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.

GOODBYE 2019, HELLO 2020

I wish I could tell you I was a bit more enthusiastic about the classes which would hold for 16 weeks, but goodness, I love my morning sleep and those classes were going to eat out of that, but o well, it was either that or keep procrastinating and never truly becoming a member of the church nor finding my space to serve.

So, there I was, in my first Discipleship Training School (DTS) class wondering what new thing I was going to learn being that I had practically grown up feeding on the Word of God. My Mom had ensured that we started having a good relationship with God since I was a child; that and my pink bible which was given to me by my Sunday school teacher, coupled with 6 years of Baptist High School, Jos, Bible Study Fellowship and learning from wonderful pastors so, in all honesty, I was a bit skeptical I would learn anything new at DTS but since it was mandatory for us to attend before becoming members of the Church then, I was going to comply.

Our first-class was on salvation; a topic almost any Christian would be conversant with, but little did I know that there were so many things to it that we often miss and simply take for granted because for many of us, we were born into Christianity and so we just flowed with it.

Salvation, as we were taught ‘is the total work of God in forging a right relationship between mankind and himself. It is God’s remedy for the fall of man. It is deliverance from sin and death leading to eternal life and happiness. Jesus Christ by his death and resurrection brought salvation to all who believe in him’.

I had almost made it to the end of the class unmoved until I spotted one question that sent my mind swirling and my heart beating. It was a pretty simple question‘what can we learn from the condemnation of Jesus and the release of Barabbas? While I pondered over the question, the Holy Spirit brought another question to my mind 'Serah, do you reckon you can do what God did?

Nailah was barely a year plus and she was my world. I could not picture sacrificing my little girl who brought me so much joy for anyone? I would not be able to bring myself to it no matter what. Even if it meant that millions would die if I didn't do it, then I guess they would all have to die because I simply can't.  If ever such a sacrifice needs to be done and I am the one to do it, then I suggest that each man make his way straight with God at that moment and prepare to meet him and their fate because I cannot do it and I won't.

I pictured Mary, helpless and watching as her little boy was being beaten to a pulp and made to carry a cross, he had no business with and a crown of thorns he didn’t deserve.  The thought of it all appalled me and I could not stomach it or the events that brought about my salvation.

Even though I have two girls now, but I still can't think of anything that would make me sacrifice or let one child go to help anyone. No one is worth that much trouble for me, not anyone. Talk more of doing that for an ungrateful bunch of people who may never truly understand the extent of that sacrifice or what it cost me and they could abuse it? Naa, I can't do it and I respect anyone who can do the things I can't do.

There and then, my spiritual arrogance began to fade and give way to genuine gratitude. Never in all my Christian life had I truly understood what it cost God to sacrifice his only child for me not knowing how I would receive or treat this gift and still going the distance to do it. For the first time, I caught a little glimpse of how much God loved me and what it cost Him for me to be saved.

The thought blew my mind, and in all honesty, I guess it may take you to be a parent or a mother to truly comprehend it, but even as an aunt, I can't think of anything that would make me give up any of my nephews or nieces for anyone; I love them too much.

God loves us so much that He gave up everything just to reunite us with Him. He risked it all on a bunch of ungrateful people who rather than appreciate his gift, whine, complain, grumble, insult and just treat it with so much contempt. Perhaps we never truly get it because we didn't pay for it and by the human standard it is super easy to take for granted and abuse something that costs you nothing to get. Very few people like King David may ever truly comprehend this and that is why he says 'let all that I am praise the Lord; He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies' (Psalm 103:4).

As the year 2019 comes to an end, I pray that you can truly catch a glimpse of what it cost God to ensure that He saved and redeemed you from hell, and hopefully it would prompt you to genuine gratitude and help chart your 2020 to be a year where you become more deliberate in things that concern Him and making the sacrifice count.

When I enter cabs, board a flight, enter Keke (tricycle), wherever and whatever I am doing, you best be assured that I am deliberately calculating ways to make my money, time and God’s sacrifice count. I prayerfully seek ways to throw God into our discussion while silently hoping that I can use my opportunity well enough to just share a little about His love with you. Just seeking ways to make the sacrifice count and to make Him know I was worth it and not a waste.

Amongst the many things I have written this year, I pray you read this post and the one titled ‘terrified’ because those lessons for me are the kind you never want to forget.

Have an amazing new year and see you in 2020 by God's grace.

Thanks for reading, supporting, cheering and sharing with us on lessonsfromNailah.

Suprise

Christmas was in the air and spirits were high. Nailah had just made a new friend that year; although she was a bit older than her, they were birthday mates and they had established a very special and admirable bond.

I had shopped and done as much as I could to prepare for the Christmas holiday and hoped that I would be able to make her second Christmas more fun than her first.

I had just gotten to the office when I saw my colleague Ajike and her little girl on their way out because they were traveling to the village for the Christmas holiday. My friend passed me a nice bag and said 'it's for Nailah'!

Apparently, while doing their Christmas shopping, she and her daughter decided to get Nailah a Christmas gift. In all honesty, I was surprised as I was not expecting anything like that. I was truly moved by their kind gesture and thoughtfulness to my little girl and I thanked them profusely.

We said our goodbyes as we also would be headed for Jos that day. While on the trip, my mind kept replaying what had happened. I was so happy and just could not get over what they had done for Nailah. I had shared the incident with my husband and niece and they were as touched as I was.

