Lifting yourself by lifting others!

Several years ago, I embarked on an enlightening quest to pursue truth, determined to sift through the incessant chatter and misleading narratives in mainstream media. My disillusionment grew as I was inundated with a continuous stream of pessimistic news stories—reports filled with chaos, conflict, and despair that seemed to dominate the headlines.

Each day, the relentless barrage of negativity weighed heavily on my psyche, prompting me to seek a deeper understanding of the world beyond the surface-level sensationalism. I uncovered a powerful strategy to combat the rampant misinformation and negativity – sharing uplifting stories and heartfelt testimonies from individuals who have been transformed for the better. These personal narratives serve as compelling evidence against falsehoods and as sources of inspiration and motivation. They remind us that change and improvement are always possible, regardless of the obstacles one may face. By sharing such testimonies, individuals foster their healing and support others who are struggling.

I also volunteer from time to time to help those in need and at worthy causes. Volunteering is a passion of mine; it allows me to give back to the community while supporting causes that truly matter. I make it a priority to visit the KwaSizabantu Mission in KZN at least twice a year, where I contribute my time and energy during the youth conferences and other significant events they organize. Through this experience, I connect with a diverse group of people, each with their own unique stories and experiences that often had a profound impact on me.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is the chance to learn new skills—whether it's organising events, mentoring young individuals, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations. These interactions often lead to the sharing of uplifting stories, demonstrating resilience and hope, which I feel compelled to write about in my magazine, Devoted. Over the years, I have built a treasure trove of uplifting stories and love sharing them. Devoted is an online publication that I distribute freely, found at https://www.devotedmag.co.za/. I strive to highlight narratives that often go untold by mainstream media. I focus on those inspiring tales that shine a light on the positive aspects of humanity, showing how individuals overcome adversity and challenges. In my articles, I aim to bring forth these stories—elevating voices that seek to inspire others and create a ripple of hope within the community.

The recent Ministers’ Conference, held at KwaSizabantu from 3-5 March, was a magnificent event that gave me countless inspiring stories waiting to be told—stories highlighting the mission's profound impact over the years on thousands of lives. I held over ten interviews with people whose lives were restored through the intervention of the mission’s people. During discussions with some attendees, I realised that the Mission has impacted many people differently. The testimonies shared are heartwarming and motivating, prompting me to share them to encourage others to narrate their stories as well, ultimately helping others in the process. I will share some of those stories in forthcoming articles.

(For stories of inspiration that will melt your heart, visit the Restored Lives section on the website: https://www.devotedmag.co.za. Follow the Facebook page for more inspiration and help us build a following: DevinePublishers/Devoted.)