So I set out today not knowing what I was going to write. This wasn’t because I didn’t know what to write, I just had too much on my mind…
Humans are very complex and every pain or hurt we experience today is of our own making. We were created in the likeness of a peaceful and loving God, I wonder how we became this wicked. The Lord gave us power and dominion to rule over things on earth but what did we do? We used our powers to become slaves to the things on earth. The Lord gave us free will to discern good from evil but we used the freewill to create mayhem in our world. We were created superior than the beasts in the field but today, some of us act worse than those beasts. Look at what has become of our world today; no day goes by without hearing of some murder, crime, rape, robbery… We have become a shadow of ourselves without even knowing it
I still marvel at how a person can take the life of another so easily. How can one who isn’t guaranteed the next breath, think it wise to cut short the life of another? Absurd! Strange! Sad! If you have no power to give life, why on earth do you think it wise to take another? People are dying every day like chickens and at this rate, I wonder why the Lord hasn’t wiped us all out in anger because you see, HE has the power to do so. He doesn’t have to explain it to us, take our permission or apologize for it. HE created us and HE can very well end HIS creation but He hasn’t. That got me thinking….
Just the other day I was listening to a song on the radio and the lyrics went something like this; “…HE sent HIS only Son to die for us, HE didn’t have to but HE did… HE could have sent a legion of angels in HIS place but HE chose to send HIS son…” Now that also got me thinking…. HE sees the end of a thing before it begins so surely HE knew that the human race was going to be a great disappointment but HE still sent HIS Son. You cannot explain such love and sacrifice and it makes me wonder; how on earth can anyone say there is no God? Or how can you say you serve this God of love, yet hate your fellow human being so badly?
I open the newspapers and all I read about is war, cyber crime, riots, babies abandoned in the refuse bin, people dying from hunger, corruption, looting of public funds, scams…etc. It all has to stop!!! When will we realize that at the end of the day, what will count is our contribution to the society/world? Are we going to leave the world a better place for our kids or not? We are answerable to a higher being and HIS plans for us are of peace and not of evil. Do we not know that love is a stronger weapon than hate? Do we not know that no one is better than the other and we are all equal in HIS eyes? Do we not know that no one is promised tomorrow? Do we not know that there is a piece of God in all of us?
My heart is very heavy from the things I see today and I am afraid that if care is not taken, things may get worse. It is even more painful when you see children roped into these evil acts that they have learnt from adults. We have deprived them of their innocence and forced them into early adulthood.
Let me make this clear, killing isn’t only physical. In fact, most of the damage done today is psychological. Most people walk around today with a broken heart, a scar, shattered dreams… all because some other person decided to play god.
It takes a lot of energy to hate but a lot less to love. When we love, we forgive. When we love, we help. When we love, we protect not destroy. When we love, we see ourselves in the other person. WHEN WE LOVE, WE TRULY LIVE!
Stay Strong!
24 Sept 2012
18 Sept 2012
FOR THE LOVE OF SHOES!!!!!
Hello friends, I apologize for the break in transmission. Several road trips and unstable internet connection resulted to no blogging :)
So back to today’s’ post, Just the other day, a very dear friend wanted to know what my hobbies where and my favorite things in the world. I thought to myself “well that’s really easy. I love to eat out occasionally at a nice cozy good restaurant. My love for pasta knows no bounds and a glass of very good red wine will just complete the meal :) As for my favorite things, I guess shoes and bags are it! Scratch that, I love shoes more!! :)))
You know that feeling when you walk into a shoe store and time stands still for you? When it seems like all the shoes are speaking to you, trying to get you to try them on? Well, that’s a wonderful feeling and I get that every time I walk into a shoe store. First off, I check out the ‘high heels section’. I am more of 6-8 inches, pencil heels lady. I’m not a big fan of “block heels” but love me some ‘wedges” occasionally. Great pair of shoes has a way of completing an otherwise frumpy look. It gives you that attitude, that confidence and not to mention elegance :)
Usually when I go window shopping, I try to avoid shoe stores but even when I walk by and struggle not to see them, they seem to call out my name. It’s really hard. Sometimes, I tell myself that it’s okay to just take a peek. After all, there’s no harm in day dreaming. However, the mistake I always make is that I try them on. Once I have them on my feet, it feels like my life will be incomplete if I left the store without them. So I came up with another game plan, never to go window shopping with my credit card.
