Une histoire d'amour

It was a cold Thursday night. Everything seemed to have gone wrong during the day, leaving Isabella quite confused. For some reason her boss complained of everything she did. She left the office later than usual, and yet she couldn't seem to get all of her tasks done. The most annoying part of her day was the driver who ran into her BMW from behind. ''He must have been drunk'' she thought.  Although she was extremely tired, the driver had reversed and zoomed off before she could get down to see the damage. So typical! 

*Argh* she groaned, the pain in her back was unsettling. She had a shower and went to bed. ''Hopefully, tomorrow will be better'' she said to herself as her eyes gently closed. She didn't know her phone was ringing as she had turned off the sound while in the office and forgotten to turn it back on. It rang for another hour but Isabella had no clue, she was happily dreaming away. 

Who could have been calling  her? 

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The phone rang yet another time with no reply. Timi was worried. He really hoped everything was alright with Isabella. He said a prayer for her and went back to working on his presentation which was due tomorrow morning. 

************
Friday morning was here. Timi thrilled the managers with his 'state of the art' presentation. The Chairman categorically stated that with results like this, he deserved a promotion. Timi couldn't help feeling great. With what he had planned, the day was about to get better.

************                                      
For some reason Isabella's alarm didn't wake her that morning. As she stretched on the bed, she hugged her pillow tightly.  She had always wanted a big teddy bear, so she could hug it all through the night. Her bed was quite comfortable and her room dimly lit with large curtains and blinds blocking out the unwanted sunlight. After turning several times on the bed, she opened her eyes reluctantly to the clock above her head. Jumping out of bed almost immediately, she exclaimed "Oh my, I'm going to be late!". She rushed her shower, threw some clothes on, picked her bag and rushed out. For some reason, as she dashed out the door, she remembered her phone was still on the bed. She reluctantly went back for it. Little did she know that was the best decision she made that morning.

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Isabella knew she was driving roughly but she had to get to work before her boss, otherwise the day would be an extension of yesterday's mess. Luckily for her, the Policemen on her route were busy with 'finer cars' than hers. 

It was five minutes after opening hours. Isabella parked her car as fast as she could and stood still as she saw her boss about to take the elevator. Thinking fast, she took the stairs and ran as quickly as she could. Hopefully, the elevator would stop on a few more floors before her boss gets off. 
With no time to greet anyone she rushed into her seat, took off her jacket, sat down and opened the file on her desk. As expected, her boss was at her door 30 seconds later. 
''Are you through with the tasks I gave you yesterday?''. 
''Good morning ma, I'm just putting a few finishing touches'' Isabella managed to mutter. 
''It should be on my desk on or before 12noon''. 
''Yes ma''. 

With her boss out of her office, Isabella gave a long sigh. ''Whew! That was close''. She quickly got to work. 
Her phone was still on silent mode and ringing away.                                           

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It was lunch time and Timi was yet to get a call back from Isabella. He really hoped everything was alright. He had left several messages and expected a reply by now. He decided to try her number again.

************   
At exactly five minutes to twelve, Isabella was standing before her boss to submit the report she had asked her to do. Isabella's heart was beating fast as her boss glanced through the report, looking through her glasses firmly sitting on her nose. After what seemed like an eternity, her boss did something unbelievable: she smiled! 
"I must say that I'm impressed, Well done". Isabella thought she was dreaming.
"T...Thank you ma" She muttered
"I knew you could do it, that's why I kept pushing you so hard. For doing such a good job, you can close early today. Just ensure you tidy up your desk; today is Friday you know, and quite special at that"
Isabella expressed her sincere appreciation to her boss. She didn't know what she was going to use that free time to do, but at least her sweet bed was always there for her in times of need. And what did her boss mean by the day being quite special?

************   
Isabella went back to the office to tidy up her desk. As she packed some things into her bag, she saw her phone and remembered she hadn't checked it since yesterday. 
"Wow...50 missed calls...How come?" She realised then that her phone had been silent all through. Out of all the missed calls, one person's number stood out. There were voicemails, text messages, notifications and emails as well. She decided to read an e-mail, and saw something that blew her mind away.

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They were the most beautiful words she had ever seen, addressed to her. As she read through, her face beamed with a million-dollar smile. Who was it from?  She could tell it was hers as her name and picture were on the magnificent marble piece. From what she read, it was sent by a company on someone else's behalf. She scrolled down and saw his name and then smiled even more, her hand over her mouth in amazement. She didn't mind the attention she was attracting from her colleagues. With all the work she had been through lately, she forgot it was Valentine's Day.

