MAN IN THE MIRROR........

Hello Beautiful People,

Its been like forever since i blogged, and i kept losing sleep over it..lol, i am not kidding. A lot has happened in the last one month, from moving house, to job training, losing and finding myself e.t.c. Well i am glad i can do this now.

I recently gave a  speech at my Toastmasters club meeting (it was my second project speech) and i thought to share, because the message is one that is dear to my heart.. Enjoy the read and above all be inspired:

On the 20^th of July 2012, as I turned on my television to watch the day’s news, I saw a breaking news that made me stop to think deeply . It was a day ardent fans and critics of Christopher Nolan’s super hero movie (Batman), gathered in Cinemas all over America for the premier of the third and last installment of the Batman series; titled “The Dark Knight Rises” .

In Aurora, Colorado, fans thronged the Century 16 cinema to watch Christian Bale and Anne Hathaway do justice to the final part of a movie they have all followed so passionately, but little did they know what lay ahead of them. Halfway into the movie, a young man, with a mask, came out of nowhere and opened fire on the innocent movie goers. In the end 12 were killed and 50 seriously injured.

                     

My heart sunk and my stomach tightened, as I tried to make sense of this horrifying massacre that stared me in the face, man’s inhumanity to man, wars and chaos, the wickedness and hatred that rules our world and the rapid devaluation of the human life. With tears in my eyes, I asked myself “how did we get here”?  As the question echoed in my ears, three answers came to mind that made it crystal clear that we are all to blame.

We have forgotten/ignore the Basics: We are so carried away by the rat race that we fail to remember the three most important things: Love, Faith and hope. With Love being greatest and most powerful force on earth that even strong men are subdued by it. 

When was the last time you reached out to someone in need?

When was the last time you baked a cake and sent to the old man/woman down the street?

When last did we remind our children that bullying is not act of strength or supremacy, rather an expression of weakness and cowardice?

When was the last time you sent a ‘get well’ note to a neighbor who was sick, flashed a genuine smile to a colleague who outdid you in a task?

It is not in the big things my friends, it’s in the seemingly little things we choose not to be bothered with. Mother Theresa puts in succinctly “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great Love”.

 

Turning a blind eye: You may say to yourself, “I am not evil, I don’t go about carrying guns and killing innocent people”. “I am not a bully, neither am I the government that declares war on innocent citizens”. Before we get too sanctimonious let’s not forget that knowing something is wrong and pretending not to see it or do anything about it, is as evil as evil itself.

That we are not affected today is no guarantee that we won’t be affected tomorrow, you are either guilty by commission or by simply turning a blind eye. As Dr Seuss will say “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better”.

                                      

Shifting Blames: It is interesting to see how people love to take credit for the good things but are quick to shift blames when things go wrong. We blame everything and everyone else but ourselves for the sad state of the world.We blame the powers that be; we blame our past; and we blame the devil. Let me ask when would we start to tell ourselves the truth? that no excuse is good enough to sabotage humanity and the world. Everyone is fighting some demon, but is that enough reason to unleash those demons on others? If only we dare to take responsibility, the world will be a better place. “Do not wait for Leaders, do it alone person to person” – Mother Theresa

We got here either by what we did or have failed to do and it will take us to make it right again, a world where our children and generations unborn can be proud to say “mama or papa was here’. A world we would gallantly leave because we know we gave our best.

As I penned these words, I reflected on one of the most poignant messages ever embedded in a song, which was sung by the late Michael Jackson and I knew there was no better way to end this speech and call us to action than with that message:                     

“I am starting with the Man in the Mirror

 I am asking him to change his ways, no message could have been any clearer,If you want to make the world a better place, Take a look at yourself and make that change”.

Change can only begin with the man in the mirror!!!! 


Lots of Love

Kemi Gbadamosi

Letter to my Father.......

Dear Father

I hope this letter finds you well. I know i don't need to worry about it, because your love makes it easy for you to open up your arms to us and smile at the little gratitude we show . Without being cocky or "in over my head" , it is safe to say that it will find you well.

I look around me and i am reminded of your magnificence, your grandeur, and your awesomeness even in the seemingly little things we take for granted. So bit by bit i soak it all in , the scenery, diversity, greenery, rocky, and the planes. You said "they were all good" ,  and i can't help but agree with you; although i think 'good' is an understatement. From the eyes of a child , i dare say they are brilliantly perfect and humbling.

You told the sea how far it could go; you put the sun and the moon in their place, telling them when to show up and never have they for once missed their schedule. You told the mountains just how high they could go and the valleys just how deep they could be, and never for once did they swap places or duties. The clouds are like master strokes from the brush of a talented and divine artist and they've always been blue and white in the day and black and grey at night; but never for once have we gotten bored with these colors. They seem to always look pretty and new every day; i wonder if people notice.    

