I woke up on February 14 with a genuine desire to get married with absolutely little or no feelings for Valentine. Though every red paintings, decorations and the day's activity blazed into my eyes, my innermost NEED is to have and to hold for better for poorer, in sickness and health till forever amen.
Customarily, I send several text messages to the man who's thrown me off my donkey and made this time in my life really meaningful. Its so sweet to love,the mystery of love(not fantasies or lust) lies with God who understands when a man loves a woman. I have never felt this loved and so taken off guard,I have had relationships in the past which I was partially committed to. My dear friends way back in University told me I was as hard as "rocks"(un emotional and in charge). All that was a farce or a mirage of the real me.
From the beginning of this month,I have been on a love spree not minding if its called the love month though I wanted my man to realize how red my heart is and to shock myself how much I can walk a thousand miles for a man who doesn't always love but also annoys me to the point where I refuse his calls(all nah yanga,"gra-gra" posing for attention). As a matter of fact, I choke the life out of him(so he says) and that makes him feel so accepted and so wanted. Yeah, that's no" cheapening"(making me lose my worth) myself but makes love a two way thing as Christ is to the church. He loves me more I think but he says I love him more than he does...whatever we just love!
But somewhere in the day while reading a certain mind blowing book, I stumbled on a part that addressed making life decisions(including marriage), my heart skipped and fear came knocking. I took time to meditate on the reasons I love this particular man not another?
Yeah, I am a full grown woman,very ripe to have a home yet crippled by fear. I hear or read people's experiences and wonder at love?I used to think I'm a love maestro until I realised how stiff I am with a man. I do not let my guards down so easily, I am so aware of my environment meaning I could jump in and jump out without a crease on my heart(all lies because I hurt).
So, I scribbled a love note to God the way I could express myself-with sobriety and pain that at some point I knelt down, I stretched out on the floor, I paced the room and I hardly remembered food.
I wrote some letters in three different ways: first repenting for all my past, second(the ONLY one I'd share here) listing some fears I've had and third was some deep self discovery.
Lo! the letter to God:
"Lord, its not time to beat myself for running into love and I'm sure its not a mistake I chose to love a man. You encouraged me to look on the brighter side of my past experiences. Though I've goofed a lot of times, made choices with my head and run ahead of you several times, I'm clean now and following you the best I can.
I've sat on a horse weigh too long taking all the time in my world to alight. I've dictated to you and refused to be "tweakable" to the demands of love. I'm too proud to beg and extremely set in my ways to let a man ruffle shoulders with me. I've carried mama's attitude not to allow a man mess with me neither am I supposed to love him more or quickly reveal the love I have for him. I have believed the old wives myths of not allowing a man access me till he's spent, covertly accepted worldly standards of love-to say "No" even if it should be a "Yes" until he's licked the soles of my feet trekked through deserts,sweated up and down Mount Everest as a prove of his undying love. I have secretly endorsed lying philosophies about men and agreed with some feminist moves about the L.O.V.E(some say single women should not be too available to a a man,while loving less). All of these are detrimental to the God kind of love you so desire I imbibe and embrace and these lies contribute to my staying on the same mountain all γεαr round. I have a misconstrued ideology of not letting a man know I love him because of someone's exaggerated analysis on men,even swallowed "panadol" for another babe's heartache, worn my neighbour's over sized jacket about men taking advantage of women therefore permitting all the negative experiences of marriage and divorce permeate my soul.
So Father I am here, an amateur lover who has the poetic skills and rhymes but so new to love. I confess I neither know how to or keep love. I have the words but lack the oil to lubricate the engine when in crisis. I am like a snail when there's a misunderstanding, my shell is safe to stay alone throwing tantrums and acting like a baby. I have a masters in frowning and a PH.d for mood swing when there are scores to settle....
But
Father, I won't stay this way with a long list of who I am not supposed to be again. That was my sordid past and this is a new day for me to be a new creation. I am before you weeping till I'm changed. I want to love so true and love the way you directed us to. I am like a dissected animal open to learning. I need YOU then I can love my man.
