After doing some research, my husband and I discovered that there were many of these specialists in the United States.

Because we were in a pandemic, there were lots of travel restrictions – especially to the United States, coupled with other obstacles associated with that peculiar season. Nonetheless, I believed that with God, all things would be possible. But this didn’t change the fact that I was a tad bit worried.

God saw my precarious “faith-filled-yet-fearful” tumultuous state of mind, and He spoke to me through a series of dreams.

In one of the most significant dreams, He showed me a printed-out e-ticket with the Air France logo on it. He also showed me myself on a plane, surrounded by air hostesses in Air France uniforms.

When I woke up, I was confused! I was like “ummm, Lord, are we ‘bout to have French babies? Like are you telling us to travel to France right now? In the middle of a pandemic? Because, I’m not understanding this.” I started to reminisce about my primary school days, thinking, “well, I probably should have paid closer attention in French class back then! Perhaps I’d have been a fluent French-speaker by now. ‘Cos right now all I can remember is ‘Bonjour’ and ‘Je M’appelle.’”

After surmounting many hurdles over the next couple of weeks after I had that dream, my trip to the United States was finally confirmed. As I held my plane ticket in my hands with gratitude in my heart, I glanced through the flight details. It was a Delta Airlines non-stop flight from Lagos to Atlanta.

Then I heard the Holy Spirit whisper in my ear, “look closely.”  So, I took a closer look at the ticket, and saw these words in fine print “Operated by Air France.” And next to this phrase was a tiny Air France logo.

Puzzled, I did some research and discovered that Delta was partnering with Air France at the time, to provide travelers with more flexibility for where, and when, they fly.

What I learned from this experience?

Firstly, God loves speaking in riddles. It is when we seek in obedience that we find out the literal meaning of his directions.

Secondly, God will always make a way even in the most tumultuous situations. Just trust in Him.

Thirdly, yeah God has an amazing sense of humour! I mean, He really actually could have  sent me to France in the middle of a pandemic just to prove a point. Haha.

Seriously still thinking about dusting off my French skills just in case God actually has an assignment for me in France in the future. Or maybe a holiday. Or something. Right?

Merci.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, her story reminds us that “balance for better” is more than just a catch phrase. Damola reminds us that when we balance our faith in God with our human expectations, a beautiful thing happens – God takes the wheel and gives our situation a total makeover, and in the end, we are better for it.

When and how did you first gain an awareness about God?
I was born into a Christian home so I have always been aware of God. As a child, I had the sort of relationship that is expected of a child – I loved Bible club, the Christian videos etc.

My teenage years were a bit of a blur as I suffered a loss that disconnected me from the reality of God. So, I always knew God was there, but if we were going to have a personal relationship, He was going to have to catch my attention big time – I wanted my burning bush experience!

In 2011, I was to undergo a surgical procedure and I said to God, now is your time to show me who you are. I was radical about it, I didn’t know how He was going to do it , but I wasn’t having any surgery. A few months down the line, I travelled to the UK to have the procedeure. Two days before the scheduled surgery date, I had a routine consultation with the doctor where he talked me through the procedure and any questions I had ( my main concern was anaesthesia – what if I didn’t wake up!). Anyway, after the consultation, the Doctor looked at me and said he didn’t think undergoing the procedure was necessary any longer and cancelled. He cancelled the scheduled surgery!

That day was it for me. I was, and still am, in awe of a God that was willing to come down to meet me right where I am. A God that will do whatever it takes to prove Himself to you.

How has your journey with God been since then?
Have you ever heard the phrase “walk with Jesus and you will never walk alone”? This is what it has been for me. It hasn’t been the easiest or smoothest of rides and there have definitely been times that have caused to momentarily question my faith. But as I have continue to strive to grow as a Christian, God has consistently shown Himself to be an amazing father and friend – I have found joy in the midst of pain, stumbled on love in some very dark places and gained the confidence to be myself.

As a Nigerian millennial woman, were you ever influenced by societal pressure to get married by a certain age?
In my teenage years, I had it all worked out – get married at 24 and have 4 kids by 30. This was just what I assumed the natural progression of life was. This didn’t happen. I wasn’t even married by my 30^th birthday.  At about 25/26 most of my friends were getting married and having babies, there was definitely some pressure there but it wasn’t something I let influence me.

