children
Children: Our most valuable natural resource.
Blame Is Lighter When Shared
The Bible says, ‘teach the child the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.’ Steven Orr stared at his mother, reading her expression after the verdict was read. Her facial expression showed nothing, no regret, no sorrow, no love, no remorse, no shock. Her emotions were empty, devoid of sympathy. Staring deeper into her eyes, he saw an empty soul. A soul without understanding, curiosity, nothing that showed she was sorry for the death sentence handed down by a jury of twelve to her only son.
By Annelise Lords about a year ago in Families
"The family star". Content Warning. AI-Generated.
So You was only twenty-five when he graduated from university. Life should have been just beginning for him, but instead, he carried the weight of his entire family on his shoulders. His family’s condition was poor. His two older brothers, both married with children, had chosen different paths. The eldest drowned himself in alcohol, spending whatever little money he could get his hands on. The younger one wandered without ambition, doing nothing meaningful to support the household. Their children needed food, school fees, and love, but both men failed to provide. So You, the youngest, unmarried, and with a modest salary, became the pillar of the family. Every morning, he left home with determination. He paid for his nieces’ and nephews’ schooling, bought groceries, covered the electricity bills, and even gave money to his brothers despite their careless choices. His parents, growing old and frail, relied on him for stability. He gave all he had, even when it meant nothing was left for himself. “Why don’t you marry?” relatives would ask. He would always smile and say, “First I must make sure my family can stand on its feet. My time will come later.” But even sacrifices have limits. There were days when So You felt crushed — his brothers stealing his wages for alcohol, neighbors mocking him, loneliness tightening around his heart. Still, he endured. --- A New Light One day, a young woman named Hindo came into their lives. At first, So You kept his distance, uncomfortable with change. But slowly, Hindo became part of the family. She cared for the children as if they were her own, cooked meals with his mother, and encouraged So You when he felt exhausted. Her kindness became a light in the house. She believed in So You when no one else did. “You are stronger than you know,” she told him once. “One star can brighten even the darkest night.” He didn’t realize it then, but she was planting hope in his heart. --- The Turning Point One evening, So You was invited to give a presentation at a local university. Nervous but prepared, he poured all his effort into it. His speech caught the attention of a wealthy company owner in the audience. Impressed by his talent, the man offered him a position abroad — a job with a high salary, medical care for his parents, and scholarships for his nieces and nephews. It was the opportunity So You had been waiting for his whole life. With the new job, everything began to change. His brothers, though slow to learn, started respecting him. His parents finally lived in comfort. The children went to school without worry. And Hindo, always by his side, became his greatest companion. --- Love That Lasts But behind success was still an unspoken love. Hindo had once written in a private journal: > “If I could marry So You, I would be the luckiest girl in the world. He may not see it, but his heart is pure. He sacrifices without asking for anything in return.” When So You finally discovered her words, he realized what he had been blind to all along — she wasn’t just a part of his family’s story, she was part of his story. On a quiet evening, he asked her, “Will you walk this journey with me, not as a helper of my family, but as my partner in life?” Tears filled her eyes. She said yes. --- The Family Star So You’s life was never easy, but his sacrifices transformed everything. His family rose from despair to dignity. His parents lived their last years in peace. His nieces and nephews grew into educated, confident young people. And he built a new life with Hindo, not just for himself, but for everyone who had once leaned on him. He became the star his family followed — the light that guided them out of darkness. --- The Lesson This story reminds us of one simple truth: Family is the first nation we must build. When one person works hard and gives selflessly, the entire family — and even the community — can rise. Sacrifice, love, and unity are the seeds of greatness. In the end, The Family Star is not about wealth or success. It is about the power of one heart, shining bright enough to lift everyone around it. --- ✨ Moral: Support your family. Work hard. Love selflessly. When one shines, the whole family rises.
By Ihtisham Ulhaqabout a year ago in Families
Beginner’s Guide to Painting 10 Essential Tips for Aspiring Artists
Painting has always been one of the best ways to express one’s feelings. It doesn’t matter if you want to try your hand at Indian Miniature Painting, get a feel of Pichwai Cows devotional charm or simply enjoy colors on a blank canvas. Gaining the proper skills early on will keep you from worrying about materials and is a great frustration saver.
By rohit jainabout a year ago in Families
The Bittersweet End of Our Beautiful Journey. Top Story - August 2025.
I’m very grateful to my body for allowing me to breastfeed. I know many women have struggles on their breastfeeding journey, and for some, through no fault of their own, it’s just not possible.
By Sandy Gillmanabout a year ago in Families
Navigating the Teenage Years
The teenage years—those mysterious, exhilarating, and sometimes maddening years—are often described as a rollercoaster. One moment, your teen is chatty and affectionate, and the next, they retreat behind closed doors with an eye roll that could win an Olympic medal. If you’ve ever thought, “Am I losing my mind?” while parenting a teenager, you’re not alone.
By Katina Banksabout a year ago in Families
Raising Tech-Savvy Kids
In today’s world, technology is a constant companion. From the time kids can hold a tablet, they’re exposed to screens, apps, and digital platforms that shape the way they learn, play, and connect. While this digital fluency can give children incredible opportunities, parents often worry: How do we raise tech-savvy kids without losing that vital human connection?
By Katina Banksabout a year ago in Families
Killed by His Own Child
In Faisalabad lived Iftikhar Ahmed, a quiet, hardworking mechanic. His hands were always stained with grease, but his heart carried nothing except dreams for his only son, Sameer. Life was never easy—he earned just enough to cover rent, feed his family, and save a little for his boy’s future. Yet he never once complained. His greatest wish was simple: to see Sameer climb higher than he ever could.
By Shehzad Anjumabout a year ago in Families
Wings Without Landing
A Father’s Sacrifice Shabbir Ahmed did not have big aspirations—just one. America. In 2005, after years of grinding through Karachi’s noisy streets as a van driver, he had finally secured a chance: a truck-driving job in New Jersey. His passport was stamped. His ticket deposit was paid. He had even imagined the wide highways he would drive across.
By Shehzad Anjumabout a year ago in Families
