GOD SAID IT, I BELIEVE IT, THAT SETTLES IT!

It’s been a tough week for me. On Monday, I started out full of energy, savouring the sunshine, however, a cloud appeared midday Tuesday. I got a mail “...we will not be proceeding further with your interviews” it said.

I had been on that process since August 2009. I had passed the aptitude test and 3 interviews, how could they suddenly end the process? It was my dream job. I had sacrificed a lot for this opportunity...  

My mind was processing too many thoughts simultaneously.

Fast forward to Wednesday, mum texts to say I should forget about another job I had been hopeful for. Apparently she had called an insider (her cousin) who told her in confidence that the board members and top management had swapped names on the merit list for their ‘candidates’ *sigh*.

I still do not know how I found sleep that night. But I remember waking up in-between and remembering I had declared 2011 my year of elevation. Only then did my faith regain its strength.

I wondered how I found it easy to empathise with others and advice them to keep hope alive yet it was herculean for me. So I turned to the bible and reassured myself that all will be well, all I had to do was:

Forget the problems and hold on to the promises – Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old– Isaiah 43:18.

Let go of the disappointments and await the appointment - Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert – Isaiah 43:19.

I have since begun re-strategising, after all, if plan A doesn’t work, no qualms, there are still 25 letters left. I have also promised myself not to worry, because I do not want wrinkles. Moreover, nothing is too difficult for God to do (Jeremiah 32:27) and HIS plans for me are grand (Jeremiah 29:11) and because HE is ever faithful (Numbers 23:19, 23), I’ll be back to share my testimony soon.

COVERING THE SHAME (Part 2)

The story continues, if you missed the first part, please go here

For a moment I thought I would pass out, but I didn’t, I couldn’t. Not now...

I held the paper with trembling hands. I felt everything... anger, betrayal, resentment... I had been hurt by my confidant, my soul mate, my best friend, my husband...

With another bang on the bedroom door, I jolted back to the present. There was no need to fight anymore, this battle has been won. I was holding in my hands the stone that’ll knock these goliaths dead for life, all I had to do was sling it with my last energy and so I headed for the door.

Just then, I heard a voice.

Stopping in my tracks, I listened as it became louder...

Like someone possessed with some kind of demon, I spun around, holding my ears. The voice was mine... the words I had spoken years before were replaying so loudly... “For better, for worse, in sickness and in health, through good and bad times...” the vow I read heartily. NOOOOOOOO!!!

And then I stopped to think, just as I whispered ‘Lord, teach me to apply wisdom’.

Moments later, I slowly unlocked the bedroom door as I pulled out my travelling bag, ready to leave. My feet had found strength again. Amidst the rain of abuses from my in-laws, I headed for my car. And then before getting in, I looked at them all once again, letting out a weak smile, I shook my head.

As I got in, I looked at the papers again. If only they knew... maybe... just maybe... but I couldn’t tell them, I couldn’t show them the different medical reports confirming my husband’s impotence. Reports he had tucked away in his VID bag... all 4 of them, hidden from me all through the years. I loved him too much to let this secret out, and even though this hurts so badly, I was going to cover his shame, because that is what you do for the one you love.





TEASER
If you were in her shoes, would you be able to forgive your husband for keeping such a huge secret? Would you show them (your in-laws) the reports and let out the secret that your husband has been shooting blanks? Or would you ask him upon his return to disclose his condition?
What would you do?

 

IS IT WORTH IT IN THE END?

I am so disgusted at the news on BBC today. The story is about 20 year old Claudia Seye Aderotimi, who has just died following a silicon injection administered on her in a hotel room. The reports say she had travelled from London to Pennsylvania to get the ‘buttocks injection’ which she ordered via the internet.

Pray tell, why would anyone, a Nigerian at that, still be interested in body enhancement after the numerous deaths in recent times? Let’s assume at 15, she wasn’t old enough to understand the causes of Stella Obasanjo’s death in 2005, is she so cut off from technology that she hasn’t seen the stories about Michael Jackson???

As the name ‘Claudia’ depicts, she’s of a Christian background, probably a catholic, aren’t there teachings about this in the bible?

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1 : 27)

Aren’t we Africans? A people who are distinguished worldwide for their ‘heavy lips’, ‘bulging tummy’ and ‘mountain moving backside’?


I can almost assume that this girl is a student in the UK with family members and friends who love and dote on her, whom she has now thrown into tears and sadness, all for the mundane desire of a body that rocks?


