Long ago, in a sun-drenched village where the earth was as red as fire and the acacia trees whispered secrets to the wind, there lived a brave boy named Jabari, who had no shoes to protect his feet from the burning African sand. Each day he walked many miles barefoot, his soles hardened like old leather, his spirit undimmed. One day, as he crossed the open plain on his way to fetch water, two wicked witches rose from a dust devil and blocked his way, their eyes glowing like coals. “Turn back, little one,” they cackled, “or your journey ends here!” But Jabari stood firm, lifted his eyes to the sky, and cried out, “God, help me!” In a flash of lightning so bright it split the baobab tree nearby, the witches shrieked and vanished—transformed by divine power into a sturdy pair of leather sandals. Jabari looked down in awe, slipped them onto his feet, and laughed as he dashed back to his village, where the children cheered and he played football until the moon was high and the drums began to sing.

The elders still tell this tale under starlit skies: that Evil never triumphs in the end, and those who walk with faith will never walk alone. God watches over His children, and He turns curses into blessings for the pure in heart. Jabari, whose name means “brave” in Swahili, was not strong in body, but in faith—and it was this courage that called down the power of heaven. So remember, little ones, when you walk the long road or face those who wish you harm: let your heart be brave like Jabari’s, and no evil shall stand in your path.