Author: emmanuelonimisi

The Step Down

For one president, the way up may be to step down.

The Mind Council Chamber sat at the lowest floor of the Presidential Villa, several stories below ground, inaccessible to all except the Federal Executive Council. We only held meetings there when very important decisions were to be made.

I was the first to be seated along with my Guest, as the Federal Commissioners walked in one by one. In their flowing regalia they all trooped in, each bearing one responsibility or the other. I smirked as I thought of the many arguments we had had over the past couple years, and how many times they had prevailed over my decisions with their many ideas birthed from their varied exposure and expertise. In many ways, I felt intimidated by them. There was an air of concern as they all took their seats, watching me eerily and casting glances at my Guest every occasionally.

When they were all seated, I stood.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,” I began, “Thank you for honouring my invitation for this impromptu meeting. There’s precious little that would make me call you urgently from your domiciles at this time of the night.”

I could see the Commissioner of Sight nodding vigorously. He always appreciated his sleep and never appreciated disturbance. He had been known to doze off at meetings every now and then.

I cleared my throat. “The path to where we are as a nation has been one of ups and downs. We’ve made many decisions on policies regarding the nation, and our surrounding neighbors, in this very room. We have debated ideas, had our arguments, celebrated the victories of some of our decisions and also shared in the blame for some of the losses too.”

The Commissioner of Thought grunted. “That’s what you think,” she said. “I never lose.”

That elicited chuckles across the room.

I took a deep breath as I got to the core. “I take responsibility for every failure,” I said. “I have tried, God knows I’ve tried. I’ve tried out new paradigms and systems to satisfy our urges and needs, but while many of them persisted for a while, none has fully served their purpose. We have sought consultations from experts, held numerous training-and-upgrade seminars, and … yet, I can’t help but think that this country … this council is not serving its rightful purpose. I fear that we’re on a road to doom.”

“Isn’t it obvious?” the Commissioner of Emotions interjected. “We always come with ideas from what we’ve seen and heard and felt, but you’re always the one second-guessing us.” There were murmurs in the affirmative all around. “Yes, because if anything, you’ve been our weakest link. You’re supposed to be President, but you never have the right ideas. With all due respect, you suck, Mr President!”

“I’m telling you!” the Commissioner of Speech added. “If it weren’t for our ideas, you could never make a good decision.”

“Yet some ideas are better than others,” the Commissioner of Action said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m just saying. Actions speak better than words.”

And that is how the arguments began again, each trying to overshadow the other. But the Commissioner of Thought, ever the introspective one, had been watching me silently. “Why have you called us here, Mr President? And, if I may ask, who is your Friend?”

She was the first to acknowledge my Guest, even though I am sure most of them must have been wondering Who He was all along. I stared up at my colleagues. “We need new leadership. We need to realign to what the Creator made us for. I have … we have done a good job of messing things up. I think it’s time for a change. And that is why … I am stepping down as Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of You.”

It was as though the air was sucked from the room in the silence that followed. They stared at me, waiting for the other foot to drop.

“While I remain as President, I am handing over authority over myself and this nation to this Man here,” I said, gesturing to my Guest. “His name is –“

“Jesus Christ?!” the Commissioner of Hearing interrupted. “I’ve heard a lot about this guy! You’ve got to be kidding me!”

“I’m sorry?”

“This Jesus turns people into weaklings!” the Commissioner continued. “I heard he turns people into mindless religious zombies. We don’t need this in our nation.”

“They say He stifles our free speech,” the Commissioner of Speech added, and he swore for good measure.

The arguments started rising once again, and I knew that getting them to calm down would be a herculean task. But Jesus placed a hand on my shoulder. “Let Me take it from here,” He said.

As He stood in the room, the arguments stilled as they sized up the new guest. I felt more confident with Him by my side.

“Before You were formed in your mother’s womb,” Jesus said. “I knew You. I made You for a purpose.”

“Excuse me,” the Commissioner of Thought interjected. “Are you claiming to have made this nation? How old are you? Who do you think you are?”

I did not see his face at the moment, but something about the way he stared at the Commissioner of Thought made her to recoil in silence.

“Sin and its corruption have made a mess of the order here,” he continued. “You, Federal Commissioners, have been compromised by the decadence of the age and are now imposing its pressures and suggestions on your president, at the expense of sound judgment. That something is lawful does not mean that it’s always right or hlpful

He turned to me. “Your president here has tried on his own to repair the damage, but he was never strong enough. He was never meant to debate with you about what is right and wrong. I am here to help him make the Federal Republic of You what God intended it to be. It would mean a renewal of this Mind Council, so that you all can know what you ought to do, and to do it too.”

For the first time in my life, I felt confident. There really was going to be hope for us. But my Commissioners did not share the same sentiments.

“So what?” the Commissioner of Thought said. “You’re going to be some kinda Dictator or something?”

Jesus folded his arms, standly regally. “I am a King, actually, and I am bringing my kingdom here. And in my kingdom it’s all about pleasing God, living at peace, and the joy that comes from God’s Spirit.”

“And are those supposed to mean something?”

He winked. “Trust me, you’re going to find out soon enough. I am going to help you think the right thoughts by teaching you in my Word.”

“And why should I listen to you?”

He gestured towards me. “Because your president has placed me in-charge here, and you are subject to the law he is subject to. Before, he found himself doing the things he did not want to do, and not doing things he knew he ought to do. You have known that conflict too, madam, haven’t you? But now I’m bringing him under a new law: the Law of the Spirit of Life in Me.”

She blinked, and when she spoke her words came out with less resistance. “It’s not been easy,” she said. “There’s so much information we get, and we have to act on it.”

“You never had to,” Jesus said. “But you weren’t strong enough to resist. I will help you. Madam, it may seem tough now but, believe me, everything I’m doing here is for your own good. There are boundless possibilities for the Commission of Thought that you’re not exploring because you’re limited to what you know. But I can help you get there.”

The Commissioner of Thought considered that for a moment, but at least she was silent now.

Jesus turned to the Commissioner of Speech. “And it would influence Speech too,” he said.

The Commissioner of Speech raised his hands. “Whoa, leave me out of this, mister. I’m fine the way I am.”

Jesus smirked. “Oh, that’s what you think. Your Speech will do so much more. You will bring healing to many, salvation to many more, encouragement to the broken and comfort to the mourning. I will train your tongue, to speak the right word in season to the weary. Can you imagine just what we can do when your words are life?”

He was genuinely amazed. “I never thought that could be possible. I thought you just wanted to, you know, keep me from saying whatever I want to. I may want to just catch cruise every once in a while, and I don’t need to be stuck up with a guilty conscience every single time.”

“But your words can get you in trouble,” Jesus said. “And can hurt others and yourself, much more than you know. I can help you refine your words.”

The Speech Commissioner grunted. “I uh … I guess I could do with a fixer-upper,” he said.

Jesus smiled as he turned to the Commissioners of Sight and Hearing.

“Oh no, no, no,” the Commissioner of Sight said. “You’re not coming here.”

“Yeah,” the Commissioner of Hearing said. “I don’t need your help.”

But Jesus wasn’t done. “You sure? Sight, some of the things you’re looking at are affecting Thought.”

The Commissioner of Thought nodded. “Exactly! The information we get comes from these guys.”

“Hey, you can decide what to think by yourself,” the Commissioner of Hearing retorted. “Don’t blame us for your lack of control.”

“But it’s true,” Jesus said. “Even for you, Hearing. The things you watch and listen to get into your thoughts one way or the other. You need to keep a watch over them.”

Sight folded his arms. “You just wanna suck the joy out of everything.”

Jesus chuckled. “All things are lawful for You, but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for You, but you don’t have to become a slave to them*. If you absolutely can’t do without something, tell me, are you the master or the slave to it?”

They were clearly gearing up for a comeback, but they could not come up with anything in time. We all knew that we needed all the help we could get, and Jesus was the one to help us. It may not have felt nice, but it was worth it. It reminded me of the one time I heard that he had chased out some moneychangers from God’s Temple. This kinda felt like it too.

And one by one, Jesus kept on addressing each of the commissioners, analyzing their blueprints and the challenges they had faced, and explaining how He would make it new. I was so glad I brought Him onboard. I was learning as he taught us, gaining more confidence to guide each of these commissions with his wisdom and might. It would take a while to get into the new hanfg of things, but I knew I was now in good hands.

“It’s going to be a new day,” Jesus said. “The old is gone, the new has come.”

“Indeed,” I muttered under my breath, a smile on my face. “Amen.”

THE END

Pharisee

A devout 1st century Jew struggles with his own guilt and conscience, and how the contradictions in his heart affect his world.

Galilee. First century A.D.

“*Sh’ma Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu. Adonai Echad…”

Shimon sang to himself as he ran the smoothening blade across the plank on his workbench. It had become second nature to him to sing from scripture as he partook in his daily work, just like his father and grandfather before him used to do. What better investment, he thought, could he give to his time than to keep his heart on the Scriptures?

Hur, his young apprentice, sauntered over. “Still working on that log, eh Master?”

Shimon smiled, still drawing the plane. “It’s the details, my friend. You can never be too thorough in attending to the details.”

Hur smirked. “I was afraid you’d turn that into a sermon too.”

“Oh, I’ve barely even started,” he replied, winking. “We can’t be too thorough, especially with our hearts. Because it’s the hidden details, the darkest corners of our hearts, that *haShem searches out.”

Hur nodded, amused but used to Shimon’s knack for finding lessons in everything. “He sees all.”

Shimon chuckled, patting him on the back. “He sure does.”

Hur gestured towards the figurine he had been working on in the far corner of the workshop. “Speaking of details, come see what I’ve been working on.”

