Family
Sex, intimacy and black middle-class Christianity in South Africa - a difficult history.
How were views of intimacy shaped before colonialism? Before colonialism in the 1700s, black South Africans viewed sex and its relationship to morality very differently than it’s viewed today. Views of intimacy were largely shaped by the expectations of the extended family. When a young man married, his family transferred ilobolo (bridewealth) to a young woman’s family as an acknowledgement of the joining of families. Ilobolo cemented families together and introduced a bride not only into her husband’s extended family or lineage, but also to his family’s ancestors.
By Viona Amindaabout a year ago in Confessions
The Mystery of the Missing Mangoes. AI-Generated.
It was a blazing summer afternoon in Lahore, and 5-year-old Shani Bhai couldn’t contain his excitement. He had just returned from the market with Grandma, proudly clutching a heavy basket of ripe, golden mangoes. These were no ordinary mangoes; they were his mangoes, chosen with the precision and passion only a mango enthusiast could muster.
By Syed Ali Shahabout a year ago in Confessions
All the things she didn't deserve
The prisoner had two mothers, neither of whom was particularly interested in her fate or well-being. The prisoner thought she had escaped from a crib with cage-like bars and the very real possibility of starvation, but she had only slipped into another cage, one where heartily abundant meals and gastric comments were always available.
By M.about a year ago in Confessions
Am I Natural a Woman?. Content Warning.
If you promise to keep my secret and not judge me along my journey on finding out if I am woman enough. First, let’s start with the science definition of what determines a woman. To be clear, biological sex is determined by an individual’s combination of sex chromosomes and the type of gametes that they might produce. Second, any example of sexual reproduction assumes reproduction between a biological male and a biological female. There are lots of examples referring to “mothers” and “fathers” (moms and dads) when discussing inheritance, often with gendered depictions of mothers and fathers. A woman has 22rd pairs of two full length chromosomes or XX that is given to her. Many scientists might say that I am sex-linked inheritance with 23 chromosomes.
By Cassandra Vabout a year ago in Confessions
Learn from Your Mistakes: The Art of Growth and Wisdom
Learn from Your Mistakes: The Art of Growth and Wisdom Life is a never-ending journey of learning and experiences. Along this journey, mistakes are inevitable. Some may be small, easily forgotten; others may seem monumental, leaving a lasting imprint. Often, we find ourselves blaming, ridiculing, or undermining our worth due to these mistakes. However, mistakes are not signs of failure; they are stepping stones toward maturity, growth, and wisdom. They are the foundation upon which we build our understanding of life, steering us toward better paths and brighter futures.
By Dipak Pawarabout a year ago in Confessions
Who Am I?
Who Am I? "Who am I?" This profound question arises in everyone’s mind at least once in their lifetime. It is a question that prompts us to reflect on our existence, our purpose, and the significance of our lives. Who am I? What is my identity? What is the meaning of my life? These are not easy questions to answer. Understanding oneself is not a straightforward journey—it is an evolving process shaped by struggles, joys, sorrows, and failures.
By Dipak Pawarabout a year ago in Confessions
A Tapestry of Leadership: Reflections on the Lives and Legacies of Former US Presidents
An unexpected melody from a long-forgotten hit can transport us to moments we thought were tucked away forever. With it comes a flood of memories—of places, people, and who we were at the time. This phenomenon isn’t limited to music. A similar effect unfolded at Jimmy Carter’s funeral, where the rare gathering of former U.S. presidents became a living portrait of history, unity, and leadership.
By mureed hussainabout a year ago in Confessions
Moments of Life – Live, Experience, and Stay Happy
Moments of Life – Live, Experience, and Stay Happy Life is a beautiful amalgamation of moments, each distinct and irreplaceable. Some moments overflow with joy, while others bring challenges and sorrow. At times, we find ourselves basking in the glory of success, and at others, we navigate the rough waters of struggle. However, every single moment, regardless of its nature, holds immense value because it is an inseparable part of our journey. Recognising the significance of these moments, cherishing them with gratitude, and living them wholeheartedly is where the true beauty of life lies.
By Dipak Pawarabout a year ago in Confessions
My Hardest Moments: Letting Go and Finding Peace
People arrive and depart as they see fit. Learned this phrase when? I didn't completely understand at the time how someone could mean so much and then disappear the next second. When I went through it myself, it was a concept I found difficult to understand or accept because I had formed strong attachments to some people. I had the mental impression that I needed to take action to change the current situation. Anything that would allow them to stay, even if it meant causing me inconvenience. I was unaware that I had fallen into this trap. I put myself in a trap that made me vacillate back and forth.
By Hridya Sharmaabout a year ago in Confessions
Forgive Yourself!
Forgive Yourself! In life, we make mistakes repeatedly. Some are unintentional, while others are the result of our actions. These mistakes often leave a deep imprint on our minds, compelling us to relive them and blame ourselves. Dwelling on these mistakes, however, traps us in a cycle of guilt and self-reproach, disrupting our mental peace and well-being. In such situations, forgiving yourself becomes essential to restore inner calm and find mental happiness.
By Dipak Pawarabout a year ago in Confessions
A Summer of Quiet Confessions. AI-Generated.
The air in the small town of Elmsbridge seemed thicker in the summer, as though the warmth carried the weight of unspoken words. Time moved languidly, the days stretching long and slow, but beneath the surface of its quiet streets and sunlit meadows, lives brimmed with untold stories.
By Raymond Bentumabout a year ago in Confessions
