ONYINYE'S MIRROR ON LIFE

Onyinye OyedeleWednesday, October 17, 2007
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Ontario, Canada

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RINGTONES

elcome to the age of advancement in consumer communication devices. They have redefined and remodeled portability, availability and accessibility� Ipods, Iphones, and Blackberries. Welcome to the New World of convergence of technologies where wireless phones merge with functions of the personal computer, notably email and Internet services. These portable devices are targeted at the corporate client. We are constantly being lured each day to update from one technology to another. Just when you think you have the best model, there is an advert for something more.


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People wait in line for days just to get the latest technology that they think will enhance their communication. Reports from a notable wireless services provider in North America says that one million people subscribe to Blackberries every three months. The modern day "cellphone" has indeed come a long way from its basic features. We are no longer satisfied with just making and receiving calls or sending text messages. It is now a "multitasking tool"�..pictures, video, paging, emailing, internet surfing etc. One distinct feature on it now is the variety of assorted "ringtones" that you can get on your phone. You can even download or buy special ringtones. You can personalize your ringtone to suit your style and preference�loud, soft, silent, beep, vibrate and lots more.

Take a bus or train ride, or take a walk in a busy area and keep your ears open. Ringtones are unique and diverse. You have all kinds of music, voices�.(hello are you there?), drumbeats! And just the other day I heard one that was quite different��a laughing baby. I also heard one in Nigeria�a traditional folk song! Some ringtones really make your ears tingle and you just can't help laughing or silently giggle.

Sometimes you have someone with an ipod plugged in both ears so they can't even hear their phone ringing! It is also common for people to forget "to switch off" their phones during lectures, church services or conferences etc. The fact is that being "wired" is now a necessity. We are more accessible than ever. People can email you, text you, call you, page you, "flash" you, and video you �..welcome once again to the New World of technology.

The bottom line is that ringtones are identification features. It calls for your attention, or reminds you that someone cares. However, I am sure there are some calls that speak otherwise. But all the same it is a unique feature to have on your phone. You can't imagine carrying your phone for a whole day and no one calls you! Well that could be quite sad.

"Ringtones" got me thinking about how we communicate with God. When you get on your knees or stand, or take an uncomfortable position to pray (so that you don't fall asleep), it is like making a call to God. I wonder the kind of "ringtones" that we make. It is a mental picture that I find quite interesting. How does God know that Mr A or Mrs B is calling out? How fervent or distinct is your "ringtone". How seriously do we take our prayers? Or how scarce or often is your call? It is good to know that whether you are loud or praying silently, the Almighty is ever attentive to your voice and heart. He looks forward to it.

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