Zane

One look at my face and my friend knew I had little or no clue what the proverb "Man proposes, God disposes" meant (shame emoji but don't judge Sese). We were in SS1 getting ready to write our English exam when I glanced at the essay questions and my face went pale. I hated letter writing so would always opt for the descriptive or argumentative essay. But this time, I was staring intently at the paper when my seatmate, P.D asked what was wrong. I told him and he quickly explained the proverb to me. He said it means that “you make a plan but God decides to do something else." Now that the question made sense, I was ready to write the most interesting fiction story ever. Even though the story I wrote that day was fiction, this one isn't.

2020 for me was supposed to be the year for redefining myself. A year that I was going to snap back, get that figure 8 again, apply for my Ph.D., go for a long-awaited family vacation, pursue a new career path, and just have fun! Those were my humble plans for the year. However, a few days into the year it was more than apparent that God and I definitely had contrasting ideas for what 2020 was going to be like.

It all started when we took a 'girls’ trip' with my mom and sisters to Ghana. We had always wanted to take one but things constantly seemed to come up. It was either someone was getting married, someone was pregnant, gone to school, or just raising toddlers. The date was set for the 4th of January and for once in a long time; we were going to enjoy being served, sleeping late, chatting and being the Bulus', and nothing more.

The short holiday was about to end when I began complaining to my mom about how tired I was and how I was fed up with taking pain killers like Ibex, Ibuprofen, and all. I had treated malaria twice the previous month and was taking chloroquine injections even at Christmas so I simply guessed the fatigue was because my help had traveled for the holiday and I was a bit overwhelmed with my over-active toddlers. My mom smiled and said “perhaps you are pregnant". I laughed loud and hard. I told her it was impossible because I had an Intrauterine device (IUD) which I put a few months back as I was reacting to my previous family planning method, the patch. I had even checked it before Christmas and I was good. My mom smiled in her usual way and said "Serah, these things can fail O!" I laughed again and smartly informed her that IUD is said to be 99.9% accurate with little or no failure rate. She shook her head and said, "Anything that is man-made can fail only the things that are God-made won't!"

As soon as we returned from the trip, I joined the twenty-one-day fast my church (Family Worship Center) had embarked on seeking guidance and clarity for the year. About three days to the end of the fast, I began to feel ill again and so I complained to the doctor of the family (my baby sister) who suggested I check my full blood count to ensure I wasn't becoming anemic due to the antimalarial drugs I had been taking frequently as well as my poor eating habits and the fast. I agreed to do it and share the results with her the following week.

There was yours truly at the hospital waiting for my test results when the doctor entered and said "you have very little typhoid, your blood level seems ok, no malaria". So what in the name of God could be wrong with me I thought while sitting there as he canceled all the things out? He smiled and said "nothing is wrong with you Mrs. Mohammed; you are just pregnant! Congratulations!!" What? This guy must be joking. I was sure he was making fun of me because of the two occasions that I had marched into the hospital toward the end of the previous year, demanding that he conduct a pregnancy test. This was because I felt I may have been pregnant despite the IUD and had heard from friends as well as a colleague that some people they knew had gotten pregnant within spite of it. We had carried out the tests even though he had told me it was not possible and that I was letting my mind to play tricks on me. He said all those stories I had paid attention to were nothing more than folk tales and were psychologically affecting me; that was the reason why I was feeling the way I did. After I had lost a bet to him twice concerning the matter, I also let the issue of pregnancy with IUD go; so please understand my confusion when he came into the room boldly announcing to me, that I was pregnant.

I laughed at him and said he should get serious and tell me what was wrong or at least give me something for fatigue since we both knew that pregnancy with an IUD was out of the question. For a split second, it seemed as if my Doctor friend had caught amnesia and forgotten I had an IUD on. I saw his face change as he remembered and ushered me in for a quick scan, he had never witnessed such and from the look on his face, I knew he was serious.

A consultant came in and there it was; a well intact fetus in a gestational sac. From the scan, the baby was over 6 weeks and was doing well. The IUD had apparently shifted into my cervix and had failed just like my mom had told me.

By the time I left the hospital, my mind was spinning in every direction. I had so many questions and worries. I had taken vaccines for my trip, strong painkillers, and goodness; a baby was not in the picture or plan for 2020. I had even told my best friend that '2020 is not for “borning (giving birth)” anybody oo! It is for re-strategizing!' I was happy but also in a bit of despair.

I didn't tell anyone anything about the pregnancy, not even my husband. I just needed to wrap my mind around everything happening. I eventually told my husband after a few days and he looked at me that night, held me, and said "please don't question God okay? This child is a miracle and will be a blessing!" I believed him but knew everything I had planned for 2020 was about to change.

There I was dealing with the unexpected, when in strolled COVID-19 threatening everyone and everything as well as causing a huge scare for almost every pregnant lady in the world. I remember the first thing God told me during the lockdown was "Do not fear what they fear Serah…Isaiah 8:11-14", there and then, I knew we would be okay.

The journey was an amazing one (story for another day) but God was faithful and he had given me favor with so many people especially my colleagues to whom I will be eternally grateful. My daughters were so excited about having a new baby and tried to help as much as they could. I desired to have twin boys but even if they didn't come, I was not going to be shaken as I had truly taken time to finally understand what scripture means when it says “tell me the desires of your heart that I may grant them (Ps 37:4).” I was simply going to pray that my desire aligns with God's desire for me. Whether the child is a girl, boy, or boys, I was not going to bother. I just prayed the child or children would be healthy.