I drop all false pattern of marriage picked from home, friends and neighbours. I lay aside selfish attitudes, the ME and only me nature, the subtle opinionated,domineering and wanting to stay in charge syndrome.
Take away independence, impatience, sarcasm, coldness and stubbornness. Don't allow that in ten years time,I'm bored stiff with marriage and regrets of settling for this man. Today(my deliverance has come), I shall love genuinely and wholly without prejudice or greed. I shall have the ONLY true pattern of love found in Christ and not man's experience.
Make every moment exciting for me to stay married. Let me enjoy marriage no matter the bumps, thorns and poodles we encounter. As we get to a fork or detour, help us to stop, ponder and wait for you to lead and guide us with your eyes. Let us trust each other for life knowing we are but frail and fallible.
Make me handy, homely and virtuous that he will long to run home to me forever more amen. "
As theoretical as my prayers sound, its the reality of who I have been all these while and today, I have found SALVATION and I'm now so ready to take the baton as a wife to the man who's made me love like the newest mad woman in town. The goodnews: I will marry Him!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
A Trip to the marketplace!
Today I went by the market to fix my pair of "good" shoes(I call it good cos I bought it with money I could have used for better things) and as I sat at the cobblers shop, I took time to study the marketplace. These men and women are everyday people like you and me,who wake up daily with some element of optimism and persistence to life. They have hope in the day's business,plan on how to close deals,make profit and will not quit because of yesterday's loss or recession. They are "go-getters", resilient, resolute,rugged and thick skinned able to accommodate blows and punches(such an uncanny ability I covet).
I watched the cobblers hang out their shoes and set up their office, shop owners putting out clothes,wares and tidying their shops, a printer cleaning up his tools to start screen printing etc. I watched them like the famous story of a man led to the Potter's shop and learned a salient lesson. These sellers believe and have hope. They do not choose the easy,comfortable side of life, they are fighters, they persevere and keep keeping on. They prefer to sit infront of their stalls probably chattering away and calling out to buyers,expecting just one customer rather than retreat at home musing over life. They won't give up because yesterday's sells were slow or business has been terrible, they keep trying determined today would be better than yesterday.
The cobblers were so busy cutting designs, carving skin and sewing shoes. They do not look sombre. They go about the day's work with diligence and so much zeal.
The lesson learnt is: DON'T GIVE UP, as simple as these sentence is, its powerful! Stay in the battle and fight in good faith with unimaginable joy. In my case, I'd say to all and sundry, pray without giving up, hold the anchor like its the last thread of hope and be joyful even though the fig tree has not blossomed. Yes, I can attest to the fact that life can throw you off the boat to a wreck but I implore we GRAB the anchor though the waters surge and the winds rage almost swallowing you up, HOLD on tightly till the waters cede and calmness of the eventide set in.
I watched the cobblers hang out their shoes and set up their office, shop owners putting out clothes,wares and tidying their shops, a printer cleaning up his tools to start screen printing etc. I watched them like the famous story of a man led to the Potter's shop and learned a salient lesson. These sellers believe and have hope. They do not choose the easy,comfortable side of life, they are fighters, they persevere and keep keeping on. They prefer to sit infront of their stalls probably chattering away and calling out to buyers,expecting just one customer rather than retreat at home musing over life. They won't give up because yesterday's sells were slow or business has been terrible, they keep trying determined today would be better than yesterday.
The cobblers were so busy cutting designs, carving skin and sewing shoes. They do not look sombre. They go about the day's work with diligence and so much zeal.
The lesson learnt is: DON'T GIVE UP, as simple as these sentence is, its powerful! Stay in the battle and fight in good faith with unimaginable joy. In my case, I'd say to all and sundry, pray without giving up, hold the anchor like its the last thread of hope and be joyful even though the fig tree has not blossomed. Yes, I can attest to the fact that life can throw you off the boat to a wreck but I implore we GRAB the anchor though the waters surge and the winds rage almost swallowing you up, HOLD on tightly till the waters cede and calmness of the eventide set in.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
A weary soul
Lord "Shepherd" me lovingly
And Father me in your mercy.
