and minds and to give us a renewed mind, a sound mind which will work towards bringing peace, harmony, love, and tenderness to the lives of others.

​Now we can see why God destroyed the world with a flood. The violence within our hearts had become an overwhelming flood sweeping through society, breaking the dam of God's limit, which then overwhelmed the unrepentant who didn't make Christ their refuge.

​Just as God provided an ark of safety for Noah from the violence of the flood, He will provide an ark of safety for us with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the soul, shielding our souls from our own nature.

​May God bless you.

L'espoir en ruines : Le Jour du Drapeau d'Haïti en 2026

 En 1804, Haïti est devenue la première nation noire indépendante de la planète et la deuxième dans l'hémisphère occidental. Haïti est devenue le premier pays des Amériques à abolir officiellement l'esclavage et le seul pays de l'histoire fondé à la suite d'une révolte d'esclaves.

​La naissance du drapeau

​Le drapeau haïtien a été adopté en mai 1803, à l'Arcahaie, une ville au nord de Port-au-Prince. Les Haïtiens ont arraché la partie blanche du drapeau français et ont laissé le bleu et le rouge ensemble. Le bleu représentait les Africains noirs et le rouge les mulâtres. Le drapeau a été cousu par Catherine Flon.

​Un triomphe monumental et sa rançon

​Les Haïtiens ont réussi là où le célèbre personnage historique Spartacus avait échoué. Ce fut un accomplissement monumental — monumental parce que l'idéologie raciste de l'époque affirmait que les Noirs étaient inférieurs aux Blancs. Cette fausse idéologie est une chose à laquelle beaucoup de gens se cramponnent encore aujourd'hui, ignorant le fait qu'aucun être humain n'est inférieur à un autre. On peut naître dans des circonstances et des opportunités inférieures, mais les êtres humains sont égaux en nature, et pour quiconque, ignorer cette réalité revient à s'illusionner jusqu'au péril.

​Ainsi, les colonisateurs et les maîtres d'esclaves français s'étaient illusionnés jusqu'à un grave péril. Ils pensaient tenir ces esclaves noirs sous contrôle jusqu'à ce que la rébellion éclate et se propage. On ne peut qu'imaginer l'horreur des maîtres d'esclaves à mesure que la rébellion s'étendait et qu'ils devenaient l'objet de la terreur. Les maîtres d'esclaves subissaient les conséquences de leurs propres actions brutales, car la Bible enseigne : « Nous récoltons ce que nous semons. »

​Semez la brutalité, et nous récolterons la brutalité. Les maîtres d'esclaves ont abusé et traité brutalement les esclaves, et les esclaves ont déchaîné une grande violence contre leurs oppresseurs. Haïti a combattu les armées françaises sous le règne de Napoléon Bonaparte, l'une des figures célèbres de l'histoire, et a défait ses armées. Alors que les armées de Napoléon conquéraient des nations européennes — de puissantes nations —, elles ont été défaites par un groupe d'esclaves qui désiraient la liberté à tout prix.

​Les soldats français se battaient pour ramener l'oppression, se battaient pour préserver la richesse matérielle, mais les esclaves se battaient pour la liberté, et leur élan ainsi que leur volonté de réussir se sont révélés plus forts que les maîtres d'esclaves. À la bataille de Vertières, dans le nord d'Haïti, les Français ont subi leur défaite finale et ont capitulé, puis se sont retirés. Les esclaves avaient accompli l'impossible : ils s'étaient libérés des chaînes de l'oppression. Dans les ruines de l'esclavage, une lueur d'espoir avait jailli et s'était transformée en une flamme qui a conduit à une nation de peuple libre.

​Une histoire d'injustices et d'obstacles

​Haïti a depuis fait face à de nombreux obstacles et injustices. Le leader révolutionnaire et premier Empereur d'Haïti, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a été assassiné en 1806, deux ans après l'indépendance. La nation fut bientôt divisée en deux royaumes rivaux, l'un dans le Nord et l'autre dans le Sud.

​Après quelques décennies, les Français sont revenus pour exiger des paiements pour « propriétés perdues ». Ce paiement a paralysé l'économie haïtienne. De nombreuses nations, telles que les États-Unis, ont refusé de commercer avec Haïti, de peur que les esclaves dans leurs propres pays n'y trouvent de l'inspiration. De nombreux coups d'État et l'instabilité ont suivi. Les États-Unis ont envahi et occupé Haïti de 1915 à 1934. Une dictature impitoyable, des révolutions, la violence des gangs et la mauvaise gestion économique ont brisé le pays, et beaucoup ont perdu espoir.