On the 6th of September, 2020 my long-awaited journey had come to an end and God had blessed me with the most adorable baby. His name is Zane Isaiah Chimda Manji Majid Mohammed.

So, my 2020 was not what I had planned, neither was it what I had prayed for nor anticipated. It was better. God had given me a gift that was beyond me, hence the Hebrew name Zane which means "gift from God/God is Gracious" and Chimda (my cousin's namesake) which is Kilba for 'What I want or Desire'.

Finally, I truly understood what I was asked to write about in high school! I pray that God surprises you with gifts that are beyond you in the remaining days of the year and if 2020 didn't go as you planned, know that it is as God wanted and whatever He does, it is with your best in mind (Jer 29:11) so just try to trust his decision okay?

Now you know why I was silent for a greater part of the year. Thank you for indulging me and opening your heart to me.

Merry Christmas in Advance!!

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The First Year

 Unlike the normal dreams most couples have and enjoy during their first year of marriage, mine was not like it. The first year was filled with so much drama, hardship, and many unexpected twists and turns. One of which I would be sharing with you today. Without further ado, I'll begin:

My husband had proposed and our wedding plans were in full swing with the date set for the 20th of December. However, a month or two to the wedding, he and his cousin woke up in the middle of the night to see the tail lights of his car moving, while the keys were in the house with him. Before that, his laptop and phones had been stolen from that car. They searched for the car all over but it was to no avail. I thought that would be the end of bad luck as we would be getting married and the bible says “he who finds a good wife has found a good thing” so I was sure with me in the picture (fire branded, prayer warrior wife) things would be different for us or so I thought.

A few weeks after we returned from our honeymoon, reality began to hit. The dashboard of my car which we were sharing caught fire on Area 1 Bridge for no apparent reason. While we were trying to sort that issue out, the air conditioning (AC) unit in the house caught fire two weeks later and after that, thieves came to the house while we were at work and took all our electronics. 

Although we were trying to encourage ourselves in the word and any other way, the thieves came back again, removed the burglary from a window, and took almost all my gold and any other nice jewelry or shiny thing they could find. At this point, I was almost a completely broken person. I kept wondering what my husband or in-laws would think since the bible says “he who finds a wife has found a good thing and favor from the Lord (Pro 18:22).” What type of wife had they married? A bad omen or what? I even found it difficult to quote one of my favorite verses “for we know that all things work together for the good of those who trust God and are called according to his name (Rom 8:28).” I shared my thoughts with my husband one night and he looked at me sternly and said I should never think such. He asked me if we were married when his car got stolen hence I should never think I was anything short of good and favorable in his life (paraphrased).

One night after returning from a powerful prayer meeting session at church with plans on enjoying the weekend, we got into our room and the breeze flowing was amazing. I could not believe how nice the weather was without the fan on or any cooling device. I was just about to get all excited because I like cool places when I realized that the cool breeze was as a result of another window that had been yanked out of the wall. That was the last straw; I sat still thinking about all that was happening. My husband was as shocked as I was and mind you, I was about 5 months pregnant then so this was just not what I had been imagining for my first year of marriage or a blissful home. I was glad we were alive and God had ensured that we had never encountered the thieves as they mostly operated or visited the house during the day when we were at work or had gone out. 

We had already paid for a new accommodation that week as we realized that where we were was not safe but goodness, this was a lot! What was even more troubling or baffling was the fact that our house was surrounded by people even though we did not have a front gate and fence, as the landlord was still working erecting them. There were people behind us, beside us, and everywhere so where were all these people when this was happening? I wondered.

Long story short, we moved out the following day and moved into our present residence. Dare I say that for the first few weeks, I would sit anticipating a call from my husband about thieves or something gone wrong as I was almost becoming accustomed to the trend but to my relief, the call never came! After a long time, I stopped anticipating thieves and the long stream of ‘bad luck’. 

One fateful day, I sat at home thinking and thanking God for how our lives had changed from being robbed constantly as well as the aforementioned. It was then God began to talk to me. He asked me “Serah, how many security people/outlets do people encounter before entering your house?” ‘I said 3’. He said, “compare it to your other house”. I said “the old house had no security; we had a fence but no gate in front.’ He was trying to make me understand that you can control what you allow into your space to some extent. If extra security measures were able to keep us safe, then it means that in some sort of way, it is within our control.  God then went ahead to say, “Ironically, humans take so much time to protect things that will one day be destroyed but fail to channel the same amount of energy into taking care of things that are eternal; a place like your heart, as it is one of the most valuable places in any human, especially my children.” He said, just like the things you lost in your old residence, many of you place guards on trivial things but allow your minds to wander wrongly, your eyes to behold any form of iniquity and your heart to conjure all kinds of evil, your lips to speak idly and negatively, etc. Because you have not set enough security on those places, the Devil, your adversary who roams about looking for whom he can devour will gain quick and easy access into those places and destroy you, as this is his ultimate game plan. And so he sends worry your way, fear, anxiety, things that make you covert, seek to commit adultery, fornication, situations that make you want to lie or steal, and so forth and you fall easily, simply because you did not adequately protect those areas. 

Yes, we had a fence around our former residence but we did not have a gate where it was needed so, despite the people and walls we had on three sides, we failed to protect the entrance and gave easy access to the thieves.

