Little Drops of Water

It doesn't necessarily start to pour when it rains. It sometimes starts with gentle drips.  Even the heaviest downpour starts with little drops before gaining momentum.

 Altair Urbano via photopin cc

 These little drops are signs which alerts to heavier drops to come. It might begin with sporadic burst of rain drops before becoming a consistent shower but it will be utter foolishness to disregard the tiny drops. Little drops of rain affords one the opportunity to project and plan for the likelihood of heavier showers. As a young girl growing up in the not so posh side of town, rainfalls were well appreciated. Its free water saving most families the stress of  the long walk to fetch water for household purposes. It also affords the kids the opportunity to play in the rain naked and unabashed.

 Frederic Mancosu via photopin cc

As pleasurable as  playing in the rain was, nothing beats the anticipation of the rain itself.  The gentle pit pat of rain drops on the roof tops and the sweet musky smell of wet sand was heavenly. The smattering of sounds on the rooftop was all the neighbourhood needed to start gathering available empty buckets and pans to collect rain water.

It doesn't necessarily have to be much but the anticipation was all the same. The people knew that little will go a long way to alleviate the constant water shortage and the accumulation of little becomes much. They knew that the tiny drops was a symbol of much more to come.

Elijah the Tishbite understood this principle in 1Kings 18. After the land had experienced intense drought for thee years, Elijah prayed that it would rain again but Heaven did not immediately open its gates and poured rain. What Elijah saw instead was a "little cloud no bigger than a man's  hand" 1 King 18:44. It was a little cloud but it was good enough for Elijah. In that "littleness" was packed  everything that Elijah had prayed and expected.

My little boy with autism did an interesting thing some weeks ago that got me on my knees giving glory to God. You see with autism, you have to initiate and motivate good behaviour which could try the patience of even Mother Theresa and I'm no Mother Theresa!!

It was breakfast time and the menu was weetabix but Joshua was having none of it. Instead of throwing the usual tantrum to express his frustration, he gently pushed away the box of cereal, walked to the cupboard and brought out branflakes! In teary amazement, I gave him a hug and breakfast was tantrum-free.

My boy now pro actively makes requests and asserts his preferences. I almost did a triple jump  the day he gently opened the front passenger seat of my car showing his desire to sit beside me. These "little" milestones  might seem ordinary to other parents but to me it was  all the sign I needed.  Its about to pour "rain" in my household and my empty pots and buckets are ready for the flood

. The little drops of water is gradually becoming streams of water. The years of drought is over and I am overjoyed. I can see the little drops of water in my son's life, how about you? Don't give up yet! Whatever the situation,never discountenance the evidence of "little" that you are seeing; with God little is much!! If the "little cloud no bigger than a man's fist" was good enough for Elijah, then I'ma start celebrating.

Heaven's Intervention

*Amaka* was inconsolable! Every effort made by the doctors to make her take her medication fell on deaf ears. She wanted none of their attention. She just wanted to sleep and never wake up. Her pain was not caused by her wounds, it stemmed more from the heart. She felt forlorn and lonely. "Let me die", She screamed at the doctors, managing to clench herself into a ball despite her pain.

Her gut wrenching wail broke my heart as I walked pass her room. Thirty minutes later, the doctors managed to get her to sleep and I could hear her gentle snore interjected with burst of sobbing but at least she was getting some semblance of rest. The next day one of the doctors asked if I could help with Amaka. He felt I might be able to talk with her as we were both from Nigeria. I was not a nurse but I understood what it meant to survive a traumatic experience and rejection at the same time.  Amaka was a survivor of kerosine explosion. She'd suffered massive degree burns to her body especially her face. It was back in 2003 and doctors had told her there was only so much that plastic surgery could do. As I tip toed into her room, my heart broke at the sight of the young lady sobbing in the corner of her room. Without much ado, I tiptoed over to her and held her in my arms. In the throes of her pain, she didn't notice my entrance and my arms around her did not startle her either-she was lost in pain. I managed to wipe her tears while we sat in silence , two strangers in a  hospital far from home brought together by physical loss and trauma.

 Amaka's story wasn't new. Its an old tale of rejection in the wake of challenges. Following the explosion, her supposed fiancé never showed up at the hospital nor made any attempt to see her. He wouldn't even take her calls! He just disappeared. They were meant to marry August of that year while she suffered the accident in June. That unfortunate accident busted her marital dream.

