Finding Meaning by Adding Value

 

Finding Meaning by Adding Value 

As a child, I watched my parents wake up very early in the morning, way before dawn, and return to bed way after dusk, for the sake of family. My parents toiled and labored to provide for the needs of the family, to put food at our table, enforce discipline, impact cultural, moral, and spiritual values. When I was young, I was native, and was shielded from the pains of life. Then everything looked perfect, I dreamed about getting married, about having my own kids, and living out my destiny like my parents. One of the blessings of having loving and caring parents is that one gets a free pass, have little to worry about and believes that life is perfect.

After the demise of my father, everything changed, my mother was left to continue the struggle all by herself.  She had to work twice as hard in other to make ends meet. Suddenly I was no longer a child when I realized that my father was never going to return, that the vacuum his absence created, has created a shift in how I look at life. Everything changed and my experience became double digit overnight. That was my first awakening, my introduction to the  task of self-discovery. It was the first glaring exposure that helped me to adjust the lenses through which I viewed life, and what I thought the meaning of life was. It occurred to me that the rhythms of life are not static, that nothing is perfect, that we cannot be sure of anything, and that what we know about anything is continuously evolving. I realized that the search for the meaning of life begins at birth and ends in death. That it is a never-ending search.  It was scary, but also exciting. I held both in hope and delicate balance.

We all start off from somewhere. We all have our own treasured family stories about the things that helped to shape our life’s purpose. We all have adjusted the lenses through which we viewed life as we grow older, and somehow tried to find our own life’s meaning. Are they always perfect? Maybe not, but that is not the question. A more interesting question will be to ask ourselves how our life’s experiences has helped us to become better people. What have we learned? What are we learning? How has our experiences helped to expand our world? How are our lenses changing to include the value we add?

The search for meaning is a search for happiness. Happiness is not about possession as much as it is about helping to create something. Today ask yourself; “Are you happy?” Is whatever you are doing now helping you to be your best self? Is your measure of success depended on your professional life or the wealth you have accumulated? Is your understanding of the meaning and purpose of your life aligned with your outpouring love for your dear neighbor? Are you attentive to the cry of poor and the earth? What gives meaning to life is overrated, please do not be a victim. be different, save yourself by becoming the means through which others find meaning, through which the earth is a better place for all.   

 

 

 ADDING & VENTING

From the beginning of time, God has equipped creation with whatever they need for their sustainability. He did not stop there. In every age, God continuous to reveal himself in new and diverse ways. All we need to do is pay attention. On this first Sunday of advent 2021, and I wanted to look at the season a little differently. I looked at advent through the lenses of “adding” and “venting.” In other words, this is a call for us to consider how our drives and emotions compel us to vent/or not for God’s justice and righteousness. 

A quick google search of the words “vent” and “add” showed meanings I expected to see: Vent means to “give free expression to (a strong emotion)” and “Add” means to “Join (something) to something else so as to increase the size, number, or amount.”  There are of course other meanings, but I decided the use these ones because it best reflects what my thoughts and what I am reflection on advent season.

     I dwelt on emotions, and looked at how they part of we are, and how we cannot exist without them. We all go through life experiencing a whole spectrum of emotions: Fear, joy, sadness, uncertainty, anger and so forth. For example, the that comes from finally falling in love, becoming engaged, attaining a milestone, or the pain of losing a parent, a job are all real. They make us react differently also. We may experience physical, emotional, and physiological reactions ranging from profuse sweating, having increased heart beats, suddenly developing sweaty palms. Making decisions/or not when going through excessive emotions is not the best. It is important to remember that our emotions add value to our lives, help us connect, but can lead also to regrettable outcomes unless we “vent” the right way, with the righteous anger of the Lord.

 Venting does more than helps us express emotions in a healthy way, it also helps us learn how to act/react in the future. When we feel something deeply, we tend to want to either want to talk or write about them with our most trusted friend or best other. We vent to people we love and trust, for comfort and so that they will help us to calm down. healthy venting helps us to let out the steam, regroup, cope, rethink, and perhaps make better decisions. But venting with those we do not get along with can lead to fights and other associated negative outcomes.