Once, I saw a lovely pair of shoes online and decided to go get them from the store later on in the week. Long story short, I got to the store and left with 3 pairs of shoes instead of one. So I made a mental note, “I had better stick to online shopping”. Order and have it delivered to my doorstep.
My mother thinks it’s an obsession, I happen to believe it’s just a necessity. I look at every pair of shoes I have and can hardly imagine not having any one of them. Unfortunately my love of shoes also extends to guys. The first thing I notice in a guy at our first meeting are his pair of shoes. That singular act has in the past contributed to my decision of whether or not to have a second meeting with the guy. Some people may call me vain right now but truth be told, isn’t there something really sexy about a guy who has wonderful dress sense and lovely pair of shoes to go with it? Abi, you wan tell me say if your guy come take you out with all dem “boat shaped” Aba made shoes, u no go hide ya face? Abegi, make I hear word! Seriously though, as important shoes are, abeg they are not a recipe to wonderful relationships. If e dey affect you like me and you like the guy, gently nudge him to get better stylish shoes or kukuma buy them for him. All na investment! :)
Overtime, I have realized that the shoes don’t have to be overly expensive to look beautiful. Trust me; I have seen really ugly expensive shoes. I guess it’s all about your style, taste and how you combine them with your outfit. Some shoes give your legs that extra lift, some make them look smaller others are just made to give you that extra bounce in your steps. Whatever our style, they need to be clean, well kept and stylish.
So lately I’ve been pondering, if people say you need to study or work in the area that gives you great joy; FOR THE LOVE OF SHOES, can’t we have a course known as SHOEOLOGY? Which according to my dictionary will mean, “The study of shoes and the positive impact on the Human race”? :)
I know I could go into the sales of shoes but knowing me, I’ll just end up keeping all the shoes to myself. So the only option is to go for a course on shoes and later lecture others who are interested in this very important life changing subject. :)
Have a fantastic week!
Stay Strong!
So back to today’s’ post, Just the other day, a very dear friend wanted to know what my hobbies where and my favorite things in the world. I thought to myself “well that’s really easy. I love to eat out occasionally at a nice cozy good restaurant. My love for pasta knows no bounds and a glass of very good red wine will just complete the meal :) As for my favorite things, I guess shoes and bags are it! Scratch that, I love shoes more!! :)))
You know that feeling when you walk into a shoe store and time stands still for you? When it seems like all the shoes are speaking to you, trying to get you to try them on? Well, that’s a wonderful feeling and I get that every time I walk into a shoe store. First off, I check out the ‘high heels section’. I am more of 6-8 inches, pencil heels lady. I’m not a big fan of “block heels” but love me some ‘wedges” occasionally. Great pair of shoes has a way of completing an otherwise frumpy look. It gives you that attitude, that confidence and not to mention elegance :)
Usually when I go window shopping, I try to avoid shoe stores but even when I walk by and struggle not to see them, they seem to call out my name. It’s really hard. Sometimes, I tell myself that it’s okay to just take a peek. After all, there’s no harm in day dreaming. However, the mistake I always make is that I try them on. Once I have them on my feet, it feels like my life will be incomplete if I left the store without them. So I came up with another game plan, never to go window shopping with my credit card.
Once, I saw a lovely pair of shoes online and decided to go get them from the store later on in the week. Long story short, I got to the store and left with 3 pairs of shoes instead of one. So I made a mental note, “I had better stick to online shopping”. Order and have it delivered to my doorstep.
My mother thinks it’s an obsession, I happen to believe it’s just a necessity. I look at every pair of shoes I have and can hardly imagine not having any one of them. Unfortunately my love of shoes also extends to guys. The first thing I notice in a guy at our first meeting are his pair of shoes. That singular act has in the past contributed to my decision of whether or not to have a second meeting with the guy. Some people may call me vain right now but truth be told, isn’t there something really sexy about a guy who has wonderful dress sense and lovely pair of shoes to go with it? Abi, you wan tell me say if your guy come take you out with all dem “boat shaped” Aba made shoes, u no go hide ya face? Abegi, make I hear word! Seriously though, as important shoes are, abeg they are not a recipe to wonderful relationships. If e dey affect you like me and you like the guy, gently nudge him to get better stylish shoes or kukuma buy them for him. All na investment! :)
Overtime, I have realized that the shoes don’t have to be overly expensive to look beautiful. Trust me; I have seen really ugly expensive shoes. I guess it’s all about your style, taste and how you combine them with your outfit. Some shoes give your legs that extra lift, some make them look smaller others are just made to give you that extra bounce in your steps. Whatever our style, they need to be clean, well kept and stylish.
