Caught between the pursuit of desires and obligations throughout life, I found myself traversing a delicate tightrope—struggling to maintain my sanity while striving for success.
My intense focus on maintaining balance ultimately became my undoing, causing me to tumble into the depths of despair. Paradoxically, the cautiousness that was meant to secure my future became the root of my life’s unraveling.
– Camille
Poem:
The depths of her shattered soul Lie fragments of a love untold. Rejected, they lay abandoned, cold, A tapestry of dreams that could not unfold.
Each piece a memory, etched in pain, A heart’s longing, now in vain. Whispered promises, once so dear, Now a haunting echo, she cannot hear.
Her tears, like rivers, silently flow, As she gathers the rejected, piece by piece, slow. No matter how hard she tries to mend, The fragments remain broken, unable to blend.
She walks through life, a ghostly shade, Haunted by the love that could have been made. In her eyes, a flicker of hope remains, But deep inside, her heart forever stained.
Rejected fragments of her, scattered wide, A mosaic of despair, she cannot hide. For in the wreckage of her shattered heart, She finds solace in the pieces torn apart.
Talk connects, conveys, and persuades by verbal communication spreading ideas through dialogue.
Cheap implies a lack of quality or value.
Cheap talk is communication that is:
costless to transmit and receive
non-binding (i.e. does not limit strategic choices by either party)
unverifiable (i.e. cannot be verified by a third party like a court)
CHEAP TALK:
Words that cost nothing to say—low risk, low effort, low consequence.
It’s the fluff of communication:
vague promises (“I’ll get to it”)
empty platitudes (“Thoughts and prayers”)
opinions with no backbone.
In Game Theory, it’s talk that doesn’t shift outcomes, so it’s easy to fake or dodge.
Think of it as verbal small change, plentiful but not worth much.
Expensive Talk
Words with weight, backed by action, sacrifice, or vulnerability.
It’s costly because it commits the speaker to…
think apologies with amends
bold predictions with accountability
truths that risk rejection.
This is the gold standard of speech: rare, real, and resonant.
Why Cheap Talk Works:
It’s low-friction, perfect for casual interactions or dodging responsibility.
It thrives where stakes are low or attention’s fleeting, like a politician’s soundbite or a coworker’s “Let’s circle back.”
It’s not always bad, it can signal intent or keep things civil, but it collapses under pressure.
Why Expensive Talk Cuts Deep:
It’s a signal of sincerity because it’s hard to fake.
When someone says, “I’ll quit if this fails,” and means it, you listen.
It’s tied to outcomes, reputation, relationships, results.. so it demands follow-through.
The cost makes it credible.
Where Cheap Talk Dominates:
Social media’s a petri dish… endless posts, likes, and rants that rarely translate to action.
Think performative activism or trending hashtags that vanish by next week.
It’s loud but hollow, amplified by algorithms that reward noise over substance.
Where Expensive Talk Shines:
Moments of crisis or conviction. Historical heavyweights like MLK or modern whistleblowers don’t just speak—they stake their lives on it.
Expensive talk stands out in a sea of cheapness because it’s scarce and carries scars.
Discerning The Telltale Signs:
Cheap talk is slippery – vague, safe, or overly polished.
Expensive talk feels raw – specific, risky, and often uncomfortable.
Listen for what’s at stake
A friend who says, “I’ll help,” then ghosts is cheap.
The friends who shows up at 3 a.m. with no fanfare is expensive.
Why It Matters:
Cheap talk erodes trust over time; expensive talk builds it. In a world flooded with words, spotting the spenders from the bluffers is how you navigate noise.
People’s verbal currency reveals their character, pay attention to what they’re willing to pay.
Cheap vs. Expensive in Action:
Cheap talk is a mask—easy to wear, easier to ditch.
Expensive talk is a mirror—reflecting intent and forcing accountability.
If you are seeking music with substance, and seek something other than typical “Christian/Spiritual music” — I couldn’t recommend this band and song enough.