The writer of proverbs 4:23- 27 knew what he was saying when he said “Guard your heart with all diligence … ( vs 23 NLT)” another translation (ESV) hits the nail on the head when it says “Be careful how you think. Your thoughts make you the person you are.”

When the Covid-19 pandemic started, there was so much fear in my mind because of the things I read and heard, I began to imagine the worst and though I tried to cast such thoughts down and make them submit to the word of God, it kept happening until God reminded me of the aforementioned and the need to guard my heart. Hence, I stopped reading and watching. I knew the basic things I needed to know about how to stay safe so the other things were not necessary as the devil was using them to set fear, anxiety, and worry in me; the very things God didn’t want for me.

So, dear people, take a cue from me and diligently protect every access point to your heart in this season and always.

From Gori to Glory!

 Gori, Gori, Gori!! That was all I ever heard growing up. It was so bad, I almost forgot my name was Serah because once someone heard that name; it seemed to stick to their tongues like glue.

In Nigeria, we sort of have a custom where after a woman gives birth, a family member, friend or neighbor comes to help bath the newborn. In my case, the first person to come was a Yoruba neighbor. As soon as my mom handed me over to her and she stripped me for my bath, she burst out laughing and exclaiming “Ah! Madam, so na Gorimakpa you born!” that was the end of the matter. My mom shared the story with everyone and the rest as I aforementioned was history (Gori, for those who don’t know, is the short form for Gorimakpa which means someone bald).

God being merciful to me, He later gave me hair (for those of you wondering) but for the longest time, I was always conscious of my hair and never wanted people to see it. Since this issue had dealt with me growing up, I was determined to ensure that my kids never encountered the same and so, amongst all the other things I asked for in the man I would marry, I prayed for hair for my husband and my children especially, the girls.

While some people would wonder why I would keep praying about such a ‘ inconsequential thing’, for me, it was really important and as a child, my mother taught us to pray about everything so prayer meeting in my house was a fun one to behold people prayed and asked for prayers for all sorts: acne leaving, bigger bum, better grades whatever the issue, we were ready and willing to pray about it and with time, we saw the results as such, I was resolute with my prayers for my daughters.

Fast forward to 2014, I had met my prince charming and he was Fulani by tribe, In Nigeria, the Fulani’s are known to have beautiful hair and so I felt God had answered my prayers and given me extra. A few months into the marriage, I found out I was pregnant and I was thrilled about it especially when I heard it was a girl. That had always been my lifelong dream. We started making our plans and I bought as many ribbons, bows, hair ruffles you name it, we were having a baby girl and she was going to have that rich, fine Fulani hair at least, so I thought.

Behold 22nd of September, my bundle of joy was born and as soon as she popped out (she came out like a shot gun), the first question I asked my sister was ‘does she have hair?’ (Forgive my vanity). From the look on her face and that of my aunt, I knew it was not as I imagined and prayed. I took one look at her and there she was,  with thin strands of fine hair.

As the years went by, I tried almost anything and everything to see that hair grow but it seemed to fall out even more. People would often ask me why I had cut her hair or if I had and I would tell them that she had a ‘natural/heavenly ‘haircut. My husband had warned me not to make a fuss over the matter because to him, it didn’t matter much and he knew it would eventually grow . I occasionally accused, teased and blamed him for not praying for hair when I had been telling him to pray for the child and I kept tabling the matter before God and my care group members.

As the years went by, the hair began to grow slowly. For every time I saw change, I went back to say thank you.

Just before the lockdown started, a colleague and I were discussing and I mentioned how Nailah had packed her hair, She could not believe it and laughed at the impossibility and so that weekend, I loosed her hair to make it and remembered my colleague’s remark and so I decided to take a picture of Nailah’s  hair.

I was about to send the picture when I realized that Nailah had a full head of hair now in comparison to some of her younger pictures where she almost looked bald with big bows on her head. It was then; I realized that though it had taken time, God had answered my prayers and that of all others who had joined me in praying for my daughter. 

I sent a ‘before and after’ picture to my plenty prayer partners to show them that God had answered and her proprietress said ‘imagine how we worry over things? When God is already working them out!” we had a good laugh but it was true.

Every time I loosen Nailah’s hair to make it, it reminds me that there is not one thing that we cannot talk or tell God about. If it bothers us enough, then it is worth talking to him about it because he is always willing to hear anything we have to say.

I can confirm this to you because as a parent, there is nothing my kids have to say that I am not willing to listen to. I do not tell them to speak to me only on things that pertain to their academics or health; No, I want to hear it all. I listen to their blabbing and babbling when they were learning how to talk, I listen to them when they tell me about what happened at school, what they want to be, their likes, dislikes and anything that interests or bothers them. I do that because I love them and they are my children.

God is a way better father and that is the first characteristic or name he wants us to know him as and refer to him as because every other name and quality of him that we love and call upon is embedded in that one name, Father!! That is why when the disciple first asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, He started by saying “when you pray, start by saying ‘our Father….’ (Mat 6:9)

I do not know what is bothering you, keeping you up at night or causing you anxiety and pain but one thing I do know, is that you have a loving heavenly father who loves you and wants to hear everything you have to say to him. There are no restrictions with him so do not restrict nor limit yourself and whatever you do, do not call me ‘Gori!’ if we meet or else….