We must re-orientate our young ones in the way of the Lord. They must begin to understand that they were made by the perfect creator and that their bodies are the temple of the Lord and must be kept holy.


I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well (Psalm 139:14)


Parents, guardians, religious groups and churches have a lot more to do. In a world where there are revolutions everywhere, where young people are seeking to make an impact and write their names in the sands of time, no one should be driven by low self esteem as to embark on a suicidal journey such as these.


Love yourself in totality because asides from the TRINITY (God the father, Son and Holy Spirit), no one else will love you perfectly.

Beauty is not in the face, it is a light in the heart.

What shall it profit a man to gain the world (in this case, people's admiration) and lose his own soul (Mark 8: 36).

The boyfriend or 'babes' she probably sought to impress would shed tears, but only for a while and move on with their lives. Some will learn, others will promise to use a qualified physician in a proper hospital. The cycle goes on. For how long shall a generation continue like this?


IF ANY MAN HAVE AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR

COVERING THE SHAME

I apologise to everyone who tried dropping comments on the last post but couldn't.
I just realized I had messed with the settings thus disabling comments.

Thanks for trying anyway.
T.Notes, thanks for the heads up.

Finally, I crawled to the dressing table, blinded by tears. And with all the strength I could muster, I reached out for the wipes... my life, as I knew it had just ended, but I wasn’t going to give these women the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

How could this be happening to me?

But why?

We had been married ten years, eight of which had seen me go through the wilderness, his mum and sisters had made life miserable for me... the name calling, ridicule and humiliations.

My husband had tried to protect me, he never talked about it, he... no we, we believed it was going to happen in God’s time. Unfortunately, his job had taken him away from home more often than I would have wanted, and for each day he was away, I had faced the full wrath of his relatives.

Now they were about to throw me out, and I find this...

Slowly, I picked up my ‘VID’ bag ... it seemed easier than picking up pieces of my now shattered life. On second thought, I unzipped it and took out what would now be my life. I couldn’t take that bag with me.

A trophy was the last thing I needed... he had given me that bag right after our marriage. It was to keep ‘very important documents’. He had one just like it... I remember thinking how thoughtful he was, as I neatly arranged my certificates in it.

Unknown to me then, that same bag was to house the lie I would be living.

 To be Continued...

ODD WORLD

Hey fellaz, what would you do if you're on a date and your partner orders SOAP as opposed to all the other delicious items on the menu? Or ladies, let's just say your friend comes visiting and while you prepare something to entertain her she starts munching your bar soap, or licking your detergent? What would you do?

Did you say impossible? Then you haven't heard about 19 year old Tempestt Henderson (by the way, why would someone be named Tempest? Even with the spelling variation, all I can think about is the dictionary meaning... *sigh*)

Tempestt licking detergent.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk



27TH JANUARY: WE STILL REMEMBER

I remember, just like yesterday, the day had started like any other. It was a Sunday, so the quietness in the neighbourhood was understandable. And then suddenly, I felt it. The vibrations and quaking of the ground. The noise of the windows slamming shut.

For a minute I thought Nigeria was experiencing her first earthquake. Running out, I noticed the bright lights in the distance. No... these weren't fireworks.

As I stood there watching, the man-induced evil was taking its course.

Lives of the innocent - men, women, children of all ages - were wasted, all because a few people, whom unfortunately have been mandated to safeguard lives and properties, had failed at their duty.

We may never know what really happened on that 'Black Sunday', but we would forever remember the future leaders, bread winners, benefactors and dependants, who for fear of the unknown, made unscheduled journeys to the land of no return.

It’s been 9 years, while many do not remember; those who lost loved ones continually say their prayers while others who have been rendered homeless count their losses. 

The question is, are the armouries safe now? Or have the bombs changed hands and locations for explosion?

Aren’t we all, as residents in Lagos and indeed Nigeria sitting on bombs that can explode at any moment?

Award for Stylish and Versatile Bloggers

I am indeed overgasted and flabberwhelmed (ok you can switch the words before you tear the dictionary apart) at this nominations. Special thanks to NAIJAMUM, WILD BOY , PRISM and TEGA for finding me worthy; this for me, is a challenge to be more committed to blogging.