Here’s the lyric video:
What is Pneuma?
Pneuma is Holy Spirit
“Pneuma” in the Bible is closely related to the Holy Spirit, representing the unseen force of God’s spirit.
In Greek, “pneuma” translates to “spirit,” “breath,” or “unseen force,” specifically referring to the Holy Spirit as the Third Person of the Trinity1.
The Holy Spirit is the active force (person) guiding us who believe.
Pneuma impacts all our lives profoundly.
Pneuma provides wisdom, guidance, power, and creativity.
We are spirit bound to this flesh We go ’round, one foot nailed down But bound to reach out and beyond this flesh Become Pneuma
[Chorus] We are will and wonder, bound to recall, remember We are born of one breath, one word We are all one spark, sun becoming [Verse 2] Child, wake up Child, release the light Wake up now, child Wake up Child, release the light Wake up now, child
[Interlude] Spirit Spirit Spirit Spirit
[Verse 3] Bound to this flesh This guise, this mask, this dream
[Chorus] Wake up, remember We are born of one breath, one word We are all one spark, sun becoming
[Outro] Pneuma Reach out and beyond Wake up, remember We are born of one breath, one word We are all one spark, eyes full of wonder
An empath is someone who can understand and share the feelings of others, while also being aware of their own flaws and integrating them into their personality.
By acknowledging their own darkness or shortcomings, they become stronger rather than weaker.
This process allows them to connect with others on a deeper level and offer genuine support and understanding.
It’s about embracing both light and dark aspects within oneself to truly empathize with others.
Empathy is often seen as a sign of weakness, but in reality, it’s a powerful strength.
When you can understand and share the feelings of others, you become better equipped to handle pain and support those around you.
By being empathetic, you (inadvertantly) are a safe space for people to express their emotions without condescension.
People feel heard and understood with Empaths because they ARE.
This also fosters deeper connections and trust.
Empathy isn’t about weakness; it’s about resilience, compassion, and building meaningful relationships based on understanding.
Some empaths are able to quite literally Sense and Feel other’s emotions, pains, and sometimes thoughts/intentions.
Empaths are highly sensitive individuals who’ve the ability to pick up on the emotions, energies, and thoughts of those around them. While many people may believe that empaths are only able to sense emotional pain, recent research suggests that they can also feel physical pain.
The journey of those walking across the burning bridge mirrors the sacred process of alchemy – a profound transformation guided by divine forces. Our earthly existence serves as a vessel for receiving God’s merciful grace or facing His justice.
As we embrace this transformation, we embody His divine glory, whether through the gentle breeze of grace or the steady hand of justice, reflecting the essence of creation itself.
Moments of discomfort act as catalysts for our spiritual evolution, guiding us towards consequences that are a reflection of our actions. Just as seeds planted in fertile soil yield a bountiful harvest, the repercussions of falsehood ultimately lead to a barren wasteland of emptiness.
Those who deceive themselves find themselves ensnared in a web of lies, consumed by the fear of exposure, and sinking deeper into a void of regret and darkness.
In this complex and intricate journey, we are reminded that every choice we make has a profound impact on our spiritual growth and ultimate destination.
It is through the choices we make, the actions we take, and the truths we uphold that we shape our own spiritual destiny, either drawing closer to the light of truth or sinking further into the shadows of deceit.
Imagine a black hole in the vast expanse of space, symbolizing the void created by sin and distance from the Divine.
The shattered remnants of those who have strayed from God’s path are inexorably pulled into the abyss of sin and emptiness.
Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope – a path beckoning us back to the ancient ways of truth, righteousness, and grace.
In the words of Jeremiah 6:16, the ancient paths signify a return to the foundations of God’s wisdom and love.
By embracing His Word, obeying His laws, and following His ways, we discover a profound sense of peace and blessings beyond measure.
Despite the allure of worldly distractions, walking in the ancient paths leads us to redemption and salvation.
