They Called Him Names...God Called Him Son

The date was 07 February 2010. I walked out of the church looking like a raccoon. I had cried so much that my eyeliner, mascara and tears were having a fellowship. I was not crying out of pain but out of joy unspeakable. I have had uncountable happy days but none of them holds a candle to this day. I dare say that this is the happiest day of my life, so far. Please don’t jump into conclusion; it was not my wedding, I was not dedicating a baby and I did not win a lottery. If these three things were to happen in one they, they will never compare to the miracle I witnessed on the day in question.

Let me say at this point that I took part in the most glorious church service, mind you; I’ve been to thousands of services. It was not TD Jakes or Paula White preaching. The service was not in the US or the UK; it was at Asapa right here in Lagos. There were less than 50 people in the congregation. The venue was nothing classy by any standard… a canopy with white plastic chairs, over-decorated podium and basic public address system.

What made the service super special to me was the preacher. He is someone that the world gave up on…friends, family friends and enemies alike. He was called names to my hearing. Some called him useless, others called him good-for-nothing and hopeless. I have heard people say he will never amount to anything. Based on his riotous lifestyle, maybe these people’s perception of him was justified.

God’s extravagant mercy never stops to amaze me. The same person who was called good- for-nothing, He called perfect-for-my-vineyard. The person that the world called useless, He anointed and called useful. This same person who the world considered foolish, He has used to confound the wise. Even though he was called hopeless, God said “I believe in you”.

On the 07 February 2010, I witnessed what God meant when He said, “is anything too hard for me?” I can stand up right now, look God in the eye and answer “no Lord, there is nothing too hard for you, I am the one with a challenge; my faith wavers when you appear out of sight”. If I were to have a baby right now, I won’t hesitate to name him/her Ifeanyichukwu meaning, “there is nothing impossible for God”.

The best part of this gist is that the person in question is my younger brother, Dede. He didn’t just preach, he ministered the word of God in spirit and truth…he didn’t interpret the bible into what people want to hear, he spoke without doing injustice to the word of God.

I wish Mum and Dad were here to witness God’s answer to their years of prayers. I love you Bros and may God keep you and keep the oil on your head fresh and flowing.
I lift one request up to God; I ask that the same way He came through for my family that He comes through for yours and touch any issue of prodigality you may be dealing with at this time IJN…Amen

To My Big Sister, Mrs. Nimi Akinkugbe

My first encounter with you was in the pages of the “May Concert” brochure in April 2003 and my first impression was ... “oh she’s a very beautiful woman”. We eventually met vey briefly at the ground floor of the then Investment Banking & Trust Company when you came back from vacation. I must say you made a very good and lasting impression. After then, we occasionally ran into each other at the corridors of the bank and we exchanged brief pleasantries.

Sometime in the course of 2003, I disappeared from work to nurse my brother, who was very ill. It was meant to be a 4-day trip but the four days turned into four weeks. You were one of the very few people who asked for my where about. You called me at the hospital and you made efforts to facilitate my brother’s treatment at UCH, Ibadan.

When I came back to work sometime in December 2003, I found a cheque, a note and a Christmas card, which you left in my drawer for me. You will never know how far that went.

Between November 2003 and December 2009 (precisely 6 years), my life was a cocktail of dramas, which I did not orchestrate and would never have been a part of if I had a say in the matter. You were one of the people who held my hands as I went through the trying period.

Thank you for being very thoughtful towards me and my siblings.
Thank you for those text messages you sent just to check on me.
Thank you for the cash gifts.
Thank you for the material gifts.
Thank you for the times you made your shoulders available for me to cry on.
Thank you for standing up for me at work when occasions called for it.
Thank you for believing in me.
Thank you for stretching the hand of love, “ big sistership” and friendship to me.

You are one of the very few women who are confident enough to recognize, appreciate and acknowledge the good in other women and I salute you for that. You are beautiful on the outside but most importantly you are very beautiful on the inside.

The most I can do is to appreciate you but I know that all you’ve done for me is like a loan to God so He will definitely reward you with interest.

Remember, you have what it takes to give Suzzy Oman (not sure of the spelling) real run for her money so bring it on!

I love you deeply and may God guide your steps and hold your hands as you start this new phase of your fabulous life.