Mike Adenuga, Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Bill Gates, Donald Trump…….. what do all these names remind you of ? Of course you are right, multibillionaires, the very rich, and the very successful. Okonjo Iweala, David Beckham, Christiano Ronaldo, Barack Obama, Christian Dior, Michael Jordan, Bill Clinton, Wole Soyinka, Kanu Nwankwo…..and so on. These are names of people that we believe that are achievers in our society, successful people you might want to say. Yes I agree with you.
When you think about your future, these people’s pictures, achievements, lifestyles come to your mind. You often see yourself as them in your own future. I might not have listed the names of those you admire and wish to be like or even surpass in terms of achievement, because if I attempt to do that I might be writing 10 million names. Too much!
Never mind. But you know what? There are more than 6 billion people on earth with about 2.5 billion as adults who should be listed as one of these people but we just have 10million names or less. That’s just less than 1% of the world’s population, what??? Okay maybe we have been a little unfair with our figures, so let’s push it to 1% of the world population. That’s 60million people. And that would be 1.4million people in Nigeria of the over 140million population.
Really these figures are actually generous, but as generous as they are it only tells me that only one person ( or less) out of every ten people in your clique or school or neighborhood or family would one day be referred to as successful in another 15, 25 or more years by the teenagers of that generation. I mean that by the year 2025, which is by the corner, only a few people…a handful will be named by others as great people. That’s food for thought for anyone like me who would want to be a general in the house of God and a nation builder in a few years from now.
So if you’ve been spending time fantasizing about what your future would look like, pause for a minute and think deeply if you have what it takes to standout of your ten friends who equally have such desires and ambition. Because that future YOU will not be different from today’s YOU. There will be no magic to make you change automatically into your dream future but YOU would be an accumulation of the things you have done and what you keep doing daily from now till then.
So we all have equal opportunity to be tomorrow’s greatest today. Every man on earth has a talent or gift that can be nurtured into a tool for greatness. All the names we listed earlier have something that they are particularly best at, which some would describe as their talent. But I believe that yes they have a talent but it has been refined and developed into a skill over the years. What’s the difference? A talent is ‘a natural ability to do something well’, but a skill is 'an ability to do something well after you have learned it and practiced it over and over’ and it can even earn you an income.
People get paid for their skills and not necessarily their talent. You know many people around you who are talented singers, talkers, footballers, drummers, cooks but do not earn anything much because they have not trained themselves enough. Now imagine what you could be if you can turn you talents into a skill. Like Manchester United’s Christiano Ronaldo or Bill Clinton or Nicole Mullen or Bill Gates; all have identified one thing they do naturally well and have trained themselves so well at it that they are respected and even described as the best at it.
So wherever you find yourself know (in school most likely) be your best. Do all you can to be on top of your class. Develop yourself daily through the word of God, build your relationship with God, build your mind through Christian and motivational books and recordings, cultivate good relationships. These are things that will make you better. Identify your talent and over the next few years, turn it into a skill. Remember you want to be in the top 1% worldwide. Hmm!
Written by Dade Akinwande (modadeakin@yahoo.com ; 08087005300, 07028777752)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Being The Best I Can Be - Know Thyself
Quell est la difference? I am currently learning French and I am proud to say that I have reached intermediate proficiency which means that I can carry on a conversation in the language. In all of the French that I now speak; my favorite sentence is “Quel est la difference” which when translated to English means, “What is the difference?”
I love this sentence so much because it is a question I ask myself all the time and it is a question that all young people who want to be the best they could be should ask themselves. I will explain.
In life, decisions must be made on a daily basis. How well a person makes decisions depends on their ability to recognize the alternatives available to them as well as their strength to choose correctly regardless of immediate consequences. I will focus on the former (i.e. identifying differences between alternatives).
Young people make decisions that often have a significant impact on the rest of their lives; decisions that surround what University to attend, what to study while in school and what career path to follow. These are some of the key decisions that we have to make.
When making these decisions, it is important to know who you are and make decisions that fit the mould of who you are and are trying to be. As a simple example, I knew that I could not be a doctor even though it is a field for which I have the utmost respect. Also, I know how much prestige is attributed to people who practice in that field and let’s face it, who doesn’t want a prestigious job. With all these considerations examined, I had to decide against the alternative of aspiring to become a doctor for 2 simple reasons; first, I am squeamish at the sight of blood and I loathed the smells the emanated from every single hospital I have ever visited in my life.
hose simple signs were enough to help me learn the difference between the pursuit of prestige, respect and wealth in the medical field and the practicality of doing something that I obviously would not be good at. Oh by the way, Biology was my least favorite subject in high school.
I am quick to tell you that you can do anything you want but I am quick to advice you to try to make sure that while you try to do anything, let that thing be something you should be doing. There is a huge difference between what you could do and what you should do. Not every profitable profession is a good profession for you.
As a young child, I used to say that I wanted to become an aeronautical engineer. I had very little idea what the field was about. I just believed that I wanted to do it. Now that I am a little older, I realize that mine was a classic case of what I now call “concept infatuation.” This is when you are in love with the idea of a field but you know nothing about the field. I liked the idea of one day becoming an engineer. I did not know what I needed to do to make that happen. The gist of what I am trying to say is very simple and it is this; know yourself and know why you do what you do. Don’t get caught doing the right thing for the wrong reason (for example, trying to become a doctor because of social status). Learn who you are, your strengths and weaknesses so that can make the right decisions. Most importantly, learn the difference between success and wealth.
These two are by no means mutually exclusive. You can be successful and wealthy at the same time but the fact that one is present does not imply that the other is. 419 people are wealthy but not successful. Some teachers are not wealthy but successful. In the end of it all, success is achieved when you have done all you can with all you have been given!
‘Being the best I can be’ continues next edition with ‘Befriend the best to be the best – A community of excellence’.
Written by Ayo Sopitan (gsopitan@yahoo.com)
I love this sentence so much because it is a question I ask myself all the time and it is a question that all young people who want to be the best they could be should ask themselves. I will explain.
In life, decisions must be made on a daily basis. How well a person makes decisions depends on their ability to recognize the alternatives available to them as well as their strength to choose correctly regardless of immediate consequences. I will focus on the former (i.e. identifying differences between alternatives).
Young people make decisions that often have a significant impact on the rest of their lives; decisions that surround what University to attend, what to study while in school and what career path to follow. These are some of the key decisions that we have to make.
When making these decisions, it is important to know who you are and make decisions that fit the mould of who you are and are trying to be. As a simple example, I knew that I could not be a doctor even though it is a field for which I have the utmost respect. Also, I know how much prestige is attributed to people who practice in that field and let’s face it, who doesn’t want a prestigious job. With all these considerations examined, I had to decide against the alternative of aspiring to become a doctor for 2 simple reasons; first, I am squeamish at the sight of blood and I loathed the smells the emanated from every single hospital I have ever visited in my life.
hose simple signs were enough to help me learn the difference between the pursuit of prestige, respect and wealth in the medical field and the practicality of doing something that I obviously would not be good at. Oh by the way, Biology was my least favorite subject in high school.