The beasts of the fields, the sea animals, the birds of the air, with different sounds, different attributes, different roles and different strategies for survival. As numerous as they are, i have never heard the dog roar, the lion bark or the birds neigh; who has such power to designate to millions of creatures that which makes them unique? Never for once have they swapped roles, heck! they even know to move in groups. 

You set seasons and times and told them when to make a grand entry. The autumns, springs, summers and winters all know when its time to make an appearance, like acting out a script and knowing your lines perfectly. Never for once have they gotten boring. I have never seen greenery emerge as a result of winter, neither have i seen a season when the rain got tired to pour down and asked summer to take over its shift while it rested.

Oh the beautiful flowers, trees and plants, with beautiful colors and designs. some soft and lush; others tall and strong. Some to give shade, some to beautify and others to give food. The roses, the orchids, the spinach, the bamboos together make a perfect picture and the excellence of creativity.

You made men with different races, different talents, different abilities and above all you made them like you. I look around at the diversity that is never confusing but overwhelming and i am speechless. the various languages, you taught us to speak. I stand in the middle of a park as i watch men, women, boys, girls, young, old, black, and white each with attributes that make them stand out. Who can create billions and yet none has and will ever have the same finger prints? Who tells the heart just how many times it has to beat in a day and tells each organs how to function? Color me astonished!!!!

Your love surrounds us, we feel it in every thing you made. You thought so much about us that you made provisions for even years to come. Your mercy and grace are as new as the day. Your comfort so strong even in times of despair. Your peace is so endearing even in the midst of trouble. We may sometimes forget to stop and admire all we are surrounded by, while we chase the vain things of life but never have you gotten fed up and took back all you gave us.  I could go on and on and talk about everything including the conception and delivery of babies, which happens to be one of the most profound and mind blowing miracles of all time.

 

Father, i realised for a long time, i never really stopped to look around and soak it all in. Its been a while i took time to be dazed by the wonders of your hands, to be brought to tears and flustered by the breathtaking and heart racing display of ingenuity. So when i stopped to think and see: i heard the oceans applaud you, i heard creation declare your grandeur, i saw the trees bow, i heard the birds sing your praise, i heard a child laugh, i felt the air caress my skin and i felt my heart beat with life; so i decided to write a letter in simple words to say THANK YOU!!!

Your loving Child.

Kemi.

Spoken Words.......

The heaviness in her heart sits very tight, "speak a word " she hears the still voice whisper. They wander in pain and tears, beaten and battered by life's blows, seeking strength and hope to go one more day...just one more day. They are not alone in their plight, she has been down that road many times, roads too bumpy and steep, plagued with challenges and despair. Everytime she found herself there, she wondered if anyone would ever understand what she feels, and if they did, "how would they help" she asked?

Some have held her hands, looked at her with sincerity and said '"you cant give up now, the morning is closer than you think". Although they acknowledge that they may not fully understand the situation, they believe in the power of sincere and genuine words straight from the heart; to heal and encourage.Words sometimes combed from the scriptures; reminding her that "hope maketh not ashamed" , "his thoughts are of good and not evil". 

Words borne from experiences of family and friends; near death situations, diseases, loss of jobs, childlessness and all things discouraging. Some get swallowed up or lose in the end , but with a smile and assurance they accept their fate, knowing that they fought the good fight and with a simple phrase such as "it is well" they surrender.

"Speak a word" she hears the still small voice say again. The world was formed with words, some have either held on or stood strong because of words. "What difference would the words i speak make" she asked ? once again the voice answered "They need to be encouraged, motivated, and inspired to keep on. Sincere words of hope drawn from experiences and the good book". "Not words coated with what they want to hear, but with openness and how you dealt with your storms". 

"You may not have all the answers" it said, but look around you and you will find answers, in the lives of family and friends who have triumphed against all odds". "It may not change the situation or make light the matter, but it will surely sow the seeds of hope and the zeal to keep fighting".

"Speak words of hope, faith and strength, because someone out there on the verge of giving up, needs it" .......and the small still voice ceased.

Use your words to build someone up and give them courage to go another day. 

Remember the power of life and death are in the tongue Proverbs 18:21.   

Love,

Kemi Gbadamosi

Just Remember.........NOTHING.

 I don't have too many words today, just something which dropped in my spirit as i mulled over the events of the past few days.
It has been a really sad weekend , one engulfed by grief and tears. One cannot help but imagine how someone, somewhere is trying to cope with the tragic loss of a dear one (s). I sit in my small space and ask myself , what do you say to someone who is grieving? How do you make them feel better or take away the pain? I gave up on the questions as soon as i realized the answer was, Nothing! Yes , Nothing!

I know because i have felt grief before  and it is in those deep moments of despair and numbness that prayers not mere words come through. So i shut my eyes and whispered a prayer , hoping that comfort would find them. 