Shimon had for a long time observed that Hur’s skills were more suited towards woodcarving than simply furniture making, and he had encouraged him in exploring it. Shimon had cordoned off a section of the work-shed for this particular figurine, a special and very expensive commission from King Herod’s contractor.

Hur had just started work on it the previous day, but what used to be a log of wood was already taking shape. In the midst of the dust and fillings littering the floor, the profile of a wooden oak tree with lush foliage and roots spreading in every direction, was already apparent. Shimon had to admit, he initially thought this project was going to be a waste of time, converting a log from an oak tree into a figure of another oak tree. Nevertheless, if royalty was willing to pay for it, they might as well enjoy it. Besides, this was shaping up to be quite an excellent piece.

He folded his arms, “All this, you did today?”

Hur nodded. “It’s the curves that were the hardest bit. The leaves and branches, I’ll figure out later, but I should definitely get this done within the week. I’ll need to get some more polish too.”

Shimon nodded, contemplating the figure before him.

“So what do you think?”

Shimon could tell that he was excited about this work, but he could not commit himself to expressing just how amazing it really was. He had his reservations still, but he also did not want to crush the young man’s spirit.

“It’s shaping up beautifully!” his wife exclaimed from behind them.

They both turned to see Rivka standing behind them, a large bowl of figs in her hands. “And you should be proud about it, even if my husband is too afraid to say it.”

“Who said I was jealous?” Shimon retorted.

“Then just tell him you like it!”

“Of course I like it!”

“And why are you yelling?”

“I’m yelling because you’re making me yell! Of course, we both know Hur is talented and this … this is coming out very nicely. Even a blind man could tell. There, I’ve said it. Hur, your figure is good. You’re great. Everything is great! Happy now, Rivka?”

Now both Hur and Rivka were laughing.

Shimon threw his hands in the air dismissively, walking away. “Oi!” He paused. “Word of advice, young man; don’t get a wife with a brain. Thank me later.”

“Oh really?” Rivka said. “A woman without a brain would make for very boring company.”

“Is that what you think a man is looking for?”

She sauntered closer to him. “I don’t know, what do you think? Did you find what you were looking for?”

Shimon smiled. “And so much more, my lily.”

And they went in for the kiss, Hur cackling in the background. “You are both the weirdest old people I know.”

For all his blather, Shimon knew Rivka was one of the Lord’s greatest gifts to him.

Rivka turned to Hur. “And don’t you have somewhere else you need to be, young man?”

Shimon blinked. “You want to … here?! Now?!”

Rivka winced. “He wanted to get some wood polish? Remember?”

“Oh…”

“Get your mind out of the gutter, dearest!” She swatted at him with a rag. “Some Pharisee you are.”

Hur couldn’t hold back his laughter anymore. “I’ll just be going.” His smile remained emblazoned on his face as he put on his cloak.

“And Hur,” Shimon called. “Like Bezalel of old, haShem has truly blessed you with talent, my friend.”

Hur’s eyes twinkled. “Thank you, master.”

“Take a break,” he said. “Be back within the hour.”

Hur nodded as he ducked out.

“You treat him like the son you wish you had,” Rivka whispered. Now they were alone and she could talk freely.

Shimon placed a hand around her shoulders. “Rivka…”

“You can’t pretend you don’t think about it sometimes.”

He caressed her shoulder. “In His time. All things in His time, my dear.” He gestured towards the oak figure before them. “His hands craft our days, moment by moment. He has His purpose in our times and seasons, carving out our destinies. Ours is to remain faithful to His every law.”

She chuckled. “Funny you should use Hur’s figure when you’re clearly ashamed of it.”

He stiffened at that. “I’m not ashamed of it.”

“Of course, hence why you stashed it away in the corner, out of sight from customers.”

“It’s not so simple, and you know it. I just don’t want to cause controversy by putting it out there.”

“And yet you let him explore his creative fantasies in here.”

Shimon had taken Hur under his wing ever since Hanan, Hur’s father and Shimon business-partner, had passed on. “The Lord gave Hur a gift. ‘Blessed be the Lord who gives you the power to make wealth.’ I’m helping him to harness it, guiding him from the baser inclinations and allure of working with ‘graven images.’”

Rivka set the bowl of figs down. “They’re wood carvings, dear, not ‘graven images’. And we’re hardly bowing down to worship them. Even the Tabernacle of old had wood carvings. We’re not breaking any laws.”

He sauntered away, examining the figure. “We may be the more liberal of the sects, but we Pharisees still preserve the sanctity of Torah with good reason.”

“By adding to it. Even you know that it’s getting excessive.”

He took a deep breath. “It’ll have to suffice. It has preserved our culture for generations, and it will for generations to come. One little step out of line and we’re courting with sacrilege. Before you know it, it’s ‘Hello, Sodom and Gomorrah.’”

“And yet,” Rivka motioned toward the figure. “Here we are. Carving in secret.”

Shimon shook his head. “It’s different. What good is preserving appearances if I leave my friend’s boy to potentially worse inclinations? I couldn’t live with myself, dearest. I will appease my conscience and do what’s right, and I’ll hope that God is pleased with my heart. Otherwise I might as well be a palace on the outside, but my heart could just be a dark sepulcher on the inside.”

Rivka offered him a fig. “When you get this sincere about heart matters, you remind me of someo…” She let it trail off, probably realizing she should have thought better of it.

He took the bait. “Who?”

She shrugged. “No, it doesn’t matter.”

But he was quick to spot the nuances when his wife wanted to say something. “Don’t tell me it’s the Nazarene.”

This Jesus from Nazareth was gradually becoming a thorn in the flesh of the Pharisees. The fantastical tales around him included stories of miracles and even the raising of the dead, but what was even more dangerous was his teaching. Some claimed he was Messiah or a prophet. He had attracted a following among the people thus far, and Shimon was careful about what liberties he could be taking in his doctrine which, as many said, was very simplistic.

Rivka groaned. “You can’t throw the baby with the bathwater.”

“You can’t be listening to the Nazarene, Rivka!”

“Why? What has he said or done that is wrong?”

“You should be very wary of who you listen to, Rivka. And of the company you keep.”

“How did this even become about Talia?”

“I didn’t bring her up, you justdid! I’ll bet she’s the one that made you go listen to the Nazarene. I hear all kinds of people like listening to him too. That man should be wary of the company he keeps if he really wants us to accept him.”

“She’s been my friend from childhood, Shimon. She was at our wedding—”

“She’s a harlot! What would people think if they saw you with her?”

Rivka folded her arms, consternation on her face. “Really, Shimon? What would people think? Is that how you want to live your life? No wonder your mind is plagued with so many contradictions.”

Shimon did not have a good comeback for that. “You … I … it doesn’t matter. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

She shook her head. “I know you want to do what’s right. But your fear is clouding your judgment. That’s not good ground to build your life upon.”

“Was that another line from Jesus?”

She shrugged. “Maybe. What’s your problem with him?”

“I don’t know, but I’ve been told—“

“Listen to yourself, my dear. ‘You’ve been told?’ What if they were wrong?”

“The people that listen to him. Publicans, outcasts –“

“And you really think he cares what others think?”

“They say people think he may be Messiah. Do you realize just what damage a cult like that can do? What the Romans would do?”

She offered him another fig. “Then talk with him.”

“There is no way I’m going out into the mountains to listen to some vagabond—“

“You don’t have to go out there. Invite him over.”

He looked up at her. “I’m sorry?”

“Offer him the hand of fellowship. Invite him over for dinner, and discuss with him.”

He chuckled. “You know I can’t do that.”

“Why is that? What are you afraid of?”

“Bah!” He turned away dismissively. “I don’t need this.”

“You’re a seeker of truth, my husband. You always have been. You’ve got a sincere heart so much so that you don’t want to displease God even in the minutiae of Torah. I know God sees that. But what if God was bringing an answer to all your questions, and your fear and pride kept you from listening?”

He stared up at Hur’s tree. Mankind had needed to make a decision at a tree once before. Even back then, it had been a man and a woman. It had cost them their place before God and had caused the dilemma they would forever live by; knowing what’s good but always having the predilection for evil. This was Shimon’s dilemma, every single day. It was why he did everything he could to stay away from sin.

If there was one question he would ask of God it would be if this was ever going to get easier. Would they always have to sort this out by their own meager ability? Was God ever going to give them the new spirit He promised to Ezekiel?

“Shimon?”

He turned to her, pulled out of his reverie.

“Get out of your head, my dear. Besides, I hear he used to be a carpenter in Nazareth. You would have so much in common. So much to discuss. Who knows, he might even become a new friend. With Nicodemus now in Judea, Lord knows you need new friends.”

“Like this family needs another scandalous friendship,” he muttered, shooting her a knowing gaze.

Now Rivka looked genuinely shocked, bordering on disgust. “You’re just … hopeless!” She snatched up her bowl of the remaining figs and stormed out.

“Rivka! My sweet lily, wait!”

But she was already gone. He exhaled.

Why am I so good at messing things up?

He knew he really needed help. He needed to settle this. Even if it would mean biting the bullet, he needed to. Dear God, did that mean inviting the Nazarene preacher over?

God, you see my heart.

He would do it. He would do anything to keep her happy. He hoped God would be pleased.

In times like these, he turned to the things he did know how to do well. He returned to his workbench and to the log he had been smoothening. Left to his soliloquy, all he could do was sing just under his breath, hoping to settle back into a sense of normalcy.

Sh’ma Yisrael…

———-

This is a fictional prequel to a story in the Bible. You can read Shimon’s story in Luke 7:36-50, when he hosted Jesus for dinner and, to his horror, Rivka’s friend popped in.