I am quick to tell you that you can do anything you want but I am quick to advice you to try to make sure that while you try to do anything, let that thing be something you should be doing. There is a huge difference between what you could do and what you should do. Not every profitable profession is a good profession for you.
As a young child, I used to say that I wanted to become an aeronautical engineer. I had very little idea what the field was about. I just believed that I wanted to do it. Now that I am a little older, I realize that mine was a classic case of what I now call “concept infatuation.” This is when you are in love with the idea of a field but you know nothing about the field. I liked the idea of one day becoming an engineer. I did not know what I needed to do to make that happen. The gist of what I am trying to say is very simple and it is this; know yourself and know why you do what you do. Don’t get caught doing the right thing for the wrong reason (for example, trying to become a doctor because of social status). Learn who you are, your strengths and weaknesses so that can make the right decisions. Most importantly, learn the difference between success and wealth.
These two are by no means mutually exclusive. You can be successful and wealthy at the same time but the fact that one is present does not imply that the other is. 419 people are wealthy but not successful. Some teachers are not wealthy but successful. In the end of it all, success is achieved when you have done all you can with all you have been given!
‘Being the best I can be’ continues next edition with ‘Befriend the best to be the best – A community of excellence’.
Written by Ayo Sopitan (gsopitan@yahoo.com)
DREAM NIGERIA: The Land Is Green
Whenever I get on the all popular youth interface website-facebook, surfing to find friends, catching up on old times and seeing what they are up to, what hits me every time is the number of Nigerian Youths who have left Nigeria in search of greener pastures, greener education, greener jobs and greener lives.
In actual fact, almost every Nigerian youth is either planning or on their way out to the United Kingdom or the United States. I even gather that the US and UK are becoming too saturated and we have began spreading our tentacles to some “out of the world places” like Cyprus, Ukraine, Singapore, Thailand and even Mongolia (who ever said there was a Nigerian in every corner of the Earth probably wasn’t guessing!!!)
We take these journeys in the hope that whatever exists as life in those countries “must” be better than what we have here in Nigeria and if you were to ask what we hope to achieve by these journeys you get various answers such as, “I’m leaving for my Masters, or first degree, or job opportunities abound beyond measure, or a straight answer like ‘I want a better life’”. You know the funniest part is how it is said with a smirk on their faces like the ones left behind are the unlucky ones not to have the opportunity to travel out of the country.
Well, it really is difficult to argue in favour of Nigeria, especially when you look up, there is no light, you go out into bad roads, you turn the taps and stale air comes out, ask for jobs they ask you to pay N5000 for some hocus-pocus pre-interview tests. You start business and run it to ruin on ever escalating fuel prices…please someone say stop! I could go on and on.
On the other hand, if we say any Nigerian can survive anywhere, anyhow, and under any conditions, then why is it hard to survive, suppress and succeed here in Nigeria? That is a thought to ponder. I would also hate to seem like a bitter cynic, speaking from a bias of one who hasn’t had the opportunity to travel out. In truth, if I get the opportunity I ‘might’ as well take it, but under certain circumstances, so the issue is not against the concept of traveling out.
So what exactly is my stand on this issue? To the youth who says I am going to look for a better Life, better Education, better paying jobs, et cetera. You are quite right about the fact that they have the better life, education, the better paying jobs, but you have it all wrong about what real life or education or job opportunity is. Let’s use education as an example, a good Education imparts good knowledge, but does not give the ability to apply it. Character does that. Or do you know a school where they teach people to become Martin Luther King Jr, or M. Ghandi, or Wole Soyinka. If you do I’d love to know. Do you think it was the British Education Wole Soyinka got that gave him his Nobel Laureate, if so all the guys in his class should have one too. Character is the factor that cuts across all the great people in all works of life and it is learnt in the place of the heart and the discipline of the Mind.
So what will your heart teach you that your teachers won’t put in your head? Let me tell a story I read in the book by Russell H. Conwell. Once a man found a Priest and asked him to tell him where to find Diamonds. The Priest replied that if you find a river that runs into white sands and between high Mountains, in those white sands you will always find diamonds. So the man believed the priest, sold his farm and used the money to begin his trip. The person he sold his land to one day went into the farm to give his camel a drink from the shallow brook that ran through the farm, and we all know how these stories end; He found pieces of dull looking rocks which turned out to be diamonds. Now the cheeky part of this tale is that the man who went on the journey through many lands on his way back home actually found out that the mountains and white Sand River told by the Priest was the one in his backyard.
I have read a number of motivational books, Think and Grow Rich, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Who Moved my Cheese et cetera and found they all point to the same moral of this story. If you will open your eyes, and look at the environment around you hard enough, you’d find that the opportunities you seek elsewhere are everywhere around you. Like the bible says …open thine eyes and thou shalt be satisfied with bread” Prov 20:12-13. Your eyes are the windows to your heart. What you’ve seen and desired, you can have. God does his part by putting those opportunities around, but you have to find it. Going to America or Britain wouldn’t necessarily help you see better, (the glitter of the blings they have will probably have you chasing shadows for the rest of your life) but putting your mind to the discipline of meditating on the issues concerning your desires and the character to keep working at it till you succeed. Trust me; you’ll find the Land on your side is the greenest when you get this process right.
Let us see how this process works. A friend of mine, back in the University, who like everyone of us, had been looking for any opportunity to make an extra buck, had to help his dad check if his container had arrived at the Port. It took him over a week to locate the ‘bleeping’ container. He was downright frustrated. But it got him thinking, “Na wa for this port people O! Can’t they just arrange these containers by assigning a serial number to each one and tag them to the correct container documents, that way it will be easier for anyone to find their stuff in this place.” The idea struck him. He could do that, and that is what he did. He created a software that is used to tag each container and attach them to the correct documents in their records unit at port as they arrive.
It was a simple idea, to a big problem, but it wasn’t easy to get them to adopt it into the bureaucratic and corrupt system they ran at the port then, but he knew his idea was good so he didn’t give up. Finally, when they accepted it, they offered him a payment contract that stated that as long as they used his software, they would pay him royalty on it. This contract runs into millions of Naira yearly. Now let me blow your mind this friend of mine is only 26 year old. He didn’t have to go to the Greenlands in Europe; his Greenland is called Nigeria. What is your Greenland called? Lisbon; Portugal, or Beijing; China, or Las Vegas; USA. Sorry, mine is Nigeria and I am right proud it is.
