My Coffee

Everyone who knows me, knows i like a good cup of coffee. Why not? Medicine has a way of making you a coffee buff, more like an addict.
The last six weeks or so I have been a consumer of other beverages other than coffee. Today however I felt this strong urge to get coffee, so I found myself sourcing for coffee spots near lekki. An hour and half later I have a cup of latte and some tasty Nigerian fried yam sticks in front of me.

Yummy I must say...
Ear phones over my ear as I try to find my muse after eons of inability to dig deep enough to come up with content worth sharing... more like transferring the many competing ideas in my head to the metaphorical paper.

Here I am now hoping that the gibberish I am writing is funny enough for your édification. Hahahhahahahah

So I took a hiatus from medicine for 3 months. I needed to clear my head, figure out what makes Sele tick again, and in the process re strategize for the next phase of the life.
In that space of time, I was aversed to planning. I wanted to live my life without a to-do list or a detailed plan requiring back ups. This life of luxury saw me flying to Lagos with hopes of doing NYSC. Weeks of back and forths later, I come to terms with the fact that NYSC won’t work( will write a pots on that later).

So I have three to 4 weeks of time unplanned( hahahhaah).
So here is to ample time of drinking coffee, reading non medical books and writing about nothing.

P/S: i get to spend quality time with the Lagos chapter of the IAClan...
PSS: I get to indulge in lots of eating and libations
PSSS: Lagos is fun

Adventure and Tenacity

Today i am thankful for an adventurous spirit(personality)/tenacity. My life has been a hell of a ride. sometimes i sit back look in the rearview mirror and i just smile at my thoughts, the things i have done and dream of doing, etc. The amazing fact of this particular characteristic of mine though is that it has taught me a very important lesson: No matter how daunting a situation/ experience may seem, it is surmountable. n i have trudged through the wilderness , waded waters, been blinded by fog , burned by fire and singed by smoke. my eyes have watered for long, but i love the feeling i get when at the end of it all, i know i made it. This has made me know that no peak is as high as it appears, all i need is the first jump. I also have been made to look at fear in the face, and like Esther say, if i die, i die; if i perish, i perish. The results doe not always as palatable at first, have been elating and the experiences worth heralding in the end. I may not always like that i cant stop dreaming of the next adventure to take, or that i may have a knack for "pain", but for this attribute i was gifted with, i would not be who i am and where i am. For this and my many more gifting/ characteristics/ attributes, Lord make me truly grateful...#paindoesnotexist#strengthinweaness#Thoushallnotfear#2Timothy1vs7#Joshua1vs9#30for30#Day13

Favor

Today i am thankful for Favor. The kind of favor that enables me enjoy in few months what i hoped and prayed for for over four years. The favor that makes everything with my name golden. The favor that has made me enjoy concessions ordinarily unheard of. I refuse to take anything for granted but am grateful that though unmerited, i was "chosen" for this. so for the many occurrences where favor has spoken on my behalf and for this very moment when that same favor is working overtime and is speaking on my behalf, and for the future of maximum favor unparralled, Lord make me truly thankful...‪#‎Tamunobrasua‬#EstherkindofFavor#Esther2vs15-18#psalm30vs5#30for30#Day12

Helpers/ Destiny Drivers

Today i am thankful for my helpers/Destiny drivers. What can i say, but that i have been utterly blessed in this department. All through my life, at every important moment/ venture, God has placed someone with the necessary set of skills, affluence, clout you name it to meet me where i needed them. I could not have made it here by myself. I have had Jonathans, i have had my Esthers, i have had Aarons, i have had Boaz' etc. people have believed in my journey and destiny, sometimes more than i believed and have aided me beyond the constructs of societal norms and acceptances. Rules have been broken for me, new policies put in place for me, God has shown up mightily via individuals to ensure than my future / destiny is secure and manifested. Lord i could go on and on, and still will not be able to do justice to how much help you have granted me this last 30 years, but for the past, the present and future help/helpers make me truly thankful...‪#‎Divinehelp‬#bestillandknowiamGOD#Isaiah41vs10#psalm121vs2;124vs8#30for30#day11