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A Little too Late

As a young Christian girl schooling in the north, you are prone to certain dilemmas such as falling in love with someone of a different religious group as yourself. No matter how armed you are with scripture and knowledge, love, and attraction throw in a different dimension to the game, one that can be difficult to get away from. While most Christian guys would never understand it and are often appalled by it, many ladies can relate, especially if they schooled within the core north.

Even though I seemed to have had some form of mastery over the situation in the university, meeting, Yusuf during my NYSC was going to pose a threat to all I knew, believed, and had shown such discipline over.

I stumbled upon Yusuf or should I say he stumbled upon me on my way to one of my favorite eateries close to my house. I acted a bit snobbish towards him as I usually did to most guys who approached me. Believe me, I could be a tough nut to crack. But somehow, Yusuf persisted and I later found out that we lived in the same area.

 What endeared me to him was the fact that he was kind, hardworking, simple, wise, intelligent and so easy to talk to. Above all, he believed in me, and always encouraged me to be better, do better and strive for greater things. He sometimes seemed to see in me things I feared to see in myself. Yusuf didn't see or view people as tribes and religious groups, but just as people. He was like that big brother you would love to have if you didn't have one.

I could go for an interview and come back sad about my performance or experience. Yusuf would want to know some of the questions asked and would ensure I familiarized myself with the answers. If it was something out of his field; he would find a friend who was vast in that area and get them to teach me. He would often tell me never to judge people by their ethnicities. He discouraged phrases like "all these Yoruba or Igbo people". People were people and their tribes had nothing to do with their character he would often say. One of the greatest lessons he taught me was never to lie, but to always speak the truth, no matter what; as lying would belittle you in the eyes of one who previously respected you or held you in high esteem if they ever found out you had lied.

I guess by now, you can see why it was so easy for me to fall in love with his person even though; I knew I could not date him. But by God, I would have loved to, if not for that one verse that constantly stared at me.

That verse that I had memorized by heart as a child that ever so often, I would wish I didn't know or had never heard. At least that way, the saying "ignorance is bliss" would have been my covering. God cannot hold me accountable for something I did not know. Unfortunately for me, I knew this verse too well and it was always there staring at me like a mirror.

What verse is this I keep blabbing about you say? It's the one that says "do not be unequally yoked with an unbeliever" (2nd Cor. 6:14).  While the verse was easy to memorize and quote even then, it was not easy to live and abide by on meeting Yusuf.

If ever I was asked if I loved this person, my answer would have been "Yes" and I knew he loved me, but one thing we never spoke about was religion because you would never want to 'rock that boat'. So there I was, with the seemingly right person for me, but we were almost two worlds apart. Yusuf valued his religion as much as I valued mine, so none of us would be willing to budge.

While Islam allows for Muslim men to marry Christian women, Christianity on the other hand frowns at it. I for one would know this as I had so much scripture in my head and stories from the bible to back it up. As such, I was not about to get an 'F9' before my God and let someone else score an 'A1' before theirs. My God meant so much to me and I loved him too much to pick someone else over him even though making that choice felt as if my heart would be ripped from my very soul and so we both just seemed to let our relationship stay as friends and nothing more.  Yusuf's close friends, however, would ever so often ask me to reconsider my stance and just marry him since we seemed perfect for each other and besides, many Christian girls were dating and marrying Muslims. If what I said was true, then why did the other Christian girls delve into it? I would laugh and tell him it was very scriptural and I cannot speak for the convictions of other Christian girls who made such decisions, but I knew my convictions. I knew the bible and nothing mattered to me more than obeying what God had spelled out for me even if it came at a cost to me.

Although I had made my resolve, some days I would want to cave in and so would run to my friend and tell her my woes and my dilemma with Yusuf as he was not a stranger to her and she would tell me how she, on the other hand, was more attracted to Christian guys even though she was a Muslim and so we would console each other.

One of those days, my friend looked at me and said "Serah, I know you love him so much and I know he loves you, but marriage is beyond you two." She reminded me of how her mom and dad had tried such and it ended badly for them as kids, because her mom later wanted to pursue her Christianity and left them with their dad. I knew how hard life had been for them, then as we were kids and she asked me if I would want that for my kids. Or what would happen if he one day said my kids must all be Muslims or they chose to on their own? Did I believe Islam was the way? And if I didn't, would I be ok with my kids missing out on eternity because I chose to love someone whose religious views contradicted mine? Her words hit me hard and I knew she was speaking from experience. She genuinely loved me and so I decided there and then, to let it go.

Time went by and 'my Yusuf' as my friends used to call him got married to a very kind and beautiful lady. About a year or two later, I also got married to my friend and longtime crush (my Papi).

One fateful day, my friend called me and while chatting, she said she was so sorry about the loss of my Yusuf. I wasn't sure I heard her well. That was when she realized I had no idea he had passed on. She said he had taken ill briefly and died, leaving his wife with a little boy. Goodness! That was not something I was expecting to hear that day. My heart was so heavy. I cried my eyes out so much so that she wished she had never told me.