Give me not to Pharisees lest they throw me in the dust
smashing me with stones of condemnation.
Though you grieve at my disobedience,
Forgive me like only you can-surely only you can L♥√ع me.
Take away the idols i bow to;
Control my yearning for them and keep my body, soul,
spirit and mind to honour you.
Lord hold me in your arms;
Let me feel safe in your steadfast love.
Uncover my sins and cleanse me with blood.
Wash me O God from intentional mistakes and approve me.
Remind me of your loving kindness and caress me till
I'm filled with your love.
Take away the guilt and shame lest the drown my faith and grace,
Show me favour and unlock my Heavens for abundant blessings this season.
Lord help me to see you and only you.
Deliver me from the voice of strangers and the sneer of men'
Keep me safe from evil guiding my steps in your will.
Do not give me up to my stubborn ways but rock me while I wait for you.
Sing me a love song till I'm resting peacefully as a baby.
Lovingly take my hands off the oxen while I let you tread the corn.
Enable me to offload all the burdens and worries plaguing my heart and
Help me to depend wholly as I find rest in you.
Amen!
And Father me in your mercy.
Give me not to Pharisees lest they throw me in the dust
smashing me with stones of condemnation.
Though you grieve at my disobedience,
Forgive me like only you can-surely only you can L♥√ع me.
Take away the idols i bow to;
Control my yearning for them and keep my body, soul,
spirit and mind to honour you.
Lord hold me in your arms;
Let me feel safe in your steadfast love.
Uncover my sins and cleanse me with blood.
Wash me O God from intentional mistakes and approve me.
Remind me of your loving kindness and caress me till
I'm filled with your love.
Take away the guilt and shame lest the drown my faith and grace,
Show me favour and unlock my Heavens for abundant blessings this season.
Lord help me to see you and only you.
Deliver me from the voice of strangers and the sneer of men'
Keep me safe from evil guiding my steps in your will.
Do not give me up to my stubborn ways but rock me while I wait for you.
Sing me a love song till I'm resting peacefully as a baby.
Lovingly take my hands off the oxen while I let you tread the corn.
Enable me to offload all the burdens and worries plaguing my heart and
Help me to depend wholly as I find rest in you.
Amen!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Mixed emotions-Praise God i tell myself
Some days ago, I could hear my heart cry loud, I could feel the heavy tear drops but my eyes were dry and I still wore a calm demeanour. My heart bled and my soul was thirsty but I chose to take courage in God. I could feel a deep frustration about so many things but my response was;"I know God STILL and can...."
I was a bit pensive, sober, restive and disturbed but in my usual God-orchestrated manner SURE of God. I mean it got to a point I should question God and believe the arch enemy's lies that God can not carry all upon his shoulders and he will not fulfil all that concerns me. I was forced to feel that "afflictions" have a salient way of repeating itself over and again BUT I have HOPE in God that all HIS WORDS prove true and the pains and sorrow will not rise up a second nor an umpteenth time amen.
In my muse some days ago, I felt no one cared for me(still the enemy's lies) but the LORD made me see that each person I look up to has a challenge, a struggle and a hurdle to overcome so I should look to Him. My good friend would always say to me; "Eno,LOOK UP". He is the ONLY author and finisher of our faith and it's in Him we live, move and have our being. Therefore, vain is the help of man. Men can rally round but they will not fill the vacuum meant for God.
Now I imagine how Paul and Silas sang and prayed in the face of trials, seeing the prison doors locked against them but hoping in God to deliver them. They may not have sung for freedom from unjust jailing but to let the inmates know that God remains God in good and gory times. So I got myself to praise God-it was not pleasant yet I did-not because I'm waiting for "sudden" results though I wouldn't mind if the answers came instantly but because he remains the unquestionable God.
Praise the Lord I told myself and praise the Lord I will keep telling myself.I will not resort to self pity nor allow anyone do so. If anyone should, let it be God.