Inspiration

Today i am thankful for Inspiration. Many of the decisions i have made or steps taken thus far have been because i was inspired by God, family, friends, nature, things etc. Hard as it may be sometimes to clue into the subtle prodding, confirmation, affirmation etc, i am glad that somewhere inside of me something is able to connect and benefit from the allure an inspired state affords.
In light of this, i am thankful for one young lady whose life inspires me to be better , drives me to get to the top despite the pain, and above all to stay connected to the source of it all. Happy birthday Samfee Doe. I pray that your light will not dim, but you will continue to be a vessel ready to be used of God in the betterment of mankind. For the passion that inspiration enhances and the many more gifts you make available to me, Lord make me truly thankful...#Inspiredliving#compassion#service#Romans15vs13#30for30#Day10

Purpose/Destiny

Today i am thankful for a sense of Purpose/Destiny. Knowing that i am here for a reason, makes waking and living so much better. The idea that my birth, journey, location, etc is part of a puzzle ; the big picture more important than the pieces that the puzzle makes, yet entirely dependent  on them. I am thankful that i am aware of the importance of service and humility as a bedrock of my purpose. Today lord i am thankful that you make me more sensitive to the tenets of my destiny and that you help me humble myself daily as i stay on course for that which you have called me to. For this and all it takes to be a useful tool in your hand, make me truly thankful...#purposedrivenlife#humiltyislifting#Jeremiah29vs11#30for30#Day9

#30for30

Eight days ago i started a journey of reflection and thanks in the 30 days leading up to my 30th birthday. I initially was posting on facebook but just had the idea to use this forum as well. I know i have not been on here in a while, but i figured it would not hurt to share some of my thoughts. Todays post would be long cos it would include post from all eight days, but subsequent post would be abridged i promise. Welcome to my world as i summarize my 3 decades in words. Thanks!

In 30 days I turn 30, and as I reflectively head towards an important milestone of my life, I am made to remember the many stones that have built this edifice that is my life and I choose to be thankful for it, every piece of it. The mistakes, the hurts, pain, disappointments, betrayals etc. I choose to look for/at the silver lining and see the beautiful lessons each situation and experience has taught me, and how I am so much stronger today than I was yesterday.

Day 1: Today i begin a journey  that allows me to look at the positives and my many blessings for the last 3 decades. A way to keep me accountable for my moods and level of praise as i get ready for the next phase of my life. My life is mine for the taking and for the living, and i choose Joy, gratitude, Love, grace, giving, Family and Friends...#30for30

Today i am thankful for my family, Nuclear and extended. For the events that made me trade being the second child out of four to being the 1st child out of six. For the pain that drives me and makes me strive to be better with each waking day. For the 5 smiles that serve as motivation to push beyond the boundaries of my personal weaknesses. I am cos they are, i smile when they smile, their successes make mine even sweeter, and even when we fail, together we stand knowing they make us stronger. For the Unconditional love shown me by my parents, one that reminds me of what Christ did and who he is. Their arms spread wide welcoming me home in their minds and also in flesh. Despite my many flaws, they still care. They are the wind beneath my wings, trudging me on even when i drag. For this and many more may i be truly thankful...#Familyislife#Familyislove#Godislove#Galatians6vs2#30for30#day1

Day 2: Today i am thankful for my friends. As i look back at where God has brought me from and to where i know he is taking me, i see the footprints in the sand dunes of time and i cant help but be grateful that he gifted and blessed me with the best of friends anyone could have asked for. Many of these angels on earth have been added to my family cos they truly are family. They have sorrowed with me, rejoiced for and with me, prayed me through some crazy tough times and also talked some sense into me when i needed it. I have been told the truth in many ways even when it was a bitter pill to swallow, and they have believed for me when i was too scared or weak to Trust. I cant begin to explain how touched and grateful i am that despite my stubbornness and hardiness, that my friends have weathered the storms of life with me. They have looked beyond the humanness of my being and lended me their hands, shoulders, heart and smiles regardless. And to crown it all up, they make me accountable for my thoughts, decisions and actions. God sure handpicked my own special pack and for this, may he make me truly thankful...#Friendsforlife#Accountabilitypartners#Destinydrivers#Proverbs18vs24#John15vs13#30for30#Day2