************   
Timi had been friends with Isabella for years but was never able to tell her how he felt till now. He had witnessed a few of her relationships and break ups. He always provided his shoulder for her to cry on anytime she was depressed and was there for her in her times of need. Timi knew how exactly he felt and had no doubt that Isabella was the one for him. The problem was 'Was the feeling reciprocal? Did she feel what he felt or know what he knew? Would she be convinced by what he sent?

************   
Although Isabella had taken Timi as one of her best friends, she always had a soft spot for him. At certain times, the thought of a possible relationship crossed her mind, but she always disregarded it. She never realised how much she cared until now. Reading the words cleared her mind and warmed her heart. 

She went ahead to check her Facebook notifications. Right there on her wall was another poem stylishly placed on a marble background. It was a public declaration of his love for her and it made her feel so special. ''I can't believe this is happening.'' she thought to herself. ''I actually really like this boy. I had no clue I had a romantic right under my nose."

At that precious moment, a call came in. She picked it almost immediately. 

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"Hello dearest" the cool voice said, sending waves through Isabella's body.
"Hello Timi. I'm so sorry I missed your calls. My phone has been on silent since yesterday and it's been quite hectic at the office, but I'm through with my work now".
"I thought as much. At least I know you're fine... I hope you've seen my messages." 
"Yes, I have... Do you really feel that way?"
"Babie, I mean every word. I just hope you feel the way I do and you'll give us a chance."
Isabella paused for a while which set Timi's heart racing. What was on her mind?
"I feel the same dear." She said as Timi gave a loud sigh. 'What a fulfilling response! He thought out loud.
"If you would allow me, I have made a reservation for dinner, at an exquisite restaurant I just discovered. What time do you get off work? I'm free for the rest of the day, so I'm all yours".
"Surprisingly, my boss let me close early today. Are you sure you didn't call her?" 
"Hahaha...That's great, I'll be at your office within the hour".
"I can't wait".

Timi ended the call and jumped with excitement. Isabella was finally his. Yes! He quickly sent a mail before dashing out of the office, his heart filled with expectation of a wonderful time.
"Thank you Peach Expressions, She loved the E-poems. Let's do this again soon".

© February 2014 by Lola Agbaje-Williams
Express your feelings to your loved ones with our spectacular Personalised E-poems. You can enjoy our guaranteed best service by sending a mail to thep3company@gmail.com. Thank you!

A New Day Has Come!

A new day has come

A new season under the sun

Opportunities abounding

In measures outstanding

A call is being made

To all who wish to be great

Basking in wealth, grace and favour

Surrounded by peace, promotion and splendour

To those who wish their territories enlarged

To those who want their spirits recharged

To those needing increase and multiplication

To those seeking fame and world domination

You must arise and shine

As your path and reasoning are illuminated

Working hard, developing yourself

To ensure you attain as predicted

Be the best you can be, even better

Do all that is in your heart, be clever

Follow your dreams, surpass your goals

Enlarge your tent, fasten its poles 

The time is what you make of it

Whether in rising or falling

Your path can be evergreen

If you ensure that you key in

Let any past success or failure

Remain as it is - past

Make new successes today

That will bloom and last

You will escape the traps of the wicked

Where there is evil you will not be

Your very eyes shall be enlightened

As you attain your awesome destiny

Heed the call being made today

Run with it while it is still day

Before the night comes to say

Goodbye to the day and turns you away.

© By Lola Agbaje-Williams, January 2014.

THE WEEKEND BITE Online: 'NO EXCUSE' Series - EPISODE 3

Hello readers, it’s been a while. Apologies for the break! Let me assure you that this blog is back and here to stay. We’ll be kicking off where we stopped with the ‘No Excuse’ series of the Weekend Bite.

This episode features the story of the Nigerian Paralympics champions who did their country proud at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London.

Cast your minds back to the London Olympics 2012 where a lot of us were disappointed at the performance of Team Nigeria. So many hearts sank as we watched the athletes loose at each event we had seemingly managed to qualify for, and eventually return home empty handed. Little did we know the key to the redemption of Nigeria's image lay in the hands of a few disabled people.

At the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, Team Nigeria defied all odds and WON BIG! Yes, Nigeria came out third best in Africa after Tunisia and South Africa and 22nd in the world. Thanks to Esther Oyema, Yakubu Adesokan, Joy Onaolapo and Folashade Oluwafunmilayo, the most celebrated power-lifters, four world records were set in favour of Nigeria. Team Nigeria successfully bagged 13 medals- six gold, five silver and two bronze medals.

