selflessness

Triumphing Over Temptation

Overcoming bad habits is often a challenging journey, but the key to true success lies in understanding that we rarely overcome the hardest challenges on our own. When we fight for ourselves alone, it can lead to pride, and ultimately, self-sabotage. We tend to act in ways that we think are best for us, but without considering how it affects others. True growth happens when we fight for something greater than ourselves—when we fight for others, especially for love.

Think of addiction as trying to empty a glass of dirty water. No matter how many times you pour it out, it will eventually refill. The solution isn’t to keep emptying the glass, but to fill it with something clean. Like my mom, who spent 30 years trying to quit smoking. She kept quitting, failing again and again, until one day she realized her addiction was harming her children. It was then that she quit for them, and in doing so, she found the strength to quit for herself.

This is the power of love. It doesn’t fail, even in the toughest battles. As love perseveres, addiction starves. When you fall, get up, repent, and keep moving forward. Slow and steady wins the race, and no matter how long it takes, you will eventually conquer. Love is the key, and with faith, prayer, and support, you can transform your life, step by step. You are not alone, and you are loved. Keep quitting, and one day, you will never start again.

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Cultural Continuity: The Power of Boundaries in Armenian Christian Tradition

Leave a Comment / Faith / Hripsime Bartholomew

In the heart of Armenian culture, where faith, tradition, and community intertwine, the practice of setting boundaries has always been a cornerstone of both personal and familial life. With Christianity as the foundation of our national identity, Armenian households became sanctuaries of spiritual devotion, where the teachings of Christ were passed down from generation to generation. Parents instilled in their children the understanding that the home is a sacred space—one that must be protected through clear boundaries that reflect love, compassion, and respect for others. Just as Jesus Christ exemplified the importance of setting boundaries while maintaining empathy and selflessness, Armenian parents taught that the boundaries within our homes should protect our values and promote kindness, humility, and service to others. These boundaries are not only essential for personal well-being but also serve to preserve cultural identity and continuity across generations. In a world where cultural assimilation threatens our ancestral heritage, these boundaries help keep the richness of our Armenian and Black roots alive, ensuring that we pass down a legacy of faith, love, and integrity to our children.

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Love and Devotion: True Nature of Commitment

‘Tis the Season to Serve

Editor's Corner / Melissa Reed

The holiday season is often filled with joy, connection, and gratitude, but it can also bring about pressure, especially when we start expecting things from others. Instead of focusing on what we might receive, imagine how different the season could be if we approached it with a heart wide open, focused on giving and serving others. The true beauty of the holidays lies not in the gifts we receive but in the love we give—without expecting anything in return. Whether it’s surprising a neighbor with a homemade meal, lending an ear to a friend, or simply offering kindness, we can find joy in the act of giving freely. This holiday season, let’s focus on serving with love and humility, discovering that the greatest gift isn’t what’s under the tree, but the peace and joy we experience when we give from the heart.

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