My first Christmas in Lagos is a nightmare. Fuel scarcity has been the order of the day; fewer buses available, more grumpy commuters and yet, insane traffic! It’s absolutely crazy. Continue reading “Bleak Christmas”
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Tag: help
Hold Me
What do you do when you Hit Rock Bottom?
You know what’s great about hitting rock bottom, there’s only one way left to go, and that’s up!- Buster Moon
I absolutely love the movie SING and have probably seen it more than five times 😀 The quote above is one that hit me the hardest from the movie. Continue reading “What do you do when you Hit Rock Bottom?”
Let’s Get Real
If you spend some time looking at what goes on under the sun, your heart will be full of grief. So many things are happening at the same time; new governments have been raised, economic crisis abounds, people losing their jobs, husbands leaving their wives for younger girls, like genders attract and unlike repel, people loving themselves in extremities while hating their neighbor, people denying the existence of God while being so consumed by the world’s goods. Things get worse every day. And it is so easy to lose hope of things ever getting better. Continue reading “Let’s Get Real”
Need a tow Truck?
The rate at which cars break down in Lagos can be frustrating sometimes; as this often accounts for unprecedented traffic. But then, it’s incredible to see how efficient the authorities are in handling broken down vehicles. They’d always send a tow truck to the rescue.
Without a doubt, tow trucks are life savers! You know, as much as you’re more of a victim when your car breaks down and you’re almost helpless, other road users still see you as the villain, causing hold up and what not. But the tow truck comes and it’s almost like it’s saying ‘hey, I’ve got you. Just hop on my back and I’ll take you to safety’. Continue reading “Need a tow Truck?”
It’s Okay to Feel Helpless…
Urrrgh! No one ever wants to be weak and helpless. Between the options of being as strong as superman or being a wimpy kid, I’m guessing we would pick superman; saving the day! Okay, maybe not superman but you get the point; no one wants to be helpless.
Let me remind you what being helpless feels like… Watching your house get burnt and not being able to pick out anything, save your skin; being blank in the examination hall while others seem to be asking for extra sheets; not being able to pay your fees because your parents are trying all they can to cater for you and your siblings; stuck in an addiction you’ve tried and tried to get out from-self-help aint so helpful after all. Being heartbroken from that relationship you thought would last forever or being robbed in your car while stuck in traffic and others keep passing as though you’re suddenly invisible! There are so many situations that leave us feeling weak and helpless and I know we have some experiences to share as well!
At the moment of helplessness, we cringe, we feel low, lost, needy and weak. Now this isn’t some psychology course, so relax.
But it’s totally okay to be helpless sometimes.
I once heard a story about a man who was drowning and he kept struggling to fight against the waves that were pulling him under. The lifeguard wasn’t far away but he didn’t step in to help the man until the man stopped fighting and gave up. The lifeguard swooped in like a superhero and pulled the man out of the overwhelming waters. When asked later on why he didn’t go in while the man was still beating against the waves, he said the man would have drowned them both. He had to wait till the man totally surrendered.
Well, God knows you’re struggling. He can see you even in the dark corner where you think no one can see through. He even sees through the charades that you put up, appearing to be superman when you’re just a nerdy Clark. But he wouldn’t step in and help if you’re still forming ‘I can do it on my own’. You have to come to that helpless state where you say ‘you know what Lord, I can’t do this. I really can’t help myself. Please help me!’ It will amaze you how the Heavenly Superhero will swoop in and pull you out by His strong right hand.
I don’t know what you’re dealing with right now, but I need you to know it’s okay to feel helpless. For when we are weak, He is strong. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember the batman signal? Well, you can also contact heavenly help lines (through prayers) or use the distressed signal (by calling His name) so He can step in and help you.
I pray you find help when you’re helpless.
Have a super duper week ahead!
©Mfon Etuk, 2016
Can you hear me?
i
My thoughts are chasing me
Words bellowing
I’m calling.
Can you hear me?
Is there anyone here?
Or is it just me?
I guess its silent night again
I can’t see you
I can’t hear you
Please don’t leave me
Say something- anything!
I need to know you care
Or don’t you?
Please speak…
– © Mfon Etuk, 2015
ii
M: Lately, I feel like you’re so far away. Or maybe more concerned with other pressing issues. I know it’s the enemy’s deception, but sometimes I can’t help it. Doubts crawl into my mind like bugs in an abandoned apartment. I want to believe you’re here, but sometimes it’s so hard to see behind the fog. True though, it’s really foggy outside my window.
G: Go on, I’m listening.
M: I know I’ve pulled back from you. Because I don’t feel you anymore.
G: But what ever happened to leaping in faith? Trusting me to catch you when you fall?
M: You don’t understand! It’s so freaking hard to believe you’re there when everything goes south. Like right now; I’m confused, I’m tired, I’m depressed, I’m lonely and I can’t help myself. Yes, I’ve called on you but I can’t see you reaching out to help me.
G: Are my hands too short that I can’t save you? Or my ears too dull that I can’t hear you? Do you think for a second, that I, who formed the eyes cannot see?
M: It’s overwhelming, Lord.
G: Have the storms killed you? Have the waters drowned you?
M: Honestly, I feel like I’m 6 ft. under the ground everyday- just a walking dead.
G: I would never give you more than you can handle. And you need to remember feelings are but smoke, they fizzle out. You can’t hold on to them for long.
M: I know, Lord. But I’m only human and it’s not my fault that you’ve given me the ability to feel.
G: Now she blames me. Classic human!
M: Please forgive me. I’m just so frustrated. I don’t know what to believe anymore.
G: You’re forgiven. But I have some questions you need to answer.
M: I’m listening, Lord.
G: Have I promised never to leave nor forsake you?
M: Yes you have.
G: Then why do you think I’ve left you for more pressing issues? I’m slightly offended by how little you think of me. Do you really think I need to leave one place to be in another place? What’s your definition of omnipresence?
M: Sighs. I can’t get past my mind trying to figure you the way I figure humans. Please forgive me.
G: I am not a man that I should lie, nor a son of man, that I should change my mind. Do I speak and then not act? Do I promise and not fulfill? Haven’t I said my strength is made perfect in your weakness?
M: I’m despaired, Lord. I was afraid that you had turned your back on me, so I resolved to go my way. Waddling in depression and seeking satisfaction from things that couldn’t satisfy.
G: My thoughts are not your thoughts; your ways are not my ways. As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than yours. What would be the difference between you and I if I have to do things the way you want them to be done?
M: I want your ways, Lord and I repent of my evil ways.
G: Then trust in me with all your heart. Don’t lean on your understanding! The moment you think you’ve got me all figured out is the moment I’ll surprise you. Just believe that I will bring you to that expected end, you don’t need to know how.
M: Yes Lord, I believe. But help my unbelief.
G: Why do you doubt? If I gave you the one thing I cherished the most- my son, what else will I withhold from you?
M: Silence.
G: Need I remind you that NOTHING can separate you from my love?
M: Thank you for loving me.
G: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
M: Thank you Father.
G: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
M: I adore you for you are the God of all comfort who comforts me in my troubles; so that I can comfort others in trouble with the comfort I’ve received from You.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.- Isaiah 1:18
Bible References:
Isaiah 59:1, Psalm 94:9, Isaiah 55:8-9, Numbers 23:19, Proverbs 3:5, Deut 31:8, John 16:33, Romans 8:38-39, 2 Cor 1:3-4, Isaiah 41:10, Mark 9:24.
Song for the day: Can you hold me by NF ft Britt Nicole.