In fact, Yakubu Adesokan was a first timer at the Paralympics (the first on the team to win); yet he successfully took home a gold medal and set a new world record for lifting 180kg, which is about four times his body weight. He had set the old record of 177kg earlier last year in Dubai. He had also won gold at the last commonwealth games in New Delhi two years back; but for him this was even more fulfilling. He attributed his success to motivation and good preparation; giving thanks to God.

Esther Oyema also set a new world record, in the 48kg Power-lifting category by lifting 135kg. This gold medalist, who had contacted polio as a child, was elated to be counted as an international champion. She remains hopeful for more records to come.

Joy Onolapo, also successfully won gold at the Paralympics after breaking the Paralympics Record in the 52kg category with a lift of 128kg and similarly breaking the world record with a lift of 131kg. Like Esther Oyema, she also contacted polio when she was a child. The final gold came from Grace Anozie.

How did these ones do it? How did those with seeming disabilities attain a feat that those with 'full-ability' can only dream of?

Onolapo maintains that they succeeded because they took things seriously and also by determination, discipline and focus, despite many challenges. For Ivory Nwokorie, a gold medalist in the women's +44kg Power-lifting category, she had to go through a very tough training before she could attain this feat. They were faced with such challenges as substandard training facilities, transportation difficulties, ostracism by people etc. For Gloria Anozie, the 35-year old gold medalist in women's +82kg Power-lifting category, there was a common challenge of being looked down on by people who regarded them as beggars when seen on the road or trying to make it to training. She turned to sports due to the problem of unemployment after graduating from the department of Accounting in Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Now she has no regrets, having been to four Paralympic games and retaining the world record with gold medals.

For Folasade Oluwafunmilayo, a silver medalist in the women's- 75kg Power-lifting category who had contacted polio when she was only three years old, the challenges in addition to the absence of funds to go into sport, further pushed her to succeed despite lack of proper training. She was able to overcome and finish second place; though she lifted the same weight as the gold medalist. Folashade had insisted on taking a fourth unofficial lift and thereby set a new world record of 148kg and Paralympics record of 143kg.

Victoria Nneji, bronze medalist in the women's- 67.5kg Power-lifting category was able to surmount the common challenges in addition to two shoulder injuries. She had not felt that much pain before but she was determined to win something.  In her words "It’s a Nigerian mentality that people view the physically-challenged as a problem to the society. We've proved however that we can do what some able-bodied athletes cannot do." The bronze medalist suffered from Poliomyelitis as a child, but consistently refused to accept sympathy from people, to be seen as a problem or even beg for survival on the streets like some others. She firmly believes that she can do whatever any other able person can do as 'Disability is only in the mind.'

Several times, they had to struggle to transport themselves to and fro training locations. Their condition prevented them from entering regular buses and so their only option was to enter taxis which was expensive. Where such money was unavailable, they could be stuck there for hours, despite harsh weather conditions. However, they were able to surmount these challenges and gain international and national recognition and relevance.

Out of 10 African Countries, Nigeria won a total of 13 medals, finishing 22nd on the medals table and 3rd in Africa. Nigeria was deemed to be a leader in the Power-lifting category and enjoyed cheers from the crowd and international cross-section of viewers.

Thankfully, our President, His Excellency Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, conferred the befitting honour of MON (Member of the Order of Nigeria) on six of the gold medalists, cash rewards of Five Million Naira for each gold medalist, Three Million Naira for each silver medalist and Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira for each bronze medalist. Other members of the team who did not win any medal, also received Five Hundred Thousand Naira each. The President clearly stated that 'the athletes gave hope to Nigerians and all physically challenged youths.' He also commended their exceptional courage at showing us all that 'being physically challenged is no barrier'.

The athletes all complained of lack of proper welfare and standard training facilities. It is hoped that the relevant authorities will look into this in preparation for next year’s Commonwealth games, the Summer Paralympics in 2016 and other sporting events; and also to ensure that the athletes are well taken care of.

Unfortunately, Joy Onolapo, a mother of two and one of the gold medalists was confirmed dead in August this year by the Nigeria Power Lifting Federation (NPLF). Her Power lifting coach, Ijeoma Iheriobim described late Onaolapo as 'a committed and diligent athlete with a dedication worthy of emulation.' According to her, her death is 'a great loss to the power lifting team'. Thankfully, she pursued her dreams while she was alive and was successful in doing so.