 

Advent is a season of preparedness. Through prayer, reflection, and good deeds we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, not just at Christmas, but on the last day. What sort of emotions should we nurture this season, and in fact the rest of our lives? What should we always be venting about and why? Jesus prayed (Luke 22:32) went about doing good (Act 10:38) and reacted to pain and suffering in his day (John 16:33). Christians who pray, who prepare for the Lord’s return, need to like him be sensitivity to the sufferings and injustices of our world today.

 This advent, let us add value to the scripture message by doing things a little differently. Maybe God is calling you to connect with someone in your family or neighborhood? Or maybe you need to mediate between your adult children/friends/ or family members who are not been getting along? Could you plant a tree? Join a cause for environmental awareness, or perhaps host an international student who needs a host family come Christmas? To add value is to bring scriptures to life by doing ordinary things with more intentionality. Jesus did not try to fit in, he became God’s desire for the world. By the end of this advent, this Christmas, this year; by the end of our lives, may it be that we would proudly acclaim like St. Paul “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (1 Timothy 4:7-8) Amen

 

 The Gain is Worth the Pain

Waiting can be difficult. Waiting takes effort, perseverance, hard work, and sometimes a few years for one to see real results. Such as the duration it takes to graduate from high school, college, or any institution, academic or not. As a college student 10 years ago, I went through  some of the marks of being a hardworking student which includes putting in several hours of study for weeks and months unending while preparing for one quiz, exam or presentation or the other. It was much more difficult coming from Nigeria where I had little access to neither computer nor the internet. I struggled with technology as much as I struggled with adapting to a completely new culture and learning to live this new way of life. Yes it was quite an experience.  There’ve been times when I had felt overwhelmed, and on few occasions wondered if I would ever make it.

However, in spite of everything I had to overcome, I refused to give up, I told myself that nothing in life comes easy. I was determined to give it all my had, and I trusted/still trusts the actions of God in my life. I knew that I was not alone, and that God is always with me, and that he will bring to perfection what he has begun in my life. I told myself that since God brought me to the United State, he has a plan, and I for one will not sabotage his plans for my good. Rather than give up, I realized that I could make life easier for myself by taking a step back to discern everything.

After further discernment and consulting my academic advisor, it became clear to me that I was partly responsible for my some of the issues I was having with. I was forcing myself to do something that is not my calling. I was trying to major in Nursing, when I have always know that I am a social worker. As such, changing my major was a blessing; I felt a deep sense of freedom, and the knots in my stomach all loosened up, I slept better and had more time for social and religious activities.

These thoughts came to mind this morning and I find myself using my experience to encourage a collage freshman who seem to be going though a similar experience as I was 10 years ago. He told me that he was excited about going back to college in the United States but is just realizing that he is struggling a with meeting up with academic and job demands since he must also work to be able to pay himself through school. He wondered if she should quit school (which is will be risky because that could put in out of legal statutes). We talked about other things he is struggling with, including pressure from family (in Nigeria) for financial assistance.  

I said so many things to suit my friend. But most importantly, I reminded him that nothing in life comes easy, and that we have the grace of God to rely on when all else fails us. On the other hand, I assured him that this is a transitional time in his life, he will not always be a student. We talked about options, including reducing his credit load and seeking extra help from his professors. At the end of the conversation, my friend confessed that he feels much relieved. He expressed appreciation and thanked me for listening.

Everything is life happens for a reason, and until it is known, it is important for us to continue to let God lead us though life. Be encouraged and go out there and be a beacon of hope for somebody who may be needing you, even as you are read this. Tell all the downtrodden that all hope is not lost, that all will be well because God has got their back. Let us continue to extend the compassion of God to the lost and discouraged, this is what pleases the Lord.

 

 

We Are “gods”

We Are “gods”

Life is a mystery. Yet, in his own way, God never ceases to help us understand some of it. In today’s reflection, God reveled that we are “gods” with a small “g” since we are not equal to Him. As I reflected on this more deeply, the meaning became a little clearer to me. We are “gods” because in some shape or form, we have power and wield some form of authority at different stages of out lives.