I wrote this story because, the more I read and studied about Pharisees, the less I saw them as the maniacal caricatures I had assumed they were. They were real people with jobs, families, emotions and desires. They were a religious sect, one of many, that had been instrumental in the preservation of Jewish culture during the years of exile. By the time of Jesus, much of Jewish religious scholarship was the staple of Pharisees. Behind all of their many laws was a true love for God and the scriptures, and a desire to please God and stay away from the very shadow of evil.

I saw their nosy approach to ensuring others keep the Law as an extension of their very personal struggles to know and keep God’s law. I’ve learnt that, many-a-time, judgmental people are processing their own guilt and projecting it on others. When judgmental people are in groups, the righteousness of their cause can overshadow every attempt for reason and truth to invade. It’s the classic case of ‘can’t see the forest for all of the trees.’ I know because I have been there many times.

The sad part of their story is that while God had brought the very answer to their questions before their very eyes, their hearts were too clouded by fear and their familiarity with how things ‘ought to be’ to realize what God was doing. Like them, all of humanity was stuck in that struggle of knowing and wanting to do what is good but always being stuck doing what is wrong, trying our best to do what is right. However, God brought a new and living way through Jesus for us all to be able to please God. It would be God living and active through us, helping us to desire and do His will. Compared to the struggle, this is truly a time of refreshing (Acts 3:19). Jesus brought this new life for us all, including Shimon and his fellow Pharisees.

Wherever you and I are in our journey, may we not miss the call and answers the Lord has brought before us. May the eyes of our heart be ever open to Jesus, and may our hearts be never hardened, always ready to receive the life and help that Christ has for us.

Invite Him to lunch in the house of your house.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you. And you will eat with me. (Revelation 3:20. Easy-to-Read Version)

Amen.

NOTES

* Sh’ma Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu. Adonai Echad: This literally means, “Hear O Israel. The LORD is our God. The LORD is One. It’s the first line of the Sh’ma, a statement of faith for the Israelites that’s usually sung in liturgical ceremonies. It can be found in Deuteronomy 6:4.

* HaShem: This literally means, “The Name.” It’s the term used by Jews in conversation in referring to God, to hallow His Name and probably to avoid blasphemy in mispronouncing it or saying it in vain. In liturgical services, the word ‘Adonai’ (My Lord) was used instead.

Overwhelmed

Some days are just worse than others.

The clack of Tobi’s shoes resounded in the hallway as he approached the Director’s Office, folder in hand. He snapped his fingers in greeting to others as they passed, sharing the occasional ‘Chairman!’ or ‘My guy!’ to those whose names he didn’t know (and whose names he had no intention of asking for because after working with them for close to four years already, that would be all kinds of awkward!)

He peeked into the large main office area where Miss Ekaette sat behind her desk outside the Director’s office. A CNN newsfeed was streaming over the flat-screen television on the opposite wall. “Good morning, young lady!” he exulted.

She looked up from her laptop briefly. “Mr. Owoeye,” she said with a nod.

He let himself in. “Please, Mr. Owoeye was my Dad.”

She smirked, shaking her head. “Keep using lines like that and you just might end up a Nollywood character from 2002. You’ve got the loud shoes down already.”

“Heh, touché. I was just passing by so I thought, hey, I might as well just share my report early.” He pulled out a USB stick from his pocket. “It’s all in there. Typed, edited and justified.”

Ekaette stared at stick. “And you could not just mail it in like a normal person?”

“Who said I was normal?”

He wasn’t sure if he saw her roll her eyes at that. It was hard telling expressions these days, behind the masks everyone was wearing. “Well, you’re sha not putting that flash on my system,” she said. “I don’t need to be battling viruses at this time.”

“But I thought you were vaccinated.”

She did not respond for a while, typing away on her system. “When you’re tired you’ll go back and mail it in.”

He nodded, tapping his fingers on the armrests. “Good talk. I’ll just let myself out, then.”

He could not wait to get out, with the awkwardness of it all. This was probably not the best time for banter, he figured. Nevertheless, even when he got to the door, something about it all made him pause. Miss Ekaette was generally always cynical, yes, but something about today gave him a little concern. He was not sure if he was overthinking it, but he just could not leave yet.

“Are you alright, Ekaette?”

She stole a brief glance at him, continuing with her work. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

His hand was still on the doorknob, but he could not leave just yet. “Are you?”

This time she looked up at him, squinting as she weighed his words. “Are you really asking?” she asked.

He did not know which way to respond just yet. It felt awkward. He felt stupid. He considered throwing in a random pun to lighten the mood and get out of the moment.

“How am I?” She pushed her laptop away, flicked her braids out of her eyes and buried her face in her palms. Her voice came out as a hoarse whisper. “Honestly, I don’t know.”

Now Tobi knew his premonition was valid. He pulled up a chair and took a seat.

God, what do I say? Am I supposed to say something?

“It’s just … too much,” Ekaette said, pulling down her mask. “I mean, every day you think it can’t get any worse but it just keeps getting worse, and worse, and worse.” With each ‘worse’, she banged her fist on the table. Tobi had never seen her so emotionally expressive, and it was awkward for him. “Every single day…”

For the first time in a very long time, he felt stuck. He was used to interjecting conversations with the odd quip or pun, but even he knew that those would be inappropriate now.

God, please show me what to say. Don’t leave me hanging here.

“So much on my mind to settle,” she continued. “And I have no idea where to start. I can barely concentrate. Like, I have been on this page for hours now, and I have no idea where my mind has been. I’ve not figured out how to settle my rent yet, and it’s due by the end of next month. It’s just the first week of July and there’s too much month at the end of my money!”

Tobi winced, trying to understand that last sentence. “I think you meant—“

“Oh, I meant what I said. Transport, food – everything just keeps sapping my account dry like there’s no tomorrow because of this messed up godforsaken country! And, oh, don’t even get me started about how messed up the country is. Just thinking about it makes me … weak.”

She wrapped herself in her arms, rocking as she spoke. “Every day there’s a new low. After last October, something snapped within me. It’s as if every hope I had that we could change this system and make it better just … died. It feels like the end of the world, but the world just doesn’t want to end yet.”

Tobi nodded quietly. She was referring to the protests against police brutality in 2020, the narrative of which was hijacked by malefactors and overshadowed by political agendas. It had come to a peak with the mass shooting of protesters at Lekki in Lagos, an evil further aggravated by the large scale attempts at a cover up or, worse, to trivialize its implications. The issues plaguing the country for decades had already suffocated many a Nigerian’s hope in the nation, but October 2020 was the last straw for the younger generation, awakening them to the reality their forbears had been facing for generations.

Tobi was grateful that he did not need to speak just yet. The more silent he was, the more she was able to talk. Perhaps that was a good thing, he surmised.

“And the news!” Ekaette continued, pointing at the television overhead. “The kidnappings and attacks. Terrorists, bandits, insurgents … whatever new word they come up with. Do you know the worst part? It’s that the casualties have become nothing but numbers to me now. 50, 500, 490 … just numbers. I’m just numb anytime I hear of another attack.” She shook her head at the thought. “I feel nothing. I’m just a terrible person.”

Tobi had taken the cue to go turn off the TV while she spoke. He did not feel any less awkward. Was he to place a hand on her shoulder, or give a hug, or just sit and feel as stupid as he already felt? This was uncharted territory for him, and he felt helpless. He could identify with much of what she said. “You’re not a terrible person,” he managed.

But Ekaette wasn’t done. “And even now, when I’m supposed to be doing my work, I don’t have the strength to get anything done! I dare not even get on WhatsApp, otherwise people would know that I’m online and I’ve seen their messages. I don’t have the strength to respond to anyone. That notification bell sickens me now. I feel like such a failure. I can’t do anything right. Me with my scatterbrain and…” She placed her head on the table. “I can’t. I just can’t.”

Tobi stared at her, wondering what to say. If he was to be honest, he felt the same way a lot of the time. Most jokes at the country’s expense were Nigerians’ attempts to get through another dreadful day, really.

He placed a hand on hers. “Hey. It’s going to be okay.”

“Come on, you don’t really believe that.”

He hesitated before responding. “I know what it’s like to be overwhelmed,” he said. “Maybe it’s not the same as what you feel, but I have felt my own share.”

She sat up and stared at him, her hair tussled around her face. Having to stare at her while talking made it feel harder, so he avoided her gaze.

“Believe me, I know. A lot of this is messed up,” he said, gesturing around. “All of this makes no sense. Everything is going crazy. I get it.”

She just stared, but she still looked disheveled and spent. “You know, you don’t have to try to help if you’ve got nothing to say. It’s perfectly alright.”

He exhaled. “Phew, thanks.”

“I think I just needed to vent.”

“It do be like that sometimes. I couldn’t even come up with a good motivational speech. I drew a blank there.”

At least they were able to smile at that.

“You know what I tell myself when I feel I can’t do anything right?” Tobi asked. “I choose to do what’s ‘left’.” He grinned, but she didn’t seem to get the joke. “You know, ‘cause the opposite of right is—“

“I got it,” she said, not even amused in the least.

Ok, you went too far that time, Tobi.

“Maybe you might need to just stay off the news for a while. No breaking news for a while. Maybe even put your phone on ‘Silent’ or something, so that the ringing doesn’t get to you too much. At least until you can handle it.”

“Yeah, like I haven’t thought about that before,” she muttered sarcastically. “But thanks. I’ll … I’ll do that.”

Tobi took a deep breath. Maybe all she really needed was an ear, and he was perfectly fine with that. But he could see himself in her words too.

“There’s this verse in the Bible that says, ‘When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.’* I guess, sometimes, when things are out to overwhelm me, I’m learning that I need to remember that God is bigger than it all. He promised to never leave us or forsake us**. We can trust that He will keep His word.”