​La philosophie directrice de la révolte

​Mais l'un des principaux problèmes d'Haïti me semble résider dans son essence même. Habituellement, la cause de notre succès ou de nos malheurs dans la vie est fondée sur notre philosophie directrice. La mentalité des esclaves était que personne d'autre que nous-mêmes ne devait régner sur nous ; nous n'avons d'autres maîtres que nous-mêmes. Bien qu'une telle mentalité puisse inspirer quelqu'un à se révolter, elle rend le gouvernement impossible.

​Par conséquent, le peuple d'Haïti est devenu méfiant envers tous les dirigeants qui tentaient d'établir l'ordre. Beaucoup de dirigeants ont adopté les tendances des maîtres d'esclaves, gouvernant le peuple comme s'il s'agissait d'esclaves. L'oppression et la tyrannie sont devenues rampantes dans la société haïtienne. De la vie de famille à la gouvernance nationale, la tyrannie a sévi de manière rampante. Et comme nous le savons, nous récoltons ce que nous semons ; cette tyrannie mène à une révolte constante qui a maintenant conduit à un état d'anarchie.

​Le besoin d'une rééducation nationale

​Alors, quel espoir y a-t-il pour Haïti en 2026? Le peuple doit regarder au plus profond de lui-même pour trouver la cause du problème. Tous les problèmes humains sont spirituels à leurs racines, et le problème d'Haïti n'est pas différent. Le problème à la racine de la lutte d'Haïti est l'esprit de rébellion. Par conséquent, il doit y avoir une rééducation au niveau individuel, familial, et ce, jusqu'au niveau national. Le peuple doit comprendre que pour que quoi que ce soit réussisse, il doit y avoir la loi, l'ordre et la soumission. Je peux ne pas être d'accord avec certaines choses, mais il devrait y avoir des moyens non violents d'y faire face.

​Cette transformation commence au foyer. Dès les parents qui élèvent leurs enfants, ils doivent reconnaître que la manière dont ils traitent l'enfant a un impact immense sur l'avenir de la communauté et de la nation. Les parents doivent cesser de traiter leurs enfants comme s'ils étaient des esclaves — en criant, en étant impatients avec eux, et en utilisant toutes sortes d'objets pour les battre, ce qui correspond aux manières dont les maîtres d'esclaves traitaient leurs esclaves — mais les traiter avec gentillesse et fermeté.

​De plus, brûler quelqu'un avec des pneus pour avoir volé quelque chose à manger ou pour avoir volé quoi que ce soit est abhorré, et l'on peut facilement y voir un reste de la brutalité de l'esclavage. Lyncher quelqu'un pour des accidents et d'autres actions involontaires sont des crimes qui tachent une nation et révèlent un manque de respect pour la dignité humaine. Ce sont des maux qui doivent être abordés et laissés là où ils appartiennent : dans la tombe des maîtres d'esclaves défaits.

​Le moment est venu de valoriser la valeur de la vie humaine. Chaque personne doit être respectée ; même ceux qui commettent des crimes doivent être traités avec dignité, et un processus équitable doit être établi pour rendre une justice véritable, et non une justice populaire. La repentance scripturaire est pertinente ici. Dans la Bible, nous voyons à maintes reprises qu'il est parlé de nations qui oppriment le pauvre, l'orphelin, la veuve et le moins fortuné, ainsi que des conséquences qui en résultent.

​Confronter les injustices internes et la bureaucratie

​Haïti doit s'attaquer à ses propres injustices internes si elle cherche à s'élever hors du bourbier du désespoir. Il ne devrait pas y avoir une justice pour les pauvres et une autre pour les riches. Parallèlement à cela, la corruption rampante des agents du gouvernement doit être abordée. Les gens doivent payer d'immenses sommes d'argent juste pour sortir leurs produits d'un port. Si l'on n'a pas de contacts, obtenir un document national tel qu'un passeport peut être une épreuve sévère, obligeant à payer de multiples personnes. Une telle nation peut-elle prospérer?

​Cette corruption vide l'État de ses coffres. Toutes ces choses jouent un rôle dans la dégradation morale de la nation. Pour que la nation tourne la page, un détournement de ces maux est nécessaire. Une nation ne peut espérer un avenir plus radieux tout en dégradant sa propre citoyenneté. La repentance consiste à reconnaître là où vous avez tort et à vous en détourner pour faire ce qui est juste.

​Les esclaves se sont rebellés à cause de l'injustice des maîtres d'esclaves ; pourquoi continuer sur le même chemin que les maîtres d'esclaves? Les esclaves croyaient au slogan de liberté, d'égalité et de fraternité ; pourquoi en dépouiller les plus démunis du peuple?

