Shalette’s Unfiltered Musings-Episode 5

  Shalette’s Unfiltered Musings Episode 5 – Respecting the Journey: Earned Titles and Genuine Leadership in the Church. You know what absolutely grinds my gears? I’m fed up, and I can’t hold it in any longer! It’s about time someone called out those folks who think they can just waltz into a church, claim they’ve turned over a new leaf, and bam! suddenly, they’re evangelists or ministers! Are you kidding me? I mean, let’s give credit where credit is due. I commend anyone who’s had a transformation and decided to change their lives for the better. But that doesn’t automatically qualify you to take up lofty titles and lead a congregation! It’s like walking into a bakery, baking a single muffin, and proclaiming yourself a world-renowned pastry chef. In any other profession, you work your butt off, gaining experience, knowledge, and expertise before you can proudly carry those impressive titles. Teaching, for example, you start as an aspiring educator, and through hard work and dedication, you climb the ladder to become a master teacher. It’s a process of growth and learning, not an instant promotion. But in the church, it seems like there are no prerequisites or qualifications required for these significant roles. It’s like a free-for-all, and it’s embarrassing! It diminishes the credibility of the entire institution. I’m not saying that everyone has to have a degree in theology or religious studies to be involved in the church. But there should be some level of education, training, and demonstrated commitment before someone can claim such influential positions. It’s not about gatekeeping; it’s about maintaining standards and ensuring the spiritual well-being of the congregation. So, to all those “instant ministers,” please take a step back and recognize that respect and authority are earned, not handed out like candy. Embrace the journey of growth, invest in your spiritual education, and gain real experience before you take on those high-ranking roles. Work your way up, and you’ll be a much more effective and credible leader in the long run. The church should be a place of reverence, wisdom, and genuine leadership—not a poppy show of unqualified individuals claiming titles they haven’t earned.

Shalette’s Unfiltered Musings-Episode 4

Shalette’s Unfiltered Musings Episode 4 – The Sacred Duty of Parenting: Demanding Accountability for the Well-Being of Future Generations Oh, let me tell you something about the responsibilities of parents! It absolutely infuriates me to see people taking on the role of a parent without even understanding what it truly means. Parenting is not some leisurely activity or a hobby; it’s a full-time, lifelong commitment that requires dedication, love, and hard work. A parent’s first and foremost responsibility is to CARE for their children and ensure their well-being. This includes providing food and shelter, emotional support, guidance, and attention. If you can’t handle a child’s basic needs, then you have no business becoming a parent! Creating a SAFE and LOVING home environment is not optional; it’s essential to being a parent. Children need a stable and nurturing environment to grow and thrive. If you can’t even maintain a safe space for your own children, then you are failing them from the start. Next, providing OPPORTUNITIES for children to develop emotional, social, and cognitive skills is crucial for their future success and happiness. Parents should be actively involved in their children’s growth, helping them discover their passions and interests. If you’re too self-absorbed to invest time and effort into your children’s development, then why did you even bring them into this world? And let’s remember the importance of NURTURING and EDUCATING children. Parents are their first teachers, and it’s their duty to instil values, morals, and knowledge into their young minds. Neglecting this aspect of parenting is a gross disservice to the child and society as a whole. It infuriates me to see people irresponsibly bringing children into this world without any consideration for the tremendous undertaking that parenting entails. Having children is neither a casual decision nor something to check off your bucket list. It is a sacred duty that should only be taken on by those fully committed to doing the job right. If you cannot honestly answer “YES” to all four questions – if you cannot care for, create a safe and loving environment, provide opportunities, and nurture and educate your children – then, for the love of all that’s good, DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN! You are not fit for this monumental task, and it’s selfish and reckless to bring children into a life where they won’t be properly cared for. It’s time for society to hold parents accountable for their responsibilities. Neglectful parenting has far-reaching consequences, not just for the children themselves but for the entire community. So, to all the wannabe parents out there, step up or step away. The role of a parent is too vital to be taken lightly, and it’s about time we start demanding more from those who choose to take on this sacred duty.