Nailah, on the other hand, loved the beautiful pink dress she had just received even though she had little understanding of how much it was worth and the love that had been poured into it, but I did.

I kept wondering what could have made them think of my little girl like that!

To some people, it may just be a dress, but to me, it was the thought that had moved me more than anything else. I have never done anything super special for my friend Ajike and her daughter to warrant such kindness and we were not related by blood so there was nothing that should make them do this. They did not owe me anything I thought to myself.

While I was reflecting on those thoughts, I silently kept thinking of ways and praying for opportunities to come that I would be able to do something super special for them (Ajike and her daughter) to show my gratitude.

While I kept thinking and smiling, God told me something that changed my Christmas orientation forever.

God: Serah, you seem so pleased with what your friend Ajike and her daughter did for Nailah right?

Serah: I said yes. I told him how extremely happy I was and how I was just thinking of something I could do to show her and her daughter how much I appreciated what they had done for Nailah.

God told me that the same way I am so happy and moved with the show of kindness to my child is the same way he is happy and moved when we show kindness to any of his children. So also the way I was looking and praying for opportunities to bless my friend and her daughter for what they had done is the same way He also is looking and waiting for opportunities to bless those who have blessed his children and thought of ways to make them happy or bring smiles on their faces. I got the picture and the message and I hope you do too.

Every time we set out to be a blessing, God is also setting himself to bless us for the joy we have brought to the lives of his Children and the reverse holds as well. That is why the bible says ' I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you' (Genesis 12:3).

There is no parent on the face of this earth who is not pleased when someone shows/extends kindness to their children. We all learn it from God. So as this Christmas is coming, kindly take time to show kindness to someone. Make someone feel loved, remembered and special. It doesn't have to be something expensive, it just needs to be something that you have put great thought into that comes from the heart, but be like David, who says' I shall not give God what cost me nothing" (2nd Samuel 24:24) for ultimately, every gift you give a child of God is given to the Father as well. So go and spread some holiday cheer!!

Have a Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

Lots of Love from Lessons from Nailah

DELIBERATE

‘Serah, please pray for us’ that was the first thing my boss told me as we gathered to tackle a pretty tasking memo at the office. A Committee had been formed especially for this as we were to create something that was pretty new to most of us on the Committee. I had been dreading this Committee work for weeks.

I gave a fire branded prayer quickly asking for the help of the Holy Spirit who knows all things and is the best teacher and guide.

The work commenced and before you know it, we had made great achievements and were almost done with it. As it was already closing hour, we decided to reconvene the next day and conclude on all we had done.

I got home and was just pondering over the events of the day when I saw a replay of the day’s events starting from the meeting with my boss saying ‘Serah pray for us’. I watched everything as it happened and how we dispersed immediately after. I heard my prayer clearly asking for help but I didn’t hear myself or any other person go back to say ‘thank you Holy Spirit for the help you rendered us’, rather, it ended with a ‘see you tomorrow’.

Wow, how could we have been so rude by not going back to give thanks?

 I understood what the Holy Spirit was saying and quickly asked for his forgiveness on behalf of the whole team and said a proper ‘thank you, Holy Spirit’.

The next day, my boss was about to start the meeting with a ‘pray for us’ when I shared my encounter with the Holy Spirit. My boss was quiet and asked me about what time it happened because she has experienced the same thing at home and like myself, repented and asked for forgiveness on behalf of everyone and gave thanks.

The room was pretty silent when one of my colleagues who had been keenly following all that was happening made a key statement that caught my attention. She said ‘that means the Holy Spirit was bent on getting that thank you and was not going to relent on it because it was important to him’!

While sharing the day’s events with my best friend, we started talking about how easy it was for us to express profound gratitude to people who do things for us, but neglect to show that same level of gratitude to God when he does stuff for us. It is like somewhere at the back of our minds, we feel it is our right and entitlement. I can relate with that because while growing up, I felt the same sense of entitlement when it came to God. I got so upset if I asked for something that I felt was in accordance to his Words and knew He could do, but didn’t (read my frustrated article to get a feel).

Anyway, everything changed for me with the birth of my daughter Anaiah; where I learned to exchange that ‘entitlement and rights attitude’ for a ‘gratitude attitude’ (check my blog on gratitude attitude for full story).

Safe to say that after that encounter at the office, I began to be more deliberate about going back to say ‘thank you’ to the Holy Spirit whenever He did anything for me, especially when I came asking for help.

Through that experience, I learned that so often, it is easy for the human mind to forget the good things God has done; but the mind easily remembers the ‘seemingly bad’ things that happened. Perhaps that is why David said ‘let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me’ (Psalm 103:2). It is simply because he (David) knows that to remember ‘good’ is a very deliberate and difficult thing for the human mind.

I’ve met people who can give exact dates and detailed descriptions of situations that hurt them but couldn’t remember the good ones or the ones that brought them joy. Most times, it is people who are new in the faith (especially new converts) that remember or people who are deliberate to remember that come back and give thanks. Our feelings of entitlement, rights mentality, and fuzzy brains make us shock God and cause Him to ask questions like ‘didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no-one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner (Mark 17:17-28)?

The year may not have gone as expected but, I pray that you make a deliberate effort to sit down, think and just find a reason or reasons to give thanks. Just look around you and you will find a lot. The fact that you are still standing means there is still hope and God is not done with you yet. So end this year by giving deliberate thanks. As they say; ‘Count your blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done’.