Today as I write, God showed me some powerful scriptures spoken through David. One says;
"O my people trust in me at all times. Pour out your heart to me for I,God am your refuge. He said to me; "I have spoken once and many times have you heard me,Power belongs to me and I say to God; "Unfailing love belongs to you(paraphrase mine)".
In gratitude I also read another Psalm; "Lord you crown the year with a bountiful harvest;even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The wilderness becomes a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy! Amen.
I owe God all the gratitude for a well spent 2010 even though some fig trees have not blossomed, there is hope for 2011. I particularly thank God for life, I am not six foot down voiceless,ripped to skeletons and confined to grave clothes. I am alive and I rejoice. The troubles of today shall not overwhelm me neither are they to be compared with the glory I shall receive. I can only say; " I shall emerge with testimonies"
Praise God I tell myself!!!
I was a bit pensive, sober, restive and disturbed but in my usual God-orchestrated manner SURE of God. I mean it got to a point I should question God and believe the arch enemy's lies that God can not carry all upon his shoulders and he will not fulfil all that concerns me. I was forced to feel that "afflictions" have a salient way of repeating itself over and again BUT I have HOPE in God that all HIS WORDS prove true and the pains and sorrow will not rise up a second nor an umpteenth time amen.
In my muse some days ago, I felt no one cared for me(still the enemy's lies) but the LORD made me see that each person I look up to has a challenge, a struggle and a hurdle to overcome so I should look to Him. My good friend would always say to me; "Eno,LOOK UP". He is the ONLY author and finisher of our faith and it's in Him we live, move and have our being. Therefore, vain is the help of man. Men can rally round but they will not fill the vacuum meant for God.
Now I imagine how Paul and Silas sang and prayed in the face of trials, seeing the prison doors locked against them but hoping in God to deliver them. They may not have sung for freedom from unjust jailing but to let the inmates know that God remains God in good and gory times. So I got myself to praise God-it was not pleasant yet I did-not because I'm waiting for "sudden" results though I wouldn't mind if the answers came instantly but because he remains the unquestionable God.
Praise the Lord I told myself and praise the Lord I will keep telling myself.I will not resort to self pity nor allow anyone do so. If anyone should, let it be God.
Today as I write, God showed me some powerful scriptures spoken through David. One says;
"O my people trust in me at all times. Pour out your heart to me for I,God am your refuge. He said to me; "I have spoken once and many times have you heard me,Power belongs to me and I say to God; "Unfailing love belongs to you(paraphrase mine)".
In gratitude I also read another Psalm; "Lord you crown the year with a bountiful harvest;even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The wilderness becomes a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy! Amen.
I owe God all the gratitude for a well spent 2010 even though some fig trees have not blossomed, there is hope for 2011. I particularly thank God for life, I am not six foot down voiceless,ripped to skeletons and confined to grave clothes. I am alive and I rejoice. The troubles of today shall not overwhelm me neither are they to be compared with the glory I shall receive. I can only say; " I shall emerge with testimonies"
Praise God I tell myself!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
GROW UP....in the storm
In silent meditation tonight, I confessed to the Lord how frail and feeble my heart is in the day of adversity. Yes,trials come to strengthen and help one grow but some trials have a way of uprooting the tree from the roots if we do not water and groom it well. The winds blow and storms rise but a well watered tree stays rooted.
Personally I allow storms sway me, when the winds surge I run and refuse to face them. I literally forget that some winds blow to cool off the atmosphere. Some winds prepare the way for rains etc. Just so many other functions with the windy period.
Just yesterday I judged myself again -lest any man judges me- that I have a lot of growing up to do. Though the Lord is at my right hand, he expects me like he told Moses to stretch the rod and TAKE CHARGE that in itself is all the AUTHORITY in Heaven and earth given to us to function as He does. How long shall it take me to realize that I am like God? Ok if that doesn't go well with my "theology", I'd say; "He is in me, His kingdom and Government rule through me. He resides in me, his glory is seen through me; God dwells in the midst of me and Heaven is in my heart"( I am wrecking the walls of religion the more).