Shalette’s Unfiltered Musings-Episode 3

Shalette’s Unfiltered Musings Episode 3 – Unlock the Power Within: Embrace Your Worth and Thrive in Love. For far too long, I lost myself in the depths of ‘love.’ I made excuses for mistreatment, settled for less than I deserved, neglected the passions that once defined me, and compromised my values, all for the sake of a relationship that left me empty and broken. I was a fool in love! But through the trials and tribulations, I emerged stronger and wiser, armed with invaluable lessons to share with every woman who finds herself entangled in a similar web. How can you recognise if you’re entangled as a fool in love? You are a fool in love when you find that love is leading you astray from your responsibilities or distancing you from those who care for you. Indeed, you are a fool in love when you realise that you are making unending sacrifices without receiving any reciprocation. Additionally, you are a fool in love when you rush into a serious commitment without truly understanding your partner. Another sign of being a fool in love is denying the existence of issues to uphold a false image of perfection. Now, let’s explore the process of liberating yourself from the grips of this malady. While having a positive outlook is commendable, facing the realities of struggling relationships is crucial. Recognise the moment when it’s necessary to release and move forward. Ending a relationship does not signify defeat; it displays bravery as you prioritise your well-being. Breaking free requires empowering yourself and placing your happiness as the utmost priority. Embrace your inherent value and surround yourself with those who wholeheartedly support and cherish you without conditions. When seeking new partners, look for individuals who genuinely embrace and adore your authentic self. Take the lessons from past mistakes and envision a future where your heart remains open, but your self-respect and dignity stand firm and unwavering. Women, let’s rise together as sisters, supporting and celebrating each other. We have the power to empower ourselves and each other. No more settling for unhealthy love that diminishes us. Instead, let’s seek genuine love that brings out our best. We’ll be wise and recognise when love isn’t suitable for us. In healthy relationships, we’ll grow and stay true to ourselves. We have strength and resilience that knows no bounds. We’ll take charge of our happiness and support each other through tough times. Know your worth and embrace your power. Together, we’ll break barriers and create a future where women are valued and loved for who they are. We can achieve amazing things and transform our lives with unity and love. So, let’s stand firm, empowering each other to lead fulfilling lives. Together, we’re an unstoppable force, making a world filled with love and endless possibilities.

Shalette’s Unfiltered Musings-Episode 2

Shalette’s Unfiltered Musings Episode 2 – Neglecting Our Elders: A Call for Change I want to express my frustration about the way some of us treat our elderly parents and grandparents. It’s disheartening to see that despite their sacrifices and selflessness towards us, they are often left in unfortunate living conditions while we indulge in luxury. When our parents have been good to us, supporting and spending their hard-earned money on our well-being, it’s only fair that we reciprocate their love and care. It’s time for us, as a society, to stop neglecting our elderly parents and take responsibility for their well-being. We cannot let our elderly parents live in isolation and neglect. While we enjoy life with designer bags and lavish lifestyles. We should make sure that they eat and enjoy a comfortable life. It’s time to step up and have meaningful conversations with them. Leaving them alone and isolated can lead to early dementia, as they may be left with only their own thoughts. We shouldn’t treat our parents as if they are beneath us or too lowly to be part of our social circles. They deserve our love, attention, and gratitude. Many of them sacrificed their own dreams to ensure we had a better future, and it’s crucial to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts. The issue is not just about financial support; it’s also about emotional connection and showing gratitude. A simple phone call, a heartfelt conversation, a kiss, and saying “thank you” can mean the world to them. We should be mindful of our actions because karma has a way of reciprocating how we treat our parents. Our own children are observing us, and how we treat our parents will influence their behavior towards us in the future. Even if our parents weren’t the best, if we are in a position to help, we should extend our support. Let’s leave judgment to a higher authority and choose compassion over indifference. I’m fed up with witnessing well-to-do individuals ignoring their struggling parents. We can do better as a society, and it starts with valuing our elders and appreciating the sacrifices they made for us. Let’s break this cycle of neglect and create a culture of love, care, and support for our elderly parents. Are there others who feel the same way?

Shalette’s Unfiltered Musings-Episode 1

Shalette’s Unfiltered Musings Episode 1 – Breaking Down Divisions: Embracing Unity for a Stronger Jamaica I’ve had enough of this incessant need to draw lines in the sand and separate every aspect of Jamaican life into opposing camps. It’s time to chastise this childish mentality and call it out for what it is – utterly ridiculous and counterproductive. Why on earth do we have to pick sides when it comes to supporting our political parties? Can’t we appreciate the positive actions of both the JLP and the PNP? Our blind loyalty to one party blinds us to any merits the other might have, and it’s beyond frustrating. Grow up and start thinking critically. And what’s with this irrational rivalry between schools? So, if I cheer for Calabar, I can’t support KC as well? Give me a break! These schools are both part of our educational system, and we should be proud of their achievements, no matter which one wins. Enough with the corporate divisions too! Just because you work for Flow, you can’t acknowledge anything good about Digicel? That’s a prime example of a narrow-minded and toxic mindset. It’s time to appreciate competition and give credit where it’s due. We need to stop this nonsense in our daily lives and come together as a unified nation. Celebrate Jamaica as a whole, not as fragments tearing each other down. Our track and field athletes are some of the best in the world, and yet you insist on dividing your support between Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah? Give them the respect they deserve and cheer for both! This division is draining and does nothing but hold us back as a country. We should be celebrating our diversity, not using it as an excuse to create unnecessary barriers among us. Jamaican children are watching, and they deserve better than this constant bickering and childish behavior. So, let’s grow up, put aside these ridiculous divisions, and start saying “JAMAICA” with pride and unity. Embrace all the wonderful aspects of our country, support each other’s successes, and work together to build a brighter future for Jamaica. It’s time to break down these walls and come together as one, for the sake of our nation and its future.