RUSSIAN ROULETTE

Playing Russian roulette with my life is a dangerous game but it's one I play often and very well.

Definition By the Oxford Dictionary: the practice of loading a bullet into one chamber of a revolver, spinning the cylinder, and then pulling the trigger while pointing the gun at one's head.

I haven't written well in months and though an inquiry should be launched into the reason, I would much rather leave it undisturbed. I find I would be rather perturbed by what I find.

This year has been a roller coaster but I suppose every year is. This year started off well in my mind and it hasn't ended yet but it has taught me so so many things. And I would like to share them with you. Welcome back to The Unconventional Christian in advance for the new year!

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GEMS FROM 2023. 😮‍💨

1. I realised that leadership is such a tricky thing. I haven't read enough books on the subject and I'm halfway through one book in particular but experiencing leading a team and being under different leaders this year has scared and taught me so much. Leaders come in different sizes and juggling being a jovial person and worrying about being taken seriously enough by your subordinates is a huge burden to bear. We sometimes toe that very sensitive line and it is inevitable that we make mistakes. We can only pray that those mistakes do not create irreparable damage. I have learned instead that it is better to take one day at a time. Also, the expression, “angry black woman” is usually portrayed by also calling women over emotional because they refused to be walked all over. It is a man’s world indeed.

2. Gossiping is a thief of joy and no one can convince me otherwise. I tend to gossip quite alot. I talk and talk and sometimes I say a lot of nonsense. But I thank God for the grace that I have received from him to be taught wisdom out of my own foolishness. Recently, very very recently, I came to this stark realisation that I didn't want gossip to be a part of my life and by my estimation, it reduced for a while and then came back full force. But once again, thank God. I have recently in my attempt to pull down others realised that I am just as guilty, annoying, forlorn and even more so. I thank God for the grace to pick out my mistakes. I wouldn't have been able to do that at the beginning of this year. I would have been too pompous and proud to see the very beginning of my mistakes not to talk of working on my inadequacies.

3. Politics is a dirty game but a Christian can play too. Looking at Jesus’ and Paul's lives as well as Moses and Joshua in particular, I know that a priest can be a political leader and be a servant God at the same time. However, I learned this year that politics has different offices and I need to find mine. I have experienced a quite number of nasty people and how simply wicked people can be. It was intriguing to discover that the heart of man is unreachable except by the power of God. There is so much more to say but it just isn't time yet.

4. The bible is the best manual. Let no one deceive you otherwise. It has everything. Relationship advice, work advice, war advice, people advice, God advice, argument advice. Every single piece of advice imaginable. Love the bible and I promise the Bible will love you back.

5. I have found myself recently in positions that are wrong for me. I have always had this very strong fear that I would miss it in life and God alleviated those fears about very serious things early on and as a seemingly anxious individual, I was grateful to have a lot was taken off my shoulders. Always ask God before you go or you will suffer and then wail like Naomi did when her husband and sons died. Ask God now or beg God later. I have loved asking God in recent times because I know the consequences of taking God out of the equation. The best way to remember that God is the only metric for making the right decisions is to keep him always before you. The devil hates that and you will struggle but I know you will overcome, eventually.

6. Tarrying in the place of prayer. I know people say pray but really, pray until that thing happens and then some more. This year has opened my eyes to see that you can pray until something happens but after it happens, do not be under the delusion that permanency will be sustained unless you tarry in prayer. I have prayed and received this year but now, I am understanding the true meaning of praying without ceasing. It will come with challenges like every other thing in this life of ours but to make miracles and answers to prayers permanent in our lives especially things concerning healing, academics, attitude, growth which are of much importance right now, we need to tarry lest we backslide and have to start all over again. Tarry.

7. I asked God for friends at the beginning of this year. It's a prayer that I have friends for as long as I've known myself. But it was a more intentional prayer this year. I asked for a few things intentionally and God did. I love my friends. Never thought I would say that statement and even if I did, actually mean it.

8. Your relationship with God should have all the elements you have with your other normal relationships. In my opinion, it should include banter, laughter and reprimand. God is the best relationship partner. He knows how to speak quietly enough to be heard and not loud enough to nag. He knows how to laugh at you and with you. He understands balance better than any law of humanity can teach. His balance is unequivocal and unmatched. In other words, don't playyyyyyy and ever about God.

9. Pressure makes people do and say stupid things. People will hurt you and hurt you. But remember, that love is greater than hurt. God is greater than anyone and every hurt. Lean into him and on him.

10. Do not be hasty to convince or condemn because if it were you, I promise you would want a defense and a good defense at that in your absence. Take time before you speak. Be slow to speak, swift to hear and slow to wrath - James 1:19.

11. Some things take years to manifest but I promise you that they will. The keys to Wealth, relationships, and leadership is hidden in God. It will sometimes take time and learing that, but when you see a breakthrough, no one can take it away from you.

12. Gratitude is so important. Keep intentional track of things people do for you but most importantly God.

13. Praise God in the good, in the bad and in the ugly. Praise and worship with prayer at the helm is the best concoction any witch doctor can wish to give. It is bigger and better than any potion bought or designed. Trust me.

14. Cherish relationships whilst you are in them, after all, some things simply don't last forever.

15. You can't chase money forever. Up until a few weeks ago, money has always been my number one priority after God. It was very important for me to do anything to “make” it. But that mentality and drive is stifling because it involves struggle. Sometimes, unnecessary struggle. Wealth isn't to be chased or run after. It is simply to be unlocked.All you need is the key. Let God reveal your key to your unique lock to open the doors of wealth to you.

16. Know how your friends or people you have relationships want to be loveedand love them the way Jesus loves the church with actions they desire.

17. In tests or exams, where you are completely thrown, particularly when you have adequately prepared, write everything you know that you think pertains to the question with confidence and don't shake. Don't shake.

18. Don't count the chances you give to people but don't be lax with setting boundaries either. You can do both effortlessly. All it takes is practice.

19. Write down your achievements, they will hold you together when you feel you can't possibly achieve anything more or less.

20. Be grateful and show gratitude. Be thankful in the good, bad and ugly. Do not be sparse with saying, “thank you,” or get tired of showing gratitude. It strengthens relationships and connections.

21. Give and give wholly. Make sacrifices for people even if you know they would never do the same for you. It's not about going to heaven or hell but it matures you spiritually and emotionally.

22. Be careful of the habits you emulate from friends, good and bad. Be watchful to understand the impact each one has in your life and have the patience to show them true love.

Aaaaand that’s a wrap. I hope you learned a few things because I did! Be sure to share, leave a like and comment!

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2024 ahead!

Till next time,

Moniyeoluwa.