So lately I’ve been pondering, if people say you need to study or work in the area that gives you great joy; FOR THE LOVE OF SHOES, can’t we have a course known as SHOEOLOGY? Which according to my dictionary will mean, “The study of shoes and the positive impact on the Human race”? :)
I know I could go into the sales of shoes but knowing me, I’ll just end up keeping all the shoes to myself. So the only option is to go for a course on shoes and later lecture others who are interested in this very important life changing subject. :)
Have a fantastic week!
Stay Strong!
3 Sept 2012
DEAR PRINCE CHARMING…
Hello dear friends, I trust y’all are doing okay. Today’s’ post was influenced by the age old “myth” that most young ladies have fallen for. This myth is so strong that it cuts across all races… Every young lady gets to that point when all she waits for is her “Prince Charming” to come for her in “shining armor riding on a white horse” :)
I have decided to “write a letter” to this “Prince Charming” to find out who he really is and why he tends to keep us ladies waiting. As we all know, it is not proper to keep a lady waiting…
Dear Prince Charming,
I trust you are doing well? I have heard so much about you and I really can’t wait to meet you. I hear you are “Tall, Dark and handsome”, you have a wonderful job, drive a really cool car and you live in the best neighborhood in town. I can imagine that you’ve been very busy touring the whole world, that’s why we haven’t met yet. I am told that you have a wonderful sense of humor and your smile lights up a room. I understand that you don’t drink or smoke, you are respectful, courteous, selfless…etc, not obsessed with football and you love shopping!
I really can’t wait to meet you. I have dreamt of you for a very long time, trying to imagine you “waltz” into my life and ‘sweep me off my feet”. However, I wonder what’s taking you so long? I have been waiting for you for a very long time now, so many other men have approached me but I didn’t even give them the time of the day. They were too short, too fat, too thin, not wealthy enough, addicted to football, not learned enough, no sense of humor …etc. They just weren’t good enough, they were not you. Now I’m getting older and my friends tell me that you may not show up anymore and even if you did, you may not like me because with age, my tummy isn’t as flat as it used to be, I have a few wrinkles here and there… However, I don’t think that’s my fault. If you had shown up earlier, at the time I was still very young, you probably won’t have seen these minor issues.
Anyway, I’m only writing to tell you to show up soonest. I have waited for you all my life and I’m beginning to fear that you won’t show up. It is really not nice to keep a lady waiting. We need to start our “picture perfect” family soonest and you know I can’t do that on my own, I need you. One more thing, can you please send me a reply? I’ll like to be sure that you got my letter.
Your Future Wife,
Me! :)
So after “Prince Charming” receives the letter, he decides to send a reply. …
Dear Future Wife,
I am very well, thank you. I trust you are too. I received your letter and based on your request, I decided to reply. What I’m about to write may be very painful to you but it’s the truth and I think it’s about time you know it.
I am afraid you have been fooled all your life. I am not all you expect me to be. If I were, that will make me perfect and I am far from it. I may not look like Denzel Washington or Will Smith but I love you from the depth of me. I love to watch football matches with friends but that doesn’t mean you are not the most important person in my life (of course after God and my mother). I could take you shopping anytime you want but I’ll have to make the money first. My priority is to get a good job, buy a car and rent a house in a nice clean neighborhood. We could start with a mini flat and with you by my side and your support; we will have our own house someday in the nearest future. I love you and with that, is respect and selflessness. However, please bear with me when I sometimes mistakenly hurt you. I am only human and I’ll make mistakes but always remember that I have made it my job to take care of you the best way I know how and when I stray, please understand and correct me in love. Unfortunately, all that is in the past now…
I am sorry you feel like I have kept you waiting for so long but that wasn’t my intention. I approached you 3 years ago but you didn’t even give me the opportunity to speak. That didn’t stop me because I kept running after you for 1 year but all you told me was that, I was too short, too fat, too poor and lacked the finesse you required from your man. On hearing all that and after fighting for you for about a year, with pain in my heart; I had to leave but I still thought about you for a very long time.