 In the creation story in the book of Genesis, scripture tells us that it was only after the creation of humans on the 6^th day, that God “looked at everything he has created, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Another way to put it is that God was happy. The sort of excitement and feeling of deep satisfaction we most likely feel and exude at the accomplishment of any significant feat. We are the perfection of creation, in the eyes of God, nothing can compare with our worth. However, although we may be “good” as scriptures says, but God requires more than that, we need to take it from there. We need to maintain the godly quality God bestowed on us, so that God can “delight” in us. We need to perfect creation by affirming the work of God and reciprocate his love by taking pleasure in him, his plan for us and others, as we work towards the unity and oneness Jesus prayed for (John 17:21). One of our challenges as humans, is our inability to extend the euphoria God has for us to our dear brothers and sisters. But “how?’ Someone may ask. Well, anytime we act with love, mercy and justice towards others, we are demonstrating that we are “gods,” children of the most high (Psalm 82:6).

  

What are the attributes of God? God is kind, loving, merciful and compassionate. God forgives, heals, and transforms and so forth. Humans share in God’s creative nature. That is to say that we  have all been endowed with to some degree, all the attributes of God, for we have been made in the image and likeness of God (Matthew 1:27). Jesus showed us the way to the father and used several stories/parables to encourage us to follow in his footstep. “The one who showed mercy…” is the true neighbor. “Go and do the same.” (Luke 10:37), he taught. In this story of the good Samaritan, we learned that mercy and compassion are not options, but necessities. We are put into this world to see, feel, and act for the good of all our dear neighbors.

 So, we have all been gifted. Some people are rich wealth, others are famous, tall, intelligent, joyful are endowed with a great sense of humor, among other gifts. As I look at these gifts, it saddens me to realize that majority of us tend to believe that money is what matters the most. And I get it, everyone needs money. Money enables us to feed, pay our bills and get through in life. So yes, money is very important. However, we can live sustainable lives without hoarding money. The acquisition of wealth is not everyone’s gift, but the gift of  “daily bread” (has may prayed for (Mathew 6:11). Therefore, those blessed with the gift of wealth, have twice as much to answer before God if they act as “Gods.” Funny enough, scriptures even warns those who  desire wealth without a corresponding desire to be faithful to God (Proverbs 28:20), and I must add, faithful to the dispensation of wealth. Another way to look at this is that it is more important to be faithful that to be rich. Because those who seek the kingdom of God, those who give God his due will meet their daily needs and much more. (Matthew 6:33)

God is my brother and sister

As “gods,” it is important for Christians who have been blessed with wealth to be wise dispensers of God’s gifts. You may be telling yourself that you’ve earned your keep by working hard for what you have. But so have people who may have worked twice but have nothing to show for it. Poverty, pain, and suffering are challenges that will always be part of our global reality, but so is wealth. Unfortunately, instead of the wealth to continue to maintain their “kingly” positions at the Lord’s table (like king Darius) by inviting all the “Lazarusses”  around them, they have chosen the place of Lazarus on themselves on the last day.

 What is your gift? Perhaps the ability to give a listening ear? Radiate joy? Empathize with the suffering? Be a voice for the marginalized? Pray? …Yes, God sure got it covered, he did not miss a thing, we all have something. But when we fail to maximize the use of our gifts, again we are like kind Darius (Luke 16) or the rich fool (Luke 12). Have you discovered your gift? Now is the time to take a long and deep look at ourselves. We need to discover our own specific “godly” attribute, where should we invest most of our energy? Just as it is futile to hoard wealth (vanity of vanities), that is how useless it is to continue to spend sleepless nights dreaming for wealth while burying our own undiscovered talent(s) for which God will eventually hold us accountable  (Matthew 25:14–30).

The best way to prepare for Christmas and for Jesus’ return is to make his kingdom real, by using my gifts. God relies on us to make him real, known, so that where he has gone, he will also ensure that we join him. The measure of the “god” we are to our dear neighbors, (especially those who need us to validate them) is the same measure God will be for us when at last we shall “see him as he truly” (1 John 3:2).

