IJAWA - PRIDE OF THE RED ROSE

Like the Red Rose, God took delight in exhibiting the help-meet specimen in the African woman - Ijawa!

Molded with the clay of frailty yet, an epitome of strength and resplendent beauty

Soft enough to cry when hurt yet with her gentle strength, she breaks no sweat in hardship.

At the zenith of professionalism, she doubles as a faithful steward in her home

Her silence not an emblem of folly rather, stooping to conquer - a mastered art.

Holding the forte in the absence of her lord, her kids depicts the definition of bright & upright

Tender bosom as a safe haven, her sacrifice is next to nature - holding nothing back.

Dark skin not influencing her loving heart rather an emblem of wealth, pride and dignity

Tender hands like the earth beside a stream, anything she nurtures, a blissful bloom.

IJAWA!!!

THE GIFT

A subject of my admiration, a beautiful synonym for grace. Your heart of love, reaching out to everyone, not self-seeking you crave every chance to touch a needing heart.

Your smile as warm as the sun - sights of silver crystals and sounds of the morning dew resting gently on my tender heart.

The worlds beauty often finds expression when those nerves come together to present one of the most beautiful smiles like golden petals opening up to the morning sun.

I've been thinking of the perfect gift for you…

The Sun - but for there be only one that exist 

The Moon - but for the night will get darker

The Stars – it will take the stretch of the cloud to wrap 

Just when I thought all options have been exhausted then I thought of one of the most precious gifts…

YOU!!! 

...BREATHE...

It gets tough I know and I've been there. Discouragement is becoming a norm, I understand. Some of us have been played too many times for a fool and we have resulted in treading too carefully.

In a bid not to get burnt any further, we do anything to maintain the status quo and take zero risk. On the flip side, we have become maimed to addressing situations, confront them or even walk away.

The truth is we all got internal reset buttons reserved for only the brave to engage at such tough moments. It is time we threw caution in the wind and move forward.

Life is simple if we realize when situations threaten to choke the joy out of us and cause us to gasp for air... The one thing we must never forget is to do is just breathe. 

THE PROPOSAL.

He proposed with a ring on the night of their passing out in Enugu. She turned the proposal and walked out on him telling him if all she's worth to him is this cheap ring...

2 years later he proposed with the same ring in a less exquisite location to another lady in the suburbs of Enugu. His heart stopped for a while not knowing what to expect. 

Tears filled her eyes when she raised him from kneeling and gave him a big hug and a peck on his cheek. He heard her say 'I will' an overwhelming emotion engulfed him. 

He didn't know when he asked her "are you sure?"... With a reassuring tearful smile she said 'Yes I will marry me'.  

1 year later in Paris; he asked his wife on the night of their wedding what made her accept his proposal knowing the cost of the ring was not worth much... 

She said "I saw beyond the value of the ring but the value of a heart that truly cherished and is committed to me"

Perspective is everything. You may not have the best of everything at the moment but those who are grateful and enjoy life's best start by having the right mindset or perspective

The Tale - Unbelievable!

Cars don't talk but what if i told you mine did?

It happened to rain after a long dusty trip. You can imagine the filth on the car. I planned swinging by a car wash the following Monday morning before heading to the office.

Went to the car started the engine, and drove towards the gate. Just as I was about pulling out, the car refused to move any further.

I had the throttle pressed down. The gear engaged in "D" but nothing. ?he roaring engine was beginning to make a scene.

Then the audible voice came from within - "I ain't going any further. I'm not presentable, not even as Lekan's car (my neighbor).

Unbelievable right? Your guess is as good as mine. 

The question I asked myself this morning was; are we actually worse off? By we I mean you & I, our families, jobs, finance, relationships...

I realize we all tell an individual story. Why conclude when you haven't gotten to the end of "your story" or are you the author?

God sure knows the end of any matter from the beginning thereof sometimes we don't need to understand, we just have to trust him.

THE SHIELD

I don't know who spoke these words but they triggered my ponder...

"A real man doesn't quit on what's important to him, if he doesn't fight, he doesn't see a future with you"

The king of the wild do hunger and lack, so is the frail strength of the man.

So many times men are tempted to be gone with the wind, in search of an evolving solace.

Little would you wonder what propels the  old incomplete phrase "all men are cheats" but they never mention the complete phrase "...all men are cheats because..."

A man's commitment is a shield - a metal creed, built tough to hold the forte.

Hence he'll rather dine than fight. He will dance to the tune where there are no rules of engagement because he knows one hard truth...

The weight of the shield although movable is of great tonnes; If he truly gives it then he's bound to stay.

When you close your eyes through the years and open them, you'll find not just my shield, but the bearer.

Two Different isn't Too Different.

Dear daughter,

I noticed your little pet dog - Tasha; even after the years, she still share this bond with you like it did yesterday.

Have you ever wondered why dogs are referred to as man's best friend? Let me share with you my keen observation.

1. Loyalty - Tasha's loyalty to you can never be questioned even when it chooses to be friendly to all; her much knowledge about you shows in her attitude towards you.

2. Obedience - Tasha knows and submit on hearing the sound of your voice or command even above your other siblings. She tends to do only what you approve or bids her do.

3. Violent - I watched Tasha aggressively support you the other day Temi - our neighbor decided to pick a fight over parking space even though you were wrong. She did bark viciously and would have bitten Temi if he moved any closer towards you. 

4. Excitement - This very trait triggered this whole findings. Tasha truly delights in seeing you. I observe her genuine excitement every morning everyday through the years. An enthusiasm borne out of a mutual bond; firm and deep. For as long as Tasha lives, she is quite confident you will never abandon or neglect your duty to her.

5. Surrender - Do you know whenever you scold Tasha firmly, it never barks back in aggression or attempts to bite you? Instead, with good judgement, she folds her tail inside to win your sympathy by surrendering. It amazing how it works every time; earning your tender pat instead.

Thinking about it, your mom always got a better part of me when she discovered and applied these principles. She gave me little or no chance to fight back knowing any direct confrontation I got from her reduced her chances of winning that battle. According to her, quiet battles often times win the greatest wars.

Beyond doubt, Tasha LOVES you. 'Play Tasha' and you will win the heart of your man or husband when you are married, keeping in mind regardless of your differences, two different isn't too different after all.