Day 3: Today Im thankful for Salvation. The assurance of freedom from sin, guilt and shame.The guarantee of love unconditional, the promise of heirship and oneness with God, as well as a true understanding of the transformative power of Christ and what he did for me on the cross. My journey thus far has not been hitch-free, its been tumultuous at best, but each new day brings with it a revelation of what lies ahead, a confirmation of Gods promises to me when i accepted him as my lord. Im grateful for the times when i felt so detached from him that living hurts, and for those other times spent with him communicating as friend with friend. All the varying experiences have beautified my journey making me better like gold passed through the fire of life, its beauty hidden by the ore and impurities that abound, but made manifest by due process and in time. For this all serving gift i have been given and for the fruits that the world may see, make me truly grateful...#Salvationrocks#GodisLove#JointheirswithChrist#John3vs16#30for30#Day3

Day 4: Today i am thankful for Mentors. These special set of people whose life has inspired me and made me aspire to be a better me. I am thankful for the nuggets of wisdom and the characteristics i have imbibed by watching them, speaking with them and just seeing their lives played out. I am reminded because of them, that i can be anything i choose to be, and that Impossible means nothing. Many of these folks have been silent propellers of my destiny but their influence is far reaching and enables me dream today more than i did yesterday,  and give me the clarity i need to see through the cloud of smoke that may muddle my vision. For all of these people and the many more still in my future, Lord make me truly thankful...#Mentors#Impossible isnothing#proverbs27vs17#30for30#Day4

Day 5: Today i am thankful for my Faith. The substance of things i anticipated even before i was seemingly able to acquire them, The evidence of Gods faithfulness in the my life even when it was not apparent. The knowledge of who i was and where i would be long before my physical environment and circumstances allowed for it. I am a product of Faith. As i cast my mind down memory lane, i cant help but see how far i have come despite the many challenges that existed and continue to exist. I also am tremendously thankful for the doggedness that having faith has taught me. The Knowledge and definiteness trusting and believing God brings and the sweetness of the manifestation of the things faithed because i count him faithful who promised. For the mountains scaled through faith, for the valleys endured by faith, for the rivers crossed and fires ousted by faith, Lord make me truly Thankful...#NowFaithIS#Hebrews11Vs11#30for30#Day5

Day 6: Today i am thankful for Life! It is easy to loose track of how blessed one is when the focus is on 'seemingly" unanswered prayers or things that did not or have not worked out yet, forgetting the most important thing of all, Life. As i chitchatted with a very good friend last night, i was reminded of my potentials and the many possibilities the future brings with it. The true reality hit as i lay awake in bed in the wee hours of the morning, my mind cast back on my journey thus far and i was reminded that i could only be worried about a future i can occupy, a future i can experience, a future of adventure and bliss made possible only because i still breathe. So today in reverence and bowing in obeisance to God, i am thankful for the last 29 years and the 60 plus more i have i front of me: After all there is more hope for a living dog than a dead lion. For Life and all it has brought and will bring with it , Lord make me truly Thankful...#LivingisfortheAlive#youngandfree#Ecclesiates9vs4#Possibilities#30for30#Day6

Day 7: Today i am thankful for my mistakes and lessons learned. As i cast my mind back on all my flaws and the results of the poor decisions i made, i cant help but see how they helped me traverse certain situations encountered at a later time. As hard as some of the lessons were to swallow/ handle, i was/ am better off for them. My life has not been perfect and never will. I have hurt folks in the process, i have said things i should not have, and have done many a things i am not proud of. I however am because of those mistakes. I navigate life with the knowledge that i am not perfect but strive to be a better me. So i give thanks for the many mistakes i made and the wisdom i acquired from each one. Lord for my past mistakes and the future ones, help me appreciate in full the beauty that lie within. Make me truly grateful...#Mistakesarelifelessons#wisdomgivers#proverbs24vs16#philippians3vs19#30for30#Day7

