Nikao (verb)/nik-ah'-o/ (Greek) To conquer, triumph, overcome, to be victorious
Recently, I had to make a return at a local grocery store. Before I could proceed to the customer service desk, one of the workers greeted me, and asked if he could see my return. He diligently rummaged through the items marking each tag to signify a return, and then marking those same items on…
The fear, anger and anguish of seeing black man after black man, black woman after black woman, being attacked, murdered and punished unjustly is too heavy for words. It’s difficult to comprehend the senseless violence that continues to take lives. But, when human comprehension fails, God speaks. I have no notion of telling you how…
In my house, I identify myself as an efficient, supersonic dishwasher. But, with this speed comes little nicks and dings on my fingers from various cooking utensils. One of my most memorable gashes came in the form of a vegetable peeler. As I washed it rapidly (too rapidly), I peeled off part of my thumb.…
Think of a place you’re most comfortable in – past or present. Maybe it’s a relative’s home, a best friend’s bedroom, a favorite teacher’s classroom, a sunny beach. For me, reminiscing about my childhood home makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. The harmony created within these walls was a solid rock throughout my ever-changing…
The unprecedented access we have to the wisdom of others on YouTube, Netflix, social media, in books, etc. proves bittersweet. On one hand, these outlets provide encouragement, wisdom and advice. On the contrary, these sources can easily take the place of our own personal knowledge and revelation of the Bible, which comes from reading it…
There are over 7.5 billion people in the world. There is one you. There is a call on your life that only you can answer. Seasonless areas are waiting for your matchless flavor (Matthew 5:13). Gloomy places are waiting for your vibrant light (Matthew 5:14-15). Musty spaces are waiting for your sweet fragrance (2 Corinthians…
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed writing – journal entries, short stories, poems, etc. For the younger me, it was easy to attach words to the worlds I created in my head because there was no pressure. Now, as I’m working towards a writing career, I’m consistently overthinking and repeatedly riddled…
As I watched Freedom Writers (again) this past weekend, parts of the movie struck me differently this time around. In particular, there is a scene where the students successfully raise enough money to bring Miep Gies to speak to their class – the woman who secretly housed Anne Frank and her family during the holocaust.…
It goes without saying that life experiences shape us. As the world around us changes and uncertainty hangs everywhere, some lessons, some trials, some tribulations we just have to suffer through, and learn along the way. Whether this health pandemic is a season of trial or a season of triumph, what a time to silence…
A few years ago, I settled in my heart to forgive someone I hated for about ten years. After years of thinking I had finally forgiven, I soon realized I still harbored hate for a person who was and is one of the most important people in my life. Unforgiveness proved to be a terrible…
The Nikao Collection 