The Nigerian Paralympics champions had no excuse not to pursue their dreams despite all odds, neither do you!

Just do it!

Cheers!...

© November,2013 By Lola Agbaje-Williams.

Sources:
Nairaland Forum- September 16, 2012
Business day– Sunday 16, 2012,
The Punch Newspaper- Sept 22, 2012,
Premium Times- August 3, 2013;
General News on the web about the Paralympics.

THE WEEKEND BITE Online: 'NO EXCUSE' Series- EPISODE 2

Hello friends, sure your week has been great. Welcome to the second episode of the ‘No Excuse Series’, sorry it took so long. We have been examining the awe-inspiring stories of men who are achieving great feats despite the overpowering limitations of their situations and circumstances. If you missed the amazing story in Episode 1, please click on the following link:

http://www.mypenacatalystofchange.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-weekend-bite-online-no-excuse.html

The star of this episode is a 23-year old South-Korean named Choi Sung-Bong.




Born on the 18th of February, 1990, Choi’s parents had no clue about the greatness their son was carrying. He was abandoned in an orphanage at the age of three and he had to run away when he was only five years old after being beaten consistently. He practically lived on his own since then, sleeping on the stairs and in public toilets throughout that period. He fended for himself and survived by selling chewing gums and energy drinks on the streets for about 10 years. He also worked as labourer, delivering milk and Newspapers from when he was eight years old. While working, he occasionally overhead music and gradually his love for it grew until he was deeply in love with it. He was dedicated to singing to himself and practicing each day.


No baby pictures for Choi, but I bet he would have looked like this cute dude if his childhood was different!

At the age of 14, after listening to a classical vocalist at a nightclub where he sold chewing gum, his inspiration to pursue music as a career came to life. His passion led him to make enquiries until he landed and the door of his future mentor Jeong-So Park, a former opera singer who ended up teaching him free of charge and helping him get into an arts high school at the age of 16. Jeong-So Park was challenged by this young man who grew up on the streets but still has desire to go to school and to learn how to sing.

Jeong-so Park


Jeong-so Park taught Choi a whole lot more than music. He prepared and mentored him for the GED exams for elementary and middle school and entrance exams into Arts school, all of which he passed in flying colours. He also helped him to raise financial support for his schooling through Child Fund Korea and several others who were moved by his story.
At a point in high school, it became increasingly difficult for Choi to keep a job as a delivery man with the overwhelming demands of schooling and all that had a ripple effect on his school work. Around the second year of high school he told Park that he didn’t want to go to school anymore, considering the stress and the exorbitant amount for college fees, which they both didn’t have at the time. He later disappeared for about a year, trying ‘his hands on different things which were unsuccessful before he returned to help his mentor as a staff (best boy for lighting) at the first Praise Concert which Jeong-So Park organised at Juseungchun Church. Thereafter, the Church Pastor awarded Choi a scholarship out of the proceeds of the concert. Choi successfully graduated from Daejeon Arts High School where he became a musical autodidact (self teacher) as he pursued classical vocal training in the School’s Musical Department.




In 2011, Choi Song-Bong was encouraged by his Mentor to participate in the show 'Korea's got talent'. He introduced himself to the Judges and the Audience as the abandoned and homeless child who had to survive by selling gum and energy drinks for 10 years and thereafter went on to perform ‘Nella Fantasia (In My Fantasy) ’. All the judges immediately got emotional after his story and powerful performance. This led to a big offer of voice training classes to Choi by one of the Judges. The Youtube video of his performance went viral and as at February 2013, the video of his performance with English subtitles had more than 78 million views. I watched it myself and I was deeply moved.



Despite all odds, Choi advanced in the competition, all the way to the finals and he finished as the first runner up. All through the competition he dazzled the Judges and his numerous fans with his captivating voice and still continues to do so today to as many as care to listen to him.




After the competition, he continued as a vocalist and in 2012, Sung Bong Choi sang the Korean National Anthem for Korea's athletes ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, UK. His rendition was powerful and inspiring and was certainly the right boost for the athletes.



He has done many other outstanding performances. He performed at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles as part of an international concert dedicated to peace and unity; the humanitarian project tagged ‘We hear your voice’ which was organised by Shani Rigsbee and her husband Andy Madadian. He has also appeared in many television shows, lectures and concerts and on 30th April, 2012 he authored a Korean best-selling autobiography describing his life journey titled ‘Just live without conditions ‘cause you live only once’. He is also set to release an album soon.