"whatever happened to "together forever"? the poor girl cried. I was tempted to crucify the guy's action but I knew better having experienced such when I lost partial use of my right hand in an accident in which over sixty people died. You see some people are not built to with-stand challenges. Many simply abscond when something out of the norm confronts them. When there is a deviation from a set of expectation, they bail out! Their reasons may range from pride, other people's opinion, financial ability or simply cowardice. I do know the story of a man in the bible who was tempted to bail out from a situation he did not bargain for-Joseph the earthly father of Jesus. Imagine the audacity of his soon-to-be wife telling him she was pregnant by the holy spirit! who is fooling who? The little wench must been playing hanky panky behind his back. Mindful of the disgrace and even consequence of the pre-marital conception in that era, he purposed to quietly put her away to face the shame and punishment alone until HEAVEN INTERVENED.

"an angel of the lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived of her is from the Holy Spirit....when Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the lord commanded him and took Mary home as his wife" Matthew 1:20-24.

Despite Mary's explanations, Joseph was bent on bowing out of a situation that didn't conform with his plan  until HEAVEN INTERVENED.

There is only so much an individual can do to restore a broken relationship or win back a loved one except heaven intervenes. In the words of Paula White "whatever is for you, no power from hell can take from you". No need crying over spilt milk. It might hurt for a while but trust that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28.

In the wake of personal challenges instead of wasting over energy situations you can't help concentrate on restoring order back into your life. Eat well, exercise, pray, meditate on the word of God, in short get your groove you back on. If that person is for you, he'll coming running and if not, you are better off without them. "they went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us they would have remained with us but their going showed that none of then belonged to us" 1 John 2:9

"Knowledge is power" An Ebola Survivor's story

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Ebola pandemic ravaging parts of Africa is cause for great concern even for the international community as a result of global travel. In countries like Liberia, thousands of lives have been lost without semblance of hope in sight. The trail of death is likened to the effect of biological warfare-devastating and horrific! In the midst of these trying news, it is with elation that news of someone surviving the horrors of these disease hits the news. I read with joy the story of Dr. Ada Igonoh one of the doctors that had contact with the late Patrick Sawyer(the first identified case of Ebola in Nigeria) and her survival story. Aside from the many reasons she highlighted, Dr.Igonoh narrated how she researched the Ebola disease even more after her diagnoses further enhancing her chances of survival. She did not depend solely on the doctors but helped herself by getting information on the disease. Information is liberating and knowledge is power. "my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" Hosea 4:6.  
The story is told of a man in the 1900 who went on a cruse from England to America. He never ate on board the ship throughout the trip as he though the ticket only covered his travel but not the meals. The "poor" man brought his own food for the long journey. At the end of the trip, the Captain asked why they never saw him at meal times. The man explained his reason to the Captain. The Captain replied, "sir, the ticket included all the meals as well". I'm sure the man felt stupid  but it was no one's fault but his!! There is no bliss in ignorance.  Beyond what you learn in church, dust the cobwebs off your bible and study.

picture courtesy Miss Pitite Nigeria blogspot.

Be inspired by Dr. Ada's story. Read more

My Little Red Jacket

The only thing permanent in life is CHANGE-so the saying goes! Already signs of winter is rife in the air. The gentle cool breeze in the evenings is a sure evidence of the coming of the cold nights. Not so long ago, the weather was warm and the summer heat unbearable yet enjoyable. Alas the summer sun is desperately struggling to shine through the clouds while we beg for to it abide a little longer. Even the sounds of the ice cream van is fast becoming a distant memory. Reluctantly, the winter jumpers are finding their way from the back of the closet to a handy reach and the fire places are being lit to give extra warmth in the evenings.  Oh where did the summer go!! how fast the time slide like sand between the fingers!!
In  a little while the trees will shed their luscious green leaves and bear the brunt of the winter cold. However, winter does not have to be dismal neither should it sound the death knell of joy, spontaneous laughter, endless fun and feeling of camaraderie among people. A winter jacket is a staple for everyone living in cold prone regions. It is as essential as food. Most people during the cold season prefer black coloured coats because it creates more warmth but not me. Three years ago, I bought a beautiful red jacket which reminds me of the one worn  in the movie Red Riding hood-you can't help but notice (seriously, I think I was mistaken for Mrs Clause twice..lol).