​Une rééducation doit être faite. Les gouvernants doivent comprendre que les gens ne sont pas leurs esclaves et que s'ils veulent une prospérité véritable, ils doivent chercher le bien-être du peuple qu'ils gouvernent, au lieu de voler l'argent et de le cacher dans des banques étrangères au cas où une rébellion éclaterait. Il n'y aurait pas de rébellion si le peuple était pris en charge et si des investissements appropriés étaient faits dans le pays. Si vous voulez vivre en paix dans un quartier, assurez-vous de traiter ceux qui vous entourent avec amour et respect.

​Surmonter la mentalité de la terre brûlée

​Le peuple doit également changer sa mentalité concernant la destruction. L'esprit de destruction par la terre brûlée a pris naissance dans la rébellion contre les maîtres d'esclaves français. Les esclaves brûlaient leurs propriétés afin de les priver de ressources et de les vaincre militairement, mais une telle destruction contre vos propres propriétés est préjudiciable au développement d'une société. On peut protester sans être destructeur. Le peuple a besoin qu'on lui enseigne des manières appropriées de s'exprimer sans recourir à la violence.

​La politique de la terre brûlée lors des manifestations rend difficile l'investissement dans la nation pour les gens, car ils craignent toujours que leur dur labeur ne soit réduit à néant. De ce fait, la misère s'en trouve aggravée ; ce qui a été construit est détruit, et la peur de construire de nouvelles choses s'installe.

​Dans l'union réside la force. Les esclaves ont pu accomplir un succès historique parce qu'ils étaient unis pour un but commun, et si Haïti veut être libérée de l'esclavage du désespoir économique, sécuritaire et politique, l'unité doit être chérie. Les maîtres d'esclaves avaient instillé un esprit de méfiance parmi les esclaves noirs, et cet esprit persiste encore. Pour que Haïti renaisse des cendres du désespoir, cet esprit de désunion doit être surmonté. Apprenez à travailler les uns avec les autres ; apprenez à bâtir les uns avec les autres. La confiance est le fondement de tout mouvement fort.

​Traumatisme, leadership et guérison nationale

​Les dirigeants doivent chercher à établir la confiance avec le peuple. Un peuple traumatisé par des maîtres durs et des dirigeants politiques trouvera difficile de faire confiance. Une personne traumatisée par des maîtres durs peut devenir elle-même un maître dur, et ainsi l'esprit des maîtres d'esclaves continue de se manifester dans les générations haïtiennes successives. Le peuple haïtien a été sévèrement traumatisé et n'a jamais connu le processus de guérison. Une guérison nationale est nécessaire.

​Bien que la guérison nationale soit une œuvre massive, elle est plus facile à réaliser au niveau local. Les Haïtiens ont besoin d'encourager la confiance, de faire des choses ensemble et de se promouvoir mutuellement. On peut faire des choses seul, mais les grandes choses exigent généralement un effort d'équipe. Donner de l'argent à une personne traumatisée par des années d'abus ne résoudra pas grand-chose ; elle ne l'utilisera que pour alimenter les mécanismes de compensation des addictions. Des milliards ont été déversés en Haïti, mais l'argent disparaît dans les mains corrompues de politiciens paranoïaques.

​Les problèmes spirituels, mentaux et émotionnels ne peuvent être résolus simplement en déversant de l'argent ; les problèmes profondément enracinés doivent d'abord être abordés. Les racines du problème d'Haïti proviennent de l'oppression française, sans aucun doute, mais les générations successives jouent un grand rôle dans sa persistance puisque les problèmes fondamentaux n'ont jamais été abordés. C'est maintenant le moment de faire un changement si la société haïtienne veut connaître un avenir meilleur.

​La voie ultime vers le renouveau

​La plus grande chose qui doit être faite pour que Haïti se relève est de se soumettre au Seigneur. Cela exige une repentance nationale et la prédication du véritable évangile — l'évangile d'humilité et de soumission. Un peuple qui voit le leadership comme une oppression ne se soumettra jamais pacifiquement à quiconque, à moins que nous n'apprenions à nous soumettre à Dieu. Une fois qu'une personne se soumet à Dieu et accepte qu'Il est Celui qui règne sur toutes choses, cette personne apprendra alors à se soumettre aux dirigeants et à coopérer avec eux. Dieu agira alors en faveur d'un tel peuple.

​Y a-t-il un espoir pour Haïti en 2026? Il y a toujours de l'espoir en Dieu, peu importe la noirceur d'une situation. Mais un processus de rééducation est nécessaire ; un renouvellement de l'esprit est de la plus haute importance. En commençant au niveau individuel jusqu'au niveau national, nous devons aborder toutes les pensées corrompues qui ont pris leurs racines dans l'esclavage et développer une pensée droite basée sur la vérité, la justice et la droiture — une pensée basée sur la Parole de Dieu.