During a recent interview, Choi told KoreAm, A Korean American Magazine: “I’m able to do things that I haven’t been able to do for 22 years right now. After I sang ‘Nella fantasia’ and had great experiences, I had a reason to live. But still, I will never forget (how) I never starved to death or froze to death or was beaten to death. I’m thankful to be alive”




Choi Song-Bong didn't have any excuse to pursue his dreams despite all odds, neither do you!

Just do it!

Cheers!



© March,2013 By Lola Agbaje-Williams.


Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choi_Sung-Bong
http://iamkoream.com/september-issue-opera-singer-choi-sung-bong-more-than-korean-susan-boyle/
http://sungbongchoidotcom.blogspot.com/2012/07/brief-overview-of-sung-bongs-journey.html
You tube video of Choi Sung-Bong’s Audition, You-tube video of Jeong-so Park’s account of meeting Choi Sung-Bong for the first time.

THE WEEKEND BITE online: ‘NO EXCUSE’ SERIES - EPISODE 1

Hello there, I hope you've had a splendid weekend so far. I started a series not too long ago tagged ‘No excuse’, which was exclusive to ‘THE WEEKEND BITE', a weekly inspirational message available to BBM users. I have decided to bring this platform online, so that more people can benefit from it. The idea of the series is to do a case study on the lives of a certain individuals who despite limitations, have defied all odds and risen to be successful in their various fields; to learn from them and to encourage ourselves to achieve our desires & pursue our goals. This weekend, we look at 25 year old South-African born Oscar Pistorius a.k.a Blade runner/ the fastest man on no legs. Oscar had a double amputation i.e. on both legs when he was 11 months old, having been born without a fibula in any of them.

Despite his disability, Oscar was actively engaged in sports while he was growing up and after a rugby knee injury, he was introduced to running during his rehabilitation programme. With some support of his family, he began to run. After seeing him on the track, many would say running is his true calling. Prior to the 2012 London Paralympics this extra-ordinary man had enjoyed being the world record holder for class T44 in the 100m, 200m and 400 m events; running with the aid of Cheetah Flex-Foot carbon fibre transtibial artificial limbs by Össur. At the Paralympics, he competed with his peers for years, but in 2007, he took part in his first international competition for able-bodied athletes.

Some believed that his artificial lower legs gave him an unfair advantage over able-bodied runners; which in addition to several tests & monitoring of his track performance led to his ban by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on 14 January 2008. He was ruled ineligible for competitions conducted under its rules, including the 2008 Summer Olympics. He didn't give up! Subsequently, this decision was reversed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 16 May 2008. Though he did not qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Bejing, he went on to win gold medals at the 2008 summer paralympic games in the 100, 200 & 400 metres (T44) Sprints.

At the 2011 World championships, he became the first amputee to win an able bodied track medal, as part of South Africa's silver medal-winning relay team. On 4 August 2012, at the London Olympics, he became d first double-leg amputee ever to participate in d Olympic Games when he entered the men's 400m race. The 25-year old South-African, shocked the world when he finished 2nd in his 400m heat race in a time of 45.44 s, and made it to the semi-final. Although, he finished eighth in the semi-final, his mere participation and determination remains a clear inspiration to many. According to Oscar, “This has been one of the best experiences of my life. Just being out in front of this crowd, 70,000 felt like 170,000, was an unbelievable experience.” It was amazing to see the world champion Gren Grenada's Kirani James, walk up to him and swap name bibs with him after the race, with the resolve to keep same.

He also competed in the 4 x 400m relay heat which had a lot of controversy as Oscar and another South-African racing on the third and fourth legs respectively never received the baton from their teammate Ofense Mogatwane racing on the second leg, who had a collision with the Kenyan team. Fortunately, after appeals were made, they were allowed to race in the finals, finishing in the eighth position at a time of 3:03.86.

At the recently concluded Paralympic Games also in London, Oscar was there to defend his titles in the 100m, 200m and 400m races. Oscar set a T43 world record of 21.30 seconds in the semi-final of the 200m race, and took the silver medal in the final, after Brazilian Alan Olivera took gold. This was a shock to many, including Oscar, as this was his first competitive loss over the distance in nine years but he soon shook it off and concentrated on the rest of the competition. He and his teammates thereafter succeeded at breaking the world record, in the 4x100m relay and taking the title in a world record time of 41.78s. Also, after a very competitive race, he finished fourth in the 100m race with a season’s best time of 11.17s. The grand finale of all races in the Paralympics was the 400m race, and Oscar took the day when he won the race and title by a wide margin and set a new Paralympic record of 46.68s.