picture courtesy jay-elx.blogspot.com  

My red jacket stands out in the crowd and draws attention even without my wanting it. It is bold, radiant, captivating and I say it also enhances my good features..lol.  Black is bland, despite its functionality it is not exciting. It blends in with the crowd but that's not what we are called to do as children of God. We are called to be different.
Like the season, challenges come and go but you have a choice to either be swallowed up in the darkness or stand out with a can-do attitude of praise. Praise is hard in moments of difficulty but most times its the only way up. Praise changes your perspective in a dreary situation and focuses on a mighty God-IT'S AN OPEN INVITE TO HEAVEN'S BEST. IT'S AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE. Remember, "weeping may endure fore a night but joy cometh in the morning" Psalm 30:5. 
I don't know the trying challenges that you are facing but know that help is just a heartful of praise away. 
"Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches". Joel 2:22..

The day I prayed in Yoruba

It was an unusual kind of day. For some inexplicable reason I woke up cranky, sad and very much upset. There was no obvious reason for my foul mood as I'd gone to bed the previous night happy and ready to conquer whatever the dawn would bring in its wake. But I woke up defeated and angry at the world and at myself-angry at where I was and how I'd stupidly allowed myself to be browbeaten by life. Before the dark thoughts could overwhelm and totally ruin my day, I rolled onto my knees and prayed. The words that rolled out of my tongue were not the grand words that I was used to but the heartfelt cry of a little girl that I'd lost her way. As I poured my heart out, I realised I was praying in a not so familiar language. Not so familiar because I use the language to converse but never actually pray. You see, I was born in a Yoruba speaking part of Nigeria but I'm not a Yoruba girl by origin. To make matters more interesting, I was born in the not so much posh side of town so I know how to get down and dirty in the language. I can read, write and rap freestyle in the language. That day years back, the only interesting and fascinating thing I was doing in Yoruba was pouring my feelings at the feet of the one who loves and cares for me, in a language dear to me. Despite all my claim to Western education, the deep part of me is still that small Yoruba speaking girl and it was that little girl that reached out to the Master's feet after all the bible says "Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me" Psalm 42:7. In order to experience a deeper intimacy with God, there was no room that morning for excessive grammar or pretence before the one who knew me even before creation "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations" Jeremiah 1:5 Hannah in the book of 1 Samuel definitely understands my position. She found herself in the temple brow beaten by barreness and humiliated by her husband's other woman. When she opened her mouth to pray, no audible word came forth only a heartfelt mumble that only God understood. Many times in the place of prayer words will fail but thank God for the HOLY SPIRIT. "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" Romans 8:26-27 "Intimacy with God is found in the realm of the spirit" BENNY HINN. It is a place of perfect communion and fellowship with God-no barriers or hindrances only easy and free access to the almighty." it is at times like this that words become inadequate because spoken words are the expression of the mind and not the soul. Words cease and you stop asking. Only your heart can speak as it erupts in worship". It is a heartfelt, deep level cry, communication and fellowship..TOTALLY AWESOME. That morning, I got on my knees broken but when the Yoruba little girl in me cried out, I rose up strengthened and my countenance brightened. I love that little girl in me , she is the reason I still smile through it all. P. S, THE CELEBRITY BABY PICTURE IS MY DARLING PRINCESS JANIS OBONNA..IS'NT SHE GORGEOUS....AND THAT MY FRIENDS AIN'T A QUESTION!