​Dans la construction du drapeau, la partie blanche qui symbolisait le maître d'esclaves français a été retirée, et pourtant, quelque 200 ans plus tard, l'œuvre des maîtres d'esclaves subsiste encore à travers sa puissance destructrice d'oppression et la promotion de la division. Le peuple haïtien a besoin de rassembler à nouveau le drapeau. Nous devons unir le pauvre avec le riche, les gens de l'arrière-pays avec les citadins, et les instruits avec les non-instruits, créant une union véritable qui transcende toutes les divisions héritées du système esclavagiste.

​Le slogan haïtien est l'union fait la force ; alors qu'il y ait unité avec Dieu et les uns avec les autres. C'est la seule façon pour que l'étincelle d'espoir devienne une autre glorieuse révolution. Ce sera une révolution contre l'esprit de rébellion, de destruction, d'injustices sociales et économiques, contre l'esprit de favoritisme et le respect pour les riches. Ce sera une glorieuse révolution qui cherchera à vivre selon l'idéal visé par les pères fondateurs : une nation libre de peuple libre, vivant en harmonie les uns avec les autres et prospérant.

Hope in ruins: Haiti's flag day 2026

 ​In 1804, Haiti became the first independent Black nation on the planet and the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere. Haiti became the first country in the Americas to officially abolish slavery and the only country in history founded as a result of a slave revolt.

​The Birth of the Flag

​The Haitian flag was adopted in May 1803, in Arcahaie, a city north of Port-au-Prince. The Haitians took away the white part of the French flag and left the blue and red together. The blue represented Black Africans and the red the mulattos. The flag was sewn by Catherine Flon.

​A Momentous Triumph and Its Toll

​The Haitians succeeded where the famed historical Spartacus failed. It was a momentous achievement—momentous because the racist ideology at the time was that Blacks were inferior to whites. This false ideology is something many people still cling to today, ignoring the fact that no human being is inferior to another. One may be born into inferior circumstances and opportunities, but human beings are equal in nature, and for one to ignore this reality is to delude oneself into peril.

​So, the French colonizers and slave masters had deluded themselves into a grave peril. They thought they had these Black slaves under control until rebellion broke out and spread. One can only imagine the horror of the slave masters as the rebellion spread and they became the object of terror. The slave masters were suffering the consequences of their own brutal actions, for the Bible teaches, "We reap what we sow."

​Sow brutality, and we will reap brutality. The slave masters abused and brutally treated the slaves, and the slaves unleashed great violence against their oppressors. Haiti fought against the French armies under the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history's famous figures, and defeated his armies. While Napoleon's armies were conquering European nations—powerful nations—they were defeated by a group of slaves who desired freedom at all costs.

​The French soldiers were fighting to bring back oppression, fighting to preserve material wealth, but the slaves fought for liberty, and their drive and will to succeed proved stronger than the slave masters. At the Battle of Vertières, in the north of Haiti, the French suffered their final defeat and surrendered, then withdrew. Slaves had achieved the impossible: they had freed themselves from the shackles of oppression. In the ruins of slavery, a glimmer of hope had arisen and turned into a flame that led to a nation of free people.

​A History of Injustices and Obstacles

​Haiti has since faced many obstacles and injustices. Haiti's revolutionary leader and first Emperor, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, was assassinated in 1806, two years after independence. The nation was soon divided into two rival kingdoms, one in the north and the other in the south.

​After a few decades, the French returned demanding payments for "lost properties." That payment crippled the Haitian economy. Many nations, such as the United States, refused to trade with Haiti, fearing that slaves in their own countries might gain inspiration. Numerous coups and instability followed. The US invaded and occupied Haiti from 1915 to 1934. Ruthless dictatorship, revolutions, gang violence, and economic mismanagement have broken the country, and many have lost hope.

​The Ruling Philosophy of Revolt

​But one of the main problems of Haiti seems to me to be in its very inception. Usually, the cause of our success or misfortunes in life is founded in our ruling philosophy. The mindset of the slaves was that no one but ourselves should rule over us; we have no masters but ourselves. While such a mindset can inspire one to revolt, it makes governing impossible.

​Consequently, the people of Haiti became wary of any leaders who attempted to establish order. Many of the leaders adopted the tendencies of the slave masters, ruling the people as if they were slaves. Oppression and tyranny became rampant in Haitian society. From family life to national governance, tyranny ran rampant. And as we know, we reap what we sow; this tyranny leads to constant revolt, which has now led to a state of lawlessness.

