Expressed freedom

Hi there, been (more than) a minute 😊

The world has had quite a year, and more recently, quite a week. It feels so dark, I had to pour out my thoughts in writing.

Welcome to my thoughts.

It has happened again!

George Floyd was killed by a white cop making an arrest; despite the incessant chants of “I can’t breathe,” a knee remained on his neck, while his “protector” looked on without worry, hand in his pocket.

It has happened again!

Tina was walking on the streets of Lagos one evening when her “protectors”, due to reasons not yet ascertained and best known to them, decided to pull out their guns and shoot, hitting and killing Tina, a 17year old with her whole life ahead of her. “Why?”, you ask. Pulling the trigger simply makes them happy, or what do you get when you give an uncultured person a gun?

It has happened again!

Uwa is lying in the middle of a Church auditorium. No, she’s not lying in prayer, she’s lying in the pool of her own blood. One, maybe two, maybe ten men have decided she has something that belongs to him/them – HER body, and have it he/they must. She is raped and then bashed in the head with a fire extinguisher, in a Church building.

It has happened again!

Social media is agog with men and women (I’m shook) asking silly questions like, “What was she wearing?” “There are no exams currently, what did she really go to the Church to do?” and “Why was she there alone?”

I’m unable to fathom how ANYONE thinks there are excuses for rape or instances in which the lady (or man) brought the rape on by something they did or did not do.

Again, the narrative instead of condemning the act of rape, is tainted with jabs thrown at the victim, excusing the act.

It has happened again!

All in one week!

I’m left reeling, my heart bleeding, my eyes tearing, my fingers typing, my lips moving in prayer.

We have gone on the streets in protest, we have taken to social media in solidarity, we have lifted up words of prayer, but I’m left with one question, “What else can we do?” Because at this point, it all feels like too little, too late.

Heavy sigh

All the same, hope we must, talk we must, train we must.

As the rotten eggs are fished out and punished, and the present generation is educated, we must also ensure the coming generation does better.

Keep speaking up, but don’t forget to train the upcoming, because that’s the best way to put a spoke in this wheel.

“Train up a child in the way (s)he should go, And when (s)he is old (s)he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

#JusticeforTina #JusticeforUwa #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd #Saynotoracism #Saynotopolicebrutality #Saynotorape

If you live in Lagos, you probably just rolled your eyes, didn’t you? 😁

Just bear with me this one time okay? 😘

My non-Lagos brethren (in josh2funny’s voice), for a while now, there has been an onslaught on our sight, hearing, all our senses infact, and everything human about us, called BOS.

It has gotten some people angry, and others amused. My friend and roommate is with the angry crowd, I, on the other hand, am amused.

BOS! BOS!! BOS!!! EVERYWHERE!

What is BOS? Or rather, who is BOS?

BOS stands for Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, a gubernatorial aspirant for Lagos State.

And no, this is not a paid advert (we will get those soon 🙏🏾), so when March 2nd comes, feel free to vote for whoever you choose.

Back to BOS, I believe whoever is in charge of his campaign needs to be paid in billions of dollars ‘cha ching’ because the campaign was an out-there, in-your-face, everywhere-you-turn-to gig.

I intended on writing about this a while back but kept postponing until today, when my resolve got stronger, after seeing a valentine-themed campaign banner on 3MB.

You know, usually, there’s always a new poster/banner, in a new side of town, every week if I may, but to make something around Val!

If you are in the angry crowd, oh well. But this guy is right in our faces. Everyone that knows to vote, knows BOS: from the business (wo)man, to the MUA, to the Doctor, to the Artisan, to the market (wo)man, to the student.

The game of politics/campaign is about how many votes you can amass, which has its foundation in how many people know you.

But, isn’t that the game of life?

BOS is right there in our faces, and I got thinking, “the way he is attacking this campaign, what if we did the same with our lives, goals, dreams, ministry, career, businesses?”

“What if we got in people’s faces?”

Let them complain, let them talk, but you are in their faces, and by extension, on their minds, and if there is a choice to be made, you would probably be among the top people that will cross their minds.

The reason why BOS is everywhere, is because he wants to be the candidate that comes to your mind when you get to the polling centre.

Everyone in Lagos knows BOS, are you known in your field? Are you known for what you say you stand for?

No more to being a baker (slot in yours) and the world does not know.

Violence for me is not just a negative word, it is about the tenacity with which you address and approach things.

Oxford defines it as “a strength of emotion.”

BOS has been violent with this campaign, and I just wish we had more people, myself inclusive, who are that violent about the things that matter to them in life.

So in the spirit of the election, I figured I’d finally write about this.

Kindly do not sit at home tomorrow, but go out and vote for who you know will do the job, not for grubs, sentiments, chops, friends, or anything else.