Day 8: Today i am thankful for my failures. The almost had/made it experiences, seemingly wasted opportunities and fall short of expectation/goals feelings. I am not one to say i have never failed, i on the other hand, have failed many times. I see a string of failed attempts at meeting goals set for myself in a timely manner, i see periods of  mediocre and sub par performances that made me hide my head in shame, i remember the looks on the faces of many as they wrote me off, thinking i was done. I however am thankful for my failures, because they were a preparation for my destiny. They gave me perspective and allowed me refocus and re-strategize. They also taught me that i was not as fragile as i initially thought, but that my core was bulletproof, fireproof, waterproof, you name it. My make-up is that of a Maverick, My lexicon excludes impossibilities,My fragility encases my resilience and i have immeasurable power. If i had never tasted failure, i would not have the drive to want to succeed as much as i do. More so, my failures make me human, they make me bound to the that dreamer in some other sphere of the world whose destiny is intertwined with mine, they make me usable to help someone else who has failed like me, but has not found the strength to accept it and move on yet. So today i am thankful for the many chances i have been given and the many more i will have to ensure that i die empty, leaving a mark in my world...#Failuresaresuccessindisguise#bulletproof#titanium#Kime#focus#Proverbs24vs16a#Philippians3vs13#James1vs2-4#30for30#Day8

Belize 2014 Day 1

April 10th, 2014

My day began like every other day, me trying to bat traffic and make it in time for my flight from IAH to Belize city. i arrived at about 0715  and was checked in and through security, and at my gate by 0740. I was elated and expectant. I was not sure about what to expect as i had joined the preparations quite late because i could not fathom taking that many days off from rotations. Boarding for BZE began without much ado, but we were a little frightened by the thought of spending one hour on the runway if we were not cleared to leave before 0900, because the President of the US was in the area and was scheduled to fly at 0900; at which time the air space has to be shut down for security reasons. the dread and uncertainty quickly paved way to awe and excitement as we took off for sunny Belize, Central America.

Upon arrival in Belize, i was like a kid in a candy store, camera in hand and curiosity at an all time high, i was however asked by the airport officials to put away my camera as i was not allowed to take pictures, what a dent to my rising excitement. The initial disappointment was further compounded by the almost hour and half wait on the immigration line. The wait was almost forgotten as i was stamped in and let through customs without any questioning or hassle. 

Im in Belize, fingers clicking, shutters fluttering, i am drinking in the sights and sounds but the reality of not having time to eat breakfast or being on a non-service flight hits hence our first point of call was a road side canteen which served us rice and beans and chicken in a styrofoam plate. few minutes later, i am excited and ready to hit the road. 

We embarked on our journey to the University of Belize(UB) Belmopan where we had a concert scheduled for 1600, in a huge express bus from the bus park in Belize city. the ride was  bumpy and thus there were shrieks of dread at bends negotiated at top speed, laughter from jokes shared in love, and great anticipation of the experience ahead. an hour and half later we disembark in Belmopan and had to await our next pickup while we chewed on plantain chips and sipped from Chrystal water bottles. A call made from a strangers phone, a taxi- ride later, we are at UB getting ready for an evening of great worship and fellowship.

The worship experience was unforced, unstaged and undiluted. hands were raised, hearts combined in one accord, voices lifted in sincerity as Christ was lifted up by all and sundry in the room. prayers were made, altar call made, prayer request attended to. The night ended with everyone eating a dinner of rice, beans, coleslaw, chicken and punch.

the drive to our cabins was uneventful after we topped up on gas. we were all satisfied with our living quarters and all made it to the bar to order late night snacks. for me and my roomies, we had chicken wings/strips and fries, others had nachos delicately laced with pico de gallo.

As i pondered upon the events of the day right before bed time, i could not help but pick out similarities between Belize and Nigeria. there were stray dogs every where, the police had checkpoints and were requesting money from motor vehicles, there was a band on the street at 2100. 

