The first time I fought

Charles Fagoyinbo. I remember his name very clearly. People often ask me how I'm able to remember things distinctly from years ago. I just never forget things that make impressions on me.

Charles was my classmate and the only person I've ever had a physical fight with, well atleast until many years later. It happened while we were in Jss2. It was a free period and everyone was discussing their parent's occupation. Somehow, I got involved in the conversation and I mentioned my dad was a pastor. I was on the middle row, Charles was on the left row to me sitted on the very last seat. Next comment I heard from him was (I paraphrase), 'Is that one work. All these pastors that is tithe and offering that they are spending'. It felt like a volcano was erupting in my chest. I was going to explode. Was I just going to let somebody diss my dad and get away with it? Especially knowing my parents had to sell everything of value to send me to that school? No way.

I sat still to plan my next action. He would see me coming since he sat behind me and ge would overpower me because he was stronger. So I waited for break when he would not expect it. He stood by the courtyard in our block. I started running from behind and pushed him with that force causing to fall into the deeo courtyard filled with sand. Then before he could get himself together, I pounced on him and began hitting him. Before he could attack, other students had separated us. He was looking at me confused, he didn't even know he had done anything. I looked him straight in the eyes and said 'Never speak about my father like that again' I straightened my uniform and went back to class like nothing happened.

By the following Visiting day, I was telling my parents what happened. They both exclaimed, 'You fought?' Then they started giving me the lecture about how I wasn't raised like that. And I'm like, I'm not sure these people are hearing me. He insulted MY father. My dad went on to explain that I should have reported to a teacher or spoken my mind to him.

This is my earthly father! How much more when somebody talks bad about my Jesus or the things of the Kingdom. Granted there are some bad eggs tarnishing the name of Christ but then we know the truth. It is not alright to be silent. Say something. Don't be afraid to take a stand for Christ. How can you love someone and let someone trash them and you do nothing about it? No do not fight physically or exchange words. Speak your truth and leave. Let them know where you stand and what you stand for. Be vocal about your faith. Go public with your faith. That private christian talk is nonsense. Let the world know how He saved you, how He shed his precious blood on calvary. Let them know He is coming soon. You don't need the approval of men or to be politically correct.

Jesus died that I might live. This is my truth.

I hope you embrace your truth in Christ and not be bullied into silence. 😊

Peace, love and sunshine,

Love.

I say to you, whoever declares openly and confesses Me before men [speaking freely of Me as his Lord], the Son of Man also will declare openly and confess him[as one of His own] before the angels of God.
Luke 12:8 AMP

Run

'Miss Love, just run'. That was Aisha, one of my students urging me to compete in the relay race I introduced to the students.

Every Friday, we have Sports but I hardly ever attend as I use that time to catch up on work. Today however, I was feeling quite energetic. I went to school with 3 jumpropes, sacks for sackrace and filled with energy.

Different teachers handled different groups but immediately I got downstairs, many students found their way to mine. I think it was out of curiousity.

We started with warm ups and then cardio. It was so much fun. We were gasping for breath. I was happy. I really wanted them to have a good time. I introduced the race which required 2 contestants to carry stones to the other end of the court. Whoever carried the most in the shortest time possible won. They loved it. That's when Aisha said, 'Let teachers run. Miss Love just run'. I was like yes, let's do this. So I and the other teacher with me decided to run. I didn't know my village people were at work 😂 I ran the first lap successfull, as I made to turn to go and pick the next stone, I felt one of my legs give way. Bum first landed, followed by elbow then entire body (I found out my knee was also affected this evening).

As I lay on the ground, I kept hearing them chanting 'Miss Love! Miss Love!' Before I knew what was happening, I was swamped by students pulling me up. I feared their tiny hands could not carry my weight but they did. I knew I had to make them proud. So even though I didn't know how I would pull through, I kept running till I picked up all my stones.

They made me believe I could and I did. They pulled me up when I couldn't pull myself up. And when one hand was not enough, another joined in and then anothen and another until I could stand on my own. The world would be a better place if we were all there to raise one another rathen than leave a fallen soldier. We all grow when we lift each other up.

I went on to a battle skipping competition with male staff. I skipped 100 in 44 seconds and then I screamed 'Say my name!' and they shouted 'Miss Love'. It was a proud moment. I am grateful I was not left lying there by myself. I am grateful for the ones who believed me.  Cheers to encouragers. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.

'So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
1 Thessalonians 5:9‭-‬11 MSG

Peace, love and sunshine,

Love.

When the worst that can happen, happens

It was my bff's wedding.

We had been praying for months.

A date was finally picked. We were ecstatic.

2 months before the wedding, I went to apply for my visa to enable me attend.

I went to apply on a Monday. There was a lot of back and forth, confirmations, etc and I was able to submit and make payment on Thursday.

Note that the India High Commission will not take money from you except they are granting you a visa 👏

I was asked to come back the following Thursday by 4pm to pick up my passport as it takes 1 week to process.

