Sometimes the woman is King

'Sometimes, the King is a woman.' Sometimes the onus of taking critical decisions falls on the woman. I feel some type of way however using the word 'sometimes.' It depicts an abnormality; a deviation from a norm which should not exist in the first place. It gives credence to the benevolence extended to women who thrive. The King figuratively speaking, can be the man or the woman.

Do I think men and women are equal?

Mrs. Shu remains one of the most happy-go-lucky women I ever met. My memories of her are her chirpy laughter and her signature cookies. Always welcoming and nice, it was hard to believe she didn't have kids of her own. I often wondered how could be do happy and giving.

Once I saw her convert a room in her home to cater to guests she did not know personally. One of the beneficiaries unknown to Mrs Shu was a big shot. He asked her to mention anything she wanted but she declined.

One year later, Mrs Shu birthed little Shu. Rumour had it that Mr. Big Shot had prayed to his God to bless her with a child.

Little Shu had a head accident one day and ran to his papa who was working, who in turn sent him to his mama because he couldn't handle that kind of pressure. She swung into action immediately. Asked her driver to go on full speed until she got to Mr Big Shot. Mr. Big Shot came and handled the situation.

Mr and Mrs Shu understood their areas of strength and weakness. He was introverted, she was extroverted. They had differences that made them strong and provided balance. Are men and women equal? No! Equal would mean sameness. No two men or two women are the same. How much more preaching equality between two completely different group of homosapiens. Men and women are UNIQUE and DISTINCT and should be allowed to EQUALLY function in their areas of capacity.

Society tells women and men what is expected from them and how they must fit into certain roles even when it doesn't come naturally to them. Ultimately, everyone gets frustrated.

So this is my submission:
If the woman likes to cook, she should cook.
If the man likes to cook, he should cook.
If the woman is enabled to provide, she should.
If the man is enabled to provide, he should.
Both man and woman should be parents and share responsibilities that showcase their strengths.

Get you a man/woman who understands that marriage is a partnership of two equally unique individuals. No one's role should be undermined.

We are equally unique. Let love rule.

Peace, love and sunshine.

Your favourite writer girl,

Love.

Why I love pictures

There's something graceful about pictures. A simple shot holds so many stories -narratives of joy, pain, happiness, fulfilment, battles, values and peace. These tales known only to the person in the picture and not the one who captures the image.

Pictures have a way of reminding you not to forget- who you are, who you were, what you have and what you had. It's so easy to forget. They serve as a memorial of battles you fought and won or lost. Friends who stood the test of time or the ones who betrayed you.

Everyone smiles in a picture. Onlookers would see a beautiful picture when they look but only you know know the story(ies) behind the picture.

I love pictures. I love to capture memories. They help me stay grounded and level headed. It helps me remain thankful as I can compare where I was to where I am. I have pictorial evidence.

These pictures remind me that I am strong. They hold stories of fighting and winning. And losing too. It reminds me of how I started from nothing and built something beautiful. It reminds me of friends who had my back when I had nothing to offer. It reminds me of family who supported my dreams. It reminds me of betrayal. It reminds me of the beautiful ones who looked up to me. I had to be strong for them when I couldn't be for myself. It reminds me that my purpose is not about how I feel. It reminds me that I can always make do with what I have. It reminds me that there are no perfect conditions. It reminds me of toil and sweat. It reminds me of letting go and moving on. It reminds me that there are always more grounds to conquer. It reminds me that God is always there. It reminds me that God's silence is also an answer. It reminds me of the lengths I went for survival. I actually forgot I once handcut and sold vegetables to supermarkets. It reminds me that I am resilient and brave. It reminds me that I am beautiful. It reminds me that God always chooses me for the toughest battles because He trusts me. It reminds me to always be optimistic about the future. It reminds me to always see the beauty in chaos.

Why do you love pictures?
#Throwback

Peace, love and sunshine.

Your favourite writer girl,
Love.

The prize

'The roads were dark and deserted.

I could hear echoes of my own breadth and birds chirping away.

Still I pushed on. Walking as fast as my feet could carry me.

The sound from my slippers- 'kpish kpash' kept me company on the lonely road.

It was getting really late. I contemplated turning back but how I could I come this far and lose. And return with nothing?

Yes, in all honestly, I wasn't quite sure what the prize was. The Voice did not reveal. There was something about The Voice that made me believe there was a prize somewhere. And whatever it was, it would be worth it.