My friend, Opportunities abound. Let us think; nothing is impossible as long as we don’t let it die at the door mouth of the challenges that we must face to be great. Put your mind in gear- Meditate; take time to think more about yourself and your life. Begin to ask why not? Why can’t we have our own London in Lagos? If you only open your eyes you’ll see it. This article says the land is green; it is not the land we are referring to, it is your heart that needs to see all that you can do to the land God put you in. Trust me again, it was no mistake and only a fool says so.
Now if you are reading this and you’ve traveled or are planning to travel, please do not be dissuaded, God’s word says as far as your eyes can see, it all belongs to you. Go, if you must and be all you can be, but please do not forget that your own land remains green and needs something deposited in you to make it the DreamNigeria we want it to be.
Finally pips, it takes character to grow your mind. Stay away from everything your heart says is not fair and just, not even if everyone is doing it especially Yahoo and all the corruption that is here today. What will give you the true increase, opportunity and prosperity you seek is within you; draw it out…and Oh! Yes the land is indeed very green.
Written by Tolulope Awobiyi ( toluawobiyi@yahoo.com, 08023043878)
In actual fact, almost every Nigerian youth is either planning or on their way out to the United Kingdom or the United States. I even gather that the US and UK are becoming too saturated and we have began spreading our tentacles to some “out of the world places” like Cyprus, Ukraine, Singapore, Thailand and even Mongolia (who ever said there was a Nigerian in every corner of the Earth probably wasn’t guessing!!!)
We take these journeys in the hope that whatever exists as life in those countries “must” be better than what we have here in Nigeria and if you were to ask what we hope to achieve by these journeys you get various answers such as, “I’m leaving for my Masters, or first degree, or job opportunities abound beyond measure, or a straight answer like ‘I want a better life’”. You know the funniest part is how it is said with a smirk on their faces like the ones left behind are the unlucky ones not to have the opportunity to travel out of the country.
Well, it really is difficult to argue in favour of Nigeria, especially when you look up, there is no light, you go out into bad roads, you turn the taps and stale air comes out, ask for jobs they ask you to pay N5000 for some hocus-pocus pre-interview tests. You start business and run it to ruin on ever escalating fuel prices…please someone say stop! I could go on and on.
On the other hand, if we say any Nigerian can survive anywhere, anyhow, and under any conditions, then why is it hard to survive, suppress and succeed here in Nigeria? That is a thought to ponder. I would also hate to seem like a bitter cynic, speaking from a bias of one who hasn’t had the opportunity to travel out. In truth, if I get the opportunity I ‘might’ as well take it, but under certain circumstances, so the issue is not against the concept of traveling out.
So what exactly is my stand on this issue? To the youth who says I am going to look for a better Life, better Education, better paying jobs, et cetera. You are quite right about the fact that they have the better life, education, the better paying jobs, but you have it all wrong about what real life or education or job opportunity is. Let’s use education as an example, a good Education imparts good knowledge, but does not give the ability to apply it. Character does that. Or do you know a school where they teach people to become Martin Luther King Jr, or M. Ghandi, or Wole Soyinka. If you do I’d love to know. Do you think it was the British Education Wole Soyinka got that gave him his Nobel Laureate, if so all the guys in his class should have one too. Character is the factor that cuts across all the great people in all works of life and it is learnt in the place of the heart and the discipline of the Mind.
So what will your heart teach you that your teachers won’t put in your head? Let me tell a story I read in the book by Russell H. Conwell. Once a man found a Priest and asked him to tell him where to find Diamonds. The Priest replied that if you find a river that runs into white sands and between high Mountains, in those white sands you will always find diamonds. So the man believed the priest, sold his farm and used the money to begin his trip. The person he sold his land to one day went into the farm to give his camel a drink from the shallow brook that ran through the farm, and we all know how these stories end; He found pieces of dull looking rocks which turned out to be diamonds. Now the cheeky part of this tale is that the man who went on the journey through many lands on his way back home actually found out that the mountains and white Sand River told by the Priest was the one in his backyard.
I have read a number of motivational books, Think and Grow Rich, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Who Moved my Cheese et cetera and found they all point to the same moral of this story. If you will open your eyes, and look at the environment around you hard enough, you’d find that the opportunities you seek elsewhere are everywhere around you. Like the bible says …open thine eyes and thou shalt be satisfied with bread” Prov 20:12-13. Your eyes are the windows to your heart. What you’ve seen and desired, you can have. God does his part by putting those opportunities around, but you have to find it. Going to America or Britain wouldn’t necessarily help you see better, (the glitter of the blings they have will probably have you chasing shadows for the rest of your life) but putting your mind to the discipline of meditating on the issues concerning your desires and the character to keep working at it till you succeed. Trust me; you’ll find the Land on your side is the greenest when you get this process right.
Let us see how this process works. A friend of mine, back in the University, who like everyone of us, had been looking for any opportunity to make an extra buck, had to help his dad check if his container had arrived at the Port. It took him over a week to locate the ‘bleeping’ container. He was downright frustrated. But it got him thinking, “Na wa for this port people O! Can’t they just arrange these containers by assigning a serial number to each one and tag them to the correct container documents, that way it will be easier for anyone to find their stuff in this place.” The idea struck him. He could do that, and that is what he did. He created a software that is used to tag each container and attach them to the correct documents in their records unit at port as they arrive.
It was a simple idea, to a big problem, but it wasn’t easy to get them to adopt it into the bureaucratic and corrupt system they ran at the port then, but he knew his idea was good so he didn’t give up. Finally, when they accepted it, they offered him a payment contract that stated that as long as they used his software, they would pay him royalty on it. This contract runs into millions of Naira yearly. Now let me blow your mind this friend of mine is only 26 year old. He didn’t have to go to the Greenlands in Europe; his Greenland is called Nigeria. What is your Greenland called? Lisbon; Portugal, or Beijing; China, or Las Vegas; USA. Sorry, mine is Nigeria and I am right proud it is.
My friend, Opportunities abound. Let us think; nothing is impossible as long as we don’t let it die at the door mouth of the challenges that we must face to be great. Put your mind in gear- Meditate; take time to think more about yourself and your life. Begin to ask why not? Why can’t we have our own London in Lagos? If you only open your eyes you’ll see it. This article says the land is green; it is not the land we are referring to, it is your heart that needs to see all that you can do to the land God put you in. Trust me again, it was no mistake and only a fool says so.
Now if you are reading this and you’ve traveled or are planning to travel, please do not be dissuaded, God’s word says as far as your eyes can see, it all belongs to you. Go, if you must and be all you can be, but please do not forget that your own land remains green and needs something deposited in you to make it the DreamNigeria we want it to be.
Finally pips, it takes character to grow your mind. Stay away from everything your heart says is not fair and just, not even if everyone is doing it especially Yahoo and all the corruption that is here today. What will give you the true increase, opportunity and prosperity you seek is within you; draw it out…and Oh! Yes the land is indeed very green.