It is a journey of simple yet profound significance, offering a route to spiritual awakening through unwavering faith and a steadfast commitment to the Almighty.
The early church bore witness to the fulfillment of the Savior’s Words amidst great adversity and persecution.
The extent of the persecution and bloodshed in the face of the continual growth compelled an early Christian thinker by the name of Tertullian to say, “The more you mow us down, the more we grow. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.
Examples:
Waves of persecution were experienced under
Maximinus Thrax c. 235
Decius c. 25
Valerian c. 257
The Great persecution under Dioceltian c. 302.
Cyprian of Carthage and Sixtus II of Rome were among the bishops who fell victim to the persecution of Valerian.
Diocletian’s persecution was so brutal that the beginning of his reign was appointed the start of the ecclesiastical calendar adopted in Alexandria known as the calendar of the martyrs.
Stripped of their possessions and driven from their homes, they endured the harsh realities of a society that rejected their beliefs.
Hebrews 10:32 speaks of the great fight of afflictions endured by these early Christians.
They endured harsh ridicule, brutal beatings, confinement, and baseless allegations.
Frequently unjustly charged with grave offenses, they were subjected to society’s scorn and doubt.
Many paid the ultimate price, sealing their testimony with their blood. The noble and the slave, the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant – all were indiscriminately slain without mercy.
Amidst the storm of persecution, early Christians found themselves at the mercy of false allegations and misunderstandings.
They were wrongly implicated in crimes and blamed for calamities such as famine, pestilence, and earthquakes. Despite the veils of deception that shrouded their true motives, their unwavering faith in Christ sustained them through the darkest of times.
The persecution, which began under Nero and persisted for centuries, saw Christians being condemned as rebels, foes of religion, and pests to society.
They faced gruesome fates …
Thrown to wild beasts, burned alive in amphitheaters, crucified, or torn apart by dogs.
Their suffering was often turned into public entertainment, with vast crowds gathering to witness their agonizing deaths.
Their unwavering commitment to their beliefs in the midst of unimaginable suffering inspires us to stand strong in our own faith, even when faced with overwhelming challenges.
God even told the people in Deuteronomy where “Eyes to See” and “Ears to Hear” come from…” It is from God⤵️
Deuteronomy 29:4:
“… to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.”
Paul clearly tells us there is a remnant that is chosen by Grace, not works of man.
Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking so the ELECT obtained it & the rest were HARDENED…
Then he quotes the Torah for understanding saying:
God gave them (those who are not elect) eyes that will not see and ears that can’t hear) ⤵️
“So at present there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer based on works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.”
– Romans 11:5-8
The Lord gives David an open ear:
In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
Psalm 40:6
Having Ears to Hear is quite literally having an opened heart to pay attention to God’s TRUTHS, as God did TO LYDIA …
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
Acts 16:14
God Hides These Things
Jesus clearly says, if we read the entire passage that God hides “these things” from the wise & Jesus says that God is the one who has revealed them.
& He says the Son, Jesus chooses who will KNOW the Father & Son… having understanding and relationship with God is what having ears to hear and eyes to see is. ⤵️
✝️ “In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them as to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”
Luke 10:21-24
GOD makes us alive…⤵️
✝️ We were dead in the trespasses and by nature are children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. When we were dead in our trespasses God MADE US ALIVE together with Christ.
Ephesians 2:1, 3 5
The ‘essence’/ substance of having eyes to See and Ears to Hear:⤵️
✝️ The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED.
1 Corinthians 2:14
Who appoints belief?
God… One can’t BELIEVE without Eyes to See & Ears to HEAR.⤵️
✝️ “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were APPOINTED to eternal life believed.”