You recently got married, congrats! How’s newlywed life treating you?
Thank you! It has been a great journey so far. As I always say “we are learning everyday”

How did you meet your husband?
We met at Church. We were both on the launch team for a youth church and leadership team after inception. One day, he asked me to coffee, I said “sure,” we went to the café… the rest as they say, is history!

In what ways did your faith in God play a role in picking your spouse?
Honestly, I did not always use faith as a guide when choosing the relationships I got into earlier. So, I always say my marital destiny was special to God’s heart because He was constantly uprooting me from the wrong relationships – one day I’m in a relationship, the next it is over. I just knew in my heart that God wanted the best for me and that my husband must be a physical representation of God’s love for me. So I was always glad for His interventions!

One day, I was having a heartfelt sincere tête-à-tête with God about why I seemed to not be making the right decisions about my relationships. And God said to me clearly, that his desire for me was a relationship where we will both complement each other’s ministries –  in God’s actual words “someone who you will do ministry together”. I remember laughing out loud and saying to God, as if the pool of eligible men isn’t small enough, you are adding ministry into it.

From that moment, it became more important to me to be with a man that was not only God fearing (because we all say we are) but someone who had a genuine heart for God, that you could see from his faith, ministry and worship.

You were once engaged years ago but that relationship did not lead to marriage. Can you tell us more about that?
It just didn’t. Marriage has never been the be all or end all for me. We were not right for each other and did not see the future that I wanted with him.

How did you cope in the aftermath of that relationship?
I was actually okay with. During our engagement, I was often filled with fear and apprehension because I knew in my heart that getting married to him was not the right decision for me. So when we did break up I actually felt relieved more than heart broken. Plus, my formula is give yourself a “crying period – and then move on.

How did you find the will and courage to give love a second chance?
I always said that I will never let one person or experience rob me of a lifetime of happiness. I think hidden in me somewhere was a fairy-tale I wasn’t willing to let go of.

In what ways have you evolved as a result of these experiences, and what valuable lessons do you feel you have learned?
The one key thing I have learnt is to be intentional about relationships. Be very clear, mature and reasonable on what it is you want from a partner. Don’t just see as things go, don’t ignore red flags and don’t settle! This applies to all areas of life – be intentional!

What advice would you give to any millennial woman who may be in a relationship but is unsure if their partner is husband material?
What is “husband material” Well, according to whatever your definition is, if you there are things that are making you unsure about a man, leave. Ladies please, we are not talking about petty things but things that you know you cannot come to accept or live with. No one changes in marriage, marriage actually amplifies everything – the good, bad and ugly!

What are some practical ways you would advise newlyweds to involve God in their marriage?

• Let the Bible be your reference point for everything. For me, I have chosen a verse to guide my actions and thoughts. Proverbs 14:1 – The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
• Pray together, be it the simplest of prayers.
• Have Godly mentors. People that will guide you truthfully and not fail to admonish you when you are wrong.

If you need a little pick-me-up right now, here are some beautiful Bible verses to help brighten up your days:

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Romans 8:38-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Photo Credit: Gift Habeshaw | Anna Shvets

I really don’t know what’s up with some of our church brothers. But for those that are sincere and would like some useful tips on how to approach that attractive lady in church, read closely:

1. Get Active: Work for God:  One of the best ways to get to know people in church is through volunteering your time or talent. It gives you the chance to interact with different types of people as well as get closer to that lady you fancy.

2. Do not be a show off:  In a highly materialistic society, a church girl would typically want you to be conservative in your appearance.  Don’t try to impress them with your nice clothes or nice car or name dropping personalities you know in church. Sure they notice all those things but they don’t like it when that’s the all you lead with.

3. Do not be seeing unnecessary ‘visions’: I know the “spiricoco” ladies can come across as very serious. Yes, they want the serious intentions but not the overly spiritual approach – you know, “The lord showed me you are my wife” kind of approach. Stop it! Be relatable. Be normal.

4. Be intentional in your approach:  The last thing any woman wants is negative surprises or mixed signals. If/when you do ask her out on a date be open.

Example:

Open Approach:  “I enjoyed your worship session today, there is Nathaniel Bassey concert next weekend…would you like to attend”.

Vague Approach: “you’re a great soloist…I would love to see you praise and worship more. You are blessed.” Huh???