Right now, I am happily married with two kids. I own a consulting firm, live in the best neighborhood in town and I drive the best cars. I have become the fantasy you had with the help of another woman…my wife. It could have been you but you were not patient enough to wait for me.
It is still not too late for you to find your life partner. Now that you know that all you’ve believed is a myth, give the next reasonable man that shows up in your life a chance. The fairy tale doesn’t exist but the good thing is that you can make that “man” in your life your “Prince Charming”. Prince Charming can also be short, fat, and sweep you off your feet in a “danfo” bus. What matters is his heart and genuine affection for you. When that is in place, you are on your way to paradise.
Regards,
“Prince Charming”
So my dear friends, I’m not saying you should compromise your stand or settle for less, all I’m saying is that sometimes “big things come in small packages”. Do not let your “Prince Charming” pass you by, all in your quest for fantasies. As for the guys, also work on yourselves. It’s not all about money, looks or material things but trust me, there’s something very sexy about a man who is respectful, courteous, selfless, honest, and has a vision. Relationships are like partnerships, both parties have to bring something meaningful to the “table” to make it work.
Stay Strong!
I have decided to “write a letter” to this “Prince Charming” to find out who he really is and why he tends to keep us ladies waiting. As we all know, it is not proper to keep a lady waiting…
Dear Prince Charming,
I trust you are doing well? I have heard so much about you and I really can’t wait to meet you. I hear you are “Tall, Dark and handsome”, you have a wonderful job, drive a really cool car and you live in the best neighborhood in town. I can imagine that you’ve been very busy touring the whole world, that’s why we haven’t met yet. I am told that you have a wonderful sense of humor and your smile lights up a room. I understand that you don’t drink or smoke, you are respectful, courteous, selfless…etc, not obsessed with football and you love shopping!
I really can’t wait to meet you. I have dreamt of you for a very long time, trying to imagine you “waltz” into my life and ‘sweep me off my feet”. However, I wonder what’s taking you so long? I have been waiting for you for a very long time now, so many other men have approached me but I didn’t even give them the time of the day. They were too short, too fat, too thin, not wealthy enough, addicted to football, not learned enough, no sense of humor …etc. They just weren’t good enough, they were not you. Now I’m getting older and my friends tell me that you may not show up anymore and even if you did, you may not like me because with age, my tummy isn’t as flat as it used to be, I have a few wrinkles here and there… However, I don’t think that’s my fault. If you had shown up earlier, at the time I was still very young, you probably won’t have seen these minor issues.
Anyway, I’m only writing to tell you to show up soonest. I have waited for you all my life and I’m beginning to fear that you won’t show up. It is really not nice to keep a lady waiting. We need to start our “picture perfect” family soonest and you know I can’t do that on my own, I need you. One more thing, can you please send me a reply? I’ll like to be sure that you got my letter.
Your Future Wife,
Me! :)
So after “Prince Charming” receives the letter, he decides to send a reply. …
Dear Future Wife,
I am very well, thank you. I trust you are too. I received your letter and based on your request, I decided to reply. What I’m about to write may be very painful to you but it’s the truth and I think it’s about time you know it.
I am afraid you have been fooled all your life. I am not all you expect me to be. If I were, that will make me perfect and I am far from it. I may not look like Denzel Washington or Will Smith but I love you from the depth of me. I love to watch football matches with friends but that doesn’t mean you are not the most important person in my life (of course after God and my mother). I could take you shopping anytime you want but I’ll have to make the money first. My priority is to get a good job, buy a car and rent a house in a nice clean neighborhood. We could start with a mini flat and with you by my side and your support; we will have our own house someday in the nearest future. I love you and with that, is respect and selflessness. However, please bear with me when I sometimes mistakenly hurt you. I am only human and I’ll make mistakes but always remember that I have made it my job to take care of you the best way I know how and when I stray, please understand and correct me in love. Unfortunately, all that is in the past now…
I am sorry you feel like I have kept you waiting for so long but that wasn’t my intention. I approached you 3 years ago but you didn’t even give me the opportunity to speak. That didn’t stop me because I kept running after you for 1 year but all you told me was that, I was too short, too fat, too poor and lacked the finesse you required from your man. On hearing all that and after fighting for you for about a year, with pain in my heart; I had to leave but I still thought about you for a very long time.