Alone on my lane, I caught a glimpse of others who walked in groups and had flashlights. Their light hearted banter was endearing. It would be nice to have such company but The Voice said this was a solo trip for me. I had so many cuts and bruises from groping in the dark and falling way too many times. 'What kind of journey is this one?' He said something about trusting in the power of my sight especially when I couldn't see. Rada rada

It did not make sense but I continued. Finally, I was at the end of the road. He said 'Turn right' and in that instant, the entire place was lighted up with halogen bulbs that made the flashlights I had seen earlier insignificant.

The Voice said 'Look.' I looked ahead of me and I must have frozen for what seemed like 10,800 seconds. He was the most beautiful creature ever. He walked towards me and I felt an eruption in my heart. His eyes so radiant, Michael Ealy got nothing on him. His lips looked like they had been kissed by God. He held my hands and said, 'Let me love You.'

I hastily freed my hands from his. 'Me? Why me?'

'Because like you, I have been on a journey searching for my prize and I was led here. Now that I've found You, I'm not about to let you slip away', he said.

I blushed and whispered a silent thank-you to The Voice and then said, 'Hi, my name is Love.' He replied, 'My name is Whatever-you-want-me-to-be and I will walk 1000 more deserted roads for you'

I love you.😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

Peace, love and sloppy wet kisses.

Your favourite writer girl,

Love.

PUMA is what you call PUMA

I lost my shoes today🙈 It's even more embarrassing to say I lost it at the market. I had gone to the market from the office and my shoes were not market friendly.

Could I have managed it? YES! but then I saw PUMA slippers of life😂 As per 'Designer babe lomo confirm', I paid for the slippers. I kid! I actually didn't know 'PUMA' was what was written on my N600 slippers. Trust my beloved Nigerians to bring you counterfeit products at great prices 🤣. I actually saw the seller with different designs and the shoes on my feet suddenly felt too tight. The #Ojukokoro in me was ignited. Sigh. I put my shoes in the polythene bag and waltzed away in my PUMA.

It was temporary pleasure. I would never pick the 'PUMA' over my nameless flat spiked shoe.😏 As I was about to get into the car, after the euphoria of my new slippers had cleared, I asked, 'Where are my shoes?'. I went into way too many shops, I could not even begin to figure out where it could be plus I was running late. I'm back home with my slippers but no shoes.

I pray that you do not lose out on what's important because of a facade that glitters. They will fade. Hold on to what is true. To what is real. Stick to he who has proved himself than to a sweet tongued fairy tale that cannot stand the test of time.

Does it feel right? Is your heart at peace? Do you laugh for no reason? Does it/he/she make you happy? Does it/he/she make you better? If YES, then go ahead with it and silent the 'buts'. Yes it may be uncomfortable now but remember that shoes expand with more usage. Would you rather end with a fake PUMA? 🙄. An 'original' PUMA sef may not be for you. God may be calling to be a brand of your own. Don't sell yourself short by taking on an identity that is not yours.

Don't be an ojukokoro. Treasure what you have. PUMA is what YOU call PUMA. ADIDAS is what YOU call ADIDAS. In my eyes, my Honda is a Bentley #ArgueWithYourBrother 😋

P.s I still plan to go back to look for my shoes. I hope it's not too late.

Peace, love and sunshine.

Your favourite writer girl,

Love.

You amaze me

The best friend and I wrote this song together and we are super duper excited to have it featured on Naij.com.
Mama, look at how we made it😁😁😁😁. Our song 'You amaze Me' is at Number 4 on Naij.com today. We are the only gospel track also. Yikes!!!!! Apparently our song is one of the HOTTEST song at the moment #WeAreTheMovement #JesusTiTakeover Gifted Ehi Sammy
https://www.naija.ng/1166213-check-11-hottest-nigerian-songs-moment.html#1166213

You can download via this link https://gospelmenu.com/sound/track/236345/you-amaze-me-ft-love-omoraiyewa

You are only as good as what you put on the inside

I started to drink more water, my skin began to pop. It didn't take too long for me to realize that what I put on the inside determined the results I got on the outside. I make a decision daily to be intentional about what goes into my mind, body and spirit because I am a reflection of them on the outside.