There and then, my mind began to spin; different questions seemed to be hurled at me at top speed. Where would Yusuf be? Would he be in Heaven or Hell? He was such a good person and he did not deserve to miss heaven. But the bible makes it clear that anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Personal savior will not make heaven (John 14:6). Had someone ever spoken to Yusuf about Jesus? Dear Lord, I prayed, I hope somebody told him about You and he gave his life to You before he died. Please, Lord, I beg this of you. That was all I could keep muttering until the Devil hit me hard. He said "Serah, if you who claims to have loved him did not tell him about your Jesus, then who do you expect to have done it? Because if you were ever asked you if you loved him, your answer would have been yes". Oh, that hurt, it felt like something had stabbed me in the heart. The devil's words were painful, but yet so true. I loved Yusuf but did not love him enough to tell him the truth about what I believed and what I knew could save him from eternal damnation. I had failed him as a friend and the devil wasted no time to point that out. Despite what the Devil had told me, I still threw my prayer up to God asking for mercy on behalf of my friend and hoping a miracle had happened before his death.

Since the Devil had slapped me hard, I was going to give him a punch he was going to regret. I was determined to make him regret those comments he had thrown my way. So I began to ask the Holy Spirit for help as I was about to embark on a difficult journey. I resolved to tell my Muslim relatives and friends as well as anyone who dared to give me the audience about the only way I knew and believed would ensure they had eternal life.

I sat down one day and wrote a very heartfelt letter to my family friends telling them how much I love them and value our relationship, but I had realized through the death of my Yusuf that there were things we never took time to speak about. I asked them what the Qur'an says that assures them of eternal life after death as I believed they would never lie to me but would tell me the truth. So if ever I realized or thought Christianity was not the way, I knew what to do to convert to Islam and be saved. In turn, I told them what the bible says and how no one can get to the Father except through Jesus Christ his Son and if ever they thought Islam was not the way, all they had to do was believe in their hearts and confess with their mouths that they were sinners, believed that Jesus came, died and resurrected for our sakes, then invite Him to be their Lord and personal savior.

I told them that I never want to be at a party where those who matter to me are not present. I asked for their forgiveness if I had offended them by anything I had said, but they should know that it was done in love.

How would they respond? I didn't have the slightest clue, but I had done as the Holy Spirit had asked and I left it in his hands.

Guess what? Not one of them was angry, offended, or upset. Instead, they all thanked me, and one, in particular, told me that in her entire life, nobody had ever thought of her to that extent; enough to tell her such things. None of them told me what assures them of heaven from the Qur'an, but at least, I had passed the message across and the seeds of the words had been sown in their hearts. I pray for them daily and ask God for a big surprise when we get to heaven.

Why am I telling you all this? Because I recently had a dream in which someone kept telling me to tell a particular man that "he doesn't have much time". I could not see the person's face to whom I was to deliver that message, but it was someone I knew and cared about.

Time is not our own, it is God's to do with it as He pleases and as I have learned in a very hard way, death does not consult us before it takes the ones we love or care about.

If you ever want to know a person who loves you, it's that person who thinks about where you would spend eternity. It's the person who would risk their relationship with you here on earth and offend you now, to ensure that you both meet in eternity.

As you read this, I do pray it encourages you to rock the boat, positively, to save a life or lives, to share the gospel and speak what you know about God, evangelize, preach salvation to someone and to please keep passing this message across until people read, repent and give their lives to Christ.

I leave you with this: Don't give up on anyone and think they are too far for God to reach. My best friend was born and bred a Muslim, I prayed for 7 years straight since I met her in our first year of University, asking God to turn her heart to him. She was so deep in Islam I did not know how it would happen, but I did know how to pray and so I did what I knew to do. Today, my friend has been a God-fearing Christian for almost 12 years and is growing stronger. So do not tell me, and don't you dare believe the lie that there is a soul God cannot reach and convert if only we could pray, speak, and believe.

The Teacher Who Changed Me

Growing up, I often felt bad and complained quite a lot about not having had a 'birthday party". Perhaps I had had one but I simply could not remember. What I did remember was hearing my family say to me, “don't worry; we will celebrate your birthday side by side Christmas,” being that I was a December baby. At first, I loved the idea of Jesus and I having a birthday party together. Not until I later realized that it was a big scam, because nobody ever remembered to as much as wish me a “happy birthday” on those days, neither did they get me any presents. Stay with me, I’m going somewhere with this.

We moved to America when I was about four years old or so. Upon getting there, my mom wasted no time scouting for a church for us to attend. My aunt T (one of my favorite Aunties) first took us to an African American church. But unfortunately, we barely understood what was going on in the church. Although we did like the music, it was a bit too boisterous and overwhelming.

The next Sunday, she took us to a smaller church, called 'The Church of the Nazarenes', Huntsville, Texas. We were the only black people in the church but it was so homely and everyone treated us with much kindness and love. That church became our church.

That was where I met my unforgettable Sunday school teacher; Mrs. Mosley. Mrs Mosley was a really nice lady and she had an amazing husband who supported her in everything. You all know how important that is.

The Pastor (Pastor Butler) of the church and his family were just as lovely.

Now, it was a few days to my 7th birthday. We were at the church trying to get started with Christmas preparations. Mrs. Moseley and my mom were having a conversation and I could hear them. She spoke to my mom about Pearl Harbor; a very important date and event in American history. She said it took place on the 7th of December annually. In response, my mom mentioned that the date coincided with my birthday. That was all Mrs. Mosely needed to hear.

Plans begun for my first official surprise birthday (the one I can remember).

