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Standing Strong Magazine
Elderly
“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” (Leviticus 19:32)
As Christians, we are called to value and honour those who have gone before us — especially our elderly family members, grandparents, and older members of our community. In a world that often moves quickly and focuses on the new, it is easy to overlook the wisdom and stories held by older generations.
Taking time to talk with our nan, grandad, or other elderly loved ones can be a blessing in itself. Many of them have lived through seasons of hardship, change, and history that we only read about. Yet alongside that, they also carry memories of joy, friendship, faith, and everyday life — stories worth hearing and preserving.
Often, all it takes is a simple conversation: asking where they grew up, what life was like when they were young, or what they enjoyed doing in their earlier years. In these moments, something special can happen — connection, understanding, and mutual respect.
The Bible reminds us that wisdom often comes with age. Job 12:12 says, “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” When we listen to our elders, we are not only showing love — we are also receiving insight and perspective that can shape our own lives.
It is also important that relationships go both ways. Sharing our own lives, interests, and experiences can help bridge generations and build stronger family bonds. Even simple things like watching TV together, listening to music, or sitting for a chat can become moments of fellowship and encouragement.
Honouring the elderly is not just a kind gesture — it is part of living out our faith. It reflects patience, humility, and love. In doing so, we recognise the value of every stage of life and the dignity God places on each person.
In the end, we may discover that these conversations become more than stories — they become blessings, memories, and lasting connections that enrich both heart and faith.
NET SAVVY
In today’s world, the internet is a powerful tool. It allows us to connect, communicate, learn, and share life with others across great distances. However, like many tools, it must be used with wisdom and discernment.
As someone who has observed social media, I have noticed that especially young people can sometimes add or interact with strangers online without fully understanding the risks. This is where caution and guidance become very important.
The Bible calls us to be wise and “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). This reminds us that while we are not to live in fear, we are called to be alert and discerning in how we engage with the world.
Not everyone online is who they appear to be. Some may have harmful intentions, and sharing personal information too freely can create risks for individuals and families. Because of this, it is wise to be careful about who we connect with, and to avoid sharing private details such as addresses, financial information, or sensitive personal data.
Practical steps such as using strong privacy settings, enabling two-factor authentication, and only connecting with people you know or trust can make a significant difference in staying safe online.
For younger users, it is also important to involve parents or trusted adults when meeting or communicating with people from the internet. Safety is not about isolation — it is about wise protection and accountability.
As Christians, we are called not only to be loving, but also to be wise stewards of what we are given. This includes how we use technology. We are encouraged to walk in truth, avoid deception, and protect ourselves and others from harm.
At the same time, we do not need to live in fear. Instead, we can approach the internet with awareness, wisdom, and responsibility, trusting God while also making sensible choices.
“Be alert and of sober mind” (1 Peter 5:8) is a reminder that awareness is part of living faithfully in every area of life — including the digital world.
Ultimately, the goal is not fear, but safety, wisdom, and peace — so that technology can be used for good, connection, and encouragement rather than harm.
Designer Label
Have you ever tried to create your own clothing label? I have. I once came up with an idea called Game Girl. It didn’t really take off at the time, but it taught me something important — ideas don’t fail, they just sometimes grow slowly, or evolve into something different later on.
At the time, I was inspired by what I enjoyed — music, gaming, and digital culture. I imagined clothing for gamers, starting with simple designs like tops and hoodies with a logo. Then the idea expanded into bags, phone cases, accessories, and even children’s clothing. It started small, but quickly grew in my mind into something much bigger.
That’s the nature of creativity — one idea can multiply into many.
Over time, I’ve realised that not every idea is meant to stay the same. Some are stepping stones. Even this magazine began as a simple idea shared by a friend — something small that grew into something more meaningful and far-reaching.
In my experience, some ideas connect with a niche audience, while others reach further than expected. Sometimes what we think will be big remains small, and sometimes something unexpected grows quickly. It reminds me that timing and purpose matter just as much as creativity.
More recently, I’ve been thinking about ideas that carry a stronger sense of meaning and faith. A Christian-inspired brand, for example, could focus on themes like hope, light, and identity in God. Even something like the word “Halo” brings to mind angels and holiness — ideas connected to something higher and more meaningful than fashion alone.
Creativity can be a gift when it is shaped with purpose. It allows us to express what we value, what we believe, and what inspires us. But it also grows best when it is guided with patience, humility, and direction.
As Proverbs 16:3 says:
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Not every idea will succeed immediately, but each one can teach us something, shape us, and prepare us for what comes next.
In the end, creativity is not just about building a brand — it’s about discovering purpose, learning from the journey, and allowing ideas to grow in their right time.
Graphic Content
In today’s world, technology continues to advance at an incredible pace. Computers have become more powerful over the past few years, with improved graphics, faster processing, and highly detailed visual effects. This has led to major developments in movies, television, and video games, where realism is now more detailed than ever before.
While these advancements are impressive from a technical point of view, they also raise important questions about the content we are consuming — especially when it comes to violence and graphic imagery.
