Category: Ranting

…to my Motherland (incl. Haiku #17)

Outrage Trails Killing Of Three UNIPORT Students Over Alleged Theft http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100848:outrage-trails-killing-of-three-uniport-students-over-alleged-theft&catid=1:national&Itemid=559

She's growing older
  Her children growing colder
  Where did she go wrong?!

This Haiku was inspired by the recent killing of three University students in my country. According to the Nigerian Guardian (Outrage Trails Killing Of Three UNIPORT Students Over Alleged Theft) they where mercilessly beaten and burnt alive by the villagers of the community for allegedly stealing Blackberry mobile phones and laptops in an off-campus hostel of their institution. There was even a videoย  capture of the event that went viral (VERY GRUESOME STUFF! Please be warned!) …ย  its been sent to me a couple of times, but have refused to see it ๐Ÿ˜ฆ

Taken off facebook.com

Came across this picture yesterday while on facebook and laughed at how frightened it made me at first glance; I laughed even more when I read its title “Uncle Carnage wants YOU!” but today it takes on a new meaning as I consider the gruesome act of jungle justice that has taken place within my country’s shores.

To My Motherland

Turn the Stars on his hat to Green and Whiteย  stripes and wonder if Uncle Carnage hasn’t already claimedย  “US”

When did it become so bad 9ja?!

Dealing with the level of corruption and mayhem within your shores is bad enough …but THIS??!!

Yet I am still in love with your Green, White, Green!

Blogging, Broadcasting and Christ

When I first started my blogs I never realized just how many people would get to read my posts, neither did I consider the sort of people that would come across my messages. Today however, was an eye opener to that reality.

People from all facets of life will read your stuff and if you make enough sense the usual case is that they get impacted with some form of entertainment, encouragement or inspiration. They will leave comments telling you how wonderful your post was or how touched they were by your message or even use one of your posts as a reference. Its a good feeling, the attention, but what happens when you start getting it from a crowd you never expected?

One of my latest posts got a pingback from a blog site today. On getting the notification I clicked on the link only to realize that I had stepped into a world absolutely different from mine. Its okay when you get on your blog and see that your blog post was liked by “your kind of people” or that they were touched by your ideas and opinion, but what do you do when your message is applauded by someone you have always considered different from you? I can’t go into detail as to what makes this person different, but my guess is that you have a few ideas relating to what I’m going on about.

Anyway, I saw the blog and noticed that my article had been made reference to in one of the blog posts. My first reaction was to trash the comment, but then something in my head or maybe my heart stopped me.ย  This all happened while I was at the office so I really didn’t have time to fully assess the situation. After quick deliberation I finally decided to spam it for a time, at least until I was sure about my convictions. Meanwhile, I had been receiving this broadcast from friends on my blackberry network all day saying:

“Hello, I am Jesus Christ,u hardly have time for me. I love You and always bless you.I am always with You. Today I want this message across the world before midnight, please do not cut it and I’ll help you with something that you are in need of.“

I’m sorry,ย  I love Christ and all and I RRRREALLY do, but why some people try to make him look like some sort of sales person or item is beyond me! I feel broadcasts like this one just belittles the image of my Lord and Saviour.

So what does this have to do with my initial story? A lot!

Me not rebroadcasting that message had got me feeling a little uneasy from the moment I started receiving it. I felt irritated and yet just because the message bore the name Jesus Christ in it, I was filled with guilt for not wanting to follow the B.B re-broadcasting horde. “Don’t I love Jesus enough?” I thought to myself. Then the blog issue hit! Whether or not I would accept this blogger’s comment on my page would be a test of my faith.

The sense of guilt seemed only to increase when I decided I wouldn’t delete the comment. “O so you’d rather have funny people on your blog, but rebroadcasting a message about Jesus is an issue huh?”. I wondered how Jesus saw me at that time.

At home I took my time to read this persons blog, and though their opinion and way of life is FAR DIFFERENT from mine, I could see how my message might have helped through certain feelings and emotion. It was then I realized,ย “your kind of people” or not, its all about making a positive contribution to a “LIFE”. Loving your neighbor as yourself and bringing peace and joy to others, isn’t that what being christian is all about?

I decided to reach out to this person and apologize for my initial reaction to their comment because in the end its all about practicing what you preach… I preach Love and acceptance, judging not so that I too will not be judged.