​The Need for National Re-Education

​So, what hope is there for Haiti in 2026? The people must look deep within as to the cause of the issue. All human issues are spiritual at their roots, and Haiti's issue is no different. The issue at the roots of Haiti's struggle is the spirit of rebellion. Therefore, there must be a re-education at the individual and family level, all the way to the national level. The people must understand that in order for anything to succeed, there must be law, order, and submission. I may not agree with certain things, but there should be nonviolent ways to go about it.

​This transformation begins in the home. From the parents raising their children, they must recognize how they treat the child is making a huge impact on the future of the community and the nation. The parents must stop treating their children as if they were slaves—yelling and being impatient with them, and using all manner of objects to beat them, which are the ways the slave masters treated their slaves—but treat them with kindness and firmness.

​Furthermore, burning someone with tires for stealing something to eat or stealing whatever is abhorrent, and one can easily see this as a leftover from the brutality of slavery. Lynching someone for accidents and other unintentional actions are crimes that stain a nation and reveal a lack of respect for human dignity. These are evils that need to be addressed and left where they belong: in the grave of the defeated slave masters.

​We must come to value the worth of human life. Every person must be respected; even those who commit crimes must be treated with dignity, and a due process must be established that delivers true justice, not mob justice. Scriptural repentance is relevant here. In the Bible, we see many times where it speaks about nations oppressing the poor, the orphan, the widow, and the less fortunate, and the resulting consequences that come as a result.

​Confronting Internal Injustices and Bureaucracy

​Haiti must address its own internal injustices if it seeks to rise out of the mire of despair. There should not be one justice for the poor and another for the rich. Along with this, the rampant corruption of government officials needs to be addressed. People have to pay huge sums of money just to get their products from a port. If one doesn't have contacts, making a national document such as a passport can be a severe ordeal, having to pay multiple people. Can such a nation thrive?

​This corruption empties the state of its coffers. If you are doing a business, don't just focus on making as much money as possible, basically extorting your customers. All these things play a part in the moral degradation of the nation. For the nation to turn the page, a turn from these evils is necessary. A nation cannot hope for a brighter future as it degrades its own citizenry. Repentance is acknowledging where you are wrong and turning from it to do what is right.

​The slaves rebelled because of the injustice of the slave masters; why continue down the same path of the slave masters? The slaves believed in the slogan of liberty, equality, and fraternity; why rob the least of the people of it?

​A re-education must be done. The rulers must understand the people are not their slaves and that if they want true prosperity, they must seek the welfare of the people they rule over, instead of stealing money and stashing it into foreign banks in case there is a rebellion. There would be no rebellion if the people were being taken care of and if proper investment was made in the country. If you want to live in peace in a neighborhood, make sure you treat those around you with love and respect.

​Overcoming the Scorched-Earth Mindset

​The people need to also change their mindsets concerning destruction. The spirit of scorched destruction originated in the rebellion against the French slave masters. The slaves burned down their properties in order to rob them of resources and defeat them militarily, but such destruction against your own properties is detrimental to the development of a society. One can protest without being destructive. The people need to be taught proper ways of expressing themselves without resorting to violence.

​The scorched-earth policy during protests makes it difficult for people to invest in the nation, as they are always fearing their hard work may go to waste. As such, the misery is compounded; what was built is destroyed, and the fear of building new things takes over.

​In unity there is strength. The slaves were able to achieve a historic success because they were united for a common goal, and if Haiti wants to be freed from the slavery of economic, security, and political despair, unity must be cherished. The slave masters had instilled a spirit of distrust amongst the Black slaves, and that spirit still persists. For Haiti to rise from the ashes of despair, that spirit of disunity must be overcome. Learn to work with each other; learn to build with each other. Trust is the foundation of any strong movement.

​Trauma, Leadership, and National Healing

​The leaders must seek to establish trust with the people. A people traumatized by harsh masters and political leaders will find it difficult to trust. A person traumatized by harsh masters can become a harsh master himself, and so the spirit of the slave masters continues to manifest itself in successive Haitian generations. The Haitian people have been severely traumatized and have never experienced the healing process. National healing is needed.

​While national healing is a massive work, it is easier to be done at the local level. Haitians need to encourage trust, doing things together and promoting each other. One can do things alone, but great things usually require a team effort. Giving money to a person traumatized by years of abuse will not solve much; they will only use it to further the coping mechanisms of addictions. Billions have been poured into Haiti, but the money disappears into the corrupt hands of paranoid politicians.

​Spiritual, mental, and emotional problems cannot be solved by simply pouring money; the deep-rooted issues must first be addressed. The roots of Haiti's problem are from French oppression, no doubt, but successive generations play a big role in its remaining since the core issues were never addressed. Now is the time to make a change if Haitian society wants to experience a better future.