By the way, if you do not have a PVC, our friendship is in question. 💁🏾‍♀️

Some people might tell you your vote will be wasted, but I would rather it is, so far my vote was an informed choice.

I will conclude with this list of election essentials I saw. Tomorrow, go out with your – PVC, trousers (if possible, if you get why, buzz me 😁), sun shades, face cap, umbrella, comfortable shoes, bottle of water, snacks, and cash.

Stick the wait out if you must, knowing the future of our nation depends on it.

And remember, your vote counts!

“Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.’” Deuteronomy‬ ‭1:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs‬ ‭22:29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Picture from Google (City of Tualatin)

3MB – Third mainland bridge

Hi there 🙋🏾‍♀️ It’s been a while, hasn’t it? 

There are a number of things to blame that on, but they are all just excuses, so I’ll just promise to do better eh 😉

In the meantime…

Story! Story!

Once upon a … okay I’m just joking, but let me tell you a story.

Who misses his/her childhood though? Adulthood, they say, is a scam.

There I was this Tuesday evening rushing back from the Island to the mainland, Oregun precisely, to meet up with a prayer meeting.

Unfortunately, I had no data on my phone, and it was one of those days MTN and Gtbank were in collaboration to frustrate your attempts at recharging.

I think it’s worthy to state here that I hardly go anywhere in Lagos without google map (direction isn’t just one of the gifts I was gifted with, no judgements! 😒)

With no data, I had to wing it.

You know, I had passed this route a number of times so it should be easy-peasy yeah?

So wrong!

I was doing fine until I got to the Ibadan/Ikorodu turn, and guess what?

Instead of continuing straight to take the Maryland turn, I turned into Ikorodu road. I know! 🤦🏾‍♀️

If you live in Lagos, or you’ve ever by chance moved around in Lagos in the evening, you should know the rest of this story.

Let’s just say a journey left with 15-20mins ended up taking another 1hr30mins.

Oh! I could not forgive myself, spoilt the rest of the evening to be honest.

It wasn’t merely the fact that I missed the turn though, it was more of an “I should have known and picked it up in the spirit” thing. (Don’t get spooked 😁)

But who understands what I’m saying? 

I mean, how do you have the Holy Spirit in you, and still take wrong turns?

It’s not like He’s not speaking, so how does that happen?

I think one of the issues is, we are too focused on us getting that signal, instead of just relaxing and receiving it.

Yes, they are two different things – one focuses solely on how you can work it out, the other actually lets God do His thing.

And other times, I believe, we think we’re listening, but we’re really not, especially for those of us that are used to getting stuff done ourselves.

He’s sha not going to force His direction on you.

Rev Wale Ajayi of CGMI Miracle Centre Benin city, gave a perfect image of what it means to trust God – it’s not to just put your hand on Him, while your feet are planted on the ground, because then, you can still support yourself, instead, it’s to rest on Him completely (with all your weight) in such a way that if He moves, you fall.

But, God’s not going to allow you fall, so you can lean on Him without fear.

I believe only in this way, leaning completely, do we actually hear a voice telling us what way to go, because what is life, if you have to blindly figure things out on your own, if you cannot receive directions from the one who has gone ahead of you and knows the way.

“Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”
‭‭ISAIAH‬ ‭30:21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Image credit – Getty Images/iStockphoto

“Wow! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? 😊 I’m learning to forgive myself for this extremely long break, especially after that last post about a new goal which I totally did not follow up on, but it’s more about how I go on than crying over the past. So I present to you a series on my current phase of life, I’ve started of with a post on phases, but I really can’t say what the next posts will be about, but you’re welcome to follow me on this unscripted, hopefully interesting ride 😘”

Life is in phases.

I remember the day my dad and I took a trip to Akure for a wedding, we took out time to pay my Uncle a visit, as my cousin who just gave birth was around.

My Uncle stays around FUTA, and as we drove by, I looked at the stores, the students, the gate, and it brought back memories:

Memories of the 2 years I spent in FUTA

Memories of me walking that same road, as those students were

Memories of branching at the stores to get one or two things (especially Shortbread biscuit and drinks 😉)

Memories of going in and coming out through that gate

Memories of racing for lectures

Memories of studying all-night

Memories of crying bitterly when the all-nights seemed not to pay off, and I had 2 carry-overs in my first year

Memories of the times in tears on the prayer ground

Memories!

And it occurred to me, “Life is in phases.”

I spent two years in FUTA, two seemingly long years.

Having 2 carry-overs then looked like the end of the world.

But no matter how long it seemed then, it was still a phase.

I can look back now and label it a period in my life.

Whatever you’re doing right now, or going through, know it’s a phase, and do not let a phase destroy life for you, it’ll pass: both the good and the bad.

