I've lived...

At what bend, dear one, will you commence living?

“It seems much of a herculean task to Surrender all and follow Christ.

You demand of your soul: "What in the world holds you back from grasping the full love of God and completely abiding by His word?"

You search through times and seasons. It looks like nothing's in the way. But your heart knows it. And cries forth to be free. Will you heed its call? That you may not grieve the Spirit.

Rebel heart, awake!”

A part of the Nigerian Christian Pentecostal Religion is wired for an average worshipper to be solely devout until prosperity knocks at their door. Some kids are birthed into and groomed with that mentality.

That when tech, fiction and every digital marketing product call for a warm embrace and walk them through an island of juicy wealth void of the incessant sounds of tambourines, burning the night candle in a shack filled with sweaty, mucky crying people, only present there and desperate to touch crispy currencies someday, they linger not an inch to jump on the offer.

So when ‘‘I believe my family only turned to religion because it seemed like the perfect escape from the fiery grip of poverty at that time of our lives.’’ comes up on my feed, I sigh in pity. For they have, at this stage, missed out on the wonderful realities the person of the Holy Spirit houses and is in fact, expected to share with us if only we set our affection on Him.

I've lived through being religious because I was formed in the church. I've lived through me, mentally sending a thousand people into hell fire based on my beliefs and knowledge of somewhat trivial matters. I've lived through stereotypes of people that caused me to ride on the wings of faux-born-again based on the simple lifestyle I was birthed into. I've lived through the Bible songs and recitations for bragging rights only.

I've lived through rejoicing because I wasn't subjected to the torture and caging in the choir from childhood, delighted that i was awarded the privilege of throwing hot EBA at people in camps, leading my clique as we fought with rival cliques in church.

And I've lived through one Sunday morning in January of a certain year, on my knees, giving my life to Christ. For real, for real this time arand.

I've lived through very rocky phases and I've lived past ‘The Pastor's-Daughter Religion' into ‘Find-God,-Seek-and-Encounter-the-Full-Measure-of-the-Holy Spirit-for-and-by-yourself Walk.’

Though I profess these things as one who has lived through two-three decades, I've lived each day as if forever were today so, each experiences can fill up for many years if it were to be so I've lived into a new dispensation, a phase where I perceive the Holy Spirit to be my friend, master conversationalist, comforter, etcetera. My knowledge and acceptance of this brings me peace.

Now that I have lived- into this realization, friend, when will you commence living?

Pheeew! This is my piece for the second content from the 30-days challenge. Thank you for giving me a reason to reveal my thoughts. May the peace of God dwell in your hearts as you feast here.