Mrs. Mosely asked my mom to dress me up and get me to church on time.  There I was in my newly purchased navy blue polka dot dress, my little made-up face, and all the joy my heart could bear. You can never imagine my joy and excitement when we got to church and there was a huge cake with my name and lots of gifts from my church members. I got my first scrabble game, my Mr. T game and so many other nice gifts. I felt so loved and was extremely happy. The memory of that day will remain with me for as long as I live.

The church became more interesting for me from that day. We had our own unique “Halloween celebrations” since we could not trick or treat like other kids. We had sleepovers at church, movie nights, slumber parties at our youth pastor’s house, Christmas plays, summer camp and so much more. It was always absolutely fun.

There are so many other things I remember from that church. We got our first bikes from there, my mom had a baby shower organized by the church for her, we always had Dunkin' doughnuts if we got to church early (probably the reason why my big sister and I are still obsessed with doughnuts). We never felt out of place or unloved. Indeed, the church fast became one of my favorite places to be.

Few years down the line, my dad had finished school and we were packed and ready to move back to Nigeria.

Before we left, Mrs. Mosely (my Sunday school teacher) handed me one of the most precious gifts I would ever receive. It was a pink New Living Translation (NLT) children's Bible with pictures. It was my first bible. No one had ever given me such a treasured gift and I cherished it like life itself. I studied every page and part of the bible, read all the animated pictures, and just made it my best friend.  So began my love for the bible and friendship with God. Before this time though, my mom had always taught us about God and loved Him dearly herself. But having my own bible made everything so real.

People who meet me are often amazed at how well I know my bible and the nature of my relationship with God. The truth is, I owe a lot of that to my mom, a wonderful church that took interest in everyone and an amazing Sunday school teacher who took her time to show me the practical love of God. She showed me so much love. Today, I can hardly remember a single Bible lesson Mrs. Mosely taught me at Sunday school, neither can I remember any sermon Pastor Butler preached, but I do remember the way they loved us; my family and I. I remember how they made us feel.

The church should be that place where people go to and leave feeling better than they came, a place where people feel loved, a place where children and the children's arm of the church matter just as much as the adult church. If the church gets it right with the children, the struggle to get them straight as adults will be less tough.

People may find it hard to remember the words or beautiful sermons they hear, but they definitely do remember real love and how good they were made to feel around us and in the church.

I cannot end this without saying that teachers are special people and gifts from God. I look at Nailah and I often marvel at how her teachers have been able to get her to understand some of the most difficult concepts. I see kids at church doing some crazy choreography and I am awed at how their teachers got them to get it right.

I look at my mom and my older sister and I have new-found respect each time for them, for how well they helped raise me. I feel the same way about most of the teachers I have come across in my life.

Some teachers acquire their skills from their education while others simply learn on the go. In the span of our lives, we will come across different kinds of teachers, some will shape us for good and some may try to scar us. Today, I just want to focus on the teachers who shaped us for good, as well as express a high level of gratitude for all of them who took a little extra time to show real love to their students or help them find their true identity.

Jesus Himself was an amazing teacher. That was why he was referred to as Rabbi and in fact, the rich, young ruler called him “good teacher”.

To every “good teacher” out there, no matter your subject or skill level, I just want to say thank you.

To all the teachers at my children's school who have made learning a fun experience for them and created a haven for them, thank you and God bless you.

My most profound gratitude goes to Sunday school teachers worldwide who may never receive a gift on 'Teachers Appreciation Day' or any other day. May God bless you beyond measure.

Dear reader, has any teacher shaped your life for good? Please share your story with us if you have one. We would love to read and be encouraged.

NOT ABOUT YOU

On the 8th of May, 2018, my life took an unexpected twist. My 2-day old baby had been diagnosed with sepsis and malaria. It was so devastating having to leave her in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the pediatric hospital she was in.

 I cried the first night I had to leave her there, especially when I saw that she had to be put on oxygen. Just seeing the oxygen mask on that little baby had been heart wrenching. Knowing that I had to go back to my hospital and continue treatment, I kept wondering if they would feed her, cuddle her or attend to her if she is crying. My mind was so preoccupied with the what-ifs and what not's that I hardly had time to look around the room to see the other occupants as my heart was set for my baby alone.

A bucket and more of tears later as well as an almost sleepless night, I was back at the hospital to feed and stay with her. That was the first time I noticed the babies who would become my daughter's roommates for the next days to come.

What I saw cut my heart to bits; Babies who were barely bigger than a 60cl nestle bottle, and whose ribs I could see. I wept some more because in the midst of them, Anaiah was like a giant and yet, their mothers stood there encouraging, soothing and reminding me that my baby would be ok. I wondered how they could do that whiles their kids seemed to be in worst condition. These ladies were strong and resolute in their faith and stance with God; I just marveled at their strength, unshakable faith, and courage. In the shortest time, we became friends and somewhat like family being that we would be sharing the same space and we were all there for the same reason, our babies.

Anaiah was the only girl amidst three boys and the moms and staff showered her with so much love and affection. Beside her bed, was a little boy whom we referred to as the king of the jungle (Baby Lion) because he was way bigger than all the other babies including Anaiah or ‘Baby Mohammed’ as she was referred to at the hospital.  While the other two boys were premature babies born between 21-24 weeks, he was faced with a severe case of Jaundice. His Jaundice level was so high that no matter the phototherapy very little progress was being made.