Written by Tolulope Awobiyi ( toluawobiyi@yahoo.com, 08023043878)
Girls' Chat With Titi
Q: I’m in my second year in the university. The problem now is that I am sickly. I am afraid I am going to die. I have spent so much on this sickness and it doesn’t seem to be improving. There is a guy in my school that has been helping me fight my sickness. He travels to New York and gets drugs for me which relieve me. The problem is that he asked me to have sex with him or else he would leave me. My parents cannot afford to buy these drugs; we are even struggling to eat. I don’t know what to do. I am not concerned about the guy's money but my health.
A: Congratulations Dear! God has faithfully kept you since birth till now that you are in your second year in the University so I think you should take the next few seconds to say a heartfelt THANK YOU JESUS! Permit me to tell you that you have not died because God wants to do in your life something He alone can take the glory for. I believe that because Jesus received stripes at the cross, you will be healed and live the rest of your life in divine health in Jesus name.
God bless the guy that has been buying the drugs, he must have spent so much and it must have been so much of a sacrifice on his part. He has done his best as an human but I know his sacrifice is not worth the price he is asking for(SEX with an innocent virgin like you) and I believe you know that too because you could have succumbed to the pressure.
You know what? God has brought you to a point like this to build your faith. You confessed that your health has not improved with the drugs but let me tell you there is a Balm in Gilead (Jehovah Rapha) that can heal all diseases - healed the woman with a 12-years issue of blood, raised a man that had died and been buried for four days, healed HIV patients, changed SS genotypes to AA in one night, and healed the man of God, Kenneth Hagin of a heart problem, who lived the rest of his life in divine health before he went to be with Jesus.
I know you have heard various reports from doctors and you have believed them enough to use the drugs as religiously as possible so much that you have continued this far though you have not seen significant improvements. I want you to exercise this same faith - and greater faith comes as you hear the word (Rom10:17) - as you believe every promise of God about your healing and health. I believe God honors our faith when we pray (Mark 11:22-24, 1John5:14-15).Here are some relevant scriptures that I want you to read, meditate, believe and confess as you watch God do the miracle. Job 22:28, Psalms 103:3-4, Isaiah53:5, Mark9:23. Please, ponder on these verses and any others you know about God’s word on your health until they become real to you. God honours His words!
Please thank the guy and firmly tell him that he cannot get what he asked for. Let him go if he wants to and assure him he will be there to hear your testimony as God sends you help from above. Your life, including your health is PRECIOUS to God and He'll do anything to rescue you from the devourer. Please be strong because I know God will take care of you.
Please dear keep in touch as much as you can and I will appreciate details of your health condition to know in what direction to pray and offer any other relevant help. I know YOU WILL LIVE TO SEE AND TELL OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING!
Answered by Titilope Oladepo (08035751800, titola18@yahoo.co.uk)
You have questions you want to let out of your heart, right? Send an e-mail to questionsofmine@yahoo.com and indicate if you want the question(s) addressed personally or through the magazine.
A: Congratulations Dear! God has faithfully kept you since birth till now that you are in your second year in the University so I think you should take the next few seconds to say a heartfelt THANK YOU JESUS! Permit me to tell you that you have not died because God wants to do in your life something He alone can take the glory for. I believe that because Jesus received stripes at the cross, you will be healed and live the rest of your life in divine health in Jesus name.
God bless the guy that has been buying the drugs, he must have spent so much and it must have been so much of a sacrifice on his part. He has done his best as an human but I know his sacrifice is not worth the price he is asking for(SEX with an innocent virgin like you) and I believe you know that too because you could have succumbed to the pressure.
You know what? God has brought you to a point like this to build your faith. You confessed that your health has not improved with the drugs but let me tell you there is a Balm in Gilead (Jehovah Rapha) that can heal all diseases - healed the woman with a 12-years issue of blood, raised a man that had died and been buried for four days, healed HIV patients, changed SS genotypes to AA in one night, and healed the man of God, Kenneth Hagin of a heart problem, who lived the rest of his life in divine health before he went to be with Jesus.
I know you have heard various reports from doctors and you have believed them enough to use the drugs as religiously as possible so much that you have continued this far though you have not seen significant improvements. I want you to exercise this same faith - and greater faith comes as you hear the word (Rom10:17) - as you believe every promise of God about your healing and health. I believe God honors our faith when we pray (Mark 11:22-24, 1John5:14-15).Here are some relevant scriptures that I want you to read, meditate, believe and confess as you watch God do the miracle. Job 22:28, Psalms 103:3-4, Isaiah53:5, Mark9:23. Please, ponder on these verses and any others you know about God’s word on your health until they become real to you. God honours His words!
Please thank the guy and firmly tell him that he cannot get what he asked for. Let him go if he wants to and assure him he will be there to hear your testimony as God sends you help from above. Your life, including your health is PRECIOUS to God and He'll do anything to rescue you from the devourer. Please be strong because I know God will take care of you.
Please dear keep in touch as much as you can and I will appreciate details of your health condition to know in what direction to pray and offer any other relevant help. I know YOU WILL LIVE TO SEE AND TELL OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING!
Answered by Titilope Oladepo (08035751800, titola18@yahoo.co.uk)
You have questions you want to let out of your heart, right? Send an e-mail to questionsofmine@yahoo.com and indicate if you want the question(s) addressed personally or through the magazine.
Teen Celebrity
Can we meet you?
My name is Boluwatife Odumosu. I come from Ogun state (Ijegbu-Ode). I’m half Yoruba - half Efik. I’m thirteen years old; the first of two sons.
What are you up to right now?
I’m a JSS3 student of Trinity International College, Ofada.
What church do you attend and what’s your involvement there?
I attend RCCG, Liberty Parish, Mafoluku. I’m very active in church; it’s s new church, so I’m involved in different activities there.
What was your result like last session?
I came first, to the glory of God, with an average of 93.4%. It was cumulative of the first, second, and third terms; I had A’s in all my subjects.
How many prizes did you get this year?
I got twelve prizes for twelve, out of fifteen, subjects, the prize for best attitude to work, the highest annual result, participation in co-curricular activities, and the mother of all – Trinity Student Of The Year Award.
What’s the secret of your academic exploits?
From primary school, I remember I never achieved this. It all started when I entered secondary school. I started by making a resolution; writing out my aims and objectives, things I wanted to eliminate and those to imbibe. I worked on these things.
Later, I found out some of my friends used to get ‘missing’. I asked them and they showed me where they go. They took me to the chaplain’s office where they meet to pray.
I then gave my life to Christ and became consistent in prayer meetings. Things started looking up for me, especially my JSS1 Welcome Test. I came first. That was my first time in six years being first. My first position afterwards became consistent.
In JSS2, when I saw my seniors getting some even more beautiful prizes, I prayed and told God, ‘God, this year, be glorified in me’. I decided to fast at least 1 day in a week and I still dedicate that day to fasting till today, though I fast like thrice a week now.