Right now, I am happily married with two kids. I own a consulting firm, live in the best neighborhood in town and I drive the best cars. I have become the fantasy you had with the help of another woman…my wife. It could have been you but you were not patient enough to wait for me.
It is still not too late for you to find your life partner. Now that you know that all you’ve believed is a myth, give the next reasonable man that shows up in your life a chance. The fairy tale doesn’t exist but the good thing is that you can make that “man” in your life your “Prince Charming”. Prince Charming can also be short, fat, and sweep you off your feet in a “danfo” bus. What matters is his heart and genuine affection for you. When that is in place, you are on your way to paradise.
Regards,
“Prince Charming”
So my dear friends, I’m not saying you should compromise your stand or settle for less, all I’m saying is that sometimes “big things come in small packages”. Do not let your “Prince Charming” pass you by, all in your quest for fantasies. As for the guys, also work on yourselves. It’s not all about money, looks or material things but trust me, there’s something very sexy about a man who is respectful, courteous, selfless, honest, and has a vision. Relationships are like partnerships, both parties have to bring something meaningful to the “table” to make it work.
Stay Strong!
29 Aug 2012
The Grey Spot...
Good day dear friends, trust y'all are doing good? Today, I'll like us to ponder on a few things that we usually take for granted but are really important...
- Have you ever wondered why your gate man who by the way is quite young (mid 30s) decided to take up such a job and probably not something else? How he is able to feed his 2 kids, wife and pay his rent from his salary?
* The next time you are about to complain about how your husband isn't taking care of you because he didn't let you go shopping in Dubai or how your N200,000 salary can't take care of you, wife and one toddler, remember it could have been worse! Count your many blessings....
- Do you remember the day you shouted at your driver because he showed up late for work looking disheveled only to find out later that his child fell ill that morning and he had to rush him to the hospital and still come to take you to work? Think before you act...
* As humans, we all have our own issues. So before we judge, let's take a minute to figure out what the possible options are. When in doubt, listen before you speak...
- Your house help mistakenly breaks a plate whilst washing it, you beat her up and send her to bed without food; Only for you to find out the next day that when the plate broke, she had a deep cut on her hands and lost a lot of blood. So what's more important, a life or an object? Admonish with understanding...
* It's amazing how quickly we forget that everything we have was given to us. How no condition is permanent and how we are all someone's' child. No human being is better than the other in God's eyes. He loves us all equally
All I'm trying to say is that we all have a story, things are not always what they seem. Life isn't just black or white, there's always a grey spot. That spot everyone tends to ignore but matters a lot. I have learnt a lot happens in the "grey spot" so I have decided to move on with life paying more attention to the things not said, the reason behind the action, the thought behind the gift, the truth behind the lie, the words behind the silence, the tears behind the smile, the life within the grey spot.
I know it's easier said than done but let's make a conscious effort to treat ourselves with respect knowing that every one has a story but not everyone is willing to tell that story. The grass isn't greener on the other side and no problem is bigger than the other. It is our ability or non-ability to handle these problems that determine the level of difficulty. We are all made in HIS likeness and image, so we may look different on the outside but on the inside, we are all the same to HIM.
So before you act, react and speak, remember things aren't always what they seem. Pay attention to the "GREY SPOT"
Stay Strong
- Have you ever wondered why your gate man who by the way is quite young (mid 30s) decided to take up such a job and probably not something else? How he is able to feed his 2 kids, wife and pay his rent from his salary?
* The next time you are about to complain about how your husband isn't taking care of you because he didn't let you go shopping in Dubai or how your N200,000 salary can't take care of you, wife and one toddler, remember it could have been worse! Count your many blessings....