So back to the awards, the rules are as follows:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.
2. Tell us 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 15 other bloggers.
4. Contact these bloggers and let them know they have won

Here are 7 random things about me:

1.    I play the Cello and hope to learn to play saxophone and clarinet soon.

2.    I've never suffered stage fright in my entire life, I had my first stage performance at age 5, in fact, I think I was born for public speaking.

However, Acute Shy Mode is activated when I'm on a date (especially first dates). I don’t know how or why it happens, I just feel so uncomfortable when I have to eat with someone staring.

3.    I’d rather stay home gisting with my family and watching movies than move about in the blazing sun. Hence, I try to plan my itinerary well so I can clear out all outings in one day.

4.    I really do not know which I love more – politics or sports. I’m almost sure that at some point in future, I’ll venture into politics, most probably by appointment.

5.    I plan on visiting all the continents. Deep down inside, I’m an aspiring globe-trotter.

6.    My favourite food is plantain (does that even make sense?) Plantain is the only thing I can eat and not get tired. And yes, I eat it with virtually any and everything – rice, beans, porridge, eba, bread... yes Bread!

I eat it boiled, fried, roasted as well as mashed and baked( you’ll need pepper, eggs, etc). My mum has given up, trying to change me is a waste of time... I love me some plantain. Yummy!

7.    I totally believe in love...yes LOVE! It’s soooo simple, there’s someone out there for everyone, you just need to find him/her to know what I’m talking about. Did I mention that I like them tall? Ahhh... I'm about 5'8

in my stilettos and thus far I've attracted only 5'10 or taller brothers... but somehow I keep having this feeling I'm going to end up with a dude my height or inches shorter. Weird hehn?!

I hereby tag:

1. Ladyguide

2. Tamunoibifiri Mobolaji - Kamson

3. Gbemisoke

4. Mbabezi

5. Iani

6. Lara

7. 2cute4u

8. Fluffycutething

9. Af

10. Doll

11. Qmoney

12. T notes

13.Notmadblackwoman

14. Miss A

15. Omoteedlaw

Phew...! Okay, so now that you've been tagged, please prepare your acceptance speech and follow the instructions. QED

AWAY FROM SERIOUS BUSINESS

Hi people, as you all may have noticed already, its politics, politics and more politics in Nigeria at the moment. Political parties are holding their primaries to determine who will represent them during the presidential polls in April. Yesterday, (January 13th) delegates of the ruling party - PDP - voted President (Dr.) Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as their flag bearer. I'm sure you all have overdosed on the details already.

To take our minds off the PDP comedy primaries, here's a selection of 'political cartoons' (sorry its politics again but hey, they are just cartoons... Enjoy!

1. Jona and friends 

2. 'To hell with the cabal' says Dora Akunyili

3. Did IBB step aside or did he get 'flung aside'?

4. Sanusi catches the lawmakers redhanded

5.Epileptic power supply

6.Yerima marries 13year old

7.The masses suffer while the elites say AYE to enjoyment.

8.Corruption in high places

9.Is Goodluck enough? ... Guess we're yet to find out

10.Consensus express

 11.Corrupt Governors and the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission

 12. In sickness and in health... till God do us part

13.Corrupt Nigerian legislators

14.Octopus PDP grabs its all... RIP Octopus Paul

  
15.Blame it on AbdulMuttalab

16.Like a thief in the night...

17.LDR - Long Distant Regime

18.Politicians on rampage

19.All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others - Napoleon

20. What You See Is What 'We' Get

These cartoons are the brain child of Etim Bassey Asukwo, a journalist with Business Day Newspapers. He's also a retired blogger, check out www.asukwo.blogspot.com for more hilarious and thought provoking sketches.

*Pictures courtesy www.cp-africa.com and www.asukwo.blogspot.com.

R. S. V. P. 2011

As Nigerians, we are at that point again, in the making of our political history, where we have to take our fate in our hands and decide how we want to be led into the future which unfortunately many have already written off as bleak.

It is time to begin the ever worrisome process of choosing those who would on our behalf, think, promulgate and execute laws that should take us to 'the promise land' or at least guide us in the path towards it.

Come April 2011, Nigerians aged 18 and above, would file out to vote-in another crop of political leaders. Many have concluded that it would be business as usual - stolen ballot boxes, mass thumb printing and poll-centre hijacking etc - however, I'll like to ask that we all do our best to ensure it isn’t.

The future we all talk about will someday be our present. When that day comes, we don’t want to be full of regrets.