That day, after collecting so many prizes (this last session), I went rolling on the floor, thanking God. I gave God all the glory, reminding myself that it wasn’t my doing or my parents’ doing. I’m not the most intelligent or most studious but I still come first. It’s simply the grace of God.
What role did your parents play?
God used my parents to encourage me at different times; they called me in the evenings and were there for me during Visiting Day. When I didn’t do too well and I was feeling down or jealous of others, they were there for me with words like ‘Your expectations can never be cut off’ and ‘Whenever you fall, your reason for falling is to give you strength to fly. The God who helped Elijah and Moses will help you’.
What role did your teachers play?
God really used them. My house master was my father in school, my Chaplain was always there for me, and my Math teacher really helped me because I didn’t like Math in primary school. The only talent I had then was in Fine Art but now things have changed. If you ask my friends to describe me; they’ll say ‘the guy who can do everything’; football, drawing, music, drama, and on. In all these, my teachers were there for me whenever I needed their assistance and didn’t get tired of me.
How did you feel when you got the Trinity Student Of The Year Award?
I didn’t expect the award, the other special prizes or the full scholarship for next session. I went on my knees when I received them, saying “Thank You Jesus”. The scholarship blew my mind; I was surprised!
You won best attitude to work (junior category). Please tell us more.
I like learning, better than reading; I like reading ahead. With my parental upbringing, I respond well to work and teachers’ demands. I’m also attentive in class. I really don’t know the criteria for this award, but I guess these are some of the things they considered.
What more can you tell us about yourself?
I have two temperaments; I’m both melancholic and choleric; two opposite but similar temperaments. I’m anti-social, I like to be on my own but I can also be very social when I’m put in a leadership position and it always comes out successful.
What are you hobbies?
I like drawing, playing soccer, watching cartoons, discussing about rapture (though my friends think it’s scary) and watching rapture films.
So you must be very ready for the rapture now?
Yes. That’s something that stops me from sinning.
What makes you different from other teenagers?
My friends say I’m too holy, I’m always preaching, heaven-bound, heaven-focused and too spiritual. And to add, I have many talents.
Any advice for your fellow teenagers reading this magazine?
Whatever you’re go through now (even if you’re a bench warmer), the moment you discover the treasure (Christ), you’ll discover that from then, you’ll live your life above your expectations; your life will change. Even when your mates complain, stay on. Those who used to mock me came to congratulate me after the Speech and Prize Giving Day.
Even if your friends forsake you, don’t be intimidated. Let your best friend, who’ll never leave you, always be in front of you. And have just one focus; don’t let the words of others determine your destiny. Choose your friends, don’t let them choose you.
Thank you, Bolu. It was a pleasure talking with you.
Thank God.
Is there something very unique about you or that you’ve achieved and you want to be interviewed on this magazine or you have a teenage friend who you know is very special and should be interviewed, please send the name(s) and contacts (e-mail and phone number) to us at justaboutmine@yahoo.com We’ll get back to you and after listening to you, you might just be chosen as our next Teen Celebrity.
My name is Boluwatife Odumosu. I come from Ogun state (Ijegbu-Ode). I’m half Yoruba - half Efik. I’m thirteen years old; the first of two sons.
What are you up to right now?
I’m a JSS3 student of Trinity International College, Ofada.
What church do you attend and what’s your involvement there?
I attend RCCG, Liberty Parish, Mafoluku. I’m very active in church; it’s s new church, so I’m involved in different activities there.
What was your result like last session?
I came first, to the glory of God, with an average of 93.4%. It was cumulative of the first, second, and third terms; I had A’s in all my subjects.
How many prizes did you get this year?
I got twelve prizes for twelve, out of fifteen, subjects, the prize for best attitude to work, the highest annual result, participation in co-curricular activities, and the mother of all – Trinity Student Of The Year Award.
What’s the secret of your academic exploits?
From primary school, I remember I never achieved this. It all started when I entered secondary school. I started by making a resolution; writing out my aims and objectives, things I wanted to eliminate and those to imbibe. I worked on these things.
Later, I found out some of my friends used to get ‘missing’. I asked them and they showed me where they go. They took me to the chaplain’s office where they meet to pray.
I then gave my life to Christ and became consistent in prayer meetings. Things started looking up for me, especially my JSS1 Welcome Test. I came first. That was my first time in six years being first. My first position afterwards became consistent.
In JSS2, when I saw my seniors getting some even more beautiful prizes, I prayed and told God, ‘God, this year, be glorified in me’. I decided to fast at least 1 day in a week and I still dedicate that day to fasting till today, though I fast like thrice a week now.
That day, after collecting so many prizes (this last session), I went rolling on the floor, thanking God. I gave God all the glory, reminding myself that it wasn’t my doing or my parents’ doing. I’m not the most intelligent or most studious but I still come first. It’s simply the grace of God.
What role did your parents play?
God used my parents to encourage me at different times; they called me in the evenings and were there for me during Visiting Day. When I didn’t do too well and I was feeling down or jealous of others, they were there for me with words like ‘Your expectations can never be cut off’ and ‘Whenever you fall, your reason for falling is to give you strength to fly. The God who helped Elijah and Moses will help you’.
What role did your teachers play?
God really used them. My house master was my father in school, my Chaplain was always there for me, and my Math teacher really helped me because I didn’t like Math in primary school. The only talent I had then was in Fine Art but now things have changed. If you ask my friends to describe me; they’ll say ‘the guy who can do everything’; football, drawing, music, drama, and on. In all these, my teachers were there for me whenever I needed their assistance and didn’t get tired of me.
How did you feel when you got the Trinity Student Of The Year Award?
I didn’t expect the award, the other special prizes or the full scholarship for next session. I went on my knees when I received them, saying “Thank You Jesus”. The scholarship blew my mind; I was surprised!
You won best attitude to work (junior category). Please tell us more.
I like learning, better than reading; I like reading ahead. With my parental upbringing, I respond well to work and teachers’ demands. I’m also attentive in class. I really don’t know the criteria for this award, but I guess these are some of the things they considered.
What more can you tell us about yourself?
I have two temperaments; I’m both melancholic and choleric; two opposite but similar temperaments. I’m anti-social, I like to be on my own but I can also be very social when I’m put in a leadership position and it always comes out successful.
What are you hobbies?
I like drawing, playing soccer, watching cartoons, discussing about rapture (though my friends think it’s scary) and watching rapture films.
So you must be very ready for the rapture now?
Yes. That’s something that stops me from sinning.
What makes you different from other teenagers?
My friends say I’m too holy, I’m always preaching, heaven-bound, heaven-focused and too spiritual. And to add, I have many talents.
Any advice for your fellow teenagers reading this magazine?
Whatever you’re go through now (even if you’re a bench warmer), the moment you discover the treasure (Christ), you’ll discover that from then, you’ll live your life above your expectations; your life will change. Even when your mates complain, stay on. Those who used to mock me came to congratulate me after the Speech and Prize Giving Day.