She wiped a tear. “At this point, that’s easier said than done.”

“Times are hard. But God is still good.” He noticed she smirked and shook her head. “What?”

“It’s easy to draw the ‘God card’ when you don’t have the answers. Just throw in a little Christianese and we’ll convince ourselves that every problem is just sorted out.”

He thought about that. “Well … I actually don’t have all the answers, yes. And … you’re kind of right.”

She was visibly surprised at that. “Really?”

“That, yeah, some of us have the tendency to cover our problems with an ‘It is well’ or ‘May God sha help us’, or something. But it doesn’t mean that there isn’t something real to all this. Our very real challenges make us want to find something real that we can hold on to. Everything that’s fake fades away when push comes to shove. I believe that, beyond the appearances and doubts and stuff, there is still something real here.”

She folded her arms. “I don’t follow.”

Tobi did not feel equipped for an apologetic discussion. He could only speak from his thoughts and experiences. “The way I see it, at this point, it’s either God is real or He’s not. All His promises to protect and preserve us in the midst of trouble, it has to be true. And if it is, I believe that I’m going to see it, God’s goodness. Unless, of course, it’s not real. And if it’s not, well … it would fade away in the face of adversity.”

He wondered what was going on in her mind through all of this. She just kept staring at him incredulously. “People have suffered and died,” she said. “Some of them even prayed. Doesn’t that prove that God does not solve everything? Or that, maybe, all of this is just in our heads?”

He had thought about that many times. “You know, He never actually promised that we would never suffer. Jesus did say that there would be challenges and tribulations, but He also reminded us that but that He has overcome. If we really trust Him, I guess we have to believe that that’s the Truth; that He has overcome, and that we have also.”

“But what does that even mean?” Ekaette asked. “But when it comes right down to it, how does that change anything in these very real experiences? How does that put money in my account?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. But I think it means that He can deliver us from our challenges. But even if challenges rush in like a flood, they will not drown us. When it appears they’d consume us like fires, they’ll not burn us either***. When we walk through the darkness of pain and the unknown, He will be our light****.”

She shook her head. “You’re just full of those, aren’t you? You’ve got a verse for everything.”

He couldn’t help but smile. “Well, not everything … yet,” he said with a wink.

“But you truly believe this stuff?”

“Honestly, many times I need to remind myself. It’s why I keep the Word on my mind. Just saying them out right now is me reminding myself too.”

She exhaled. “But do you really believe that stuff?”

“I believe…” Tobi paused here. He thought about this all the time. When the pandemic and lockdowns had begun, he had needed to face up to questions about his faith and what he truly believed. The basis of his trust and of his life had stared him in the face more now than ever, and in the months hence, he had come from questions to answers to even more questions.

He knew that he could have easily given an answer that tied everything up positively in a neat bow. However, he could be nothing here if not honest.

“I believe that … even though I can’t see or feel like it sometimes, God is still with me because He’s promised. He is true to His promise. Even when it’s hardest, and. Even in my questions, and oh, I have so many, I believe He’s guiding me in Truth. I don’t understand everything now, but gradually I’ll get to know what’s most important much better. I believe He can strengthen me when it’s getting heavy. And I believe that, even if the challenges eventually end me … well, that’s not the worst that could happen.”

She blinked. “As far as pep talks go, that was not one.”

“No, I’m serious. We’re all leaving the planet someday, whether we’re astronauts or not.” She didn’t react to that one either, so he moved on. “But Jesus defeated death, and because I have received His gift, I have won too. I don’t have to fear Death. What can Death do to me, if not to take me home to my Father?”

She ruminated on his words. “Yeah, that doesn’t sound suicidal at all.”

“Au contraire. How I live is different, even with all its challenges. Because we don’t have to fear death, we can confidently live and do much more, even when it’s hard. We’ve got God’s very life on our insides. He gives us wisdom on what to do and where to go, and we can be joyful in the midst of challenges. Even when it’s tough, He can still make me a blessing and encouragement to others. Like He’s doing right now.”

Ekaette arched a brow. “Really?”

“Really really.”

She picked up her phone and swiped through. “Nope, my bank account’s still the same. Nothing’s changed.”

He chuckled. “C’mon Ekaette. You’re feeling better already, admit it.”

She waved a hand dismissively. “Meh.”

“Well, it’s not about feelings.”

“Nice speech, though.”

“Nice speech?! I was pouring my heart out here!”

She scrunched her nose. “I don’t think I feel different. Sorry. No dice.”

He shook his head. “And here I was going to pray with you, but clearly you’re not taking any of this seriously.” He pushed himself to his feet. “At least I tried.”

“Might as well just pass the offering plate now,” she said whimsically as he headed for the door. “Hey, Tobi!” He turned. “Thanks a lot. For listening. For everything.”

He smiled. “Anytime. About your work, just take it in stride. One at a time.”

“Yeah. But I could do with a break sometime too.”

“Yes. As soon as you can, take it.”

“And that thing you said about … you know, praying for me? I could probably do with some of that too.”

For what it was worth, Tobi realized that the inclination to wait behind was probably for a reason. Ekaette was bursting with questions and full of doubt, but he was here. Perhaps, in one small way, God wanted him here for her, even in her questions and doubt.

“It would be my genuine pleasure,” he said.

Hi there! Emmanuel here!

Many of us the world over are going through some very difficult times out here. But, like Tobi, I pray for you that the Lord keeps your heart at rest and at peace. I pray that your heart is receptive to hear the songs of deliverance He is singing over you. I pray that He strengthens you on the inside and keeps you aglow, no matter how dark it is out there. I pray that you remain strong in faith, able to stand in the day of adversity.

I pray that your confidence in His Love is unshaken, and that you are an effective channel of His love to others.

And I pray that, when your heart is overwhelmed, you remember the Rock that is higher than all your problems.

God loves you, and He is for you.

In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

VERSES MENTIONED

  • From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2)
  • Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for God has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
  • Jacob, the LORD created you. Israel, he made you, and now he says, “Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 

When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. (Isaiah 43:1,2)

  • Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

What do you do when you are overwhelmed? Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Kindly share your experiences.

Thank you!

Carman

Earlier this week, Gospel music icon Carman went home. This is my attempt at a tribute in gratitude to God for one whose music has inspired me for most of my life.

Photo from Carman’s Instagram account (@carman_licciardelo)


Earlier this week it really hurt to hear that legendary Gospel music icon, Carman, died of complications from a heart surgery. Much has been said of his life and legacy, and I thought to put some words as my tribute to one whose music has been a blessing and inspiration to me.

Born in 1956, Carman Domenic Licciardelo was a musical prodigy who brought an unrivalled creative dynamic to contemporary Christian music for decades. Funny thing was that his previously rising music career ended after he accepted the Gospel at an Andrae Crouch show at Disneyland. After 5 years of doing odd jobs he started performing in churches. By 1981 he was an opening act for the Bill Gaither trio, and through highs and lows he soon became a major name in the Christian music scene.


I had heard some of Carman’s funny songs when I was younger, but it wasn’t until JSS1 when my friend Damisi Pikuda gave me one of his old audio tapes, Carman Yo Kidz! that I truly fell in love with his music.
Carman did so much for the 80s/90s Christian youth and the young at heart because, in his own way, he made Christian music cool. Of course, watching his videos now may make you Gen Z folks go, “This was what you millennials called cool?” But y’all have no idea how ground-breaking his dynamic styles were back in the day. There was a fun and excellence in his delivery.


From spoken word pieces, to music videos in ’50s or Wild West set pieces, to rock and roll to urban hip hop to country to jazz numbers, Carman had a dynamic range that, for me, has been without compare to this day. And all through that time, it was the message of the Gospel of Christ that Carman kept on singing about.
He was unashamed in singing of the devil’s defeat in songs like Satan, Bite the Dust and of the victory we have in Christ like in R.I.O.T.: Righteous Invasion of Truth. Many church youth groups learnt to choreograph to Who’s in the House. One of my favourites was Mission 3:16, a musical guide on the Gospel and how to share it with others.

In the intro to his song with DCTalk, Addicted 2 Jesus, Carman said about kids, “If you’re old enough to get AIDS and addicted to drugs, you’re old enough to get saved and addicted to Jesus.” And in his own way, he showed kids this higher and better alternative we have in Christ.

Every song and music video was different and sure to lift.
Like he once said, “The music is the best means I have of reaching the most people in the quickest way to win them to Christ. I think an artist owes it to his audience to thrill them and impress them. It lets people know there is joy in being Christian.”

Another thing that stood out for me was that even till his final months, and after recovering from a terminal cancer diagnosis, Carman was still very passionate about preaching the gospel, going on tours last year. He was pushing out ads to be invited to churches to sing and share the message of the Gospel. It speaks a lot to me.

While I will miss him, I’m grateful to have been blessed by the life, music and witness of Carman. I hope to be as creatively dynamic and to also be as passionate for the Gospel, spreading it in the language this and future generations can receive.


Carman reminds me that there is no one way the Gospel can only be communicated. He reminds me that God has given us skills and gifts that can be honed to show the colour and beauty and excellence of our Father, the Creator that defines Creativity. And when we give our hearts, our all, and our art to Him, He can do amazing things with it and bless many.

So while it hurts, I am also encouraged and challenged.

See you on the other side, Carman.

P.S.: In researching on this article I found out that he got married for the first time at 61. In his own words, “…it’s been a long time coming.” Yeah, we all waited for it. 🙂

Source: Facebook/Carman

God for the rest of us

Many times He’s called the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but these three men had very different stories. But theirs are pictures that many of us can identify with, showing a God Who is not ashamed to be identified with us and our past.