No one was taking responsibility for one particular flower pot in the school premises. It was most often overlooked and forgotten perhaps because of its location. Because the other flowers were blossoming, the Director (aka my mother) asked Mr. Sunday (The person that makes things happen) to uproot the root so we could plant another. We had concluded that this specie was dysfunctional.

Mr. Sunday did not uproot it. He built a faux hedge made with an old carton and barb wires around it. This was to prevent people from touching it and disturbing it's growth. He watered it religiously and ensured it had its fair share of sunlight. After a few weeks, he took out the hedge and I was speechless. I saw some sprouts and today, it's a full flower pot.

What you pour into yourself and what others pour into you are important.

Do you believe enough in yourself to sow the right seeds? To speak positive things in contrary situations. To take care of your body because you deserve it. To continually develop yourself in your field of interest. To invest in yourself. To drink water and ditch soda. To have a relationship with God.

How about your relationships? Does your circle 'water' you to get the best out of you? Do your friends push you to greatness? Do they protect you when you are vulnerable? What are you being fed with? Your circle should carry the same fire as you, so that when you need It, you can be reignited.

Be intentional about the people you grant access to your life. They can make or mar you. They have unhindered access to your mind. And you are a product of what goes on within. Guard your heart.

Anything (good or bad) can grow when watered.❤

P.s. I don't have a picture of the faux hedge because I didn't even believe anything could come out of it🙈. You should never give up on anybody, with a little nurturing, things could turn around.

Peace, love and sunshine,

Love.

God is always on purpose

I saw the hesitant look in his eyes. He was about to break my heart all over again. I knew what he was about to say. I prayed that he would not say the words but just hand me the envelope.

As I stretched my hands to collect it, the words fell out of his mouth. 'I'm sorry, it's still negative'. I sat in the very hot car that had been microwaved by the sun, took the glasses up and cried and screamed. I added the result to the many others in th box. I had been visiting a Laboratory secretly every week for many weeks. The Lab. Sci. began to take pity on me, I knew I had to stop. I stopped crying, drove to a Fast Food and ordered everything unhealthy. I was eating and driving. I would break into a cry and few minutes later, I would begin to laugh hysterically. Off went that plan. I thought another child would make things better.

I recognized it. I was spiralling into depression. Again. I had not been sleeping. I spent most nights keeping vigil for when he was deep in sleep so I could steal his phone and hope that my mind would not forget the new pattern password he had. The one I pretended not to see. My mind never failed me. And each night, my heart was left more broken than before. There was the night I finally stole her number from his phone. For weeks, I didn't know what to do with it. At 3am one day, I texted her. I thanked her. I thanked her for being all that I could not be. I cried myself to sleep again.

I had run away 8 times, still I returned. I was afraid of being out there. The devil you know is better than the angel you don't know, they say. So I always came back to the misery I knew as home.

Then came the day when I decided to accept I was lost and had no idea what I was doing. But I was sure of what I didn't want anymore. I felt like God had thrown me to the wolves ON PURPOSE. This time, I was wise enough to just follow His lead even when I had no idea where I was going. I let my plans go for His.

Now that things are getting clearer, I feel like God carefully handpicks a few of us and bursts our bubbles. Our perfect lives. Just to teach us how to survive harsh conditions so we can teach others. To teach us that we can overcome anything. I mean, things like this don't often happen to people like 'me' but how else would we stretch? Knowledge from books? Nah. Sometimes we may need to go through the fire. He lets you wander away, learning lessons and gaining experiences, then He comes to find you and considers you more valuable than those who stayed put. You dared to get uncomfortable . You dared not to settle. You dared to allow yourself be talked about. You did not mind the rumours being spread. He would leave 99 men to find just 1 man like this.

"What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost?  And if it turns out that he finds it, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost." Matt 18:12-14.

My message is not for everyone so I understand that some people will not take to it. I realize that I've been called to the broken. To give them hope. Because I too was once broken. I went through the fire. I burned. I healed. I survived. And so when I tell You, there is a purpose to all you may be going through and that you will be okay, you'd believe. Not just because I said it but you can see my own testimony.

He alone sees the big picture. Let Him disrupt your plan. Let Him close the door. Let the relationship go. Let the friendship go. Just let Him do his thing. There is beauty in getting lost. You will see it eventually. He's always on purpose.

Peace, love and banana popsicles,

Love.

If this has blessed, please share with others. I love you.