Yay! I couldn't be happier. I posted it on our group chat. Everyone else had gotten their visas except me. We were all happy. Coming in from different countries. It was going to be the reunion of the year.

I booked my ticket. Called my tailor to make dresses for Avesta and I. Avesta also went ahead to book tickets for everyone from Delhi to her hometown.

On Thursday, I got there and met a crowd of people waiting. It was already past 5pm. They had not called anyone in.

Next thing, they addressed via the public address system. We were told there was now a new policy in place and all approval now comes from India and it would take at least 3 weeks. (It was during the period when there was mass deportation of Nigerians from India). They promised to personally call us when it was ready.

There was confusion. One man there has booked his flight for Friday. A student was due to resume on Monday. There were so many medical emergencies who needed to travel for surgery. I felt bad for all of them but grateful for myself that I still had a month to go before my travel. I was safe. Oh so I thought.

3 weeks came and went by. I did not receive the call. It was now exactly 2 weeks to the wedding. I sent them an email, they did not reply. Another week went by. My flight was supposed to be on Friday. My brother went to the High Commission on Wednesday to help me check. It was not ready.

On Friday morning, I called Wakanow to 'open' the ticket. I had my peace. Because there was really nothing to do. Avesta was sad. That day came and went by.

Sorry to burst your bubble. There was no last minute miracle😁. We hoped the visa would be out in time for the white wedding but that also came and went by. My friend was now a Mrs. My absence didn't stop that. The worst happened and the world still moved on😀

I got the call eventually, picked up my passport and just let it chill. Avesta and I picked new dates and I visited them in September. I liked that I was able to spend time with both of them in their new home, create new memories, eat a variety of food,chat with their friends, enough time to shop, bond with my other dear friend, Prerna, Netflix, and plenty of sleep and rest. All these I believe would not have been possible due to the complexities of weddings😁

All I'm saying is, the worst will happen and you'd still be okay, I promise.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Rom 8:28

P.s I just missed another friend's wedding due to flight cancellation. Avesta says it's a sign from God that the next wedding I will attend will be mine 😂

Don't forget to  register for the Feb 2nd event. It's gon be lit. Check flyer for details

Peace, love and a prosperous New year,

Love.

Nobody owes you anything

It was supposed to be a relaxing holiday. I had fun catching up on everything I had missed in 3 months. As usual, we slept very late. I was only beginning to enjoy my sleep at about 5am before I was rudely awakened. I was disillusioned and it took a couple of minutes to get back to reality. It was my mum. She said 'Quickly go and bath, we are going to school'. Huh? 'But I'm on holiday. I want to rest. I will try and visit from next week. She replied 'so how are you going to buy all the things you need for school?' Eyes cleared properly at this time. 'How?' I asked. 'Well, you will be earning a salary in school and that's what you will use to buy your school things. Nobody has money to be sharing around' she finally declared.

This was how my journey into the family owned business started about 13 years ago. I went from teaching Kindergarten to every primary class and then every secondary class and then administration. When I tell people I have over 12 years experience in teaching and I'm only 26, they can't seem to understand. Well that's because my mother employed me and put me on salary while I was still in secondary school. It taught me to be prudent, independent and value money. I worked every holiday because I knew nobody owed me anything.

Too many people have this ENTITLEMENT SPIRIT. They expect people to do things for them just because they asked. Newsflash! Nobody owes you anything. NOT even your parents. Your parents sent you to school? It's a privilege. You're not better than those hawking.

Between the periods 2013-2016 when I went through my toughest financial season, I did EVERYTHING I could to survive. I could have easily called my parents to come to my rescue (and I did a few times especially when it bothered on my health) but for the most part, I worked it out. I sold my shoes online, I sold chin chin, I sold frozen carrots and green beans, I did transport business with school kids, etc. No aunty or uncle can ever say I called them to ask for help. Because hey! They have their own issues too. Take responsibility for yourself.

I do not want to put this lady on blast which is why I have hidden her details. This is the situation of most youths. Let's forget that this lady's first communication with me was to ask me 'u lesb?' about a month ago. Then a day after I gave out recharge cards, she sends a message asking to send her airtime. I did not have to give her, I was not obligated to, I am not owing her, I do not know her and so I said nothing. Next day, she's attacking me in the comments and said to stop preaching kindness and deceiving people on social media. And then had the effontery to still send me a private message. And I did not say ANYTHING (Please appreciate the HolySpirit for His work in my life)🤔🙄 You do not even know THE HALF of the things I do for people. I always have words to say but at that moment I had no words (thanks to all who helped straighten her up).

And yes, there are more than a thousand things students can do to make money ( I sold foreign newspapers in Uni). You are responsible for yourself. Stop passing off your responsibilities. Everything you need to succeed has been given to you. If people help you, great! If they don't, it's fine. Your success story will even be sweeter. And please don't go around attacking people if they don't especially when you don't know them.

Peace, love and a sense of responsibility,

Love.