This champion contested in 11 races and successfully bagged two Paralympic gold medals, Paralympic silver, two world records, a Paralympic record, an Olympic individual semi-final and an Olympic final. Even with his disability, other issues like his parents' divorce when he was six or his mother’s death when he was 15, or even his subsequent estrangement from his Father could have kept him back, but Oscar saw such things as mere challenges common to man and resolved to surmount them all. Today, the song sung of Oscar Pistorius is not one of defeat or weakness; rather its one of victory, strength, determination and inspiration.

His message to you simply is “You are not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have”. Oscar Pistorius did not have any excuse not to pursue his dreams despite all odds, neither do u!

Just do it!

Cheers!




© September, 2012 by Lola Agbaje-Williams.

References: www.oscarpistorius.com, Wikipedia, joeweber.org, News online on Olympics and Paralympics).

THE WOMAN'S SONG

I am a WoMAN

An epitome of excellence

Foremost of God’s design

Wonderfully and beautifully made

Not rushed but carefully brought forth


I am a WoMAN

A man with a womb

I am not an afterthought of God

For I was created with you

But later formed, when my time was come


I am a WoMAN

I can do all things

Through Christ my enabler

I refuse to be put down

By society’s unfounded beliefs

I must fulfil my purpose and dreams


I am a WoMAN

Your help meet in purpose

I am not to be sidelined or dominated

But acknowledged as your partner in destiny

As we attain our goals side by side


I am a WoMAN

Not an object of lust

I deserved to be respected

Not reduced to a sex-slave void of values

For there is more to me than the eyes can see


I am a WoMAN

I have a voice

A voice which should not be suppressed

But groomed to blossom

Not ignored, but harkened to


I am a WoMAN

I have emotions

I deserve to be loved and pampered

To be cared for and protected

To be loved no less


I am a WoMAN

I have a purpose

I need to be spurred on to achieve it

To be encouraged and mentored

To be supported on my journey


I am a WoMAN

I have been basked with strength

Along with many responsibilities

To my Maker, my family and the earth

I must balance it all and succeed


I am a WoMAN

I will stand by you

Inspite of your inadequacies

But if you fail to play your part continuously

I may lose my zeal to stay


I am a WoMAN

I need to be loved

And I will submit willingly

I need all these things

To continually be the best I should be

Not wavering, not wanting to give up


I am a WoMAN

I am a Blessing

I am the Blessed!


© Lola Agbaje-Williams January, 2012.

Our Everyday Struggle

The Sun has risen,
The day begun,
I start out as usual,
Bible read, worship sung.

I dedicate my day to You,
Hoping that today, I can be true,
Pure in heart, speech and deeds,
Without deviating from your decrees.

But as I go through the day,
I experience many things that soon lead me astray,
I try to overlook them and not be perturbed,
Yet afterwards, I am left feeling disturbed.

Troubled by unwanted thoughts and desires,
And the strength I believed I had soon expires.

While fighting these away,
Some gossips soon come my way,
My efforts to be uninvolved are to no avail,
As my big dripping mouth, I soon unveil.

After an entertaining chat, I move onward,
An unruly chap makes his way forward,
Raining down accusations and abuse,
And soon the bolt on my anger comes loose.

Unwilling to ignore, I soon retaliate,
His countenance change, almost immediate.

Happy I stood up for myself; I go on with my day,
And at the end of it, I bow my head to pray,
But I am reminded of how much I failed thee,
And how with my all, I disobeyed your decrees.

In my heart and actions and with my mouth,
I defied your name aloud.

I cry, for I am far from what you desire,
To be a pleasant and obedient child is what I aspire.

Lord, help me because I now realise,
That I can do nothing on my own,
But by your mercy and your grace,
I can come forth as gold.

All that I have is not mine,
Help me always to recognise that they are thine.

I will do your bidding,
I will make you proud,
Your name will I keep praising,
All the year round.

I dedicate my heart, lips and deeds to you,
That every moment of my life I may please you,
Help me to hold on to what is true,
That this everyday struggle is already won by you.

And at the end of life’s road,
May you welcome me proudly into your magnificent abode.

By Lola Agbaje-Williams
© August 2011