When someone insults you, clench your fists, bite your tongue, and try not to blurt anything out. Also… turn the other cheek, as Jesus said.
Pause. Think about siopao and donuts. Not because they help, but because carbs are a great distraction from violence.
Meditate. Imagine yourself winning the argument flawlessly. I mean… meditate so you remain calm and spiritually aligned.
Practice deep breaths before you accidentally retaliate with words that could melt concrete. Deep breaths. Breathe in grace, exhale petty.
Smile sarcastically—wait, no. Smile genuinely. You never know, your unexpected smile might lift someone’s heavy heart. Even if their face deserves a sandal.
✍️Writer’s note
Ahhh self-control — the kind of thing that many of us struggle to master. And by “many of us,” I mean me. 🙋🏻♀️
You’ll notice that Susan is still very much resistant to responding in kindness. Her first reaction is usually pride, ego, or the urge to throw a siopao and a donut. But the important thing is — she’s learning. Trying. And so am I.
It’s not easy, especially when you’re dealing with people trying to be cute but clearly skipped the ‘logic’ queue in life.
But we’re out here trying, praying, breathing (sometimes growling), and getting better one siopao at a time.
See you on the next post. — Oishi, emotional support furball
I was looking for a Bible story that’s not as mainstream as the usual Noah’s Ark or David and Goliath showdown. That’s when I stumbled on Numbers 22 and found a talking donkey. Yes. A. Talking. Donkey.
And I thought, Wow. This donkey really made it into scripture. She deserves a certificate or something.
If you haven’t read it yet, go to Numbers 22:21–34. (You thought I was going to summarize it for you, didn’t you? Okay, fine.
🐴 Balaam, Moab, and the Talking Donkey
The Israelites had camped in Moab, and King Balak of Moab was sweating bullets. He’d seen what Israel did to other kingdoms, and he was like, “Nope. Not today.” So he sent people to a prophet named Balaam with one request:
“Curse these people for me, please. We’ll pay well.”
Balaam asked God, and God said:
NO. “These people are blessed. Do not touch them.”
Balaam delivered the message. King Balak, however, had the persistence of a toddler in a candy aisle. He sent more messengers—this time with a bigger, shinier offer.
Balaam said, “Wait here. I’ll ask God again.” (Pause: The first time God already said no. But the offer now had more zeroes. Suspicious? Yes.)
God responded:
“Fine. Go. But you can only say what I tell you to.”
So Balaam went—but God saw through him. His feet were walking, but his heart was for sale. God was angry.
So He sent an angel with a sword to block Balaam’s path.
Only problem? Balaam couldn’t see the angel. But guess who could? His donkey.
🗡️ Donkey vs. Angel: The OG Roadblock
Round 1: The donkey swerved into a field. Round 2: The donkey crushed Balaam’s foot against a wall. Round 3: She just sat down like, “We’re not dying today.”
Balaam, being spiritually blind and emotionally dramatic, beat the donkey three times. That’s when God said, “Enough.”
And He opened the donkey’s mouth.
She said:
“What did I do to deserve this? Have I ever acted like this before?”
Balaam, still in full delusion, answered her like she was just another commuter.
Then God opened Balaam’s eyes—and there was the angel, sword drawn.
“If your donkey hadn’t turned away, I would’ve killed you. She saved your life.”
Balaam repented.
🎯 The Lesson That Hit Me
There are a lot of takeaways here. But the one that hit me like a divine chancla was this:
Balaam asked God once—and God said no. But then he asked again, hoping to change God’s mind… because the second offer looked better.
I do that too.
Sometimes, God says no. And I accept it… for like a day. Then I try again. And again. Trying to convince Him why this time it makes sense. Why this door should open. Why this blessing feels justified.
And sometimes, He gives me what I ask—but not because it was right. Because He’s letting me learn.
But now that I’m getting older (emotionally, spiritually, and in actual knee-crack years), I’ve started to understand God more. Not always. I still stumble. I still ask Him too many questions. But slowly, I’m learning to trust that even His no is an act of love.
🙏 Trust Comes From Knowing Who He Is
To trust someone, you need to know their character. And God’s character?
He’s our Creator: Look at the mountains, the ocean, the stars, and that one sunset that stopped you mid-scroll.
He’s our Father: He gives, disciplines, and stays.
He’s our Savior: Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and raised the dead.
He’s our Helper: The Holy Spirit prays on our behalf when we don’t have the words.
So even if I still ask for things, I no longer do it with bitterness when the answer is no. Just a quiet kind of waiting. Because I trust who’s behind the decision.
What about you? What part of Balaam’s story do you relate to?
(And if your donkey starts talking, please don’t argue. Just listen.)
Ember - Fire and Soul 