P.s This is why you should come to the hangout on the 2nd of February. Loads of surprises. Xx Thank you to Edric Paul for doing the graphic for this event. God bless you. If you would like to volunteer for this event, Please DM me.

On Friendships

I was invited out to celebrate an academic milestone with a group of 'friends'. I thought we were just going to have dinner at a nice restaurant. We got in and it was a Pub. There was heavy alcohol and a lot of smoking. I wanted to be polite so I offered to wait outside till they were done. I stood outside messaging my mum about my predicament. Shortly after, heavily drunk guys started coming onto me offering to buy me drinks and asking if I wanted to go home with them. You see the law of attraction! You attract who you are. Because I was seen in front of a Pub, they assumed I would be interested in that sort of thing since they were into that sort of thing. You get it? Totally not their fault. I eventually had to leave alone because it was/is not who I was/am. It is not MY idea of fun. So I cut myself off that circle of friendship when I noticed the trend.

I began to make bold my stand for Christ and I began to attract Christ-like friends (though very few). No one succeeds alone. No one fails alone either. The people you surround yourself with can make or mar you. Do your friends add value or do they devalue you? Are you a value added friend or a pest? Do your friends pull you along as they rise? Do you also want the progress of your friends?

Will your friends recommended you to people that matter. '...At Daniel's request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abedneho to administrative posts...' Dan 2:48-49.

You should pray for your friends and your friends should pray for you. A true 'clique' is one of character, who have goals and aspirations, who slay not just in their dressing but in their careers, families and relationships with God.

Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself. So he found himself friends that were also not interested in defiling themselves. One person's conviction is everybody's conviction. That is friendship.

Come Feb 2, 2018, I would be hosting a free event that will see us young folks come together to just worship, share the Word, dance, get high in the Holyghost, network and build Christian friendships. I am really looking forward to making new friends and meeting many of my virtual friends.Living for God is not boring. If you will be around Kaduna and would love to attend, raise your hand like this ✋

Cheers to fulfilling friendships in 2018🍸

Peace, love and good tidings,

Love.

*As always, if this has blessed you, please share with others. 😗😗

What is in your piggy bank?

I received a call for an opportunity that just popped up and needed to be paid for immediately. I did not think twice before opening my Piggy bank because I had been saving. I got that thing sorted out immediately.

I was not saving with a particular thing in mind but I knew a day would come when I would need it, so I kept at it. I opened that piggy bank with confidence because I knew what I had been filling with it. I put in money, so I didn't expect to find water. You put in money, You bring out money!

I want you to consider your hearts as a piggy bank. What are you filling it? You want love? Is your heart filled with love? Do you sow seeds of kindness? Only then can you receive kindness. I expect people to be good to me because I deliberately sow seeds of goodness.You attract who you are!

Yes, you may pretend for a while but the day will come when that piggy bank will be opened. Would you be proud of the contents? Don't forget it takes time to fill up your piggy bank and what you have done overtime will eventually show up. You can't cover up for long.

How do you treat that cleaner, that destitute, that person that is not in your your 'class'? You want people to pray for You? Pray for others. You are filling up your piggy bank.

What will people find when your piggy bank is opened up?

'... What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
Galatians 6:7‭-‬8 MSG'

As always, if this has blessed you, please share with others.

Goals?

JUST BEFORE YOU SCREAM 'GOALS' (26th Nov 2016)

*The car in the picture is not mine. As a matter of fact, I 'backed' my daughter to cross the express road and used keke Napep (tricycle) to complete the journey. My friend ordered a cab to take us back home.
*The wig was given to me by the friend I was visiting. This was after she saw the state of the wig I wore to her house.
*That was not the dress I wore to her house. I changed into it after she gave me. I was wearing an okrika (fairly used) top I bought for N500 (it was even a gift to myself for sticking to my meal plan.)
*The sandal was my neighbour's. Said she couldn't let me go out with what I had on.
*I was smiling but my heart was greatly troubled. I went out without seeking 'permission' I knew I wouldn't be given and I had gotten a call informing me I was in trouble. Still I posed for the picture while thinking my life was over that day.

Make no mistake however, I was very content in my situation. I was/am all about the will of God.

Looking at the picture without all these information, it looks like I was living the life. 😂 Don't let the gram fool you. EVERYONE is fighting their own battles. Don't feel frustrated because someone's life looks perfect on social media or outwardly while you can't seem to get your life together. People let you see what they want you to see. DO NOT compare your journey, marraige, relationship, business, children, parents, siblings, job, lifestyle, etc with anyone else. The only 'GOALS' in my life is Jesus Christ. He keeps it real. 💯💯💯💯💯💯With Jesus, there is no need for pretence. He went through every kind of temptation and he daily teaches us how we too can live above sin. There is no hidden or coded part to Him. You see EVERYTHING.

My name is Love, I am imperfectly perfect and my transparency makes people uncomfortable. I fell from grace to grass and I am not ashamed. Still, I rise.