There’s this thing I read in a book called Changed into His Likeness by Watchman Nee that really revolutionized my understanding of how God came for each and every one of us. Take a look, you just might identify.

Throughout the Scriptures, ever notice how when speaking to the Israelites God is referred to as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It meant a lot to the Israelites because these guys were their ancestors. It was a reminder that the very same God that did awesome wonders in their ancestors’ day was very much alive and well with them.

But then these three guys were very much unlike one another. They each represent different personalities and show how God interacts with different kinds of people, and with us at different stages of our growth.

Abraham and Isaac

Abraham was the father of faith himself. Right off the bat, as soon as we meet him, God’s calling him to take a giant step of faith and Abraham (then called Abram) obeys. This man had a very amazing and exemplary walk with God. He experienced miracles, lived prosperously and fought and won battles all by God’s strength. See, God had a covenant relationship with Abraham that gave him an edge.
Abraham is like the picture of that stellar child of God. His life is marked with so many exploits and wonders done through God’s favor. He has testimonies of the miracles and wonders God has done in his life, of the many battles he’s won by God’s might. He talks casually about how God is His closest friend and how God reveals secrets to him. He’s that believer we all aspire to be like. If this is where you are in your walk with God, it’s legit, and it’s a good place to be. Oh the adventures you will have in God!

Isaac, however, is majorly known for being Abraham’s son. Not to belittle or invalidate his own experience, but much of what we see him doing is as a result of what his father has already done. His father got a wife for him (Genesis 24:1-67). One time Isaac was going to dig up wells but they were his father had dug years before (Genesis 26:18). He was basically living a life enjoying his father’s inheritance. He had entered into rest by heritage, enjoying the blessing of his father.
Isaac reminds us that, as believers, we have entered into a Victory already purchased for us. The battle has been fought and won, and we’ve been crowned ‘More than Conquerors’ through our Father Who loves us. All our accomplishments in Him are based on what He’s provided already. We won’t be speaking cliche when, like Paul, we say, “I am what I am by the grace of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
This understanding is very important so that our confidence is never in the exploits wrought by our hands, but in Him Who birthed us. Always.

Meet Jacob

But Jacob … now here’s a real zinger of a story. Jacob was the quintessential picture of a hustler if there ever was one. He tricked his brother, Esau, into selling his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34), he tricked his father into bestowing his blessing upon him instead of Esau (Genesis 27:1-40), and he later tricked his uncle Laban into giving him the best majority of his herd (Genesis 30:25-43). He got tricked too, like any hustler has experienced, but he owned those scars. He went through life winning seemingly by his efforts, with the wisdom of the world. He had street-smarts, and they had worked for him for so long.
But then many years later, his brother, whom he’d swindled out of his birthright, was on his way. For the first time, the trickster was said to be greatly afraid (Genesis 32:7)
Jacob was so scared that he sent part of his family ahead in case Esau was ready to kill him, so they’d get killed first.
The night before their fateful meeting, Jacob fought with God. Or an angel of God, it’s not explicitly clear, but it’s heavily implied that it was God in human form (Genesis 32:24-32). They fought until daybreak. Jacob’s thigh got dislocated out of joint, leaving him with a limp for the rest of his days.
“Let me go,” the Angel of the Lord said.
“Bless me!” Jacob cried. “I won’t let you go unless You bless me!”
And God blessed him and gave him a new name: Israel. Jacob went on that morning to meet his brother, ready for the worst, but Esau instead embraced him.

Jacob is like the rest of us

I’ve come to love Jacob’s story because while most of us are not like him, he’s like so many of us. We may not all have tricked our way to the top, but we’ve all gone through circumstances that looked like we had to work our way out of. We’ve all had those times when we’ve come to depend on our efforts because they’re what have come through for us. We can relate better with the physical reality of the works of our hands than the faith the Bible speaks of.
Everyone of us will come to that wrestling place. It may be a difficult circumstance that causes us to realise that the arm of flesh can only go so far, as we start to wrestle in our minds with the idea that we really can’t do everything on our own. The question that’s played at the back of our minds comes to the fore: “Where has God been all this time? Is He even there?”
And in the midst of this, God is telling us to let go. Let go of the right to understand or work your way out of everything and depend on Him. We really can’t get beyond that difficulty by our effort. All He asks — all He expects of us — is to trust Him. To trust that He loves us enough and is powerful enough to get us through.
It’s a wrestle because letting go is a hard decision. It may leave us with a limp, like Jacob. The limp isn’t physical, but it’s a reminder that we will always need His help. It would be a constant reminder that you may have been able to sort out everything else by your abilities, but there are some things you know are way beyond you and show you need God’s help. It’s humbling, trust me. But like Jacob, that’s the only way we’re getting out of that fight.
Even the Apostle Paul had his own ‘limp’, but he called it a thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7). He prayed and prayed, asking God to take it away. But you know what God said?

My grace is sufficient for thee, for My Strength is made perfect in weakness.

Can I put this in perspective? One of my pastors, Dr Samuel Oyeyinka, once put it this way. Do you realise that, to this day, no one can fully decipher Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’? Some have speculated that it was an eye defect because Paul once wrote about having to write in BIG LETTERS (Galatians 6:11), though that could have just been for emphasis. Some said it was the pain of constantly being persecuted. Some suggest it may have been loneliness from his singleness. Or, who knows, maybe it was a literal thorn that was lodged in his flesh! (creepy picture, I know)

Whatever it was, it was something so difficult that The Paul, writer of two-thirds of the New Testament texts, kept asking God why He didn’t take it away. That was his wrestle with God. This ‘thorn’ could have been any of many things but we really don’t know for sure what it was!
Why?
Now this is the best part.
It shows that, whatever it may have been, God’s strength and grace overshadowed it so much that it didn’t become an issue anymore! It was a constant reminder to Paul that he really needed God’s help, but to others Paul was just fine, even super-fine.

It did not impede Paul from fulfilling God’s intent for his life. Whatever this thorn may have been, Paul was still able to say at the end of his life, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Because Paul trusted His life to God, God helped him walk despite his limp.
Wow!

The God of Jacob

Jacob came out of the fight with a new name, Israel. But do you notice that God was still referred to, more often than not, as the God of Jacob and not simply the God of Israel? Do you see how God was not ashamed to be associated with Jacob, with all of his crooked past?
It’s a reminder that, when we commit our lives to God, our past, present and future are committed to Him. He’s not ashamed to be identified with our past because not only has it been a part of who we’ve become, but He’s going to work it out into His beautiful glorious future for us. You would look back and see the beautiful thread God weaved through and out of that past. In the pain and hurts, He would strengthen you so you can even be a comfort to another going through theirs.

He’s not ashamed to be identified with our past…

This is why Paul would say, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon Me.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

My limitations are a reminder that God is able to help me. When I face my own thorns, those situations where I still have questions, I’ve come to a place where I deliberately commit them to God. It’s not always easy, but I’m willing to trust that if I trust Him with the parts of life I find difficult, He would help me walk. By His strength and grace I will walk on water with Him. Where I limp, I’ll trust He’ll help me walk. And if I get overwhelmed by the waves, I know He’ll carry me.

I’m learning to live from that place always, not just when I face difficult circumstance. When I’m weak and aware of my weakness, I’m at my strongest (2 Cor 12:10) because He has more license to work!
And, like Don Moen’s song, my heart constantly sings…
Lord I offer my life to You
Everything I’ve been through
Use it for Your glory
Lord, I offer my days To You
Lifting my praise To You
As a living sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life.

Abrahams have learnt this lesson of trusting God, early. That’s why they have such a close walk with God. That’s why God can do so much through them.
This, trusting in God, is the only life Isaacs know because Abrahams taught them. But they, like we all, will come to points where we have no choice but to trust God. A literal moment of truth. It stretches us, but it builds our faith.
We tend to define Christian life based on the Abrahams and Isaacs, but don’t forget that even the Jacobs are special to God. He also wants to be identified with their journey, to show forth His glory and awesomeness through their story. We all come into His plans through the door of faith, trusting in Him. He meets us right where we are.
Right where you are.

Faith is like coming to a cliff. Our Father calls us to step off. Our common sense tells us to stay on solid ground, and we wrestle. But when we trust Him and step off, we land in His arms.

The more we step off of these cliffs, the better we know the One waiting to catch us. Over and over again.

Let me finish…

Let’s bring this home, shall we?
  • Abraham shows us that we can have a close walk with God, and that we would see His strength and might working through us.
  • Isaac reminds us that we’ve come into an inheritance we did not work for. Christ provided everything that we would need for life and godliness. Our part is to trust Him, receive what He’s done, and walk.
  • Jacob reminds us that there’s a point where the strength and knowledge we’ve always known would not be enough. In those places where we see we have to trust God, we come to see His power at work in us and for us. The ‘limp’ may remain, but it’s an opportunity to see His strength in us.
No matter where you are, God came for you. In every stage, we’ll always be reminded of our need for God, and of how He’s enough and more than enough for us. He is committed to making your life a living example of all He can do.

And that’s why He’s not ashamed, but really excited, to be known in the mouths of the people as the God of (insert your name)!




Thanks for reading!

Who do you identify best with? Abraham? Isaac? Jacob? A mixture? Have you ever had your wrestling moments with God? Kindly share in the comments. You just might encourage someone 😊

Walking Stories

Ever since my Mum bought a new car, I’ve not seen vehicles the same way. It’s also changed the way I see people too.

Ever since my Mum bought a new car, I’ve not seen vehicles the same way. But it’s also changed the way I see people too.