The Lord opened Isaiah’s Ear, GOD awakened his ear to learn…
✝️ The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.– Isaiah 50:4-5
In Isaiah God says to the rebellious that they never heard because their ear had not been opened because GOD knew they would deal treacherously…
EVEN BEFORE THEY WERE BORN THEY WERE CALLED “REBEL“:⤵️
✝️ You have never heard, you have never known, from of old your ear has not been opened. For I knew that you would surely deal treacherously, and that from before birth you were called a rebel.-Isaiah 48:8
WE can’t understand God without the Spirit of God, ears to hear & eyes to see comes from God’s Spirit..⤵️
✝️ “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. –1 Corinthians 2:14, 16
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7
If we must have the Spirit of God to understand God as 1 Corinthians 2 says then how can WE HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS apart from Spirit…. we can’t.
Having ears to hear and eyes to see is NOT PHYSICAL and does NOT COME FROM YOURSELF.
To be “in Christ” is what it means to be a Christian.
Scripture says:
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith inthe Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
-Galatians 2:20
For inChrist Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
-Galatians 3:26
For the law of the Spirit of life inChrist Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
-Romans 8:2
Pious Defined:
Webster 1812 Dictionary:
Danger of Relying On Outward Appearances
“Appearances” refers to the way that a person or thing looks on the outside, including their physical attributes and presentation. However, this external appearance is often not a true reflection of a person’s inner self or identity. It is more a projection of how the inner self wants to be perceived by others, and thus the true identity remains hidden.
Jesus:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
– Matthew 23:27-28
What are “whitewashed tombs” ?
Whitewashed tombs appear clean and pure on the outside, but are filled with decay and death on the inside.
True piety lies in the inner purity and authenticity of one’s faith, rather than in mere external acts or appearances.
To achieve piety in Christ, one must undergo a genuine transformation of the heart and sincerely follow the teachings of Jesus.
This kind of piety implants a pure and genuine heart that is aligned with the mind of God.
The hypocritical leaders that Jesus speaks of were not paying attention to the inner state of their hearts but rather using God and his word as a tool to elevate themselves and control others.
Beyond Appearances
To truly understand someone’s character, it’s essential to look past appearances and analyze their intentions. Don’t blindly follow those whose motives you can’t discern, but also refrain from rushing to judgment.
Wisdom is not judging before Discerning… Discernment allows right judgment.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world…
1 John 4:1
We are sheep in the midst of wolves, we must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
The Enemy’s Tactics
Several strategies will help you in this regard.
Focus on Eliminating Repentance
Repentance is the very practice that makes piety possible. Ideally, your targets would adopt the practice of rarely—if ever—asking for forgiveness from our Enemy, much less from each other.
It is helpful if His followers never see anyone else asking for forgiveness. An atmosphere lacking in repentance breeds moralism and hard-heartedness.
Emphasize Outward Appearances
Ensure that you make keen use of your targets’ pride in executing this strategy.
As you pique His followers’ pride, ensure they notice others.
For example, prompt your targets to be casually covetous of one or two particular families every time they go to worship.
Get them to notice new cars, beautiful spouses, or well behaved children that they will compare with their own.
Observable Signs of False Piety:
Pretending to Represent Jesus:
Claiming to act on behalf of Jesus while promoting personal agendas and rules, rather than embodying true Christian values.
Exclusiveness and Judgment:
Displaying an “Us vs. Them” attitude, considering oneself superior based on personal interpretations of rules and beliefs, and condemning those who do not conform.
Control and Manipulation:
Feigning love while attempting to control others’ beliefs, actions, or thoughts to align with one’s own views.
Rule-Keeping Salvation:
Believing salvation comes from strict adherence to rules rather than genuine faith and relationship with God.
Appearance Over Substance:
Focusing on external displays of piety while lacking true inner transformation and righteousness.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; 10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, 12 delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, 13 who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, 14 who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil, 15 men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways.
The concepts of wrath and love coexist in perfect harmony. As humans, we tend to project our attributes onto God, but God transcends our limited understanding.
Unlike human judges who may be sinful, God is a perfect and just judge.
Allow space for divine retribution. It is the responsibility of the Almighty, and His wrath is impartial, flawless, and devoid of favoritism.