Dealing With Anxiety #hotchocolateforcoldmornings

Today's hot chocolate for cold morning will be dealing with anxiety. I was a worrier like Martha in Luke 10:38-42, easily distracted and desiring everything to be picture perfect. Unfortunately,things don't normally turn out as envisaged-relationships get broken, people get hurt, betrayed and food get burnt...lol. Worrying never changes anything rather makes things worse. In trying to get things done, people get stepped on and saddest of all you miss out on the greatest opportunity in life. In the case of Martha, she was busy trying to create the perfect atmosphere for Jesus so much that she almost missed out on the greatest moment which was "to be and learn" at the feet of Jesus unlike her sister Mary "Martha, Martha", the Lord answered, " are worried and upset about many things but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her". Anxiety stressfully puts at the fore what should be at the latter. It is trying to control everything within and outside your sphere of influence. Anxiety occurs when man tries to pay God. Ever seen a rocking chair? Well worry is like sitting on a rocking chair and having some semblance of motion but not really going anywhere! Sadly,when you act out in anxiety or worry you ultimately make wrong decisions. Great decisions are never made in anxious moments (Go watch Men in Black III-Will Smith's partner refused to make a life altering decision till he had eaten a calming bowl of pie and it worked ...lol). Some years ago I found myself practically tied up in knots over some issues I had no obvious control over. My seeming helplessness made me very unhappy and frustrated. That night, I called up a dear friend and she gave me this advice that I'm going to share with you. Her advice was that I take life "ONE DAY AT A TIME" . You see anxiety is worrying about the challenges of tomorrow and the bible rightly says "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:24. its like worrying about dinner when you've not eaten breakfast. That sounds foolish put like that doesn't it? but we find ourselves acting foolishly most times despite our best intentions. What do you do when anxious thoughts come knocking? Scripture says "cast your cares upon the lord and He'll give you rest. What a great pleasure for the soul when it knows someone else is handling its problem. Moreover, worrying causes premature wrinkles and is the major cause of heart related problems. kindly give those anxious thought s a rest-LET GO AND LET GOD

When to Pray by Greg Laurie

The importance of prayer cannot be over emphasised in the life of a believer. According to a popular saying "a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian". Too many Christians have become play tools for the enemy due to a non-existent, Luke-warm or faithless prayer life. So I am devoting more time to the topic of Prayer-WE ALL NEED A FRESH DOSE OF "FIRE". Enjoy this article by Greg Laurie of Harvest Ministeries Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. —James 5:13 When we find ourselves in trying circumstances, often the temptation is to strike out at the person who helped bring those circumstances upon us. Or, we want to blame someone for our state of affairs. We may even become mad at God for allowing this in our lives. Or, we might wallow in self-pity. But when we are afflicted, when we are suffering, or when we are in trouble, God tells us what we should do: pray. Why? For one thing, it just may be that God might remove that problem because of our prayers. That is not to say that God always will take our afflictions, suffering, or troubles away. But sometimes He will. By simply bringing our circumstances before the Lord and acknowledging our need and dependence on Him, we can see God intervene in the situation we are presently facing. Prayer can also give us the grace we need to endure trouble and be brought much closer to God. James 5:13 tells us, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray." The word suffering used here also could be translated "in trouble" or "in distress." Is anyone among you in trouble? Are you distressed? Then you should pray. So when the bottom drops out, when you feel you are just hanging by a thread, when circumstances have become incredibly difficult, or when they have grown worse by the minute, what should you do? You should pray. You should pray when you are afflicted. You should pray when you are sick. You should pray when you are corrupted by sin. And you should pray when specific needs occur. Pray, and don't give up.

This too shall pass

Several years ago I was called out to Joshua’s school for a meeting with his teachers. He'd suddenly started limping and the teachers were worried. He'd not been involved in any physical exercise that could have caused the limp neither had anyone seen him fall. Of course, as a parent I was worried as he'd been fine when I dropped him off earlier that day. The school nurse checked him for any broken bone or bruise but found nothing, absolutely nothing. With a smile I took my limping son home. I noticed he was not just limping but dragging his right leg as if it was crippled, practically lifeless. I watched as he dragged the leg while playing oblivious to the panic in my heart. What could have caused this limp in addition to every other thing going on in my little boy's life? At least he doesn't seem to be in pain but I didn't like the way he was dragging his foot. It’s bad enough having to explain to everyone that my cute little boy had no words now this! This went on for three weeks and just like it started my boy started walking normally again. Since then we've gone through the aggression and hitting, screaming, crying cum laughing, scratching almost self harm phase. Josh would just jump off his seat and start crying and screaming, absolutely inconsolable. I understand the medical explanations but it hurts when you can't help your child's behaviour and all you could just do is try to hug the pain away. *Sigh* At that stage I would envelope myself in sadness expressed in tears but it never assuaged the situation only made it worse as I would not be good company to be with or around. It took a while before I realised this "moments" only lasted for a while. They were uncomfortable, unpleasant but they soon passed away. I have lost count of the number of times I was called out from school and work so much I thought I could not cope anymore....but I coped very well and also found favour with my lecturers and bosses. It was during those trying moments that I got a Masters, Diploma in journalism, produced a radio documentary, got two professional certification etc. Looking back now God is indeed faithful. I am encouraged by Psalm 23:1-4 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me”. In those challenging perched moments God will refresh your soul after all scriptures says “he provides waters in desolate heights” isn’t that amazing!! Be reassured whatever is making you cry, breaks your heart or seems impossible this day shall also pass way. IT’S JUST A PHASE. I still get those odd calls from my son’s school but I have a better perspective and I tell the situation I AINT BOVERED!!! To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Eccl 3:1-8