Even if your friends forsake you, don’t be intimidated. Let your best friend, who’ll never leave you, always be in front of you. And have just one focus; don’t let the words of others determine your destiny. Choose your friends, don’t let them choose you.
Thank you, Bolu. It was a pleasure talking with you.
Thank God.
Is there something very unique about you or that you’ve achieved and you want to be interviewed on this magazine or you have a teenage friend who you know is very special and should be interviewed, please send the name(s) and contacts (e-mail and phone number) to us at justaboutmine@yahoo.com We’ll get back to you and after listening to you, you might just be chosen as our next Teen Celebrity.
Do It Yourself
I have often wondered why students indulge in examination malpractice. It ranges from jotting down points and sneaking them into to examination hall, to asking a colleague for the answers while the test is still on, to buying of question papers, to bribing invigilators, to impersonating, to ‘giraffing’ … the list goes on.
In recent times, some reasons have become obvious to me. Our educational system lays emphasis on certificates, so students want to pass at all cost and obtain certificates. Another reason is that many teachers want back from the students the points they gave out in their notes. Emphasis is not laid on application but on regurgitation. So a lot of cramming is done but where the student cannot cram, he looks for a way out.
But is cheating really worth it? What does a student stand to lose by it? Tests are conducted to determine ability. When you cheat during examination, your real ability is not known and the teacher is not able to help you if you actually need it. Again, with such students, there is no depth of knowledge and it is just a matter of time, the lapses will be evident.
Regrets always follow later on in life. The guilt comes from time to time and at sober moments, you would wish you had never been involved in it. Most importantly, it is a sin against God. When Potiphar’s wife wanted Joseph to sleep with her, he was conscious of the fact that if he should do it, he will be offending God (Genesis 39:9). Every sin that we commit is against God (Psalms 51:4a).
Sin is knowing what is good and not doing it (James 4:17). So, for your next examination, what’s the solution?
*Begin to study NOW. Read over your notes many times. You become familiar with the content. *Don’t wait till the last minute!
*As you read, make jottings. This will form the summary that you will use for your last minute revision.
*Pray for a retentive memory.
*Have discussion/study groups. Iron sharpens iron. Points that you forget, others may remember. (Note: discussion groups end when you enter the exam hall; don’t continue discussion when you’ve seen your questions).
*In the examination room, sit where you will not be distracted. If anyone wants to distract you, say NO!
*Ask God to help you understand the questions and to remember the right points that you need to answer the questions.
*Remember you are on your own with God in the examination room.
Try out this method and you would find yourself resolving never to cheat in any examination because of the peace and satisfaction that will flood your heart.
Please note that God honours those that honour Him. Don’t be afraid that you’ll fail because you want to do things right. God WILL help as long as you play your part well, and He’ll do more; He’ll work out things in your favour; admission, funding, etc. God is indeed faithful to those who please and obey Him.
All the best. Luv ya!!!
Written by Sinmisola Adigun (08023187306, sinmiadigun@hotmail.com)
In recent times, some reasons have become obvious to me. Our educational system lays emphasis on certificates, so students want to pass at all cost and obtain certificates. Another reason is that many teachers want back from the students the points they gave out in their notes. Emphasis is not laid on application but on regurgitation. So a lot of cramming is done but where the student cannot cram, he looks for a way out.
But is cheating really worth it? What does a student stand to lose by it? Tests are conducted to determine ability. When you cheat during examination, your real ability is not known and the teacher is not able to help you if you actually need it. Again, with such students, there is no depth of knowledge and it is just a matter of time, the lapses will be evident.
Regrets always follow later on in life. The guilt comes from time to time and at sober moments, you would wish you had never been involved in it. Most importantly, it is a sin against God. When Potiphar’s wife wanted Joseph to sleep with her, he was conscious of the fact that if he should do it, he will be offending God (Genesis 39:9). Every sin that we commit is against God (Psalms 51:4a).
Sin is knowing what is good and not doing it (James 4:17). So, for your next examination, what’s the solution?
*Begin to study NOW. Read over your notes many times. You become familiar with the content. *Don’t wait till the last minute!
*As you read, make jottings. This will form the summary that you will use for your last minute revision.
*Pray for a retentive memory.
*Have discussion/study groups. Iron sharpens iron. Points that you forget, others may remember. (Note: discussion groups end when you enter the exam hall; don’t continue discussion when you’ve seen your questions).
*In the examination room, sit where you will not be distracted. If anyone wants to distract you, say NO!
*Ask God to help you understand the questions and to remember the right points that you need to answer the questions.
*Remember you are on your own with God in the examination room.
Try out this method and you would find yourself resolving never to cheat in any examination because of the peace and satisfaction that will flood your heart.
Please note that God honours those that honour Him. Don’t be afraid that you’ll fail because you want to do things right. God WILL help as long as you play your part well, and He’ll do more; He’ll work out things in your favour; admission, funding, etc. God is indeed faithful to those who please and obey Him.
All the best. Luv ya!!!
Written by Sinmisola Adigun (08023187306, sinmiadigun@hotmail.com)
Too Broken To Be Opened
This article might not be for every reader but if the following scenarios typify what you’ve gone through or are going through right now, then it’s for you.
-The only men in your life have abused and violated you;
-The friends you had betrayed you;
-Your parents divorced, dashing all you hopes;
-Your best friend divulged your secrets;
-Your counselor took advantage of your vulnerability and exploited you;
-Your boy/girlfriend sucked you dry and then jilted you;
-You prayed so hard but mummy still died of cancer…
Is this you? You’ve been hurt so badly in the past, your hopes have been dashed over and again by those you’ve loved and trusted, in fact your heart has been so broken, and you can’t find the strength to open it up to anybody. If this is you; afraid to trust again, afraid to love or be loved again, afraid to hope again, then welcome home ‘cause your turning point is here.
I have talked with teenagers over the years, especially females, who say ‘I can never ever trust anybody again’. Some are even quick to quote scriptures saying ‘The bible even says we shouldn’t put our trust in man’. I’m sure you’ve had your own fair share of saying similar statements.
The unfortunate thing about this cynical mindset is that is drains you of so many joys you could enjoy in life. You need to learn to trust again; trusting God and trusting people around you. Now, before you draw conclusions, please make sure you read through till the end of the article so you’ll understand what the full gist is, okay?
Why should I trust people when they’ve failed me before and the bible even says I shouldn’t put my trust in man? If that’s your question, please read this. God is not telling you not to believe people or believe the best about their character, He’s telling you not to depend on them for your happiness or survival. Can you see the difference in that?