Modern films and video games can now portray scenes in very realistic ways. What was once clearly fictional can now appear extremely lifelike. Because of this, some content may expose viewers — including young people — to repeated images of violence, conflict, and death in a way that can feel overwhelming or desensitising over time.
As Christians, it is natural to pause and reflect on this. We are called to guard our hearts and minds. As Philippians 4:8 encourages us:
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — think about such things.”
This does not mean all games or films are harmful, but it does invite us to be wise and discerning about what we engage with and how it affects us.
There is also a deeper concern about how constant exposure to virtual violence can shape attitudes, especially in younger audiences. Entertainment is powerful, and what we repeatedly see can influence how we think, feel, and respond to the world.
At the same time, it is worth remembering that technology itself is not the problem — it is a tool. The key question is how it is used, and whether it leads us toward life, peace, and truth, or toward something less healthy for our minds and spirits.
For some, immersive gaming and highly realistic simulations can feel engaging and entertaining. For others, they may become overwhelming or leave a sense of unease. This is why balance is important — knowing when to step away, reconnect with the real world, and focus on what is grounding and life-giving.
As believers, we are also reminded that true peace is not found in digital immersion, but in God’s presence and in the real relationships and world He has given us.
There is value in enjoying technology, but there is also wisdom in stepping outside, engaging with people face to face, and remembering that life is more than what we see on a screen.
Ultimately, we are called to live with awareness, moderation, and discernment — keeping our hearts steady and our minds focused on what builds us up rather than what overwhelms us.
Live Streaming
Live streaming has become a growing craze over the past few years, especially on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. It’s a fascinating and fast-moving world where people from all over the globe share their lives in real time.
In many ways, it shows how connected the world has become. People are able to share their gifts and talents—gaming, arts and crafts, music, dance, and more—often straight from their own homes. It can feel both very modern and very personal at the same time.
As a Christian, I try to see this through a balanced lens. Technology itself is not good or evil—it is how we use it that matters. Live streaming can be used to build community, encourage others, and even share positive values. It can also be used carelessly, which is why wisdom is important in how we engage with it.
Personally, I do some live streaming myself, mainly gaming, and I also run a couple of websites where I write game reviews and tech-related content. What I enjoy most is the connection—you get people from all over the world watching, chatting, and interacting while you play. It can be a simple but powerful way to build community around something you enjoy.
I also sometimes invite viewers to play with me, which makes it more interactive and fun. I don’t usually stream for long hours; instead, I prefer shorter sessions and a mix of different games. I find this helps keep things fresh and engaging.
However, streaming does come with challenges. Not everyone online is kind or respectful. Negative comments can hurt, which is why I use moderators to help manage the chat and keep it a safe space. As Christians, we are reminded to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and I think that applies strongly online as well.
Streaming is not for the faint-hearted. It requires patience, consistency, and emotional strength. But it can also be a great opportunity to connect with others and even reflect God’s goodness in how we treat people online. With the right mindset, good boundaries, and a bit of guidance, it can be a positive space.
At the end of the day, whether online or offline, we are called to be mindful of how we use our influence and to treat others with kindness and respect.
Suicide
Suicide is one of the hardest things to face or even talk about. I’ve lost four people in the past two years to suicide, one of them just a few days ago. The pain it leaves behind is deep, and it doesn’t just affect one person—it affects families, friends, and entire communities.
To anyone who is struggling right now, especially young people, I want you to hear this clearly: there is always another option. Suicide is not the answer, even though in the moment it may feel like there is no way forward. There is help, and there is hope, even when it feels out of reach.
Life has not always been easy for me. I grew up on the south side of the tracks, and I understand how hard life can be—sometimes it’s external pressures, and sometimes it’s internal battles that no one else can see. I’ve had my own struggles with mental health and dark thoughts, and I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed.
But one thing I’ve learned over time, especially through my faith, is that we are not meant to carry these burdens alone. God never intended for us to walk through suffering in isolation. Forgiveness, patience, and leaning on God’s strength can help us take one step at a time, even when the road is difficult.
A close friend of mine recently passed away, and I still feel that loss deeply. Moments like this remind us how final and devastating suicide is for those left behind. The grief doesn’t fade quickly—it lingers, and it raises questions and pain that are hard to put into words.
If you are struggling, please don’t stay silent. Talk to someone you trust—a friend, a family member, a pastor, or a counsellor. You are not a burden. Your life has value, even if you cannot see it right now. The truth is, your absence would leave a hole that others cannot fill.
As Christians, we are called to love one another, to carry each other’s burdens, and to be there in times of weakness. You were not created to walk this alone. There are people who care, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
I’ve spent time around mental health struggles for years, and while systems are not perfect, I do believe help is still worth seeking. More importantly, I believe God can meet us in those lowest places and give us strength to keep going one more day.
If you are reading this and you are hurting, please reach out. You matter more than you know. There is hope beyond what you are feeling right now.
You are not alone.
Walking With God
Growing up as a Christian teenager can be difficult. There are a lot of pressures to fit in, be accepted, and become “cool” in the eyes of others. I experienced that myself. I grew up going to church every Sunday, worshipping and learning about God. But as I got older and entered high school, I slowly drifted away from my faith in an attempt to fit in.