Her previous vehicle was an automatic engine and it served us for many years. But then we hit the age-old challenge of having an American model car without having mechanics that were trained to work with its engine. So each time we took the car for repairs each mechanic would fix it to the best of his ability, but not necessarily to the car’s specifications. And, little by little, the car just kept getting worse like you wouldn’t believe. One time a mechanic, after working on it for hours, called it a day and told us the best person to fix it would be whoever fixed it last. It all came to a head when my Mum decided that she had had enough and was willing to just sell it and buy a new car.

Now my Mum can be very determined. Once she’s decided on something God help whatever stands in her way. For almost two months after her car was sold she walked and moved around by public transport, choosing that over repairing the vehicle one more time. In that time she sought information on getting a new and more serviceable car. And, thank God, she got one towards the end of last year.

I’m still getting used to seeing the new car. Twice I’ve almost opened the doors of strangers’ cars and had to apologise because I’d thought they were my Mum’s car! But anytime I do see her new car, I don’t see it’s make or colour or engine. I see my Mum’s experiences in trying to fix the old car over and over again. I see the two months she had to move around and all she went through without a car, even on very sunny days. I see the many attempts she made in going to car dealerships to compare and decide on which one she could afford.
It’s more than just a car. It’s a story in itself.

And now when I see cars and buses on the road, I think of the stories they’ve been through. The Mercedes over there may have been shipped in six years ago and exchanged owners twice. The BMW behind me may have been driven past the border all the way from Cotonou. The Sienna that just whizzed past may be making that scraping noise because it has to pass through roads that are more pothole than road, every single day. Every vehicle is a story in itself, and is in the course of many more.

Walking People, Walking Stories

I realise that people are kinda like that too. Each person I meet is in the course of their own stories and are the product of some experiences too. No single person, from acquaintance to random stranger to the lady at the checkout stand, no one is just a prop in the middle of our respective stories. They have their hurts, their pains, their doubts and worries, their concerns. They also bear victories and joys, hopes and dreams, likes and passions. They’ve got thoughts and priorities, preferences and distastes, opinions and points of view.

It teaches me that everyone is different and special. Someone is going through a tragedy, another in a comedy, another is at the beginning of a romance or even a grass-to-riches story … they just may not know it yet. The average day can feel like a mix of a billion genres, I can tell you that.
No one is just ordinary. We are truly privileged to be living at the same time in history with the beauty of stories hidden in people-packages.
It’s a true privilege to exist with you, dear reader.
When we understand the wealth of time and experiences locked up in each individual we realise what an honour and privilege it is to be able to interact with them.

And as people are Walking Stories, so also are you. Your life may feel like a mix of genres, or even be in a place you cannot determine or understand. But don’t ever forget that you’re not just one in a million faces. You are different. You are special. Your experiences are valid.

God thinks so. And that’s why He’s intentional about making you the best you were meant to be. It’s why He gave His life for you, so that you could receive and be free from everything that could ever hold you down. He gives meaning to our lives and, in His eyes, we can see others as He does.

That’s one of the beauties that we realise when we come to see how God sees us all, and just what it means in the larger cosmic scheme of things when people meet and their stories coalesce or bump against each other. One interaction can alter the course of a person’s day or even their life, and influence how they interact with others as well. The battles you may be fighting now may make you wiser and stronger so you could better advice someone else fighting the same battle. You may not realise it now, but your perseverance now will not only aid your victory but also that of others that will meet you someday.

God is not lax about your life and experiences. It’s just like when Paul called Him the ‘God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:4)
He knows what you’re going through and is able and willing to work it all out for your good.

If I had one more chance…

If I had just one chance to wrap this up, here’s what I’d tell you:

Value people. They are much more than they seem.

  • You are special.

  • Your story is valid and rich with so much. You are a treasure.

  • God loves you.

  • You may not have determined how your story has been, but you can enjoy the rest. Like Joyce Meyer says, you may be a product of your past, but you don’t have to be a prisoner of it.

    There’s so much else to say, but I think these cover it. Working on this article reminded me of a 2009 song by Kutless called ‘Sea of Faces.’ I love the lyrics so much and it’s still one of my dearest songs (admittedly, my taste in music is frozen in time at 2012-ish, so most of my favourite songs came before that time 🙈)

    “Sea Of Faces”

    I see the city lights all around me
    Everyone’s obscure
    Ten million people each with their problems
    Why should anyone care

    And in Your eyes I can see
    I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world
    Lost in a Sea of Faces
    Your body’s the bread, Your blood is the wine
    Because you traded Your life for mine

    Sometimes my life it feels so trivial
    Immersed in the greatness of space
    Yet somehow you still find the time for me
    It’s then You show me Your love

    And In Your eyes I can see
    And in Your arms I will be
    I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world
    Lost in a Sea of Faces
    Your body’s the bread, Your blood is the wine
    Because you traded Your life for mine

    If only my one heart
    Was all you’d gain from all it cost
    Well I know you would have still been a man
    With a reason
    To willingly offer your life

    I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world
    Lost in a Sea of Faces
    Your body’s the bread, Your blood is the wine
    Because you traded Your life for mine

    Just one in a million faces

    https://www.youtube.com/embed/jLHE4P-B2FA

    An Afterword

    The themes of this article reminded me a lot of my novel, Portal. Its still available for download here, or to read on Okadabooks, or Amazon if that’s more your speed.

    Thanks for coming by. See you next time!

    Back to the BASICS

    When my stylus pen stopped working, I thought I had to wait to get another one before getting anything done…until I realised I’d always had another way out.

    I’d just got some new illustration commissions and I was so excited to get right on them. It didn’t matter that I was going to be doing a bit of travelling for my other job ’cause I would still have my laptop and WACOM tab with me to continue the drawing and painting at night. Life was good. Nothing could go wrong.
    At least that’s what I thought until I realised my stylus pen was not working. Way to jinx it, Emmanuel 🙄.
    For a while it felt as though I really had no other option but to buy another stylus, and I’d heard it was really expensive. Come to think of it, as I write this, I haven’t really tried to find out the price of a new stylus pen. I probably should get right on that 🤔.

    Anyway, the illustration commissions were at a standstill for a while until I realised that, hey, I used to do this illustration thingie for years, long before I even got a WACOM tab. Until I get a new stylus I could go back to my old way of doing things.
    This old way involved drawing with a pencil on paper, inking the lines with a dark pen, scanning with a scanner, and coloring on a computer with software like CorelDraw or Photoshop. I call this technique DISC (draw, ink, scan, color). It’s been ages since I last tried this, but now it seemed like the only option. And it was a good one too!

    And as I did, I realised why I used to enjoy doing this back then. With the WACOM tab, I was limited by the size of my computer screen, but now I had a more spacious field. With the WACOM, I had to keep my eyes on the screen while drawing on a blank touch pad, but with the raw paper I could see what I was drawing as I was drawing it.
    Don’t get me wrong. I’d pick the WACOM method in a heartbeat if it were available. It’s much easier and faster to edit and color  digitally. Now there was no more Ctrl+Z-ing the mistakes ’cause this time I had to use an actual real life eraser. Once the pencil work was done I could ink it and make the lines clearer before finally erasing the foundational pencil lines. It was a bit longer, but I enjoyed it too.
    This whole experience taught me some things:

    • The pencil lines were the first on the page, but they would be erased when the darker inks are drawn. They remind me of all the people that have added to and helped me along the way into becoming the person I am today. I am grateful because people like these are God’s gift to me. Others may not see these support systems when they see me, but I’m learning to appreciate them because I’m here because of them.
    • It teaches me to appreciate process. Finished products are the result of processing and building, of drawing and erasing, of planning and replanning and editing and so on. While I can still have the finished product in my mind’s eye (and rightly so) I should be patient with the process. As God adds to me and shows me things that should be erased, as I realise my pencil (the way I’ve been doing things) is getting blunt and may need to be sharpened, I am learning to appreciate the process. Process builds with patience.
    • I am also learning that there is always a way out. Sure I didn’t have my WACOM tab to draw, but I had a pack of A4 sheets and a scanner. I could always fall back to that. I’m learning that, no matter how much of a dead end things seem, there is always a way out. Sometimes what we need to learn is not to let lack make us forget what we actually have.
    • In my walk with God, I’m also learning not to get so used to new ways of doing things, or to results, that I forget the core principles. The reason I can excel in creativity or represent Christ in any way is not because of charisma, but because of what Christ is doing in me. The Gospel of Christ — that Message of what God did to put His life in us so we can be and do all He made us to be and do — is the core on which I stand. In the times when I’m becoming overwhelmed or side-tracked by how things may look, I’m learning to look to Christ. He is at the Centre. The Gospel is the core. I’m learning to go back to the basics, and to stand there and grow from there.
    • And I really should go find out the cost of a new stylus pen. Procrastination isn’t doing me any good. It could actually be more affordable than I assumed, and maybe I’m making myself suffer for no reason!
      But seriously now, suffering or not, I’m actually learning a lot and I look forward to the finished work.

    Thanks for reading! Have you ever had to adjust your way of getting things done? How did it go for you? Please share in the comments.

    Thank you!

    P.S.: It’s my first post this year, so ‘Happy New Year’ greetings are in order 😁

    Got the Update?

    From seeing how my phone needed updates, I learnt that I need updates for my growth in God. Updates of wisdom, strength, reminders of His love, godly perspectives and mind-sets, and so much more.