 

 

The Pain of Being and Living in Nigeria

As a country Nigeria turns 61 today. Having recently returned from Nigeria, I cannot but sit for a minute to reflect on my experiences and some of the day-to-day realities in Nigeria. Anniversaries are times to reminiscence the past, celebrate the presence in look in hope to the future. To say the truth, the Nigeria I knew in the past is better than the Nigeria I saw last month, there is little or nothing to celebrate at all.  What is there to be happy, when people are so hungry, sick, and dying by the day? Poverty, insecurity, and untold hardship seems to be the order of the day for majority of Nigerians. The streets are not safe, people are afraid to go to their farms because they are afraid of being kidnapped or killed by the Fulani heads men, or unknown gun men. There are no job opportunities, graduates are doing menial jobs just to feed, the cost of living continues to increase by the day. Students do not feel safe in their schools because at any given moment they could be attacked, kidnapped for ramson, or killed. Churches are not even left out in the incessant attacks. Christians are continuously targeted and selectively massacred, such that some are too sacred of going to church at all, or walk to church alone.

The Nigerian economy is in shambles, the worth of naira is progressively falling. Only yesterday, I heard that it is now N600 to one U.S dollar. Tribalism, sectionalism, and divisiveness is over the roof top. Ibos say they want Biafra, the Middle Belters and people from Oduduwa Nations are also agitation for self-governance. Our political, economic, and social strata are all in shambles. As if that is not enough, majority of those in leadership positions are not doing anything whatsoever. Governors, senators, bishops, superiors, Imams, and majority of our political and religious leaders are not doing anything.

So, who or what is going to save Nigeria? How much longer are we going to continue to live like slaves in our own country? When will the cries of the poor be heard? Who is going to wipe the tears of the widows and orphan?

    GOD NIGERIA NEEDS YOUR HELP

I shudder with horror at what is going on in Nigeria. I shudder at the thought of a future that seems so bleak and dark. I am filled with fear and sadness because the shadows hovering over Nigeria is blood thirsty and deadly. I weep for the thousands already killed for being unfortunate enough to be born in Nigeria. My heart aches for the many who will still lose their lives to unknown gunmen, Fulani headsmen, hunger and poverty. This madness does not seem to be abetting, we do not see any end in sight.

What is most shocking is not only the fact that our leaders in Nigeria/Africa have turned the other way, but I am also perplexed at the complicity of the other world power. I get it, they have nothing to loose or better still gain. But of what benefit is our membership in the African and United Nations? What is the purpose of conglomerate partnerships if people cannot exist in their natural environments? There is no way international organizations can claim ignorance regarding the horrors happening in Nigeria? Go to the internet, listen to the radio, read the newspapers, watch ticktacks/YouTube videos, speak with any Nigerian/African… the list is endless, the story is the same everywhere… Nigerian is no longer a safe place, especially for the poor. Today thousands of women and children must face live without their husbands/fathers? How is this ok?  

Unfortunately, a few Nigerians believe that they have figured out a way to address this crisis. These smart citizens are leaving the country in drones, I guess because they have the resources. But what about the remaining majority? The Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics said in 2020 that 40% or 83 million Nigerians live in poverty.

I worry that the cost of health care is going to be the next huge crises to face us as a nation. Just last month, I read about the massive recruitment of nurses and doctors by Europe and Middle East. They offered irresistible remuneration packages which led to the exit of many Nigerian healthcare professionals. In a country already plagued with sickness, frequent violence and incessant killings, I cannot imagine what it will be like when hospitals and clinics have no healthcare professionals.

So no, I am not rejoicing about the fact that it has been 61st years since our leaders have been looting and destroying our country. I am sad, and helpless, unsure about why the Lord himself seems to be so silent? Should I attribute the woes in Nigeria to the fact that we have failed to heed the voice of the Lord? And have not followed the precepts he set before us as today’s reading suggested?” (Bar 1:15-22). Yet even if this is the case, I know that the Lord will never give up on his people.

May all brave Christian soldiers out there not give up. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego testified, even if the Lord will not answer us, even if we see no end in sight, even we must continue to lose our lives, we will not stop placing our hope in the Name of the Lord, since Our help will always come from the Lord who made heaven and earth.

 

FUA