Day one was great and day 2 was promising to be even greater.

Pensive...

I am sitting here staring at my computer screen at a loss for what to say, more like how to say what i really feel like saying. I wont try too hard anymore, i would just say it as is.
In two days i embark on a journey, one that i have yearned for for many years, and as i head out with hopes and lots of anticipation, i hope to share a few thoughts on here. I know its been ages since i last wrote any thing tangible, but i am hoping that this experience of mine is liberating enough that the drought and dearth of inspiration and lack of desire to write would be a thing of the past.
So welcome to my world once more as i go on this journey of self discovery and liberation.
T minus 2 days...

Today My heart Remembers

Life as i know it has been full of many crevices, contours and colors. Some extremely arduous, others beautiful and breathtaking. But i would not be here if i had not had helpers in form of family, friends, buddies, mentors, etc. Although the tides rage and i am tossed in many directions, Today i remember these special people and i want to say Thank you. Thank you for believing in me, thank you for encouraging me, thank you for pushing me through the fire and rain, for extending your hand when i needed strength. For sitting with me through tears or intent for tears, for celebrating my upbeat moments and the times when i could not and would not get out of bed.
I am cos of you all, i carry a piece of everyone in my thoughts, my words, my actions, my living.
Thank you all for being a part of my life.

Nigeria my Nigeria

I was walking out of the Gym this evening, hurting from the incredible abdominal workout i had just finished, when i overheard a conversation between two men sitting at the foot of the stairs:

Man 1: Where are you from?

Man 2: I am from Liberia

Man 1: Isnt that where there has been lots of fighting?

Man 2: No thats Nigeria

Man 1: No its not Nigeria, Nigerians are all Con men and thieves

Me: No you cannot say that of Nigerians, I am Nigerian and a Proud one at that.

Man1: No you cannot be Nigerian.

Me : I am Nigerian and why would you say such a thing about Nigerians?

Man 1: oh i live in London, i am into properties and i have dealt with a lot of them

Me: Good for you, but Nigeria has over 160million people, you cannot cast such aspersions on the country as a whole because of your dealings with a few people...

Man 1: Nigerians are all con men and thieves except you

Me: I disagree, Nigerians are wonderful people and i walk away

On my way home and for the last two hours i have pondered the many facets of being Nigerian, from Visa denials to weird stares at various places, to inability to make plans and freely see the world cos of hate and distrust shown you by many cos of your passport, or just having to go through many levels of security at airports because of your Nationality. I like many other hardworking and level-headed Nigerians have had to prove myself time and time again because in the minds of many, Nigerians are terrible people. How can a nation with such talent,  wealth, potential affluence, and people with great hearts be treated as scum?

I grew up in that country, was taught to care for my fellow human in that country, i was taught to love irrespective of tribe,creed, race, religious affiliation, economic caste etc, i was brought up to Love everyone, a trait which i hold dear to my heart and have taken with me on my sojourn on this earth.

My accent may hide my nationality, and even when i have given people many opportunities to guess where i was from, unless i purposefully gave it away, i never have been called Nigerian, but am quick to exclaim with smiles on my face that of a truth, I am Nigerian. I bleed Green white Green, I LOVE THAT COUNTRY and though time and time again she has failed me, I cant stop Loving her. And on days like this although i have tons of very important things to do, im here brooding over the fate of my first love of a nation, i have said countless prayers for her but cant help wonder why her?Why is she being raped time and time again by the same folks who should protect her? why has her pride been take away by the same people who should validate her? where has her hope gone? Why cant she be respected for the Giant she is and treated like many other countries who hope to be like her someday?My Heart bleeds for Her!!!!!!!

To Everyone Reading this, please pray for My Nigeria( whether you're Nigerian or not), For every one who has lost hope in her, please give her another chance, For those who have abused her name, brought shame and futility to her dreams and aspiration, for those who have cast aspersions on her, disparaged her and left her for dead; Nigeria forgives you. And for all those die hard believers in the future of our Great and Awesome Country, Don't relent on the dreams you have for her, dont give up on her. Together we would make Nigeria a proud Nation, her name would be on the tongue of many for good.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria, God Bless Nigeria!!!!!!!!!!!