My final take. You can broadcast or rebroadcast messages about Christ a million and one times believing that this is your contribution to the christian race , but if your message only tends to scare, irritate or even put people on a spiritual guilt trip then maybe you need to re-think your strategy on how to draw lost sheep to The Father and Son. Its not about selling him as an idea but becoming more like him in spirit and person, that others may see and draw near.

Let your actions, thoughts and behavior speak louder than your broadcasts…

Cheers!

Quote

I’m so lucky to be someone’s baby, two people actually! There’s my Mother and then… I’ll let you guess who the other person is ๐Ÿ˜‰
My Mom gave me this inscribed plaque today in her bid to refuel my morale ๐Ÿ˜‰ and I just thought I should share it with you.

“When you believe in yourself, the possibilities are endless.”

I couldn’t agree more!

There’s nothing as wonderful as a supportive parent.
Thank you Mama dearest for being there for me ๐Ÿ™‚

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

My Resolutions

Its the month of the crab people! ๐Ÿ™‚ (OK, the other month of the crab) and JUST A FEW WEEKS TO MY BIRTHDAY!!! No, this post does not contain my wish list ….that will come later ๐Ÿ˜‰ (lol!)

This may sound funny, but I have always seen my birthday as the real moment for ushering in the new year. I take my time to make new resolutions weeks before “D-day” and spend the next year working on my new cause. I turned the big “THREE- O” last year and weeks before my birthday, no, this time it was months before my birthday! I began panicking about entering the 3rd decade of my life without the “would be” fulfillment of most women my age (you know- A home, marriage, kids and perhaps a dog or maybe even a cat). I was fortunate enough to have the encouragement of friends older than myself, either of a similar circumstance or lucky enough to be living the fairytale life.

I specifically remember the advice of a girlfriend of mine. Chidinma, then in the 2nd year of her 30’s, 4 years married and a mom of 2, told told me with eyes rolling

“marriage and all that comes with it is …yes, wonderful! But if you don’t have it at this time, don’t sweat it, it will come at the right moment and hopefully you will have what it takes (i.e. the maturity and patience)to seeย  yours through. No panic, go throw yourself for the wrong man hand o! This is the time to love yourself and love life, and instead of becoming desperate for what you don’t have, look to what you do have and appreciate it ALL.”

I took that piece of advice and have held on to it till this very day! 30 has finally come and as its about flying out the window, I can proudly say that I have spent this year being more appreciative of my every breathย  of life and the people I share it with. So on to the next one! ๐Ÿ™‚

This coming year its all about:

  • Eating Healthy –ย  I seem to have over indulged myself for most of last year ( must’veย  gone a bit over board with the whole love myself move :D). I believe I gained about 10 pounds ’cause I’m almost a dress size bigger now ๐Ÿ˜ . So no more sweet stuff for me! No more junk! no more cakes! …Getting very sad as I write all this :(, but its called sacrifice ๐Ÿ˜‰ and luckily for me not only is Chidinma a wonderful counselor, she’s also coaching me through this new life style of mine … GO CHIDINMA!!!! ๐Ÿ™‚
  • Joining a Cause – I believe that is very necessary for everyone to join a selfless cause at some point in their life and for me its going down in mid- 2012! Well I’m still looking for one though, so if you have any ideas or links please hook me up pronto!!!ย  THANKS! ๐Ÿ˜‰
  • Rekindle my passion for Pets (Dogs to be more exact) -There was a time I could tell youย  a lot about dog breeding and care; I could walk into most houses where there were dogs unafraid, and when all my passwords had something to do with canines or bore the name of my pets. I still love dogs and have 2 beautiful Alsatians back in my home town, but its time to step it up a bit. I intent becoming more informed about these wonderful creatures (the different breed, their temperaments, and how best to care for them). No, I’m not looking at becoming another “Dog Whisperer“, but I do plan on taking care of a number of them like I did as a kid someday.
  • Keep Loving ME and Stay Positive about the Future – I believe that sums it up. Still single, no kids and yet to land my dream job but hey, THIS IS LIFE and I am and will continue living it for all its worth :). Sure, sometimes I ache for the next chapter whatever it maybe, but I will be sure to keep reminding myself that it is best to be thankful for “the here and now” and be hopeful for the future.

I know there is so much more I intend doing this new year but I can’t think of them all right now, so I’ll be sure to fill you in on my progress come next year God willing.ย  ๐Ÿ˜‰

Cheers! ๐Ÿ™‚

P.S- Wish list coming soon ๐Ÿ˜‰

๐Ÿ˜€ HEHEHE!!!!