If I possess all these knowledge about God in me, why I'm I ashen-faced in times of trouble and so quick to throw tantrums at God? The wind only blew to usher in serenity. Even the floods rose so I'd rise in the flood. I am meant to saddle on it like Noah's ark.
The enemy of my soul,an expert at making me believe God perpetually sets me up for failure is always there to distort my belief system. Simply put,he presents God as a task master always with a whip to punish me. He says to me; "Did God say? Can God really do all things? Do you think God is interested in... Don't you know God is always angry at, Do you still believe God can and has God not forsaken....bla bla bla"
If that is Gods nature, then I do not need the blood. Let me just know he flogs me by the minute because I am by nature an offender -no point trying to walk uprightly.
He makes me believe the lie that God is so unable to save me. He makes me concentrate on all my flaws and magnifies them. Meanwhile God just allowed the floods to make me know he has conquered all for me hereby giving me victory over all things.
I just need to walk a level higher from head knowledge to believing that God is.....Meaning, my faith MUST grow up from being a toddler for life to an adult. Not an adult who wouldn't take instructions from God but one who TAKES charge because God has given me lee way to operate thus.
I need to Grow up and to say I'd grow in the Lord without trials and tribulations is to make a mess of the faith. Jesus came, hung on a cross in such a humiliating manner just to reconcile man to God and close all gaps between we and the Father. He died in pains and ROSE! There was a moment he felt God forsook him but in a moment ascended into glory. People say; "No pain,no gain". He groaned in misery but he arose in glory. That alone speaks of growth. Right now, he is exalted in glory- nothing can beat that.
In retrospect,we shall surely die(not just physically) and rise in glory. And those moments of death I always fear to face. I look depressed and make God feel like a liar because he is passing me through death. Now Paul said; "I die daily" hmm that wasn't a statement made from some head knowledge but a personal experience in his walk with the Lord.
When we were children, we thought and acted thus but a time comes where you put away childish things and GROW up! Check it, those growth processes of a human body include all kinds of "metamorphosis" . You go through a cycle and encounter all kinds of things that go with the age and times. Example a teenager encounters peer pressure, while an adult man has to make toil to survive even a baby has the teething stage to grow through and many more.
Therefore in this faith, we MUST grow up most times,painfully!
God will not overly pamper an adult. Yes his steadfast love ENDURES but pampering and caressing will give way to disciplinary measures because he loves us and wants us to grow up!
Its easier said one will quibble but its the only true way to the God kind of life. I really grumble and wear a long face anytime God allows me "suffer". I feel so forsaken as though God is partial. I usually look over the shores at those who have it simple and easy wondering why me? But just as I do not know why life treats some fairly and others like me go through a battle to survive, I know God chatises the one he Loves. I may not have all of life privileges at the time most desired but I have a Friend and Fathers who is so jealous over my soul.. That he allows some grooming and trimming in my life is to reveal his deep unquenchable love for me. There are and will never be two MEs, to God I am the BEST thing ever created and He will not exchange me for anything in the earth. But in all, he needs that I grow in rigorous and rugged "faith-trying" moments.
Ha! He wants me to remember he calms the wildest storms of life and permits the tides so I'd learn to trust him and GROW in faith; also making a boast of His glory unlike the disciples who just didn't belief he rules over the elements .He wants me to see it as a usual kingdom life. Now that's not getting familiar with God or trying to rob shoulders. I am awed and amazed by Him every time He comes through for me but on the other hand, God requires that I operate in His glory as my natural habitat because its my heritage and my home.
That will be revealed as I grow up in Him and all the veil ripped off so I will be a mirror that brightly reveals his glory. Till I am in that state where I become more like him reflecting His glory.
Personally I allow storms sway me, when the winds surge I run and refuse to face them. I literally forget that some winds blow to cool off the atmosphere. Some winds prepare the way for rains etc. Just so many other functions with the windy period.