In Love,

Seleipiri Iboroma Seddon Akobo

Thoughts of Christ, the crucifixion and life for us instead of sin.
Isaiah 55:1-7
Emphasis:7
1 John 4:19


Our nature and actions sent him to the cross, yet he still gave us a choice; what manner of love? I'm lost in my thoughts, thinking about what I would do if I were he, especially if I possessed the ability to change destinies and life in general.  I am cos of him, my dreams, aspirations, abilities, its all because of Him.But all too soon i get distracted by the many vices that seem to compete for my attention. I heed to self,  the status quo seem all too easy, why give that up for hope, an idiosyncrasy that may never materialize. the thrills and frills of life, too much luxury i can enjoy, give it all up? sacrifice my flesh, you call that faith? 

lies I tell myself just before I go to sleep that everything I thought, Said and did was the best I could do. I exist in a mushed up reality , a labyrinth of idealisms that end up in a cul de sac.I refuse to be driven into a place of guilt or remorse that I'm falling into the same  proclivity, a slipping slope I repented for yesterday. 

So why did he choose to still Love me inspite of my mess and continuos nailing of his hands and feets to the cross. The times I blatantly refused his gestures and decide to dwell in my filth. He tore the veil so I have direct access, but I refuse to enter. I retreat and run farther away from the throne by my preferences In thoughts, attitude and  existence.


I have failed him, time and time again I refuse to trust; I rely on my seeming ability to solve the puzzles of my life. I underestimate the extent to which he cares and is willing to carry me. I spit on his face, trying to make a statement, screaming at the top of my voice that I do not need him. Oh how mistaken I was, my lungs burn for lack of oxygen, my body infested by the viruses of darkness, I am blinded by cataracts of doubt and disbelief, it's an abyss, it's all a blur, all I see are ground glass opacities.

How did I let him go? How did I give up my first love? What happened to the bond that was never meant to be broken?  I gave up too soon, unlike Job Who although his flesh perished and his life reduced to nothing,still trusted and praised, I cursed  at God and told him time and time again I could do life all by myself. I refused to see that his love surpassed my lowest estate. There seemed to be no exit for my human dilemma.


But there was Love, the kind that transcended my willingness to accept or refuse, the kind that saw past the blemishes of my filth, the kind that was remission and not just forgiveness. Love shown to me as grace, undeserved but sufficiently abundant. An answer to every question that lurked in the dark recesses of my mind. A light that illuminates the mysteries of life and living, I am reminded that despite my own actions to retreat, this love pulls me ever closer to my God.

Lord I'm grateful for everything, I'm so unworthy but yet you call me your own. Your arms constantly surround me and each time you whisper in that still, calm tone that I am yours, all my fears are melted and my life has a new direction. I thank you for the times I felt like I was drowning, and for the strong arms that rescued me, for the breathe of life you give every time I get cyanotic from my actions. i cant seem to shake off the feeling of just wanting to bask in your presence. i love it here, i love the warmth of your embrace, i love the certainty of your love, i like the feeling of assurance that you have me all figured out.

And like oil upon ur feet, like wine for you to drink, like water from my heart, i pour my love on u, if praise is like perfume, i lavish mine on u, till every drop is gone, i will pour my love on you.

Seleipiri Iboroma Akobo
November 2012

Choices!!!!!

Thoughts of Christ, the crucifixion and life for us instead of sin.

Isaiah 55:7

Our nature and actions sent him to the cross, yet he still gave us a choice; what manner of love? I'm lost in my thoughts, thinking about what I would do if I were he, especially if I possessed the ability to change destinies and life in general.

So why did he choose to still Love me inspite of my mess and continuos nailing of his hands and feet to the cross. The times I blatantly refuse his gestures and decide to dwell in my filth. He tore the veil so I have direct access, but I refuse to enter. I run farther away from the throne by my thoughts, my words , my actions...