Who/What shall separate us from the love of God? 
Tribulations, Trials, Temptations, Pain, Tears or even Death ?
 Nothing ! 
He loved us before we knew what love was
 He loved us enough to send his son to die
His love is deeper than the Ocean , It is higher than the Mountains.
His love is Stronger than bound Chords 
So i know that NOTHING shall separate us from God's love ......

His Love prevails in times like this, wrapping the hurting soul like a warm blanket in winter; taking you one step at a time. 


Weeping may endure for a night but Joy will come in the morning.


Love 


Kemi
 


 

Spirit , Soul & Body.....

Hello Beautiful People,

After my last blog post "Hidden Tracks of  Tears" , I decided to share one of my favourite inspirational poems titled: DON'T QUIT, which was written by EDGAR A. GUEST (a poet i respect so much). It inspires me and i can only hope it inspires someone else too.



I'm looking forward to my next post as it would be a compilation of some of the words that were spoken to me by friends, family and even strangers, yes Strangers !!! during difficult times. If its not too much to ask, i would love to hear those words that have kept you going.....But for now , Enjoy this.

"Don't Quit" by Edgar A. Guest 

Love

Kemi Gbadamosi

HIDDEN TRACKS OF TEARS....

He lifted his eyelids , just as the sun rays helped themselves through the grey coloured curtains. He stretched and yawned, then shut his eyes again to say a word of prayer. By the time he was done,  he  stared at the ceiling, it had been a great week of spending time with his high school buddy , "oh! how time has passed" he muttered. He allowed his mind to wander through the years that were now behind and couldn't help but admit that life had dealt fairly with them, despite the ups and downs. It was indeed a beautiful day!

One look at the table clock and Debo was up on his feet. It was 8:00 am Saturday and he had to be out of Bayo's place before traffic built up terribly. He dashed into the bathroom and was out before you could spell his name. In less than 20 minutes, he was dressed and his backpack packed. He took one good look at the room, shut the door behind him and headed for Bayo's room to bid him farewell and probably book another reunion if their busy lives would let them.

As he knocked on Bayo's door, he could hear the sound of the tv, Bayo was up doing his favourite past time, playing video games. They shook hands as Debo took a sit at the edge of the bed, and the two young men began talking about the last one week; laughing heartily at jokes and talking about their next big projects. Just then Debo's phone beeped, he had a message. As he opened the text and began reading, his countenance fell, the knots in his tummy tightened with each sentence, and his hand got weak. He dropped the phone, stood up without a word and headed for the window. He just gazed into space...

Bayo could tell something wasn't right and knowing his best friend too well, he knew he wouldn't get a response ,atleast not yet. So he reached for the phone and saw the text that had made his friend cold in a flash. It was a text from Debo's younger and only sister Kike and it read thus:

  "Dear Brother D,

  I trust you are doing great. Im good and school is going well.

  Please there is something i need to tell you, that has troubled me for years .

 When i was 8, uncle Henry our former neighbour, played with my body and threatened me not to tell anyone. I was also molested by  a group of  girls back in high school, and just when i thought the past was behind, Greg my coursemate that i told you is interested in me, almost forced me against my wish to sleep with him yesterday.  I am tired of all these , i just need to get my mind together and move on but  i know i have to open up first to someone i trust and that someone is you my big  brother.        

Love your baby sis, Kike"

Bayo let out a heavy sigh and walked up to his friend who was still staring out of the window, he grabbed his shoulder and said "you just have to be strong for her and be a pillar of support", to which Debo replied with tears around his eyes "Adebayo, that Kid is only 19, i cant believe this is what she's had to go through, the pain she's carried for years...jeeez" .

Debo picked up his phone and dialled her number: She sounded strong as she answered and told her brother, she felt better after letting it all out. Debo listened as she sniffled and tried to hold back her sobs. "How i wish i can put a bullet through their heads" he muttered, clenching his left fist.He re-assured her that he will be standing there for her and with her through the healing process.

He picked up his backpack , shook Bayo's hand and gave him a one arm hug. He thanked him for everything as they both walked out of the house to where Debo parked his car. He got into his car and drove out of the compound, still visibly pissed. Just few metres away from Bayo's house Debo brought the car to a halt , he reclined his seat and remembered just how he was abused as a kid by a so-called family friend for years. He of all people knew that healing from abuse wasn't that easy, no one can take away the feeling of worthlessness, low self-esteem, anger or pain; no matter what they say.

He knew the only one who could help his baby sister, was the same ONE who helped him get through those years. He closed his eyes and said a prayer for Kike, by reciting a verse his pastor once gave him to encourage and help him  :

                                       
 "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus,  after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you"  1 Peter 5:10

With that, he got up and drove off, hoping tomorrow would be better; one day at a time.

I dont know what hidden tracks of tears you have carried for years, i pray that you find strength and be encouraged by the verse above.

Love,

Kemi Gbadamosi