​The Ultimate Path to Renewal

​The greatest thing that needs to be done in order for Haiti to rise again is to submit to the Lord. This requires a national repentance and the preaching of the true gospel—the gospel of humility and submission. A people that sees leadership as oppression will never peacefully submit to anyone unless we learn to submit to God. Once a person submits to God and accepts that He is the One who rules over all things, that person will then learn to submit to leadership and cooperate with them. God will then work on behalf of such people.

​Is there any hope for Haiti in 2026? There is always hope in God, no matter how dark a situation may look. But a re-education process is needed; a renewing of the mind is of utmost importance. Beginning at the individual level to the national level, we must address all the corrupt thinking that had its roots in slavery and develop proper thinking based on truth, justice, and righteousness—thinking based on the Word of God.

​In the construction of the flag, the white part which symbolized the French slave master was removed, and yet, some 200 years later, the work of the slave masters still remains through its destructive power of oppression and the promotion of division. The Haitian people need to put the flag together again. We must unite the poor with the rich, the country folks with the urban dwellers, and the educated with the uneducated, creating a true union that transcends all slave-system inherited divisions.

​The Haitian slogan is l'union fait la force; then let there be unity with God and with each other. This is the only way the spark of hope can become another glorious revolution. This will be a revolution against the spirit of rebellion, destruction, social and economic injustices, the spirit of favoritism, and the respect for the rich. It will be a glorious revolution that seeks to live out the ideal the founding fathers were aiming for: a free nation of free people, living in harmony with one another and prospering.

The struggle for dependence ( celebrating freedom)

 This year, 2026, the United States is celebrating 250 years of independence. Originally a British colony, the Americans grew tired of being dependent on Great Britain. They took up arms against the Crown and, after a fierce and determined struggle, declared their independence in 1776. Since then, the U.S. has grown to become the world’s sole superpower, eventually outshining Britain itself. Ironically, Britain is now heavily reliant on the United States, its former colony.

​According to the dictionary, independence is defined as the state or quality of being self-reliant and free from the control, influence, or support of others. It represents the ability to make one’s own decisions and govern oneself without relying on external entities.

​The Desire for National Sovereignty

​No nation wants to be under the dictates of another. This is because ruling nations usually do not act in the best interest of those under their control. When nations conquer others or acquire colonies, it is typically to extract resources and cheap labor to enrich themselves. As a result, the conquered people—if they weren't already—soon become resentful. Independence movements spring up as the spirit of self-determination rises. Throughout world history, we see groups of people rising to throw off the shackles of oppression and dependency to put on the mantle of independence. This is why nations celebrate their independence days with such fervor.

​The Paradox of Spiritual Independence

​While independence is beneficial in many areas of life, there is one area where it is a disaster: our relationship with God. Independence from God is a hollow pursuit. You may ask: Why shouldn't I be independent? Why should God rule over me?

​1. The Impossibility of True Independence

​First, true independence from God is an impossibility. As the Creator and Sustainer of all things, everything depends on Him. If God were to declare a famine in the land, no human effort could prevent it. God rules over all.

​2. The Wisdom of the Creator

​Since God created us, He knows best what is good for us and how we ought to live. God is a wise counselor who seeks our well-being. To seek independence from Him is disastrous because we lack the perspective to see the ultimate results of our actions. In this context, independence from God is a form of madness.

​3. The Burden of Self-Provision

​When a nation declares independence, it claims self-reliance and must provide for itself what the ruling power once provided—food, security, and infrastructure. When we claim independence from God, a similar thing happens. We take on the burden of providing for ourselves in a world where we have control over very little. This leads to:

​Anxiety

​Fear

​Chronic Worry

​Learning from Children

​We often struggle to be dependent upon God because we view it as an assault on our autonomy. We ask, "Can't I guide my own life?" When it comes to salvation, many ask, "Can't I work my way to heaven by doing good things?"

​Being dependent on God makes us feel like children. Interestingly, Jesus said that unless we become like children, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Why? Because children possess a wisdom that adults—struggling for autonomy—often lack.

​Children understand that their parents brought them into this world. They know the wisest way to live is to depend on their parents for everything:

​"Dad, I need money."

"Mom, I need clothes."

"Dad, I'm hurting."

​A child understands that their parents are responsible for their welfare and possess resources far beyond the child's own feeble capabilities. If a child were to seek total independence, they would end up homeless and penniless. In that relationship, dependence is a demonstration of wisdom.

​Conclusion: A Different Kind of Struggle

​If we could adopt the wisdom of a child, it would be a great blessing. Our worries and anxieties would fade because we would bring them to a God whose resources and capabilities are infinite.

