αγάπη
[a-ga-pe] - Greek
αγάπη is the Greek word for a love that is selfless, unconditional and freely given. I first heard this word when I was very young, and the sheer depth of beauty hidden in this word captured me, and it stuck with me through life.
I've carried this word with me through many journeys in my life. It has been present in the joy and celebrations, and also in the painful moments of loss and grief.
For me, this word is not just a definition. It is a lens through which we can see that life, no matter how foggy, or tumultuous it may feel, is not only about carrying burdens, but also about discovering beauty, comfort, grace, mercy and love in unexpected places. Love can show up even when life feels fragile.
Why I write...and create...
Growing up as a millennial in Dubai, UAE, I was often drawn to words. I was an avid reader of fictional, adventure and mystery novels and comics in my school days. There was a special kind of excitement in finding 'just-the-right' novel at the library in my school, taking it home, consuming it in a quick, urgent need, and returning it back in exchange for another mysterious journey hidden in the pages of another book. Enid Blyton, Carolyn Keene, Agatha Christie - I had a unique loyalty to them.
Reading soon became a trustworthy lens for me to see the world and make some sense of it. When school days felt lonely or tiresome, a good book was the perfect antidote, whisking me away on new adventures of love, friendship, and discovery.
Over time, my love for reading evolved into a need to write. I wrote little poems, delighting in the hunt for words that rhymed just perfectly. Imagine the joy of a 12-year old when she was able to successfully articulate a 10-line poem with an ABAB rhyme scheme! I wrote little stories in my little secret notebook, that had a cute, little lock on it. As I grew, the poems matured to stories, and I began writing about my life stories, trips with the family, joys and downfalls. These stories never saw the light of day as I chose to keep them hidden.
Alongside writing, I discovered a deep love for creating things, whether it was designing small crafts, making little gifts, or creating props for parties. Creativity became another language for me, a way to express what words sometimes couldn’t capture. Both writing and creating offered me ways to process life, reflect, and find joy in the everyday.
This past year, and the year before it has seen seasons of big changes for my family and me. I found myself saying 'Yes', nervously but surely, to new opportunities, new cities and new ways of living. Amidst all the courageous new steps, I realized it was time to give my writing and my creative pursuits the same chance I had given so many other parts of my life. What had once been a quiet passion of poems and hidden stories is now stepping into the light. I want to share reflections, experiences, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way, not perfectly, but honestly, with all the curiosity and wonder that has always fueled my words.
BE
still
Mark 4:39
Get in touch
I’m passionate about helping people encounter God in real and personal ways. Through Scripture, stories, and reflection, I aim to connect faith with everyday life.
If you’d like me to speak at your event, please fill out the form.