MAKE THE CHANGE THAT COUNTS.

It was Friday prayer meeting and I was restless. I couldn't understand nor dislodge this sense of urgency in my spirit. I really wanted the service to be over so I could go home and get "fierce" in my private prayer closet. More than ever before, I had this pressing desire to burst (not pee but "birth pangs"). I didn't stay for the usual chit-chat after the meeting but made a quick dash for home. You would think that that'd I'd jump straight into my prayer closet as planned but I didn’t. Rather, I made a detour to my library and picked up this book written by my good friend and professional colleague OLUDARE MAYOWA titled MAKE THE CHANGE THAT COUNTS. I've known Mayowa for eleven years and he put me through the ropes when I was transferred to the business desk at my job. I was a total green horn at Stock issues and he introduced me to the best reporters at the capital market. MAKE THE CHANGE THAT COUNTS caught my attention and blew my mind. It is an intellectual discourse that can hold its own on any international bookstand. The issues are underpinned with Christian principle yet not overwhelmed with religious dogma. It is a practical guide for people that truly desire a mind-set and life style change. The book has a universal appeal as the issues addressed are directed at people in every sphere of life- christian and non christians,professionals, students, singles and married people who desire a change that will impact their lives and environment. You see human beings have a way of taking one another for granted probably because of presumed knowledge about the person. We lock people in a box and define them based on our knowledge of their past and experiences. This is not unlike how Jesus was treated when he went to Nazareth. The bible recorded that Jesus could not perform many miracles in his home town because of the people’s unbelief. “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.” Mark 6:3. After reading this book, I have a new found respect for my dear friend. My mind was opened to read a book written by someone close to me. I did not allow the prism of my knowledge and relationships with Mayowa prevent me from reading the book. This simple but deliberate step therefore unlocked the change that I so crave and write about. Change is possible even if the path is overrun with challenges. The outcome of your change is determined by how bad you desire the change, the principles that fuel your goals, the relationships you keep and your ability to be focused and not give up on your dream of a BETTER YOU. The themes in this book resonate with the experiences I’ve shared on this blog and offer more; acknowledge your past, learnt from it, forgive, heal and MOVE ON . It doesn’t matter how you got into the rut in the first place or who put you there. We’ve read so much about how Jacob cheated Esau off his birth right. My study shows that he set the spiritual challenges rolling himself by selling his birth right. He came back from work tired and hungry and exchanged his inheritance for food! Gen 25:24 clearly states that “Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew”. He ate and drank, and then got up and left”. Esau never considered the wider implication of that seemingly mindless action but later blamed Jacob-say what? Some of us are reeling from the consequences of seemingly harmless actions. If you over eat, you get fat; you have unprotected sex, you get pregnant; you dabble into crime, you get caught and go to jail. It’s as simple as that! However you can determine to break free from the chains of the past and be a brand new you. Esau did. After he lost his blessings to Esau, God said he will be beneath Jacob until he tires and BREAK FREE. "And it shall come to pass, when you become restless, that you shall break his yoke from your neck.” Gen 27:40.. The choice was his. Fast forward years later in Genesis 33, the lord had blessed him too. Until you become restless with the status -quo, YOU CANNOT MAKE THE CHANGE THAT COUNTS. In the journey to a better me, I’ve made some dietary and lifestyle changes. The result might not be visible yet but it will soon show. Dare to make that change today.