 I have failed him, time and time again I refuse to trust; I rely on my seeming ability to solve the puzzles of life. I underestimate the extent to which he cares and is willing to carry me. I spit on his face, trying to make a statement, screaming at the top of my voice that I do not need him. Oh how mistaken I was, my lungs burn for lack of oxygen, my body infested by the viruses of darkness( by my doing), I am blinded by cataracts of doubt and disbelief.

How did I let him go? How did I give up my first love? What happened to the bond that was never meant to be broken?  I gave up too soon, unlike job I cursed at God and told him time and time again I could do life all by myself. I refused to see that his love surpasses my lowest estate. There seems to be exit for my human dilemma.

But there was Love, the kind that transcends my willingness to accept or refuse, the kind that saw past the blemishes of my filth, the kind that was remission and not just forgiveness. Love shown to me as grace, undeserved but sufficiently abundant. An answer to every question that lurks in the dark recess of my mind. A light that illuminates the mysteries of life and living, I am reminded that despite my own actions to retreat, this love pulls me ever closer to my Lord.

Lord I'm grateful for everything, I'm so unworthy but yet you call me your own. Your arms constantly surround me and each time you whisper in that still, calm tone that I am yours all my fears are melted and my life has a new direction. I thank you for the times I felt I was drowning, and for the strong arms that rescued me, for the breathe of life you give every time I get cyanotic from my actions I say thank You. 

 haven't written anything in a while but while underground enroute South Kensington this Am, I had this word on my heart; time and chance. The full meaning of this nugget began to unfold as I had flashbacks on my life and I could not help but be so grateful that tears almost trickled down my face.My life in the last year has been exciting but challenging: I have just completed my first year of medical school( a dream nineteen odd years in the making) lived in England for almost one year( lots of mixed feelings about this), and have a fun summer filled with adventure and excitement planned, this gets me reeling; it's almost impossible to hold back.

The reader might be wondering where I'm headed with this, well the crux of the gist rests in the fact that my dreaming mind could only have seen all of these as dreams when I look back at my life a decade ago. It took a lot of faith and not letting go even when I had reasons to,to get me to this point in my life. I have made tons of mistakes, i have had to question God sometimes, i have even caged myself from the world and pondered the many mishaps or near mishaps that i have narrowly escaped. But in all, i can emphatically say that I have been blessed and highly favored and while I sit here watching the unperturbed fellow train riders in this carriage, I can't help but be thankful for my life thus far.

For the fellow who doubts in his/ her heart about the events unfolding in their lives, I write in response to that doubt; you definitely are not treading life alone, there is a God who steps in right on time. When it seems like he is not listening, he only is prepping you for greater challenges and thus is working out patience in your life.  For the person who seems to have lost the strength and courage to move on, you sure are stronger than you think and believe at this time, you're a light that will give light to others so SHINE. For that child who is afraid to dream because of your present reality, that's all it is, your present, you have the power to change it and that power resides in your mind. For that person who thinks its too late, no its not, it never is; your own time is NOW! And for that person that has given up cos you have failed too many times, at least that's how you feel, Failure isn't the end of a thing, its just a means to create originality; it sends you back to the drawing board to re-evaluate your methods and tweak your goals as necessary. The world awaits the refined and pure you.

Living in self pity and degradation would not help your course...

We were all meant to shine like children do, it's not just in some of us, it's in all of us. The battle is not to the strong nor to the swift but Time and chance happens to them all... We all have our seasons, the question then should be: would you be ready for the "Time and Chance" ?

Seleipiri iboroma Akobo

May 17th, 2012

It is well

Almost a week ago on sunday the 3rd of June, my country Nigeria was plunged into mourning as a plane carrying 153 passengers ended up in an apt building while it was attempting to land at the airport in Lagos. I was in Dubai @ the time and was preparing to fly to Bangkok Thailand.  Once the news broke, first instinct was check on family and close friends who frequented the route, and those were the longest hours of my life as I received news of safety from these folks. But I couldn't help but notice how scared I had become of flying and when my foot touched land, I was the happiest person in the world.