    For weeks the apps on my phone have been reminding me to install the new updates. I’d become quite used to seeing the numerous reminders in the Notifications tray, but I put it off for later.
    It came to a head one day when my Twitter app wouldn’t let me open it until I installed the latest updates. According to them, the new update would help to protect my app from recent security issues that previous software definitions were not prepared for. Now I saw reasons not to put off that update, so I set out to do it.
    I could go into explaining the lessons I learnt from that experience, but there’s more.
    One of the reasons I hadn’t downloaded the updates hitherto was because my phone’s storage capacity was quite full. Every time I tried to download an update my phone would require me to uninstall one of my other apps. All of them were important to me, so I would instead look for photos, videos, audio files or documents that I could delete to clear the space. It’s usually difficult for me because I find it a little hard to let go of these. I can be quite sentimental, I find.
    But this time, I had to give in. I deleted I think over a thousand files that day to make room for the new update. Some were dear to me, some were easy to let go of, and others had me wondering what they were doing on my phone in the first place. In the end I cleared enough space and the download could go through.
    The app’s now got a couple of changes in its interface but it almost looks exactly the same. I may never know why it needed the update or the security risks it’s protecting me from, and that’s probably for the better. Unless, of course, it’s a backdoor channel for them to monitor me (cue the ominous music: dun dun DUUUNNN!)
    Not all my phone apps are updated yet, but I’ll still get to them.

    Updates from Heaven

    Do you know that just like my phone app needed an update, we also need our God-updates at every point in time? That every day, there are heaven-rooted updates tailored for you?
    I’ll explain.
    As God’s people we’ve received His Life through the finished works of Jesus Christ in Redemption. Our spirits are renewed so that we can be all God intended for us to be; His children bearing His nature. That’s perfect and, like Jesus said, “It is finished.”

    In this world there are new challenges in every season and every day. Like Jesus said in Matthew 6:34,

    …Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

    Now the life God has given us in Christ is powerful enough to face these challenges. Through the power of God at work in us, God is able to do exceeding abundantly above what we could ask or think, even beyond whatever adversity there is out there. But our minds and bodies are exposed daily to experiences in opposition to God’s Word.
    Whether we like it or not, there could be circumstances to try and make you feel discouraged, people ready to ruin your day with unreasonable words, and news and online threads ready to order the course of your thoughts and mind-set for the day. It’s not all bad, but more often than not, they are content created without our best interests in mind.
    In the midst of this, Lamentations 3:22 and 23 reminds us of the words you probably remember from that song;

    It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.

    Just to put it in perspective, just as the days are evil, the Lord has new compassionate and preserving mercies for you every day. Every. Single. Day.
    Tailored for your specifications, beyond and above whatever could be thrown at you. 2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us

    And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

    One of my former pastors loved to describe it as you having a full tank of water but having an empty bucket. It doesn’t change the fact that you’ve got water ‘cause there’s a supply available with your name on it. You receive from your supply when you turn the tap. He was talking about the grace of God available to meet our needs and help us give, but I think it also applies here.
    For each and every task you are given and each circumstance we face, for everything that would lay a demand on the life in you, God is able to make all grace abound toward you so that you can have all you need to have an abundant supply for every good work.

    Why you can download the update

    No matter how hard I try, that Twitter app update could never work on my computer. That particular update could never work for the Facebook app or the Instagram app on my phone either because it was not made by them or for them. The reason I can download the update on my phone is because the update is made for the app on my phone. It was made by Twitter for the specific version of the app that’s present on my phone.
    In the same way, because I belong to Jesus, I am capable of receiving the updates of strength, instruction and grace that are my inheritance as His child. It is His delight for me to receive and walk in them. Because I have His Spirit in me, I can receive from Him.
    In 1 Corinthians 2:12 it says

    Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

    When we got born again we received the Spirit of God. And it is because we have the Spirit of God that God can reveal to us His will at every point in time. Like it says earlier in that chapter in verses 8 and 9,

    But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

    But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

    God is willing to show you things beyond what you’ve seen, to let you in on secrets beyond what you’ve heard, and to cause you to conceive thoughts and ideas beyond what you’ve ever imagined. Just as He shared His plans with Abraham like a friend, He intends to have that kind of relationship with you. Even much more, because now you are His child.
    You are the child of the Maker of all that is. Wow!
    So just like a child learns to talk the more he/she hears us talking with, God’s updates are to bring you to His level of thinking so that He can relate with us and guide us well in all the peculiar circumstances that we could face.

    So How do I Download the Update?

    In Romans 12:2 Paul writes,Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him.
    Have you noticed that the more time you spend with an individual who makes puns and cracks dry jokes, the more you’d find yourself deciphering puns? Soon you’d probably be the one others will be running after crying, “Don’t leave me! Take me with you!” (someone reading this in 2038 didn’t get this reference. Sorry, kid 😉)In the same way, we let God change the way we think (our mind-sets) by actually spending time with Him, by giving our time and attention to reading and studying His Word and in prayer. That way we can know what His will is and we can do it, empowered by His Spirit in us.
    Paul also wrote about the importance of making the best use of time in Ephesians 5:15, 16

    See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

    When we live our lives by the wisdom of God we are walking circumspectly, making the best use of the time, and equipped not to give in to the adversity we may face in the day.This is why it is usually encouraged to start your day with a time set apart to read the Bible and talk with God. Some call it Morning Devotion, others call it Quiet Time, but nobody calls it Steve 🤷🏽‍♂️.Either way, the value is not in what we call it but in Who we’re setting out time for. It helps to set the agenda for our minds and to get His agenda for the day.

    Clearing the Clutter

    Just as I had to remove some apps from my phone, opening our hearts for His updates may require letting go of some things we’ve held on to.
    It could be things we love and prize above all else. It could be our time, some of our friendships, some of our goals, or even the feeling of entitlement from our rightful achievements. It could be our media choices or our online presence. Sometimes the Lord may be instructing us to let go of some of these so that our attention can be on Him. For some of them, it is as He becomes our priority that we can have a healthy understanding of their roles in our lives. Otherwise they could become idols in our lives, distracting us from the Lord and all that’s important for our lives.
    It could be things that have hurt us or guilt in our past. We don’t hold on to them deliberately, but they may have a hold on us, defining our approach to things and keeping us from reaching for all God has for us. I touched on this partially in my story, Portal.
    For all, Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30

    Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
    For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

    Offer your past, present and future to the Lord and trust Him with it. It may not be as easy as an instant thing, but trust Him with the process.
    When we let go of things that have a strong hold in us, our hands can be open to receive all the Father has been trying to show us.

    Spending Time with God

    This is a lesson I am still learning. I wish I could come to this article from a place of mastery in this aspect, but I am a learner. And I don’t mean that in the Christianese sense where I’m really a pro trying to be humble, NO! I’ve literally found myself going through days without reading my Bible and I’m trying to work on that too. So, now that I’ve burst your expectations of me, hope you can see that I’m really a learner.
    But it’s in spending time with God that we receive these updates.
    In 2020 of course most of us may not be able to gather with other people yet, but I encourage you to be part of a church. Be regular and committed to the community. The teaching and fellowship (friendship) are essential for our growth. There are some things God would give you through your fellow believers, and some things He wants to share with others through you.
    You can also set apart a specific time for it. You can find moments in the day to spend time with Him, cut off from your phone and other distractions. You can even take a day off to spend time with God. The Christianese term for these are ‘Retreats’. It’s allowed and very essential.
    You can have devotionals and Bible reading plans that help you keep at it. Pray about what you’ve read. Bible apps like YouVersion can help with that too.You can have a prayer list of people and things you need to pray for and about. The thing is even as you pray He would show you more that you should pray about.

    What if it’s boring?!

    Don’t worry, you’re not an evil person for thinking that these times can feel boring sometimes. Sometimes it can feel like we’re not getting anything done. Your mind may have trailed off while reading a chapter and you’d find yourself 50 verses away from the last thing you remember in the narrative. You may have prayed for what felt like an hour only to check the clock to see that only 5 minutes have passed. If you’ve never experienced any of these then you’ve either not tried it out or you’ve got a special gift I really want to receive🙌🏼. Please, share in the comments🙏🏼.In these times, I like to be honest with God. I can sit and just talk with Him, telling Him what’s going on in my mind. Truthfully, these conversations don’t end there. They go throughout the day. Sometimes I get instruction or things become clearer. Sometimes it feels like nothing is happening.
    But don’t stop. It is in seeking that we find.
    Don’t look for a disembodied voice. The primary means of God talking to us is through His Written Word. Every other impression is by the Holy Spirit within us, not compulsorily by an external audible voice. He could use that, but my advice is not to set out looking for the spectacular. Seek Him.
    I once heard a quote by someone that said prayer is like starting the day by saying, “In Jesus Name,” then going to bed saying, “Amen.” That’s because throughout the day you were talking with God.
    Share your day with God. See what that does to your interactions.

    When my heart is overwhelmed…

    What about those moments when we really don’t have the strength? When the day has just been terrible and we don’t feel like doing anything ‘spiritual’?
    One of my favourite verses is Psalm 61:2

    From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

    David’s desire when his heart was overwhelmed is to be reminded of the One, his Rock, Who is bigger than that problem. Knowing that my world does not revolve around me because I have Someone bigger, greater and wiser on my side and at work in me, gives me courage to face the challenges. It’s one of the reasons we find another Christianese word in the psalms a lot: magnify.

