Last updated: August 27, 2025

Editor’s Picks – July 10: From Firewalls to Faith, and Everything in Between
Curated by Nina Caldwell

If today feels like a swirl of demands, dings, and distractions, you’re not alone. But sometimes, all it takes is the right story to steady your pace — something that clears the fog, holds a mirror, or hands you a key. That’s what these picks aim to do. They’re not just stories; they’re signposts.

Let’s begin where structure meets soul. In a fast-evolving world of threats and tech fatigue, one initiative shows how old-school drills still offer vital lessons. This tabletop physical security exercise reveals the strength of preparation and why readiness isn’t just for emergencies. Meanwhile, innovation is quietly reshaping the back end of digital defense. The concept of an AI-powered self-healing system sounds like science fiction — until you realize it’s already patching vulnerabilities before you even spot them.

But what good is tech if the soul is exhausted? For those who’ve been carrying more than they’re admitting, this piece on mental health prioritization is timely and tender — a reminder that boundaries are strength, not weakness. And wisdom? It remains timeless currency. A reflection on discernment and divine expression anchors the idea that clear decisions often begin with clear perspective.

Every now and then, a line lingers with you. That’s what happened when I read this: life is like an ATM — it gives you what you deposit. You’ll find that gem — and more — in this crisp musing from the publisher himself: Life Is Like an ATM.

Still thinking in the abstract? Let’s ground it with a dose of real-life inspiration. Bayelsa State’s recent partnership with TRW Consult shows what’s possible when governance embraces digital clarity. And on the branding front, a masterclass in Integrated Marketing Communication explores how one unified voice can echo louder than a dozen mismatched ones.

Of course, strong teams make strong outcomes. That’s why these relationship-building insights — simple, specific, and applicable — deserve your morning coffee. And for those in the book world (or hoping to break into it), these 10 social media tips are practical gold.

From the workplace to the world stage, patterns emerge. Alternative proteins aren’t just about nutrition — they’re shaping how we think about land, labor, and legacy. And in a small corner of Scotland, a man named Joshua Adeyemi is inviting people back to nature, not as tourists, but as seekers of healing.

This week’s Book of the Week doesn’t hand out platitudes. It dares to ask: What if love wasn’t the problem? Love Is Not the Problem is the kind of book that doesn’t just talk about love — it redefines it. A must-read.

And here’s a beautiful visual layer to today’s picks: this short video reflection captures the quiet strength of living awake in a distracted world. In under two minutes, it offers something words often can’t — presence. Watch it, breathe with it, and carry it with you into your next decision.

The same could be said for The Gift Beyond Imagination — a short but striking reminder that some gifts we overlook are the very things that ground our joy.

Meanwhile, whether you’re raising children, writing books, or managing the quiet chaos of your inner life, nourishment matters. This nutrition guide for kids rethinks the lunchbox with precision and purpose. And if your cravings are trying to tell you something, this sharp post on sugar overload might help decode the message.

Creatives, this one’s for you: ever second-guessed the right “-ed” ending? You’ll love this grounded guide to mastering “ed” endings. And while we’re in the writing world, here’s a heartening story: LRF restructures to boost literacy and inclusion across Nigeria — a quiet but powerful move worth reading.

Fashion? Yes, but with soul. Dressing for your shape isn’t vanity — it’s about owning your silhouette, not shrinking from it.

And finally, for the bold — construction engineers are being recruited by the U.S. Foreign Service. For graduates looking to leap forward, this Custodian Trainee opportunity might just be your open door.

There you have it — not just a roundup, but a rhythm. Stories that challenge, center, and reorient. Pick one. Or pick them all. Just promise me this: let something today shift the way you think.

Stay sharp, stay safe — Nina