- Do you remember the day you shouted at your driver because he showed up late for work looking disheveled only to find out later that his child fell ill that morning and he had to rush him to the hospital and still come to take you to work? Think before you act...
* As humans, we all have our own issues. So before we judge, let's take a minute to figure out what the possible options are. When in doubt, listen before you speak...
- Your house help mistakenly breaks a plate whilst washing it, you beat her up and send her to bed without food; Only for you to find out the next day that when the plate broke, she had a deep cut on her hands and lost a lot of blood. So what's more important, a life or an object? Admonish with understanding...
* It's amazing how quickly we forget that everything we have was given to us. How no condition is permanent and how we are all someone's' child. No human being is better than the other in God's eyes. He loves us all equally
All I'm trying to say is that we all have a story, things are not always what they seem. Life isn't just black or white, there's always a grey spot. That spot everyone tends to ignore but matters a lot. I have learnt a lot happens in the "grey spot" so I have decided to move on with life paying more attention to the things not said, the reason behind the action, the thought behind the gift, the truth behind the lie, the words behind the silence, the tears behind the smile, the life within the grey spot.
I know it's easier said than done but let's make a conscious effort to treat ourselves with respect knowing that every one has a story but not everyone is willing to tell that story. The grass isn't greener on the other side and no problem is bigger than the other. It is our ability or non-ability to handle these problems that determine the level of difficulty. We are all made in HIS likeness and image, so we may look different on the outside but on the inside, we are all the same to HIM.
So before you act, react and speak, remember things aren't always what they seem. Pay attention to the "GREY SPOT"
Stay Strong
27 Aug 2012
The Nigeria of my dreams...
My people, I hail oh! I hope we had a splendid weekend? It's another Monday and the hustle continues for most of us... but God dey sha. :))
Today, I am going to be discussing on a topic that is very dear to all Nigerians irrespective of our beliefs, cultures or tribes. We all know the current situation of the country and how it's been getting worse with each passing day. The newspapers carry headlines that will make even the heartless weep, the government is still playing the blame game, our youths (who by the way ought to be the future of our country) are going haywire, adults are clueless on how to raise their kids, the economy is in disarray, the country as a whole is in total confusion... I could go on and on but I guess we already have a clear picture of what I'm on about. It is indeed very sad and if care is not taken, I'm afraid the worst is yet to come
I remember as a child how safe and peaceful Nigeria was, how happy I was when I was reminded by my teachers that I was "the future" of my country, how even as a little kid, I looked forward to that day when I could contribute my own quota to the society but now... Our youths are looking for the fastest way out of the country, they will denounce their citizenship at the "drop of a hat", those who are left behind indulge in crimes such as Kidnapping, Robbery, Murder... It has become a country where there is no more value for Human life. We now have terrorism, bombings, assassination... It's amazing how these evils became a part of our society so suddenly. However, there is one thing that hasn't changed since I was a kid; our love for prayers. Nigerians can pray!!!! I mean, if prayer was all that was needed to be done to make our country a better place; that would have happened a long time ago. Unfortunately, it will take much more than prayers to deliver us from our current predicament
We can all decide to play the blame game but ultimately the truth is, to have the Nigeria of our dreams; we ALL have to work for it. The government alone isn't capable of solving the current problems in the country. After all, the kidnapping and murder of our citizens are carried out by our own citizens. These people aren't ghosts, they are fathers, uncles, neighbors, sisters, friends.... they are Nigerians! The government has its role to play but we also have ours... It is in everyone's interest to restore Nigeria's past glory, if not for us; at least for our children, grand children, nieces, nephews... etc. Sitting around and complaining of how bad the situation is, hasn't solved the problems and I can assure it won't
Let's start from the basics, from the beginning, from our identity, from our pledge;
Pledge
I pledge to Nigeria my country
To be faithful, loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honor and glory
So help me God
If we could all just act out what our pledge says, wouldn't more than half of our problems be solved? The other day, I was watching a TV program which showed that most of our citizens do not know how to recite the pledge and this cuts across board (adults and children). I wasn't surprised because if we could recite it and understand what it means and act on it, we won't have some of the problems around today. Some may say that knowing how to recite a pledge doesn't guarantee putting it into practice, I agree. However, how about reciting the pledge every morning after our prayers or before we start work/school? Remember I mentioned that we are a praying country, so let's recite the pledge as often as we pray. Once we've done that often enough, some of the words may get stuck in our memory such that they'll put us in check when we are about to do something evil.