    O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:3

    Or even Psalm 35:27

    Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

    Ever used a magnifying glass before? It makes things look bigger. It doesn’t make the thing bigger but it makes my perspective of that thing to be bigger.
    God doesn’t need to be bigger or more powerful or wiser or stronger. He already is! But sometimes I forget that the Greater One is for me and with me. That’s why I need that reminder.
    I need God to be magnified in my eyes.
    And that only happens when I look at Him. When I behold Him, I can see Him. Not literally now because I’m still mortal, but as I read about Him in His Word and listen to others talk about Him, as I listen to music that expresses His wonder, as I worship Him, I realise that I really am not as big as I thought, and neither are my problems. He is so much bigger, so much richer in love, and He is so much able to help me more than overcome.
    We see this pattern in David’s life. One time when his people’s families were carried away by raiders, his soldiers were angry with him and mutiny was afoot. They were even talking about stoning him. David, whose own family was also carried away, was in great distress. But the Bible lets us know that he ‘encouraged himself in the Lord.’ (1 Samuel 30:6) And right after he asked God for direction, and God told him what to do to get his people back. His stability was in that place where God was bigger than everything else.
    Our stability is in the Holiest Place like in the temple (Hebrews 6:19), where Christ is seated having conquered all and redeemed us. Where our sins are forgiven and we obtain mercy and find grace in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). It is why we have the Spirit of God in us. You, God’s child, are evidence that God is more than able to deal with whatever problem comes your way.
    You have access to the King and Conqueror of Eternity, especially at your weakest moments. He’s your stability.
    This is what I do. I tell Him exactly what it feels like. Sometimes I just play worship music and sing along to Him. It helps lift my thoughts and feelings, and I worship along.
    It takes our attention off our fears and limitations and focuses it on His strength available and at work in us. Like He said to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9,

    My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness

    Share your experience

    In recent times I’ve had a couple of interactions with friends who are also making a deliberate consistent culture of spending time with God. What’s your experience like? What lessons have you learnt?
    Please share with us in the comments. It could be an encouragement to someone too.
    Thanks for coming by!

    Character Development in Writing Fiction

    Download tips on ‘Character Development in Fiction Writing’ right here!

    Hi there! 👋🏼
    I recently had the honour of teaching on Character Development in Fiction Writing in a creating writing workshop organised by the wonderful people at Christian Literary Hub. It was a great time and I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.

    I prepared the slides as a take-away exclusively for participants but now it’s available for everyone that’s interested. It’s a compendium of lessons I’ve learnt from others and in the course of my writing.
    We covered story, what makes your story stand out, why your characters and their journeys are also important, how to make your charaters relatable, and so much more.

    They are certainly not exhaustive, but they should be enough to stir you up on your way to creating compelling and relatable characters that give your stories life and that your readers would love.

    While I am not the best at what I do yet, all I’ve learnt so far was because of resources provided by those alongside me and those that had gone on ahead of me. That’s why it’s my joy to share these tips with you.

    To download Character Development in Fiction Writing click the image above or click here!



    P.S.: I’ve got something in the pipeline including tips and tutorials for creatives, not only writers. So to stay in the loop, don’t forget to follow this blog! 😉 You’ll be the first to know.

    Charge Your Phone!

    Lately my phone battery has been dying at moments when I needed it for work or crucial discussions. It’s not that it’s faulty per se, no, rather it’s because I didn’t charge it when I ought to.
    I used to charge it overnight so that it would last for much of the following day. When, however, I didn’t get it charged overnight it dies during the day. There were many moments during the day when it could have been charged, and should have been charged, but many times it felt like those were the moments when I should be using the phone.
    One time I was using its WiFi hotspot to do some online work on my laptop even though the phone battery was low. Not only did my phone die that evening, but it did not come back on for hours even after it was plugged in to charge. That was the moment I realised that I had gone too far.

    Yeah, I’m probably the worst phone owner out there. I’m trying to improve though, and I will.
    But the experience taught me something. My phone taught me a couple things about my life.

    I need a consistent power supply

    Just as my phone needs to be charged for it to work well, my life needs a consistent supply of God’s Word if I’m going to live effectively. Every day, with every word we speak, every thought we think, every move we make and every breath we breathe we are expending life. There’s a saying that the source of a thing is what sustains it. We become children of God by believing His Word in the Gospel, and it is His Word that sustains us.
    Or like Peter put it

    For through the living and eternal word of God you have been born again as the children of a Parent who is immortal, not mortal.

    (1 Peter 1:23)

    God’s Word is eternal and abides forever. If I want to live effectively, I need a supply of God’s Word to frame my mindset. If God wants to speak to me, it would primarily be through what is written in the Bible.

    Remember, the tree in Psalm 1 is planted by the rivers of water. That’s a constant consistent supply. We all need that. Like hugging a transformer and staying fully charged. Yes there’s a death, but there’s life ’cause God’s Word gives life😉

    We afford ourselves of this opportunity when we connect regularly with our local churches to be taught God’s Word, when we listen to it being taught elsewhere, when we discuss and study it with one another and when we study the Bible for ourselves. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand. All of these are very important for our growth spiritually.

    If it is not charged well, it would die

    If I am giving out more than the quota of God’s Word that I am taking in, I will burn out.

    As children of God, the inclination of our God-renewed spirits is to reach out to others. We may reach out to people with God’s love and message through our words, our acts of service, our social media, but primarily, our lives. Many times God provides opportunities for this. But if I have not been feeding on His Word regularly, I may be a blessing to others but I would not be in the best frame that God wants me to be. In explaining His Word I may have faulty situational explanations opposed to His Word, defined by my emotions and not His context. In some cases, I might even not know or be aware of what He would have me do. In some other cases, I might even refuse to do what He would want me to do because I don’t feel like it.
    Notice the common denominator in these examples: my feelings. When God’s Word is not my priority, I am going to be live based on how I feel. Feelings change, people. But God’s Word endures.

    God wants me to be fruitful. Psalm 1:3 paints a very interesting picture. Here, check it out:

    …they find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD, and they study it day and night.
    They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do.

    Psalm 1:2,3

    The kind of person that is spiritually healthy and fruitful at all times is one who finds joy in obeying God’s law and studies it day and night. And do you know the fruit that God wants to produce in our lives?

    But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control.

    Galatians 5:22, 23

    I want to be loving, joyful, peaceful and at peace, patient, kind, good, faithful (trustworthy) and full of faith, humble and self-controlled, and I want to be like that all the time.

    Love, for example, is a primary quality of God because He is love (1 John 4:8). And the Bible lets us know that love endures, it is kind even when it suffers long (1 Corinthians 13:4). Living just by feelings wouldn’t cut it. If I want my life to remain loving through all seasons, if I want to be fruitful in God’s measure no matter what happens, I need a consistent supply of God’s Word.

    I’m not made to work 24/7

    I’ve covered much of this particular lesson in my other article on REST so you can check that out too (thank you!). But I’ll summarize that here too.

    Our phones were not made to work 24/7. They need moments to recharge so that when they are charged we can use them for all the tasks and fun stuff we desire.

    We also weren’t made to work 24/7/365. God gave the Israelites a pattern of 6-days of work in a week with one day set aside to cease from work. While it’s not a law for non-Jews like me, the essence of it is very essential for every one of us.

    Rest gives our bodies and minds an opportunity to recharge. To let go of the stress and work that have weighed it down so that we can later tackle it with revived energy, creativity, excitement and better coordination.

    That meme or WhatsApp discussion won’t run away if you let your phone charge. The world won’t end if you take a day or a couple of hours to rest before heading back into the work you’ve been doing for hours. That rhythm of work and rest is essential to us all. When God rested on the seventh day, I’ll bet it’s not because He was tired.

    I wrote a whole article about this subject that I really love, and I think you would too. Please check it out here when you have the time.

    It is my responsibility

    My phone is my possession and as such its well-being is in my charge. If its screen is broken, it’s my fault. If it is ruined beyond repair, I am responsible. The state of my phone and my other possessions says a lot about my attention to responsibility. If my phone battery is dying consistently when it could have been charged, then it means I have been lax concerning my responsibilities.

    This makes me consider how I’ve been treating the people and systems placed in my charge. Do I only use them or am I deliberate about adding to them? Am I more concerned with what I can get rather than what I can give?

    These opened up a lot I needed to work on, and much of that work is inside where no one else can see, except the Audience of One.
    This leads in to something very important.

    My life belongs to God

    The phone may have been purchased by me, but does it make it mine? Who provided the money?

    James wrote it this way:

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

    James 1:17

    My life and every good thing in it is a gift from God. In taking care of it well, I am honouring Him. But when I do it deliberately for Him, life becomes a life of worship. The best way I can honour Him is to give it to Him. Like Paul put it,

    I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

    Romans 12:1

    He also wrote it this way in his letter to the Corinthian church,

    For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

    1 Corinthians 6:20

    In honouring Him with my life, I am serving Him rightly. In taking care of my phone, for example, I am honouring it as a gift from Him. This gives me a sense of higher responsibility.

    Many times we forget that God is actually concerned even with how we treat our secular things. Jesus told a couple of stories to illustrate just how important this is.

    Remember the one about the talents? Jesus told a story in Matthew 25 about a man that was travelling but he gave a couple of talents to his workers. And, no, he didn’t magically give them the ability to sing or play the violin. A talent in those days was a unit of money some have estimated to about $5000. The servants were rewarded for using and gaining profit on the money he gave them. But the one servant that kept the one talent he was given was said to despise his master, and was punished for it.

    Jesus wants us to be responsible with the things He has given to us. Our friendships, our family, our secular work and ministry work are all important to Him. We honour Him when we see it all as an offering to Him, choosing to honour Him in them all.

    And it all starts from honouring Him with our lives.

    Let me finish…

    So if I were to sum up all I’m trying to say:

    • Keep your phone charged!
    • Have a consistent supply of God’s Word.
    • God’s Word makes us fruitful and effective
    • Your life is a gift, a responsibility bestowed on you by God. Make it an offering to Him.

    Yeah, I think that about covers it. This particular article has a lot more to do with actions so I’d better get to work.

    Thanks for reading!

    What have you learnt or are learning? In what ways can we honour God in our lives? Please share below. Thank you!