What God is against is your putting your life’s dependence on a human being. For that type of trust in man, God categorically says you’re doomed for destruction (heart break, hurts, regrets) Psalms 146:3. When you make your parents, boy/girlfriend, best friend, or whoever else, the source of your life’s strength, joy, love, hope; then what will happen if they fail you or disappoint you (which they definitely will)? You would obviously crash down! That’s what God was talking about; don’t put your trust (dependence, hope) in man. You can’t expect a mere man who can’t even help himself to help you and solve all your problems for you.
This is the reason why many teenagers suffer terrible heartbreaks and suffer depression or suicidal feelings after a boy/girlfriend calls the relationship quit. They hoped their date would always be there for them and solve all their problems, and make them happy at all times. These are unrealistic expectations. No human being can do that. No one! Your dependence should never be on any other person but God; we’ll deal with trust in God later.
However, you can choose to trust man, that is, believe the best about people around you and build trusting friendships and relationships. It saves you a lot of paranoia and pessimism, where you expect everyone to let you down. Please, give people the chance to come close to you, watch and see the kind of people they are and then decide if you should trust them or not; don’t just block them out by default.
On this note, let me state that there are people you shouldn’t even consider trusting at all. First on the list are people who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord. There’s no compromise about that. They will definitely fail you ‘cause they don’t have the life of God in them; it’s that life that gives the ability to be faithful to others. The Holy Spirit helps born-again Christians to love, respect and honor their friends; please don’t consider trusting someone who doesn’t know God as Father.
Second on the list are people, whether born-again or not, who have obvious character flaws. People, who lie with ease, believe in cutting corners, or those who don’t have a control of their lips; to mention a few. You can be sure such folks will hurt you with time. They’ll lie to you, or cheat you or talk behind your back and expose your secrets. Trust only people you’ve discovered have godly character.
Other things you should consider are; what kind of friends does this person walk with? Does he/she drink or smoke? Do I have peace when I talk with this person? Does this person care about my needs or is he/she always quick to talk about him/herself? When I speak, does he/she just hear or does he/she actually listen to me? The few times I confided in him/her, what advice was given? Does he/she encourage or condemn me?
With these few things, and with the help of the Holy Spirit (as you pray and ask Him to help you), I believe you’ll find the right kind of people to trust, despite the hurts you’ve suffered in your past.
*Note: No matter how much you now get to trust that person or people, don’t allow it get too personal or emotional, especially with the opposite sex. If that happens, you’re opening up yourself to another level, which if not properly handled can take you back to square one – heart break. Why? Because you’ll have trusted the person so much, now adding your emotions to it (noting that you aren’t dating the person), you’ll be devastated when he/she says he/she is getting into a relationship with another person.
One thing that could help is setting boundaries; define the friendship early enough, so you’ll know where you’re headed. Friendships are beautiful but could be easily abused if not well handled. I would also beg you never to get physical with your friend you’ve come to trust; it spoils everything. Don’t go touching or what-have-you. In addition, please try not to limit yourself to one friend; please have at least two, with at least one of the same sex with you. It helps you not to get overly attached.
Please don’t be deceived by age. That that guy or girl is much older than you doesn’t mean you can trust him/her. Or that he/she is much younger doesn’t mean you cannot trust him/her. It’s not in the age but in character and in maturity; it’s in the heart. Please open up, discover who those around you are, and then decide who you want to trust. But in all, please commit your decisions to God. He loves you too much to let you take a decision that will hurt you again.
‘Mine is not with people; I’m okay with people. I don’t trust God; I’ve even stopped praying’. If that’s you; you suffered dashed hopes when you ask God to heal your sick loved-one and He didn’t or to grant you admission and He didn’t or to prevent your parents from going through with the divorce, but no show. Don’t give up on God dear. He’s your best bet on this side of eternity and on the other side too. You need to trust God!
Why should you trust God?
- Because He loves you and will never stop loving you (Jeremiah 31:3).
- He desires the best for you (Jeremiah 29:11).
- He will never fail you (Psalms 115:11).
- He knows more than you could ever know (Isaiah 55:8).
- He sees the future that you cannot see and wants to help you through (Psalms 32:8).
Friend, these are a few out of the many reasons why you should trust God. Chief of all is because HE CARED SO MUCH ABOUT YOU AND WANTED YOU TO TRUST HIM THAT HE SENT HIS ONLY SON TO DIE IN YOUR PLACE TO PROVE HIS COMMITMENT TO YOU. Isn’t that enough proof you should just surrender your life to Him and trust Him 100%? If you haven’t received His love, please pray the “Love Prayer” beneath and enjoy His amazing love.
Trust God with your every breath. Things might not always work out the way you want but never forget that God knows better and has great plans for you; He will never fail you. He will remain faithful to you till the very end. He never takes His eyes off you; He’s always thinking of you (Psalms 115:12); what more do you want in the CV of someone you can trust with your life. Friend, it’s worth the shot; trust Jesus absolutely!
As you trust God, and commit your choice of friends to Him, He’ll lead you to the people you can trust, so you could live a free and fulfilled life, not bound by the shackles of your past. So, if you’ve been blessed by this article, we’re going to make a confession together, and you must say it out loud.
“I have been broken in the past by past hurts but I’m choosing to open up again. I choose to trust again. Jesus, I choose to trust You whether or not I understand why You’re letting some things happen to me. I choose to love and trust people that You lead me to as I discover who they are. Thank You Lord For This Turning Point”
Do you feel lighter now? I’m sure you do. And if you are eager to trust again and there’s something you want to let out very fast, please feel free to contact me or any other MINE contributor. We love you and will be there for you; anytime, any day. You are indeed loved!!!
Written by Timilehin Adigun (08023458880, timtimmy1@yahoo.com)
The Love Prayer
Dear God, I have heard about your love and I thank you for loving me in spite of my many sins and weaknesses. I believe, Jesus, that you’re the son of God and that you died and rose again to save me. I repent of my sins and forsake them. I will live to please you as your Holy Spirit helps me. I receive you into my heart and I ask that you make me yours forever. Help me to be your friend and may we love and honor each other for all eternity. Thank you Father for accepting me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer for the first time, please send an e-mail to us at justaboutmine@yahoo.com and we’ll be quick to get back to you to stand by you in this new adventure of life.
-The only men in your life have abused and violated you;
-The friends you had betrayed you;
-Your parents divorced, dashing all you hopes;
-Your best friend divulged your secrets;
-Your counselor took advantage of your vulnerability and exploited you;
-Your boy/girlfriend sucked you dry and then jilted you;
-You prayed so hard but mummy still died of cancer…
Is this you? You’ve been hurt so badly in the past, your hopes have been dashed over and again by those you’ve loved and trusted, in fact your heart has been so broken, and you can’t find the strength to open it up to anybody. If this is you; afraid to trust again, afraid to love or be loved again, afraid to hope again, then welcome home ‘cause your turning point is here.
I have talked with teenagers over the years, especially females, who say ‘I can never ever trust anybody again’. Some are even quick to quote scriptures saying ‘The bible even says we shouldn’t put our trust in man’. I’m sure you’ve had your own fair share of saying similar statements.