One day, his mom saw me a bit worried over Anaiah because her temperature kept fluctuating and I was becoming super anxious as to when we would be discharged. Every time I went there thinking it would be that day, they would later tell me it won't be possible because her temperature was spiking again and she needed to be free of fever for 24 hours before we could be allowed to go home with her.  On that particular day, baby Lion's mom took note of me and came to share encouraging words with me as she often did. She then shared with me how the Doctors had told her that her son needed a drug that cost about N75, 000.00 that would help bring down his Jaundice level by at least half and allow the phototherapy work for him. She and the Husband didn't have that amount of money as he had just been laid off a job and she only did petty trading which didn't bring in much. She told me that despite all this, she was not moved and I should never allow the Devil to speak negative words in my heart concerning my children. I should always believe good about them and that God will never allow harm to come their way.

I was encouraged and began to cast down every negative imagination that the enemy brought my way, but I was sad about her situation. Sad because my husband and I had gone over budgeted hospital bills and we could not do much to help her. It was more annoying because the amount she needed was not something out of the ordinary, but yet our hands were tied.

My older sister and mum came to stay with me at the hospital as they often did and I poured out my heart to them concerning the N75, 000.00. I was so sad that the life and health of a child hung on money that we so often use to do less important stuff. For some, that money is just for a shoe, a piece of lace, a watch or something like that yet; a child's life lay on the line for the lack of it. My sister was sad because she also was financially down at that moment, but told me not to worry; she would find a way to help. I believed her because she always came through for me whenever I was worried about stuff like that.

We were back at our usual base the next day and my sister sent me a text stating that she had shared the issue with some of her colleagues and they had all pitched in to help buy the drug. I was so excited and happy. When she arrived in the evening after work, she gave me the money which I transferred to the mom. She was overwhelmed and overcome with joy. They purchased the drug and began to administer it instantly.

On Saturday evening, she informed me that the boy was responding to treatment well and they would be discharged on Sunday. I envied her a little as Anaiah's return home was still uncertain, but I was happy that he was well. I just wished we would be going home together as well.

Sunday had come and we were back at our usual spot to see the kids and say our goodbyes with the Lion's mom when out of nowhere, the doctor on call comes out and says  'in a few hours, you can take Baby Mohammed home’. She has been fever-free for 24 hours and we just need to administer her last dose of antibiotics'.  God of mercy, I was not sure I was not hearing things at that point. I looked at my husband to see if I got the information right and from the smile on his face, I knew I heard well and God had answered us.

My sister and I discussed the matter and we concluded that God allowed us to go home with 'Baby Mohammed' because her work there was done. I believe that the only reason she was sent to that clinic was for us to meet the 'Lion’s' mother because God was aware of their need and knew the solution was with us. God knew no harm would come to Anaiah but he needed her to fall ill, so we could go to that particular hospital.

Anaiah's stay at the hospital had many lessons in it for me, but this particular episode, I learned three things:

v It reminded me that at some point in our lives, God may send people into our lives or send us into the lives of people to whom we may never blessed or helped in any way, nor have been blessed by to simply render help and support to them in their time of need just like Simon of Cyrene who seemed to be at the right place at the wrong time. Some believe he was forced to carry the cross while to others, he did out of sympathy. Whatever the case, he was there at the right time to be of help to Jesus Christ. The bible never speaks of anything or anytime Jesus had helped Simon of his family, but at the time Jesus needed help the most, God sent Simon there (Mat 27:32 NLT).  In like manner, nothing would have taken me and my family to the hospital to meet 'the baby Lion' and his mom except Anaiah falling ill.

v Joseph told his brothers 'God put me in this position so I could save the lives of many people' (Gen 50:20b) Sometimes, God allows things to happen in our lives simply for the sake of others. It is not always about you. But know that when he allows you to go through some things, he already knows it won't destroy you and so he allows it so you can be a blessing to others. So remember this, not everything that happens to you is all about you. Get your eyes off yourself sometimes and simply seek to see the right lesson in all things and circumstances.

v Avail yourself to be used by God and always trust Him for He works all things for our good and the good of others!!

Lest I forget, I chatted with baby Lion’s mom sometime this year and she even sent me his pictures. He is doing brilliantly. For all who helped make it happen, Thank you and God bless you.

Hope you make something good happen for someone this year!

Just Like Breast Milk

After work on a Wednesday evening, I was getting ready to take my bath when Nailah walked into the room to talk and chat like we usually do as well as to give me an update about her day.

Out of the blues, she asked 'Mommy, is there still milk in your breasts"?  Hmm, where is this coming from? I silently asked myself. It seemed like a bit of an awkward question at the time, but I answered and told her 'no'.

I explained to her that because she and her sister are toddlers now, I don't have any milk since I'm not feeding any baby. She said ok and asked one more thing 'but when my baby brother(s) come (because we are trusting God to have boys next), would you have milk again'? I said yes, because the babies would need milk and so God will cause the milk to flow at that time.

She said ok, smiled in her usual 'I get it 'manner and walked out to play with her sister.

As soon as Nailah left, I began to think about her question and the Holy Spirit began to speak to me.

I had never given much thought to the relationship between the milk flow as food for children and our spiritual lives in terms of God's ability to provide.

Naturally, when a child stops breastfeeding for any reason, the milk dries up after a while and when another child comes or is in the process of coming, the body begins to prepare to provide milk for the newborn as soon as he/she arrives.