And God will bring something better your way.

Keep your faith alive.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

BolaAjayi💜

Photo from http://www.photos-public-domain.com

Hi there 🙋🏾 it’s been a while ☺️

So I gave myself a new goal regarding my blogging, and it doesn’t look like I’m doing well so far.😀 With this new goal, I most likely won’t share most of what I write/post.
So at first, I was like, “why bother?”

But I reminded myself that it’s not about the accolades for now, it’s about building a structure, training my gifts, and setting a foundation for the future.

Some things you’re doing now might not look like it.

Or maybe it looks like it, but you’re not receiving the accolades you expect.

Remember, there’s a future you’re watering the ground for, but most importantly, whose accolades matter, God or man?

So sit tight and enjoy this ride with me. Old and new stuff coming through. 😉

BolaAjayi💜

My brother used to say I had sky-high walls around my heart, because I always found a reason to avoid romantic relationships. The one I “strived” and got into… Let’s just say the walls did not come down, and we can guess how that turned out 🙁

We had known each other for a while, what with our on & off friendship, chatting on Skype & Facebook. I’m not sure we actually ever did a Skype call.

Sometime last year, we turned our friendship on again. 😁  This time, I was back in Nigeria, numbers were exchanged, and calls were made. 

First few times, I always was driving 😃 and the calls had to be cut short.
The one time I was home though, we spoke for hours, and at the end I thought, “hmmm” 

And then we went on our first date, and I lost one earring before getting into the car so I had to go without earrings, but he kept staring at me, so much I felt like I had the choicest diamonds on my ears ☺️

My “defense” chatterbox persona was on that evening, and he just kept looking and smiling.

And smiling… That smile… Story for another day.

I went to catch up with a friend, but I came back with a prospect 😂

I remember when I started sensing he was about to ask me out, and my walls went up again. My excuse box filled and overflowed, but… here we are.

Daily, I realize more and more, that I couldn’t have made a better choice than choosing to damn all and take this step.

You make it super easy to think of you and get flutters; you are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Yes that’s from Phil 4:8 ☺️

I’m like a little girl in love; you have exposed me to the kind of love that is pure, sacrificial, wanting the best for the other, trusting, and open.

Mi corazon, I told you once that I daily thank God for connecting us in this way, and I still do.

I might not be with you today, but I’ll be soon, and then…

Be expectant 😉😘

Picture from PictureQuotes

“It doesn’t feel like Christmas,” I said to myself.

Please don’t blame me, 🙄 I was on call the evening of 23rd, throughout Saturday, on Sunday morning, and throughout Monday.

Before you leave your tongue hanging and your eyes bulging, I’m on call today too, the 31st. 😏

Ehen, now you’re permitted to pick up your jaw from the ground 😁

So yes, it doesn’t feel like the holidays have come upon me.

There’s nothing like being able to leave your current location and go elsewhere: another Continent, Country, State, Town, or even Street.

There’s nothing like being around loved ones, especially that one loved one 😉

There’s nothing like being able to just stay home, switch off your phone, and soak yourself in food and books.

There’s nothing like being able to cross-over in your Church; Yes, I’m like that.

Today, a light bulb came on in my head, “25th has passed! Tomorrow I’ll say I’m in 2017! What!”

And if we’re not careful, we can let milestones pass us by like that.

The job that isn’t giving me the time to enjoy the holidays, God gave to me, and this period is but for a while. Next year, I’ll look back and go, “I can’t believe I could not enjoy the holidays properly last year.”

So instead of going by my feelings and what I want, I choose to be grateful.

I am grateful for the birth of Jesus Christ, the one who made something out of this thing I call my life.

I am grateful for family: the good, the naughty, and the downright stubborn 😁

I am grateful for Kingsword Ministries International, such a huge platform to manifest.

I am grateful for friends: the ones that are kind and will do me no harm, the ones I have wronged but have refused to give up, the crazy ones I need to catch up with, and the ones that have made it their business to make me jealous by traveling around the world 😒 

I am grateful for love: the kind that keeps you grounded and all the anger in the world can’t work against 😘

I am grateful for my mentors: those who know me, and those I’ll introduce myself to in 2017 ☺️

I am grateful for Ezer foundation: standing strong after I left.

I am grateful for my job: making sure I’m busy enough to think only medicine; it’s not working 😋

And, I am grateful for me: the woman I am, the growth I am seeing, the gift of acceptance I am giving myself, and this period of incubation.

2016 was awesome, so many achievements and connections, which is why I’m all the more excited about 2017, it’s too sure with my God with and in me.

It’s the last night of 2016, what are you grateful for?

Enter 2017 with gratitude, because God has your back 😉

Happy New Year 

BolaAjayi💜
Pic from plusquotes.com