Just yesterday I judged myself again -lest any man judges me- that I have a lot of growing up to do. Though the Lord is at my right hand, he expects me like he told Moses to stretch the rod and TAKE CHARGE that in itself is all the AUTHORITY in Heaven and earth given to us to function as He does. How long shall it take me to realize that I am like God? Ok if that doesn't go well with my "theology", I'd say; "He is in me, His kingdom and Government rule through me. He resides in me, his glory is seen through me; God dwells in the midst of me and Heaven is in my heart"( I am wrecking the walls of religion the more).
If I possess all these knowledge about God in me, why I'm I ashen-faced in times of trouble and so quick to throw tantrums at God? The wind only blew to usher in serenity. Even the floods rose so I'd rise in the flood. I am meant to saddle on it like Noah's ark.
The enemy of my soul,an expert at making me believe God perpetually sets me up for failure is always there to distort my belief system. Simply put,he presents God as a task master always with a whip to punish me. He says to me; "Did God say? Can God really do all things? Do you think God is interested in... Don't you know God is always angry at, Do you still believe God can and has God not forsaken....bla bla bla"
If that is Gods nature, then I do not need the blood. Let me just know he flogs me by the minute because I am by nature an offender -no point trying to walk uprightly.
He makes me believe the lie that God is so unable to save me. He makes me concentrate on all my flaws and magnifies them. Meanwhile God just allowed the floods to make me know he has conquered all for me hereby giving me victory over all things.
I just need to walk a level higher from head knowledge to believing that God is.....Meaning, my faith MUST grow up from being a toddler for life to an adult. Not an adult who wouldn't take instructions from God but one who TAKES charge because God has given me lee way to operate thus.
I need to Grow up and to say I'd grow in the Lord without trials and tribulations is to make a mess of the faith. Jesus came, hung on a cross in such a humiliating manner just to reconcile man to God and close all gaps between we and the Father. He died in pains and ROSE! There was a moment he felt God forsook him but in a moment ascended into glory. People say; "No pain,no gain". He groaned in misery but he arose in glory. That alone speaks of growth. Right now, he is exalted in glory- nothing can beat that.
In retrospect,we shall surely die(not just physically) and rise in glory. And those moments of death I always fear to face. I look depressed and make God feel like a liar because he is passing me through death. Now Paul said; "I die daily" hmm that wasn't a statement made from some head knowledge but a personal experience in his walk with the Lord.
When we were children, we thought and acted thus but a time comes where you put away childish things and GROW up! Check it, those growth processes of a human body include all kinds of "metamorphosis" . You go through a cycle and encounter all kinds of things that go with the age and times. Example a teenager encounters peer pressure, while an adult man has to make toil to survive even a baby has the teething stage to grow through and many more.
Therefore in this faith, we MUST grow up most times,painfully!
God will not overly pamper an adult. Yes his steadfast love ENDURES but pampering and caressing will give way to disciplinary measures because he loves us and wants us to grow up!
Its easier said one will quibble but its the only true way to the God kind of life. I really grumble and wear a long face anytime God allows me "suffer". I feel so forsaken as though God is partial. I usually look over the shores at those who have it simple and easy wondering why me? But just as I do not know why life treats some fairly and others like me go through a battle to survive, I know God chatises the one he Loves. I may not have all of life privileges at the time most desired but I have a Friend and Fathers who is so jealous over my soul.. That he allows some grooming and trimming in my life is to reveal his deep unquenchable love for me. There are and will never be two MEs, to God I am the BEST thing ever created and He will not exchange me for anything in the earth. But in all, he needs that I grow in rigorous and rugged "faith-trying" moments.
Ha! He wants me to remember he calms the wildest storms of life and permits the tides so I'd learn to trust him and GROW in faith; also making a boast of His glory unlike the disciples who just didn't belief he rules over the elements .He wants me to see it as a usual kingdom life. Now that's not getting familiar with God or trying to rob shoulders. I am awed and amazed by Him every time He comes through for me but on the other hand, God requires that I operate in His glory as my natural habitat because its my heritage and my home.
