Bear it gracefully and go have a blast

Still here full of gratitude for life and trusting that this Covid-19 too shall pass. I have had my rants over these past weeks and scares as well but also ventured into the city after months of hiding away. I was even brave enough to stop for lunch at a fast food restaurant which looking back on, I probably shouldn’t have.

I have learnt a lot over these past few months, I think having time on your hands forces you to reflect on a lot of things: family, relationship, life, God and most importantly yourself. I have found myself carefully considering a lot of my past decisions and if I would have done anything differently.

The answer to that for me was: ‘possibly’ and that came with no bitterness as I know almost everyone of us would love to have a time machine that could help us take a trip back to the past to change a few things. I have learnt to embrace every past decision and action as it has sculpted the person I am today.

Failure teaches you how to succeed.

I’ve seen a lot of people who should be happy but aren’t, they’re not willing to celebrate themselves or others because they have refused to come to terms with the actions they’ve taken in the past up until this time in their lives. Simply put, they can’t forgive themselves and with that, miss out on the future God has planned for them.

I recently watched an interview on TVC Nigeria, where a famous actor Bolanle Ninalowo was sharing on how his marriage got restored but it was his wisdom on life itself that took me by surprise. I was passively listening to it initially but then some superb words of wisdom got my attention and I had to get closer.

I don’t know much about his life then and now other than what I see on screen but anyone who lives by the precepts he shared have got it right. I’ll share a link to the video here

One thing I have always appreciated in people is having the grace to admit when they are wrong and not a lot of people will want to do that. Admitting wrongdoing to some people is akin to cowardice, it makes them feel little and they believe the other person will have something to hold over their heads and they can’t have that.

Unfortunately, this same mentality is at play when it comes to having a relationship with God, thoughts such as these: we are inadequate, we are not what He wants, we’ve messed up too much, it’s too late for Him to want us.

Who says? On whose authority should we believe those things? Where was it written?

No one has the right to grant you or deny you a relationship with God. He made you, He loves you, He wants you to know that.

God who made you, who formed you says you should not be afraid for He has redeemed you and called you by your name; you are His. (Isaiah 43 vs 1)

People who refuse to acknowledge the wrongs they’ve done others, consequently cannot find joy in anything because deep down they feel they don’t deserve any. Even when good things come their way, they question how deserving they are of it, they become suspicious of any kindness shown to them as they believe everyone can see through to that darkness they’re hiding.

I have written a post previously where I explained that we are not built to be perfect, anyone that claims they have no sin is a liar.

We’ve all fallen short, but grace abounds.

When we do not have the humility to ask for forgiveness, how can we have the grace to extend forgiveness to those who hurt us? If we cannot understand these two concepts then we will not be able to enjoy its products which is simply peace and healing.

……..and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us….

If we do not have grace to forgive and beg for forgiveness, then we do not believe in the grace that has been made abundant to us that our sins are forgiven once we’ve had a humble chat with God about it. The sins will be blotted out to be remembered no more. Written off. Done. Cancelled.

God isn’t us! He is unlike I, who will remind my dear child; the day, hour and minute when a wrong was committed, and harp on about it till kingdom come. There are so many records in the bible of how compassionate and loving God is and we can see it all around us, I choose to see that good every single day.

Isaiah 43 vs 25 esv: ‘I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins’.

The fear to even acknowledge sin let alone ask for forgiveness is always there, we don’t want to consider what a sin is or isn’t, and this makes people take to their heels when you mention God. The bible is a guide but first, a yearning for a relationship with God will start you on the right path of using the bible to find out what He means to you.

Once you find out what God’s intention for your creation is because we were all made in love, you and I, you will have no problem choosing to live for Him everyday and having a ball while you are doing so! I've talked about forgiveness because in being able to forgive others, you learn to forgive yourself and start living life in its fullness. You must learn to love yourself and just have good fun.

Let go past mistakes, what God wants is repentance not penance! Fear God but don’t be afraid to allow Him to love you and enjoy a relationship with you. Any condemnation we feel is not from God, He sent His only son to die for our sins, remember? Jesus settled it, once and for all and we are worth every bit of the sacrifice He made.

Ask for forgiveness and let’s move on.

I hope this piece will help someone remember how precious they are and help them rediscover how to truly love themselves and be proud of what they have overcome to get to where they are now.

Love always