​Struggles for independence are never easy; one must fight a ruling power that resists being overthrown. However, our true struggle is not one of independence, but of dependence upon God. We must fight the "ruling power" of the self, our ignorance of reality, and our old habits. By bringing the self into subjection to God, we actually achieve the highest form of freedom: true independence from fear, anxiety, and worry.

​As America celebrates 250 years of national independence, let us strive to be dependent upon God for all things. In doing so, we achieve true liberty and self-possession.

Will China become the next superpower?

 Many people are concerned that China is destined to become the next global powerhouse and replace the United States as the world's reigning superpower. There are valid reasons for this belief. If you examine the global landscape, the Chinese economy is the second largest in the world, and Beijing is aggressively spreading its influence. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has invested heavily across Africa and the Global South, developing infrastructure in exchange for resources and loans. By doing so, they are effectively tying these nations to their own interests.

​Furthermore, China serves as the world's primary manufacturing hub. Countless American and European companies outsource their production there. Economically, the United States is also heavily indebted to China, which holds a massive amount of U.S. Treasury bonds. To many, it appears the U.S. is losing its global grip while nations look toward China for solutions—particularly regarding Iran, as China is the primary consumer of Iranian oil.

​The question remains: Is China destined to be the world’s next superpower? Should we expect a U.S. collapse and a Chinese ascent? When viewed strictly through a geopolitical lens, the answer is difficult to determine; one seems to be ascending while the other appears to be in decline. However, we do not have to remain in doubt. We can look to the Scriptures.

​The Prophecy of the Two-Beasts

​In Revelation 13:11–15, the Bible describes a nation rising to power. It says: "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." In biblical prophecy, a "beast" symbolizes a nation or kingdom.

​In the Book of Daniel, we see four beasts rising from the sea:

​The Lion: Representing Babylon.

​The Bear: Representing Medo-Persia.

​The Leopard: Representing Greece.

​The Fourth Terrible Beast: Representing Rome.

​According to Revelation 17:15, the "sea" symbolizes "peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues"—densely populated areas. Therefore, a beast coming out of the earth symbolizes a nation rising in a sparsely populated area: the New World. In the New World, there is only one superpower: the United States.

​The Character of the Lamb-Like Beast

​The prophecy describes the characteristics of this nation:

​Horns like a Lamb: A lamb is a symbol of Christ (John 1:29), representing Christianity, innocence, and gentleness. The U.S. began as a seemingly benevolent, Christian-principled nation. The "two horns" represent its dual power sources: civil and religious liberty.

​Speech of a Dragon: In Scripture, the dragon represents Satan and, historically, the power of Imperial Rome. Because "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," this indicates that despite its appearance, the nation has a heart like Rome—violent and conquering.

​The Bible predicts that the U.S. will eventually become a persecuting power, mirroring Rome. It mentions a "mark" that restricts buying and selling. Currently, the U.S. is already the preeminent nation in utilizing global economic sanctions. Prophecy suggests it will lead the way in establishing a system of religious and economic coercion.

​Conclusion: Will China Rise?

​Will China replace the United States? The answer is a clear no. According to this prophetic interpretation, the United States is the last global superpower.

​Even from a geopolitical standpoint, the U.S. is actively taking steps to prevent China's rise. Actions such as the pressure on Venezuela and the tensions surrounding Iran are, to some degree, calculated moves to squeeze China’s access to global energy and limit its influence.

​While appearances suggest a shift in power, Bible prophecy indicates that the U.S. will remain the dominant force until the return of Christ, who will eventually overthrow all earthly kingdoms to establish His everlasting kingdom. China will not be the next global superpower.

The search for meaning in a money hungry world

 The Search for Meaning

​A job is not a purpose for living. Many people are depressed because they feel they have no reason to live. Can you imagine going to work every day—living life just for work? A friend of mine was talking to me and said, "Imagine you come to work and someone says your cap is $70,000." This means that is how much you are worth; you cannot be paid more than that. You work all day, and because you spend most of your time there, it exhausts you. By the time you finish, you don’t want to do anything else because you are so tired and worn down that you can’t think of a better way to do things.

​I read somewhere that John D. Rockefeller said, "He who works all day has no time to make money." Many of these jobs seem menial, almost redundant, and they destroy creativity. Imagine, for example, that you are a clerk and all you do is check papers every single day. How is that improving you as a human being? It is not.

​I am not saying that a job is not necessary or important. It is important to work because God Himself created work so that men must work; however, work itself is not the purpose of living. Work is good because it sustains us and provides a living. We know that without work, idleness will creep in, and idleness is detrimental to our being. Often, the richer a society gets, the more idle its citizens become, and the more moral corruption sweeps in.

