Trust only The Source

Frienemies Abound Everywhere

A patient once insisted I perform her surgery personally. I explained the safety of a team approach, but she was adamant: “Pope, you’re a man of God. I trust you completely with my life.” I smiled, gently reminding her that placing absolute trust in any human—no matter how well-meaning—is risky. To illustrate, I shared a story that still haunts me.

Years ago, a woman I knew entered a business partnership with her husband, believing they were building something beautiful together. But while she poured herself into the venture, he claimed he was broke, unskilled and always tired and made minimal input. Yet, he somehow, had resources, time and energy for other less important ventures. He took more than his fair share and subtly chipped away at her confidence.

Desperate, she turned to their lady pastor for guidance. Instead of support, she got a lecture on Christian duty and submission. Worse, the pastor used her story publicly in a sermon to guilt trip her. Still, she tried to follow the advice until she noticed an unusual pattern: every time she confided in the pastor, her husband’s tactics evolved, targeting her vulnerabilities.

Eventually, the truth surfaced. Her husband and the pastor were secretly involved sexually and conspired to manipulate and drain her. The betrayal was devastating. She nearly walked away from her faith entirely.

But in the depths of her pain, she chose a different path. She left that toxic church and found a new community of believers where she could heal, worship, and rebuild her faith on her own terms. It was a brutal lesson in discernment, but it taught her to trust wisely and protect her spirit by seeking to connect with The Source.

Reflection

When blind trust is placed in flawed hands—titles, robes, or crowns—it often leads not to faith, but to disillusionment. And in the wreckage of betrayal, some begin to question the very God they once sought.

It remains unwise, therefore, to place one’s faith entirely in fallible human hands. Authentic faith must be cultivated independently, anchored deeply within one’s own soul to the Source of our being, where integrity and conviction serve as steadfast pillars through seasons of doubt and disappointment.

One day, we will all face our final call—let every step we take until then be marked by purpose, integrity, and unwavering faithfulness.

Serenity

Don’t borrow faith — build your own.

May we anchor our faith in God alone. Amen
May the departed souls RIPP🧎🏻‍♂️ .