As part of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion 2024 retreat program, the Bishops’ and their Wives took part in a training facilitated by Ghanian Counsellor, Amos Kelvin-Annan. He taught explicitly on the topic “Our homes as a healing and hiding place”.

One important question he didn’t fail to answer is that of knowing what makes our home a safe place. A young person will consider the following as reasons for tagging a home safe:

• Being accepted for who you are

• Unconditional love despite the behaviour of the child

• Being valued (not numbered) and understood

• Feeling relaxed and comfortable to relate with one another

• Knowing that your relatives are trustworthy

• Living in an atmosphere of open communication

• Having my flaws accepted as part of the family unit

• Being able to open up fully in order to give and get (Do not manipulate)

Kelvin-Annan made reference to Psalm 32:18 as what people except from their homes. He also didn’t forget to add what homes need to heal from. They include:

• Bad manners

• Horrible Memories

• Unimaginable meanness

• Inconceivable Emasculation

• Emotions that are mixed

• Unexplained ‘madness’

• Dysfunctional motivation

• Unhealthy mindset

• Ungodly mission

“Many people in this age and time see abnormality as normal. When normal looks boring, abnormal looks attractive”. Kelvin-Annan encouraged all present to give ear to their children and family members in extension in other to help when need be.

Jennifer Jubril