That will be revealed as I grow up in Him and all the veil ripped off so I will be a mirror that brightly reveals his glory. Till I am in that state where I become more like him reflecting His glory.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Don't blame it on the Government
As i strolled home this evening, i saw a young man throw a biscuit wrap on the road and i just wish I could level up with him and "correct" him. I actually took pictures(these are the most decent pictures i have here) of the mindset of the average Nigerian.Most times i judge our minds to be myopic,bestial-permit me,we think like animals-,callous,unpatriotic and care free. We are hardly mindful of our sanity and comfort. Some people live in dirt and feel normal, some own shops pulling thousands of naira yet the dustbin beside them look appealing savoring like good meals. We really do not care about our health/hygiene. Go around markets, shops, some "face me-i face you- homes and attest to this: they wallow in refuse waiting for the Government to come to their aid.
Every Thursdays-in Lagos-is an Environmental Sanitation day for market people and shop owners.These traders hardly come out to clean not to talk of sweep their stalls. If they even make an attempt to sweep, they dump all by the roadside or in gutters. They bring out dirt from the gutter and leave them in front of their shops and keep on with trading. I mean, i see some of them come around their shops on those cleaning days watching for Law Enforcement agents while trying to sell. Lets not even mention the cleaning days for every last Saturday....hmm...all and sundry are guilty. I remember growing up on a street where neighbors even my Father and brothers would go out to sweep and tidy a small lane as a matter of fact. These days, we set out before environmental sanitation for our engagements, we stay indoors and just do not care about our streets and environment. Will government send people to keep our surroundings clean for us?
Some years ago, a friend of mine dropped dirt into a gutter, when I confronted her she tried to justify her action by saying she is not in London where the streets are dirt free but in "Naija" people throw stuff anywhere so she is liable to join.
I really get bothered when i see heaps of rubble, empty tins,refuse from homes etc stacked on the roads? Good gracious me, its grievous!!!. It shows you the mindset of the average Nigerian even when suited up or clothed to the teeth.
I mean a young banker i suppose, stepped out of an air conditioned Toyota car with a nylon from Sweet Sensation(a popular eatery in Nigeria)and she had the AUDACITY-permit me pls- to drop it on the road? Trust me, the illiterate miscreants who know how to "yabb"-booed and "abused"-her but she wouldn't even care to pick it up. She is one out of hundreds of us who eat in buses and throw them out of the window,in the comfort of our cars we prefer to fling on the road than drop on the floor of the car and pedestrians follow suite no matter how many yards away they are from a dust bin? Who is responsible for picking these dirt?
Yes,Government has a system that keeps the environment clean and tidy but why don't we take responsibility in case the streets are not swept? Most times, we act like animals who stop to defecate whenever they feel like but cats hide their "pooh-pooh"?
Personally, my bag could seem un-ladylike because i drop wraps and packs in there till i locate a dustbin and I confront friends who drop as little as recharge cards on the road.I fearlessly harass people sitting beside me in buses not to throw stuff on the road. Who will pick it up abeg? Our environmental agencies are partially active.I mean agencies who work tirelessly keeping the environment spic and span- sweep enclosed streets, walk ways, empty dustbins a least once or twice a week etc. Though in Lagos, they really try keeping the Central Business Districts, government-owned areas and Express roads neat but there are loads of other places that stink because Lagosians formed a bad habit of throwing dirt, refuse and all kinds of rotten things into rivers, gutters etc. Sometimes, i wonder if we are really sane?
Please do not blame the Government because we also make up the nation. It is a Government of the people for the people and by the people. We need to HELP keep Nigeria clean. Some of us can single-handedly provide dustbins in strategic positions and have agencies that take them off the roads once they are pouring over.
Let's be more responsible citizens who care for a nation such as this and see to it's welfare. I believe the citizens are the nation's builders, let us not wait for the Government because they are like me and you. Though the can enforce laws and orders, we must also imbibe good conducts and better morals. We must renew our minds and live by example!
KEEP NIGERIA CLEAN: drink from water bottles, pure water packs and drop them in dust bins or in your bags. In all use the dustbin or make your bags one till you get to a dust bin. Please love and adore the roads you stride on and do not leave that paper there :-))
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