​In order to have a fulfilling life, we need a mission—a purpose for why we are alive. I think the most important mission is to seek to uplift humanity, especially in the situations we find ourselves in. This is the difference between someone who is fulfilled and someone who is not. If you are simply living for yourself, for a paycheck, or for money, you will not find value in life. This is one reason why in materialistic nations, the more money people have, the more depressed they become. Living for "paper" is not life.

​You are more valuable than paper. How can human life, which is more important than money—considering we created money—be determined by it? The Bible calls it idolatry, and it really is idolatry when you think about it. We create paper money and then waste our lives chasing it to find meaning.

​No, meaning derives from living for something greater than oneself. We can look to God to see how to live a fulfilling life. God goes out daily seeking to uplift humanity and pour out His blessings upon us. The Bible says He causes His rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Rain, in this context, symbolizes His blessings, as rain is instrumental for an abundant harvest. God lives for others. This is the key to life: living for others.

​This is the great principle of success. If you want to start a business, don’t look only at what will make you money—for greed may soon overtake you—but ask, "How can I better serve my community?" If you like baking cookies, bake for others because it brings them joy. I am not saying it must necessarily be for free, but the ruling motive should be serving, not money. When the motive is service rather than profit, quality is retained. Profit-driven businesses eventually forsake quality for quantity.

​In conclusion, whatever you do, if you want life to be fulfilling, seek to serve God primarily and then serve creation—your fellow man.

​May God bless you.

An economic golden age or a fiery age of trials ?

 A Fiery Age Ahead

​President Trump recently spoke to reporters about the financial pressure Americans are enduring as a result of the war with Iran. The President said, "I don't think about Americans' financial situation. The only thing that matters when I'm talking about Iran is that they can't have a nuclear weapon. I don't think about anybody. I think about one thing: we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That's all."

​What President Trump is saying here, I believe, is that the Iranian regime is such a threat that we must take all necessary measures to defeat it. If the American population has to endure great financial pain to achieve that aim, then it is something he is willing to accept.

​President Trump added, "When the war is over, oil is going to drop, the stock market is going to go through the roof, and truly, I think we're in the golden age right now. You're going to see a golden age like we've never seen before."

​As prices rise and life becomes more difficult for people the world over—or rather, for the masses, because there are millionaires and billionaires who are likely making millions as a result of the conflict—the President is promising peace and prosperity somewhere down the line. He promises that, eventually, we will encounter and enjoy a golden age of prosperity.

​Now, I am not here to doubt the President's sincerity. I simply want to analyze the issue from a biblical perspective. We are living in an age of deception: the "post-truth" era, where people say one thing while reality reflects another. The Bible says the last days will be a time of deception and, as a result, we cannot place our ultimate trust in leaders.

​The Bible also tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:3: "For when they shall say, 'Peace and safety'; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."

​President Trump has presented himself as a man of peace, yet we are experiencing war. He presents himself as a man of economic prosperity, yet hardship is what many are experiencing. A golden era was promised, but a time of trial is creeping in.

​Students of Bible prophecy should know that the last days of Earth’s history will not be a time of peace and prosperity, but one of increasing hardship and difficulty—a time of severe, fiery trials.

​The prophet Daniel, in Chapter 12:1–3, said that there will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. We are entering a time of trouble such as never was. The promises of peace and prosperity are meant to deceive us and cause us to delay the spiritual preparations that will enable us to stand during that time.

​An age of fiery trials is upon us, and we need to start preparing to face it. Get ready by being a good steward. Manage your finances well so that if something happens—for instance, if you lose your job—you have a small cushion. As prices continue to increase, you must be able to feed your family.

​Make preparations by considering the purchase of a country home. As we know, in times of hardship, things are often more difficult in the cities. Start thinking of country living, for as Ellen White in the book country living wrote: "In the future, the problem of buying and selling will be a very severe one."

​Lastly, seek the Lord. The greatest preparation one can make every day—especially as we face a fiery age of trial—is to draw closer to the Lord. Only He will be able to carry us through the trials coming upon us. Read His Word, spend time with Him in daily prayer, and ask Him for wisdom and guidance to navigate these perilous and deceptive times. Then, use your influence to teach others about the Lord and how to prepare to meet Him in peace.

​Friends, the promise of a coming golden age is simply that: a promise. According to the Scriptures, what we should truly expect is a fiery age of trials that will test all the inhabitants of the world. Do not put your trust in princes, but put your trust in Jesus and His sure Word of prophecy.

​May God help us to be ready.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/13/trump-iran-war-americans-finances