A SOUND MIND IS A PRECIOUS GIFT

 

 A Sound Mind is a Precious Gift: A Wake-Up Call to Every Parent

He was the pride of his neighborhood—brilliant, focused, and full of potential. From the slums of Lagos to the lecture halls of Harvard Medical School, he rose with distinction. His name was whispered in academic circles for his groundbreaking research on rare diseases. Doctors twice his age came to learn from him, and his parents basked in his glory, watching the fruit of their sacrifice blossom. But in the twinkling of an eye, their joy turned to unending sorrow. It all started with a simple complaint: “I can’t sleep well.”

A close friend, who he trusted, casually advised, “Try cannabis or marijuana. It’ll help you sleep and ease the tension.” Out of desperation and ignorance, the young genius gave in—and that single decision shattered everything. He spiraled into confusion, irrational behavior, paranoia, and eventually madness. His mind—his most treasured asset—was lost. Now his parents roam hospitals, prayer centers, and herbal clinics in tears, clutching to fading hope. The son who once lectured consultants now mumbles to himself, detained behind iron gates.

A Word to Parents: Do Not Be Silent, Do Not Be Ignorant

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...” — Hosea 4:6, KJV

The pain of these parents cannot be captured fully in words. Yet this story must become a trumpet for others. Parents, the enemy has changed his methods. He no longer comes with chains and violence, but with lies, peer pressure, and innocent suggestions. The devil is now packaging destruction in herbal wraps.

Let us delve deep into this tragedy and draw light out of the darkness.

1. The Power of Influence: Watch the Company Your Children Keep

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33, KJV

No matter how intelligent a child is, the wrong friend can lead him into a ditch. This young man was not foolish; he was simply vulnerable at a moment of weakness. Parents must not only watch what their children do but who they do it with. It is not enough to buy books, pay fees, and assume all is well. Influence is stronger than information.

> Adage: "Show me your friend, and I will tell you who you are."

Help your children build inner strength and teach them the value of godly friendship. They must be trained to say "No" when it matters, even if it means losing a friend.

2. The Cry for Rest: Respond to the Hidden Needs of Your Children

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28, KJV

This tragedy began with something that looked small—lack of sleep. Stress, anxiety, and pressure are silent killers among our children and youth today. Many don’t open up because they think their parents are too busy or too judgmental.

Pay attention to emotional symptoms—restlessness, withdrawal, mood swings. Don’t trivialize them. Sometimes, just a listening ear can prevent a lifetime of pain. Provide an atmosphere where your children can be vulnerable without fear of condemnation.

> Adage: "A stitch in time saves nine."

3. Educate and Enlighten: Don’t Let the Streets Teach What You Won’t

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6, KJV

Many Christian homes speak in tongues but avoid sensitive topics. Children are taught the books of the Bible but not the dangers of drugs, masturbation, pornography, or peer pressure. The enemy is not silent on these topics—so why are we?

Talk to your children about marijuana, cocaine, and vaping. Show them what the Bible says. Don’t assume “my child is too spiritual for that.” The boy in this story was a medical genius. He wasn’t a street tout. But knowledge is not immunity.

> Adage: "The wise man learns more from a warning than a fool from a beating."

4. Let Prayer and Vigilance Be Your Tools

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” — Matthew 26:41, KJV

Prayer must become more than a routine. It must be a weapon of warfare. Ask God to expose every evil association in your child’s life. Declare over their minds daily. Wake up in the night to intercede. The destiny of your child must not be buried while you sleep comfortably.

Use anointing oil, use Scriptures, lay hands and prophesy. When you pray, angels are activated and traps are destroyed.

> Adage: "When the righteous sleep, the enemy plants tares."

5. Respond to Crisis with Courage and Faith

“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” — James 5:13, KJV

If your child is already affected, don’t give up. Yes, the pain is indescribable, and society may shame you, but there is healing in God. Seek help—medical, spiritual, and emotional. Don’t lock them up and pretend it never happened. Don't leave them at the mercy of untrained hands. Mental illness is not demonic possession in every case; it can be treated and managed.

Combine faith with wisdom. Connect with trained counselors, spiritual mentors, and therapists. Don’t isolate yourself. Healing can begin when help is embraced.

> Adage: "He who hides his sickness dies silently."

6. Declare Over Your Home Daily

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” — Isaiah 26:3, KJV

Words are seeds. Speak peace, wisdom, soundness of mind over your children. Your declarations shape their destiny. Let your home be full of God’s Word and godly values. Be intentional about the spiritual atmosphere in your house.

Play worship music, read Scripture together, and create moments of reflection and bonding. This builds a shield around their minds.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Cry—Act

The story of the young medical genius may be hard to hear, but it is a trumpet call. Parents, your child's future is worth fighting for. You cannot afford to be passive or negligent.

Monitor their sleep, their stress, their friends, their habits. Don't just ask, "How was school?"—ask "What is on your mind lately?" Don’t wait for calamity to run “helta skelta.” Be present, be prayerful, be informed.

Your child is not just your seed; they are God's gift to the world. Guard them jealously. And if tragedy has already struck, remember: God is a restorer.

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten…” — Joel 2:25, KJV

> Adage: "As long as there is breath, there is hope."

Prayer for Parents

Heavenly Father, thank You for the children You’ve given us. We ask for divine wisdom to raise them in Your fear. Expose every negative influence around them. Give them boldness to say “No” to every voice of destruction. We cover their minds with the blood of Jesus and declare: They shall not be mad. They shall not fall. They shall not die before their time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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