That led me down some unhealthy paths—things like poor choices, drinking, and other behaviour I’m not proud of. Over time, I realised those choices didn’t bring the acceptance or peace I was looking for. Instead, they created more struggle in my life.
As I moved into adulthood, I began to reflect more seriously on my life. I started to return to the values I was raised with—helping others, being there for family and friends, and trying to live in a more honest and grounded way. I wouldn’t say my journey has been perfect or consistent, but I have found myself returning to faith in different ways over time, even if I don’t always do it perfectly.
For me, going to church and reconnecting with God feels like being renewed. It gives me a sense of peace and direction. Even when life feels heavy or overwhelming, I’ve often felt comfort in my faith—like I’m not completely alone in what I’m facing.
There are times when life feels like it’s pulling you down, and you don’t have the strength to move forward. But in those moments, I’ve experienced what I can only describe as God giving me strength again—helping me take another step when I thought I couldn’t.
I know faith is not always easy, especially in today’s world where there are many different beliefs, opinions, and debates. Some people see Christianity as outdated or just a story. But for me, my faith is something personal and lived—it’s something I’ve experienced in my own journey, especially in difficult seasons of life.
I also believe faith is not about being perfect or always having it together. It’s about continuing to walk the path, even when you stumble. Sometimes that means stepping forward strongly, and other times it means simply holding on.
I’ve found that when I stay connected to God—whether through prayer, church, or reflection—it helps give my life direction and purpose. And even when I drift, I often find myself coming back.
My encouragement to others is simple: don’t give up on your journey. Whether your faith is strong or struggling, keep searching, keep growing, and keep moving forward. There is purpose in the walk.
Just believe—and keep going.
Hug's Not Drugs
In today’s world, we see drugs almost everywhere we go—whether it’s at concerts, in schools, or within communities. For many young people, drugs can seem attractive, especially when trying to fit in with the “in crowd” at high school. I know this from experience, because as a teen I tried drugs myself, thinking it would help me fit in or appear cooler.
Most people who experiment with drugs don’t end up enjoying what they experience. Instead of giving real fulfilment, it often leaves people feeling disconnected, foggy, or not fully themselves. Over time, it can affect thinking, choices, and direction in life.
Looking back now, I often ask myself if it was worth it. In many cases, it just becomes a cycle that takes time, energy, and opportunities away from the things that actually matter—family, purpose, goals, and personal growth. I’ve also seen people close to me start down that path, and it’s something I take seriously. In those situations, I believe honest conversations, support, and sometimes tough love can make a difference.
If you see someone struggling, don’t ignore it. Talk to them. Sometimes a simple conversation can be the moment that helps someone rethink their direction. I’ve tried myself to encourage friends away from drugs by being straight with them and reminding them there’s more to life than that path.
To me, drugs often promise something they can’t deliver. What goes up eventually comes down, and that crash can leave people feeling empty or lost. That’s why I believe it’s so important to be careful with that path from the very beginning.
From my perspective, the better choice is to avoid it altogether. I’ve learned that there is nothing lasting or fulfilling at the top of that lifestyle—it’s temporary at best. Real purpose and peace come from something deeper.
For me personally, faith in God has been far more fulfilling than anything I ever chased through that lifestyle. God offers direction, restoration, and a sense of meaning that drugs simply cannot provide. Where those things leave you empty, God can bring you back to life and purpose.
At the end of the day, my encouragement is simple: choose life, choose clarity, and choose what truly builds you up instead of tearing you down.
And above all—stay close to God.
Modern Jesus
What if Jesus lived in our modern world? What would that look like? Would He be teaching in churches, speaking through technology, or using today’s tools like social media and presentations to reach people? It’s an interesting thought to imagine how His message would be shared in a digital age.
In today’s world, there are also many voices claiming to represent truth, and even some who claim to be Christ. That can make things confusing, especially for people trying to understand faith from the outside. It raises an important question: how do we discern what is true?
As Christians, we believe that Jesus is not “missing” or unknown—His life, death, resurrection, and teachings are already revealed in Scripture. The challenge for us is not to search for a different version of Him, but to remain faithful to the one we already know.
Speculating about how He might appear today is interesting, but the heart of the message stays the same: Jesus is consistent. His character, His truth, and His purpose do not change with time or culture. He came to bring hope, truth, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.
The Bible also teaches us to be watchful and discerning, especially in times where many different ideas and claims circulate. Rather than focusing on rumours or uncertainty, Christians are encouraged to stay grounded in faith, prayer, and Scripture.
The return of Christ is described as something beyond human prediction or control. Because of that, the focus for believers is not speculation, but readiness—living in faith, love, and obedience in the present moment.
So rather than trying to imagine a “different Jesus” for a modern world, the more important question might be: are we living in a way that reflects Him now?
Would we recognise Him by how He called people to love God and love others?
That’s where the real challenge sits.
And in the end, for those who follow Him, He is not just a distant figure—He is someone who offers guidance, strength, and hope when life feels like it’s falling apart.
That’s the kind of faith that holds steady, no matter the age or culture.
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