The unfortunate thing about this cynical mindset is that is drains you of so many joys you could enjoy in life. You need to learn to trust again; trusting God and trusting people around you. Now, before you draw conclusions, please make sure you read through till the end of the article so you’ll understand what the full gist is, okay?
Why should I trust people when they’ve failed me before and the bible even says I shouldn’t put my trust in man? If that’s your question, please read this. God is not telling you not to believe people or believe the best about their character, He’s telling you not to depend on them for your happiness or survival. Can you see the difference in that?
What God is against is your putting your life’s dependence on a human being. For that type of trust in man, God categorically says you’re doomed for destruction (heart break, hurts, regrets) Psalms 146:3. When you make your parents, boy/girlfriend, best friend, or whoever else, the source of your life’s strength, joy, love, hope; then what will happen if they fail you or disappoint you (which they definitely will)? You would obviously crash down! That’s what God was talking about; don’t put your trust (dependence, hope) in man. You can’t expect a mere man who can’t even help himself to help you and solve all your problems for you.
This is the reason why many teenagers suffer terrible heartbreaks and suffer depression or suicidal feelings after a boy/girlfriend calls the relationship quit. They hoped their date would always be there for them and solve all their problems, and make them happy at all times. These are unrealistic expectations. No human being can do that. No one! Your dependence should never be on any other person but God; we’ll deal with trust in God later.
However, you can choose to trust man, that is, believe the best about people around you and build trusting friendships and relationships. It saves you a lot of paranoia and pessimism, where you expect everyone to let you down. Please, give people the chance to come close to you, watch and see the kind of people they are and then decide if you should trust them or not; don’t just block them out by default.
On this note, let me state that there are people you shouldn’t even consider trusting at all. First on the list are people who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord. There’s no compromise about that. They will definitely fail you ‘cause they don’t have the life of God in them; it’s that life that gives the ability to be faithful to others. The Holy Spirit helps born-again Christians to love, respect and honor their friends; please don’t consider trusting someone who doesn’t know God as Father.
Second on the list are people, whether born-again or not, who have obvious character flaws. People, who lie with ease, believe in cutting corners, or those who don’t have a control of their lips; to mention a few. You can be sure such folks will hurt you with time. They’ll lie to you, or cheat you or talk behind your back and expose your secrets. Trust only people you’ve discovered have godly character.
Other things you should consider are; what kind of friends does this person walk with? Does he/she drink or smoke? Do I have peace when I talk with this person? Does this person care about my needs or is he/she always quick to talk about him/herself? When I speak, does he/she just hear or does he/she actually listen to me? The few times I confided in him/her, what advice was given? Does he/she encourage or condemn me?
With these few things, and with the help of the Holy Spirit (as you pray and ask Him to help you), I believe you’ll find the right kind of people to trust, despite the hurts you’ve suffered in your past.
*Note: No matter how much you now get to trust that person or people, don’t allow it get too personal or emotional, especially with the opposite sex. If that happens, you’re opening up yourself to another level, which if not properly handled can take you back to square one – heart break. Why? Because you’ll have trusted the person so much, now adding your emotions to it (noting that you aren’t dating the person), you’ll be devastated when he/she says he/she is getting into a relationship with another person.
One thing that could help is setting boundaries; define the friendship early enough, so you’ll know where you’re headed. Friendships are beautiful but could be easily abused if not well handled. I would also beg you never to get physical with your friend you’ve come to trust; it spoils everything. Don’t go touching or what-have-you. In addition, please try not to limit yourself to one friend; please have at least two, with at least one of the same sex with you. It helps you not to get overly attached.
Please don’t be deceived by age. That that guy or girl is much older than you doesn’t mean you can trust him/her. Or that he/she is much younger doesn’t mean you cannot trust him/her. It’s not in the age but in character and in maturity; it’s in the heart. Please open up, discover who those around you are, and then decide who you want to trust. But in all, please commit your decisions to God. He loves you too much to let you take a decision that will hurt you again.
‘Mine is not with people; I’m okay with people. I don’t trust God; I’ve even stopped praying’. If that’s you; you suffered dashed hopes when you ask God to heal your sick loved-one and He didn’t or to grant you admission and He didn’t or to prevent your parents from going through with the divorce, but no show. Don’t give up on God dear. He’s your best bet on this side of eternity and on the other side too. You need to trust God!
Why should you trust God?
- Because He loves you and will never stop loving you (Jeremiah 31:3).
- He desires the best for you (Jeremiah 29:11).
- He will never fail you (Psalms 115:11).
- He knows more than you could ever know (Isaiah 55:8).
- He sees the future that you cannot see and wants to help you through (Psalms 32:8).
Friend, these are a few out of the many reasons why you should trust God. Chief of all is because HE CARED SO MUCH ABOUT YOU AND WANTED YOU TO TRUST HIM THAT HE SENT HIS ONLY SON TO DIE IN YOUR PLACE TO PROVE HIS COMMITMENT TO YOU. Isn’t that enough proof you should just surrender your life to Him and trust Him 100%? If you haven’t received His love, please pray the “Love Prayer” beneath and enjoy His amazing love.
Trust God with your every breath. Things might not always work out the way you want but never forget that God knows better and has great plans for you; He will never fail you. He will remain faithful to you till the very end. He never takes His eyes off you; He’s always thinking of you (Psalms 115:12); what more do you want in the CV of someone you can trust with your life. Friend, it’s worth the shot; trust Jesus absolutely!
As you trust God, and commit your choice of friends to Him, He’ll lead you to the people you can trust, so you could live a free and fulfilled life, not bound by the shackles of your past. So, if you’ve been blessed by this article, we’re going to make a confession together, and you must say it out loud.
“I have been broken in the past by past hurts but I’m choosing to open up again. I choose to trust again. Jesus, I choose to trust You whether or not I understand why You’re letting some things happen to me. I choose to love and trust people that You lead me to as I discover who they are. Thank You Lord For This Turning Point”
Do you feel lighter now? I’m sure you do. And if you are eager to trust again and there’s something you want to let out very fast, please feel free to contact me or any other MINE contributor. We love you and will be there for you; anytime, any day. You are indeed loved!!!
Written by Timilehin Adigun (08023458880, timtimmy1@yahoo.com)
The Love Prayer
Dear God, I have heard about your love and I thank you for loving me in spite of my many sins and weaknesses. I believe, Jesus, that you’re the son of God and that you died and rose again to save me. I repent of my sins and forsake them. I will live to please you as your Holy Spirit helps me. I receive you into my heart and I ask that you make me yours forever. Help me to be your friend and may we love and honor each other for all eternity. Thank you Father for accepting me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer for the first time, please send an e-mail to us at justaboutmine@yahoo.com and we’ll be quick to get back to you to stand by you in this new adventure of life.
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