Even in His wrath, God remains fully just, gracious, and good.
I embody the destruction of love, and I dare you to take me on.
Jump to conclusions, catastrophize every scenario, & wrongly perceive oneself & others as worse than one actually is…
Feelings, Feelings… Turned To One Distorted Emotion
Unpleasant memories and distress intertwine with future optimism and allure.
Your past is so sinister, it darkens everything it touches, tainting what could have been.
Undeniably Demonic
You found yourself torn between two contrasting tables — one representing the fiery depths of hell, the other a celestial haven of Heavens Treasures.
Struggling to distill it to its essence, you embodied a dualistic mind, weaving a perplexing web of deception and ensnaring the unsuspecting souls crossing your path.
How can you possibly entertain the idea of forgiveness?
You’ve been cast aside to your own whims, absolution simply became a far-fetched illusion.
Do you fail to grasp, not to mention observe, the reality in front of you?
Or are you still ungrateful even when blessed?
Fading the rugged boundaries of what seemed achievable, maybe even anticipated.
Engaging in a relentless struggle to unearth the slightest of flaws in the most evident armor.
Somehow, in some manner, you perpetually manage to stumble upon one.
Flaw after flaw, you fall into your trap.
Uncover the fissure, the cipher, the illumination that never existed.
Amplify it.Elaborate upon it. Die in it.
The Surging Torrents
Oh, the surging torrents of insecurity; as they surge, twist, and crash onto the shores.
Whatever you kept vulnerable for such a duration, all you required was resolution.
All the trivial, imaginary situations born from your distorted perspective, cleverly hiding your unspoken grudges. Allowing them to endlessly repeat, in a frenzy.
Any semblance of reason or rationality consumed by the electric, unfounded vulnerability of fear.
It is you who questions yourself, with the ’purest intention’, defining yourself entirely unworthy.
Unworthy of both what you have received and what you desire.
As you read, a sense of darkness seeps through the words, almost like you’re touching the shadowy spaces between each moment, within each line.
Their voice lacks any firmness, resonating with the hesitant tones that have become all too familiar to you.
You prepared yourself for heartache, despite it never even being there.
There’s nothing to even suggest it existed in the first place. Setting yourself up with such damning evidence.
The beauty that was waiting for you, stripped from right under your own two feet.
Picture yourself gliding on the ethereal surface of your make-believe carpet, immersed in isolation, firmly convinced of your status as a victim, while casting blame and condemning victims as villians.
A glass that appears to be completely full but deep down you fear its impending emptiness.
A seemingly sturdy wall that stands unsteady before your very eyes, as you witness the gradual crumbling of its metallic structure.
Embrace the illusion, confess it!
Eventually ending in a feeling, for once returning to a time produced from the many pauses between words.
Silence, prior to embrace in the moments that free-fell from your heart; deceived, felt, immediately after.
Pathetic.
Holding all the world’s promises in the palm of your hand.
Spending the time watching shadows dancing in the distance. Overruling that which is clearly present, in the here and now.
It’s the belief that heartbreak is, in the end, inevitable. Despite your undying hope for the contrary. You allowed this belief to undermine all you think, say, or do.
That sweet morsel is followed by a bitter gut.
It’s the inconsistent ability to seize the moment.
Theal false confidence that you were meant to play the cards that you were dealt.
The ongoing struggle of being your own deceiving dealer who’s giving you shitty hands of sabatoge, you’re fighting yourself, but you blame the other.
Being relentlessly gripped by sickening, maddening, torturing nostalgia.
This nostalgia that suffocates, it continues to grow, fester, and generate from each and every moment, and as it passes, you’re standing firmly in the center unable to do a thing about it anymore.
A gripping fear that each touch, affection, or unsuspecting eternal feeling of love might be the last, so don’t feel it too much… or it’ll hurt too much.
And as this thought pattern persists, it very well could have been the very last thought.