I however, have been in a sad state of mind and have cried in the still and quietness of my solitude each day as I ask God questions of why he allowed such a catastrophe that somehow has affected every citizen and affiliate of my great country. As I pondered on this occurrence, obviously many other Nigerians pondered and wondered along same lines: life is fickle and the next minute is not assured or Not.

I was thrown into a conundrum because my Christian faith and covenant with God promises life, and I'm guessing many people aboard that aircraft or even those in their houses or those involved in the bomb blast at a church in Bauchi that same day shared that belief: so why then did it happen? 

Numerous conversations ensued but then one struck a chord,  wether we live or die is Christ: our entity is in him and that he chooses us and decides what happens to and with us. And that we can not decipher the workings of his mind and as a very dear friend puts it:" his sovereignty tops every law, every morality, every right".  And I was reminded by this same friend the scripture Is 20:12 that already reminds us that there is no searching of Gods wisdom.

My quest continued and daily he gave me a new word: but 1 corinthians 2:16a wowed me further: " for who hath known the mind of the lord that he may instruct him"? And just goes to buttress the fact and truth that Gods sovereignty and ability to make decisions that concern us as individuals, families , nations and the world trumps our feelings, emotions and need for closure. We just need to yield completely to his will knowing that somehow it works together for our good( Romans 8:23-39).

As I read and I'm wowed , I can't help but think of how difficult the absorption of this may be for those directly involved, but like ps 39:4( teach me to number my days cos my life is fleeting) and Job 8:9(our days on earth are like a shadow) puts it, we are not assured of living for ever, the onus therefore rest on us to live our lives thankful for every day, cherishing every experience, relishing moments with family, friends and loved ones and in all staying connected to our source of life(God), so when life is snuffed out of us, we can be sure of eternity with him.

To the victims I pray rest, to their families, friends and loved ones I pray succor and peace. And to everyone hurting and in despair from loosing or @ the verge of loosing a loved one, stay encouraged, it's all part of a bigger plan. We have hope that worketh patience in us that God has us all figured out, hard as it may seem to grasp right now.

It is well!!!

Seleipiri Iboroma Akobo

June 8th, 2012

Solitude

Waters so blue

Tides in waves

Caressing the banks

Like a waltz.

Beauty....

An understatement

An awesome picture

Creations story.

I am reminded yet 

My disposition patterned

My lines in tow

The puzzle taking shape

Ever grateful

Thanks a giving

In obeisance bowed

Never enough Still

Flashes

Engrams,

Memories,

Smiles...

Heart at REST

Sought answers found

bliss 

Because of Grace.

Seleipiri Iboroma Akobo

July 12th,2012

Life...

Our Minds a storage

Our exhibits, its garbage or gold

The decision, a choice to make

The effects; glaring or oh so subtle

We smile at dawn

But at dusk our weakness and pain envelop us

Accolades to our names,

But a void so dark and deep

Nothing to the rescue, we are pushed farther and farther to an abyss

Our emotions a labyrinth, a mess; we want change, but how?

We are beaten to shreds by all, even ourselves

We have lost the bedrock of our existence; our core so translucent, yet no one can see

We cry out for help: we scream and reel in anguish

But no, no one can hear, no one to help; not even ourselves

We rescind in disappointment, we hope that someone will notice

We give in to pressures, debilitating pressures that cause our decay

We hurt ourselves even further, but at the time our minds play a trick on us

This feels good

Yes! it felt so good; so we forgot

We forget the dire consequences; we lose our inhibition, our ability to say NO!

We lose our talent, our footing even our love and passion

In the face of nothing, we lose everything

And then we fight endlessly, year in year out

To undo what we started; the destruction we carved out in ignorance

And all the while it seemed like it would work until the final fight.

It is dark, it is loud, such heaviness unexplainable:

A balance sought but my flocculonodular lobe was gone

I see the light, I hear my name

I try, I really try to awaken, but it’s too late

I lost, in the battle for my life

For my sanity; for my everything

I lost. Now it’s all over and I wish I could have my life back

To change it all from the beginning:

The destruction I carved in ignorance: the oxymoron I call life.