Imagine the Pledge recited at EVERY government meeting, function, gathering... With time, it'll be a reminder to our leaders on how this country should be run. I know this may sound as a "long shot" to some people but what do we have to lose if we try? Let us not be deceived, the problem of Nigeria is every Nigerians' problem. We have no other country to call home, you can acquire other passports/citizenships but that doesn't change the fact that you are a Nigerian. When" push comes to shove", home remains the best place ever. It is wise for us to remember that and start working on repairing what is left of our country.
I bet most of us aren't aware that Nigeria has a motto; I bet some of our leaders don't even know what it is.... How can we act on something that we don't know?
Nigeria's Motto
Peace and Unity, Strength and Progress
So if I were to write an essay of the Nigeria of my dreams, it will be something like this;
A country that has Peace and Unity, filled with faithful and loyal people ready to serve the country with all their strength... However, the change starts with me...
I have started the change by writing this post, I will continue by reciting my pledge and acting on it, I will sustain it by treating my fellow Nigerian with respect and dignity. At the end of the day we are all Nigerians; Muslim, Christian, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa,... and no one is better than the other!
Stay Strong!
Today, I am going to be discussing on a topic that is very dear to all Nigerians irrespective of our beliefs, cultures or tribes. We all know the current situation of the country and how it's been getting worse with each passing day. The newspapers carry headlines that will make even the heartless weep, the government is still playing the blame game, our youths (who by the way ought to be the future of our country) are going haywire, adults are clueless on how to raise their kids, the economy is in disarray, the country as a whole is in total confusion... I could go on and on but I guess we already have a clear picture of what I'm on about. It is indeed very sad and if care is not taken, I'm afraid the worst is yet to come
I remember as a child how safe and peaceful Nigeria was, how happy I was when I was reminded by my teachers that I was "the future" of my country, how even as a little kid, I looked forward to that day when I could contribute my own quota to the society but now... Our youths are looking for the fastest way out of the country, they will denounce their citizenship at the "drop of a hat", those who are left behind indulge in crimes such as Kidnapping, Robbery, Murder... It has become a country where there is no more value for Human life. We now have terrorism, bombings, assassination... It's amazing how these evils became a part of our society so suddenly. However, there is one thing that hasn't changed since I was a kid; our love for prayers. Nigerians can pray!!!! I mean, if prayer was all that was needed to be done to make our country a better place; that would have happened a long time ago. Unfortunately, it will take much more than prayers to deliver us from our current predicament
We can all decide to play the blame game but ultimately the truth is, to have the Nigeria of our dreams; we ALL have to work for it. The government alone isn't capable of solving the current problems in the country. After all, the kidnapping and murder of our citizens are carried out by our own citizens. These people aren't ghosts, they are fathers, uncles, neighbors, sisters, friends.... they are Nigerians! The government has its role to play but we also have ours... It is in everyone's interest to restore Nigeria's past glory, if not for us; at least for our children, grand children, nieces, nephews... etc. Sitting around and complaining of how bad the situation is, hasn't solved the problems and I can assure it won't
Let's start from the basics, from the beginning, from our identity, from our pledge;
Pledge
I pledge to Nigeria my country
To be faithful, loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honor and glory
So help me God
If we could all just act out what our pledge says, wouldn't more than half of our problems be solved? The other day, I was watching a TV program which showed that most of our citizens do not know how to recite the pledge and this cuts across board (adults and children). I wasn't surprised because if we could recite it and understand what it means and act on it, we won't have some of the problems around today. Some may say that knowing how to recite a pledge doesn't guarantee putting it into practice, I agree. However, how about reciting the pledge every morning after our prayers or before we start work/school? Remember I mentioned that we are a praying country, so let's recite the pledge as often as we pray. Once we've done that often enough, some of the words may get stuck in our memory such that they'll put us in check when we are about to do something evil.