We have blamed our fathers long enough forgetting our children will blame us even more if we fail. It is time to practice what we've preached, let's do our part and leave the rest. Be the face of the change you seek.

REGISTER: Come January 15th, the registers would be officially opened for eligible electorates, do make out time and register in the area where you intend to cast your votes. Observe the process with keen interest, check the slip and ensure your name is correctly spelt. Keep your slip for verification thereafter.

SELECT: The primary purpose of every election is to identify the people's choice of leader through their votes. There are quite a number of candidates veering for various positions, endeavour to identify them all. Gather as much information as you can on each of them, let your fact finding include, their past, records of achievements and misdemeanours and most importantly their manifesto. Do this before Election Day (April) and decide whom you will be casting your votes for.

Politics of rice, beans, recharge cards and tee shirts would only produce 'Ghana must go' hugging leaders. Choose wisely.

VOTE: The elections have been slated to hold in April. It is tempting to sit back at home and watch movies all day - please don't! Make your way back to the registration centre or designated polling points and CAST YOUR VOTE. It is important because if you don't, you'll be helping some undeserving candidate get into office. Remember, political thugs find it easier to carry out mass thumb printing on empty/unused ballot papers. Don’t give them the chance.

PROTECT: When you're done casting your vote. Monitor it, ensure it is counted, keep the records and compare with the ones INEC releases later.

Remember, your Smartphones are not only entertainment gizmos; they can help create the future we hope for as Nigerians. Monitor proceedings and share pictures, text messages, reports, videos and other forms of data on social networks (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube etc).

While you're at it, be careful, only the living can tell a story.

LONG LIVE NIGERIA,

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

For more information, visit:

www.inecnigeria.org

www.enoughisenoughnigeria.com.

INEC = Independent National Electoral Commission

Exit 2010 -----> Enter 2011

The Year 2011 is finally here. As usual, the crossover was amidst jubilations and colourful displays, at least for most people. I'm happy to be here, living unaided... I mean unaided by technology (remember Late President Yar' Adua this time last year) but definitely by my creator's grace.

The year 2010 was highly anticipated many years before the millennium started, I remember Vision 2010 and the likes from as far back as 1999. One doesn’t need a statistician to know Nigeria failed in realising the goals so widely publicised in the dailies.

I am not one to make New Year resolutions, I write prayer points instead, it’s a reflection of my faith and how I continually wish to live my life. Each of these prayer points represent goals I work smart to achieve.

Its 100% of 50 – 50 for me... for each item on the list, I pray earnestly for what I want (the first 50) and then, I work towards achieving them (the other 50). While praying, I study the scriptures and sometimes fast (that is, if my body, workload and energy level permits, make person no go *kpeme)... that to me, is 100%.

In working smart, I make a *SMART plans and try all available alternatives so that in the end, even if I do not hit the mark, I would have satisfied my conscience that I did all I could.

Year 2010 was not exactly how I hoped it would be, I lived a lot on HOPE... on COURAGE and then with DETERMINATION.

I had called it year two thousand and thanks... as I look back at the various moments... I am indeed thankful.

Thankful for the lifestyle changes I finally made

Thankful for now, more than ever, I know who I am... and who I want to be

Thankful for the disappointments... they helped me become more determined

Thankful for my family, friends and foes...

Thankful for every minute I spent making someone else happy

During the Christmas celebrations, I wasn’t even sure what to expect or look forward to in 2011, but now I know...

I remember the *Yoruba adage...

Apé kó tó jeun kii je bajé

Direct translation: He who eats late, would not eat spoilt food.

Actual translation: The patient dog eats the fattest bone.

(It is more profitable to exercise patience while seeking a durable solution, in difficult situations than to hastily accept an ill-conceived solution)

Ení bá dami sí wájú, á te ile tútu

 Direct translation: He who pours water on the floor would walk on a wet/cool ground.

Actual translation: You shall reap what you sow

Subsequently, I have concluded that all I did in 2010 was SOW... the seeds of kindness, love, hard work and plenty of sacrifice.

As expected, after SOWING comes REAPING... and considering the many seeds I have sown, the HARVEST must be BOUNTIFUL. So much that there will be enough to go around for me to INVEST in other people...

It is with this in mind that I say...

 Welcome To Year Two Thousand and ELEVATE!

Note

*Kpeme = pidgin word for die

**SMART plan = acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-based

***Yoruba= a language spoken predominantly in the South West of Nigeria