5. Do not stalk her: Even if you really, really, really like a girl, and Jesus told you personally that she is your wife, please do not stalk her. Meaning: Just because the pastor said “give your neighbor a hand shake” doesn’t mean you should cross the aisle to shake her hand OR deliberately sit next to her every Sunday.

In summary, brothers, to pursue a Christian girl, be intentional, be honest and don’t act crazy.

For instance, why would a radio personality be a brand ambassador for a mattress? Or a TV Talk Show host who clearly has no interest in cooking – an ambassador for a stock cube brand? Or an actress who has been slim all her life – an ambassador for a diet tea that flattens the tummy when we all know she has had washboard abs since forever… the examples are endless, but, you get the idea.

What’s the point of having a celebrity brand ambassador when the celebrity’s fans are not even the target audience for your brand? Go figure.

Which brings me to the Michelle Williams – YouVersion collaboration, which is a perfect example of what celebrity-brand collaborations should look like.

I was pleasantly surprised when I woke up to an e-mail this morning from YouVersion, a Bible reading app I’ve got on my iPhone, announcing that Gospel Artiste, Michelle Williams, would be sharing special devotionals about the ups and downs of her Christian life, and overcoming challenges with The Word. The e-mail stated:

Growing her business, advocating for women’s health through nutrition and exercise, getting engaged… It’s been a life-changing year for the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and member of Destiny’s Child.

Now, in a very special YouVersion story, Michelle Williams opens up about her faith journey through depression and anxiety, and her continuing source of hope and peace: God’s Word.

Whatever season of life you find yourself in today, let Michelle’s openness encourage and inspire you. Then, after the video, join Michelle on a deeper journey of faith through her brand-new series of devotionals, exclusive to YouVersion.

This is smart PR and digital marketing. As you may know, Michelle recently checked into rehab due to her battle with depression, and many questioned how it could be possible that a woman who loves God could struggle with depression. When she was released from rehab, fans and friends all over the world reached out to her with warm messages of support.

Then bam!!! This YouVersion-Michelle Williams collaboration was announced a few weeks later. Perfect timing. Perfect positioning. Perfect Strategy. Perfect synergy. JUST PERFECT.

This is how you do brand collaborations, people. This is how to pick a brand ambassador. Michelle Williams is a Christian celebrity struggling with depression, and she reads her Bible to get through this battle. So it makes perfect sense that she would use the YouVersion app to stay connected to the Word, as it’s more convenient than carrying a physical Bible, especially given her hectic schedule as a public figure.

It all makes sense.

Dear Nigerian brands, please learn from YouVersion. I don’t wanna see a big, black grown-ass male music producer being the ambassador for Nasco biscuit! Or an actress who obviously only wears luxurious human-hair wigs being an ambassador for Darling Yaki synthetic hair when clearly she will never EVER put something like that on her head. EVER. Stop ITTTT!!! It’s so unrealistic it’s embarassing.

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Here’s the introductory video from the You Version-Michelle Williams series:

The fashionable pastor, who recently turned 30, shared her thoughts on how we don’t have to physically be in the physical four walls of a church to affirm our Christianity. Rather, we as Christians ARE THE CHURCH.

See her post below:

I remember thinking that loving God had only one look. I remember feeling like my name may never make it in that book. Then one day I realized that I had forced the power of God’s love and acceptance to be synonymous with an experience we call church people and that’s where I messed it all up.
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The truth is that when we come into the building we call church it’s not because the people are perfect or because we’re perfectly understood. It is the place where you should feel and be filled with the presence of God. So I’m not looked for perfection, I’m searching for the presence. The presence will challenge you to love, convict you to change destructive patterns and thoughts. It will entice you to forgive the unforgivable and move forward with hope. It should transform you by renewing your your mind. When that occurs you will leave those four walls behind, but you will be a living breathing church.
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There’s a difference between attending church and being a church. Some people may never walk into the building that we call church, but when they shake your hand, see your smile, hear your love and compassion they should have an encounter that is so different they become curious about your light.
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In a world full of gloom and doom I hope you choose to become a light and that you shine so bright that men feel the goodness in your heart and become curious about the source. That’s when you’ll become the church… _
May you find a place that fills you to the overflow so that you can become the change this world so desperately needs.
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Tag someone who has helped protect your light and tell them thank you for pushing back darkness so that you can shine.

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We totally agree! What do you think of Sarah’s views?