Imagine the Pledge recited at EVERY government meeting, function, gathering... With time, it'll be a reminder to our leaders on how this country should be run. I know this may sound as a "long shot" to some people but what do we have to lose if we try? Let us not be deceived, the problem of Nigeria is every Nigerians' problem. We have no other country to call home, you can acquire other passports/citizenships but that doesn't change the fact that you are a Nigerian. When" push comes to shove", home remains the best place ever. It is wise for us to remember that and start working on repairing what is left of our country.
I bet most of us aren't aware that Nigeria has a motto; I bet some of our leaders don't even know what it is.... How can we act on something that we don't know?
Nigeria's Motto
Peace and Unity, Strength and Progress
So if I were to write an essay of the Nigeria of my dreams, it will be something like this;
A country that has Peace and Unity, filled with faithful and loyal people ready to serve the country with all their strength... However, the change starts with me...
I have started the change by writing this post, I will continue by reciting my pledge and acting on it, I will sustain it by treating my fellow Nigerian with respect and dignity. At the end of the day we are all Nigerians; Muslim, Christian, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa,... and no one is better than the other!
Stay Strong!
25 Aug 2012
MY GOD OF SEVERAL SECOND CHANCES!
There are so many things in life that I'm unsure of, but I'm sure of one thing; there is a God!
I am also sure that this God is way superior than human beings
His ways are not our ways, neither are His thoughts ours
How can you explain the fact that we hurt Him severally but for every time we apologize and return to Him, He forgives us wholeheartedly
Personally, I can't count the number of times I have wronged Him but He keeps taking me back
He keeps me, leads me in the path of righteousness, protects me from the snare of the fowler, provides for me, blesses me, prospers me, loves me unconditionally...
Yet I sometimes stray, I act like a child that is homeless or fatherless
But when I return to my senses, I run home like the prodigal son and like the loving Father He is, He hugs me, tells me how much He missed me, gives me a clean slate and says, 'My darling daughter, let's start afresh like nothing ever happened'
No human is capable of doing such
What manner of love is this?
I do not take His love for me for granted
For when everyone thought I was worth nothing, He saw something in me
When everyone wanted something from me, all He did was 'give' me
He is the God of all gods, the Lily of the valley, my Redeemer, my ever present help, my Father....
He is my God of several second chances and I love Him with every bit of me!
Stay Strong!
New beginnings...
Wow! Two years... It's been two long years and I must confess I've missed blogging. As expected, a whole lot has happened in those years. I have become older, wiser, stronger and... I'll share a few of my experiences as we go on.
Today's blog is all about NEW BEGINNINGS! I look at where I am today and remember where I was 2years ago, and all I can say is; I'm not where I want to be but I'm pretty damn close. At least closer than I was years back. I remember when all that mattered to me was to get good enough grades to get into the University. Afterwards, all I wanted was to graduate in flying colors but now I have new goals, new challenges, new aspirations, new beginnings.
I have learnt that there is a huge difference between what I "want" and what I "need". That maturity is the ability to let go of the former and be content with the latter. Believe me, it's easier said than done. Life has also taught me how scaling one hurdle doesn't guarantee one's immunity from others. That everyday I wake up, I should be open to learning new things because no day is the same as the last one.
I have been constantly reminded that when our lives stop being an inspiration to others, when we don't affect/influence other people's lives positively, when we live like we own our lives, when we go about life with reckless abandon, when all that matters to us is 'us' and no one else,... Then we no longer live but exist.
Life is not a 'dress rehearsal', you have only chance to make it what you want it to be. The mistakes we make are the wealth of knowledge we need to make it through life. A man who has gone through life without difficulties, is a man who is yet to know what life is really all about.
At the start of this new phase in my life, I have carefully chosen the tools I need and they are;
- The Bible ( the only manual there is for a successful life)
- My past mistakes (experience and wisdom)
- Prayer (how on earth does anyone want to succeed without discussing with the Creator of the Universe?)
I believe that when I have the above in place, every other thing will follow and fall into place.
New beginnings can happen anytime. If you are not satisfied with the 'status quo' in your life, you can decide to change the situation. New beginnings can happen as often as you want but be careful that in so doing, you are not being unstable.
Have a goal for your life, chart out the vision, get the tools that will help you get there and follow it through. No one should live his/her life without purpose, that's a recipe for disaster.
My New beginnings start now... How about yours?
Stay Strong!
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