God is like that with us in so many ways. While narrating the events of the day with my husband, we began to discuss the different lessons we had learned from our recent 'Nailah saga' some of which include the following:

When we are babies (baby Christians) God continues to supply us with milk in the sense that once you pray, you begin to see immediate results and answers to requests but the older you grow spiritually, He somehow reduces those things and you begin to see that some prayer requests will not be answered in the way and manner you like or that things don't happen instantly, He does that because, at that point, He wants you to grow and mature, so you are fed with more solid food because that's what you need to sustain you as you progress in life and because He is all about fixing our character and making us reflections of Himself. Perhaps that is why Apostle Paul says 'I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food because you weren't ready for anything stronger. And you still aren't ready (1st Corinthians 3:2).

Provision: Before a need ever arises in our lives, God has made provision for it and once you are leaving that phase and moving to the next, He has made another supply available. No matter how Nailah or Anaiah cry for breast milk, I can never give them simply because they have outgrown it and that supply has seized from me, but I can provide them with solid food which they need in this phase to grow well. In like manner, no matter how much we cry over something we want or once had, God may not give us those things because we have outgrown that stage, rather, He wants us to have new experiences. No matter how much you cry for something's in your past, He will not give it to you because it won't be beneficial to you.

This week, I just want you to know that before any need ever arises in your life, God will make a source readily available for you. In normal cases, the woman doesn't or can't produce breast milk on her own accord, but once the baby is forming and coming, God naturally begins to set the supply in motion.

For every perceived need, you think you may have or will have, know that God has seen it and has already started working on ways to meet up with it.

WORDS

Sometime late last year a friend called to ask if Nailah could have a movie date with her kids. I asked her dad and he was ok with it and we knew Nailah would be thrilled because she loves to go out and have fun with her friends.

The date was set for Sunday, 2:00 pm and Nailah was ecstatic about it. All through the week, we spoke about nothing more than the movie date.

Finally, Sunday had come and it was almost 1:15 pm so I decided to quickly dress her up before my friend would come being that she practically lives behind us and I didn't want to keep them waiting (I am not the most timely person sad to say but, I'm working on it). My friend is sort of like a white lady. She is principled, polished and always on time, perhaps because she was a former banker or is simply part of her upbringing and discipline. I don't know, but I always admire her for that.

Anyway, 1:30 pm passed and my friend had not arrived, 1:45 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:15 pm and so the clock was ticking and Nailah was getting a bit agitated because she was yet to see her friend. We all felt sorry for her because growing up, I never liked getting dressed or waiting for Aunties and Uncles that would make promises and not show up. We had all experienced such disappointments one time or the other growing up and so all the adults in the house could feel Nailah's pain and agitation. At some point, my husband suggested I call and find out if the date was still on or if my friend had forgotten and left without Nailah. Both assumptions seemed rather off to me being that I know my friend's character so well. I knew she didn't forget because she asked me herself and she was not one to forget stuff like that or not keep an engagement, but for the love of me, I could not understand what had happened as this was not in her character. I didn't want to call and be like those 'pushy mommies' being that she was just doing a good deed.

It was almost 2:30 pm and I picked the phone reluctantly to place the call and boom, the door burst open and my friend's son stepped in, he quickly apologized on their behalf for coming late and explained why his mom could not come in herself as she had younger kids in the car. Nailah was so happy and practically flew out of the house with him that she barely turned around to say 'goodbye'. I followed swiftly to see them off to the car. My friend quickly apologized for coming late and explained that the movie time had been moved or so and she forgot to call to inform me so we don't get ready by 2:00 pm.

I waved them goodbye and went into the house to breathe a sigh of relief, glad that everything had ended well because our next plan was to compensate Nailah by taking her out for ice-cream or just something close by to get her mind off the movie and not allow her dressing to be a waste nor let her feel too sad about her over anticipated outing that became abortive.

As I got into the house to go about my business, I heard the Holy Spirit ask me a question " Serah, why were you so sure your friend would come to the extent you seemed super reluctant to call her when you didn't see her at your agreed time'? My answer was simple, I know my friend and I know her character, but beyond that, was the fact that I did not ask her to make such an appointment or commitment to Nailah. She did that on her own accord with no pressure attached because I was minding my business when she called to ask if Nailah could go out with them, not that I called asking her or putting her under pressure to do it.

The Holy Spirit then told me that 'Do you realize Serah that there is no promise in the bible that God has ever made under duress? There is not one in over 3000 promises recorded in the bible that man had put pressure on God or forced His hand to make. Every promise you find, He made them willingly and on His own accord and because of that, I would expect that you would believe Him when you read it and not keep worrying or bothering about how He would make it come to pass or if He would keep His words. The same way you believed your friend would show up because you know her character and believed she was not forced to make a commitment is the same way I would like you and every other child of mine to believe that I am committed and bound to My words to keep them because I said I would. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way 'God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind (Hebrews, 6:17 NLT).

I felt a bit ashamed of myself for the many times I had doubted whether God would come through on His words or promises, but I had also learned a valuable lesson that day.

Dear Friends, I pray that as you read this, you would also learn to trust that when God makes statements like 'like ‘You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you','I am your shepherd you shall not want', 'tell me the desires of your heart that I may fulfill', the plans I have for you are of good and not of evil to bring you to a good and expected end' or simply that 'all things are working together for your good', He means them and will do them. Why? Because He made that promise Himself and He is a God of character that cannot lie.