Iwalewa VIII

Hello All!

Happy New Month! Wow, God has been faithful! It's November!!!

The Lord will crown off the year with goodness for you in Jesus' name!

Thank you so much for reading Iwalewa, I hope that you've enjoyed reading this story. Furthermore, I pray that you've been empowered, inspired and blessed by this story. This is the last installment of Iwalewa. Look forward to more short stories soon!

I will continue my personal testimony next week, stay blessed!

******

That was five years ago.

That pastor drew me close and made sure I became grounded in the church. His name is Pastor Timothy Adepoju, his wife Pastor Olaide Adepoju was also very kind to me. I thank God daily for them. Not only are they my spiritual parents and mentors, but they are also my in-laws. Yup I married their son, Evangelist Lanre Adepoju, three years ago on December 7th. December 7th is now a day that I remember for good! Lanre is indeed God's best for me, words are not enough to state his worth. And I thank God for our baby girl Charisma, after salvation and marriage, being a mother is the best thing that has happened to me. 

******

Shortly after I re-dedicated my life to Christ. Pastors Timothy and Olaide requested to see me in their office one sunny Friday afternoon. I was shocked, as I walked down the street that led to their office, I began to play various scenarios in my head. Was my mom okay? Did I do something wrong? Is it the way I dress? 

As I entered their office, the smiles on their faces and the compassion in their eyes blotted out all fear from my heart. I knelt down and said "Good afternoon sir and ma"

They responded in unison, "Good afternoon, you are blessed."

"Please get up dear" Pastor Olaide said.

"Have your seat, how's your day been so far?" Pastor Timothy asked.

After exchanging pleasantries, they proceeded to tell me that God revealed some things about me to them. They said I was a ministry gift, meaning I was called to the ministry. They said God brought me to Grace and Truth Ministries to re establish my foundation in him and that he was going to use me to do great things while I was in school. One being, helping young women who had been sexually abused to heal by the Word and ministry of the Holy Spirit.

I couldn't stop my jaw from dropping. I sat there glued to my chair. "How could I do that? I was still learning the ropes... I wasn't even sure if I was completely healed myself... I was too shy to talk in front of people... I wasn't good enough to lead others." 

These thoughts kept replaying in my head until Pastor Olaide said, "Iwalewa, I know what you're thinking. Don't worry, God created you for this. You were anointed even before you were formed in your mother's womb. We are here to help you."

I proceeded to attend foundation school, became a worker and joined the teaching ministry, I also joined Pastor's mentoring program. In a matter of months my life changed drastically. The smoking-drinking-partying-angry-depressed-nightmare having Iwalewa was long gone. I was brand new, and Jesus was so real to me. Life was awesome!

I eventually graduated from school with a 3.5 GPA and went on to Physical Therapy School for three years to receive my Doctorate degree.

Remember Jamilla? My old roommate. She got saved and joined the church. Isn't God faithful? She is now married to an awesome man and has twin girls named, Ayomide and Ayomikun.

I stand before you beautiful ladies as Pastor Iwalewa Adepoju not because I'm perfect but by the grace of God. His grace has made me and it is his grace that has sustained me. True beauty is a result of embodying Godly character. You all have beautiful destinies, God does not have favorites. He loves you just as much as he loves me. And he has sent me here to encourage you. You may have been violated or taken advantage of but you can and will get past this. Forgiving is easier said than done at times, but it's the first step to freedom. God is the God of new beginnings. Would you like to give or rededicate your life to Christ today? He's right here in our midst, calling out to you with open arms. All you have to do is answer and take the first step, he'll take it from there.

Can you relate with Iwalewa? Would you like a beautiful testimony also? Today's your lucky day!

Receive the life of Christ today or rededicate your life, it's very simple. All you need to do confess that he's your Lord and believe that he was raised from the dead so that you can live an abundant life.

Say this simple prayer in faith and that's it!

"Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of the Lord Jesus. I believe with my heart that Jesus is my Lord and Savior and I boldly confess his Lordship over my life. I believe that God raised him from the dead to give me a new life. Thank you Lord, I am reborn! I am a Christian, a child of the Almighty God! I am saved! AMEN!

If you just said this prayer, Congratulations! Welcome to the family! Welcome to the abundant life! Now there are some other steps that you'd need to take and I'd be glad to help you, feel free to contact me via my inbox or email: bunmi1adebiyi@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you! Shalom

You're blessed!

- Bunmi

Wait before you go:

1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!

2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_

6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi

Iwalewa VII

Hello Everyone! I hope that you all are enjoying your weekend! Do have a blessed one!!!

Today you're in for a treat, I present to you Iwalewa part VII. If you haven't done so already, read the previous installments of this story by clicking on the "Short Stories" tab at the top of the page.

ENJOY!!!

****

I eventually cried myself to sleep. I woke up the next morning and got ready to go to work. If my mom knew that I was working, she'd be upset. She always told us that Sundays were a day of rest and should be dedicated to the Lord. I haven't been to church since I've been away at school. Mommy could never find that out. I turned towards the left side of the room and Jamilla laid on her bed lifelessly, she still had her clothes and makeup on. I shook my head and walked to the bathroom.

Work was going well, it was pretty quiet so I got a lot of studying done. At 3pm, it was time for me to head out. Mrs. Taylor, the librarian was walking in as I was gathering my belongings. 

"Good afternoon Iwa, Happy Sunday!"

She was all smiles as usual, I never saw her upset or sad. She walked towards me in her Sunday's best.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Taylor"

"How's your day going sweetie?"

"It's going okay, just been studying."

"Really! No church today?"

I looked away and mumbled, "Umm I don't have a church out here."

"What do you mean! You haven't found one that you like?"

" No...I just haven't really tried."

"That's awesome, we are having a praise and worship night at church at 6pm tonight and you're gonna be my guest!"

"Umm okay" I said reluctantly, knowing Mrs. Taylor, saying no was not an option.

"Great! I'll pick you up at 5:30pm. Just dress comfortably."

She walked away excitedly.

I mumbled under my breath "Great".

Grace and Truth Ministries was beautiful, as I walked into the sanctuary I felt like I was at a sold out concert. Excellence echoed throughout the building, from the sound equipment to the interior decor to the way the chairs were arranged. 

I got a great seat close to the front thanks to Mrs. Taylor. It was 5 minutes until 6pm and everyone was taking their place. The choir got on stage, looking amazing. They wore pastel colors with a touch of gold.

At 6pm on the dot, they began to sing "You are Alpha and Omega..." Without missing a note, harmonizing and in unison with the band the atmosphere changed. With each song that they sang, I felt like I was floating in the air, getting higher and higher. I couldn't explain the feeling but it felt good. They weren't performing, they were ministering to me. I sang, jumped, danced like I was the only one in the room. I felt free, I felt fulfilled, I was filled with joy, I felt at peace. It was a conglomerate of emotions that seeped deep into the core of my being. 

At one point, Mrs. Taylor turned and our eyes met. She had tears streaming down her face. 

"He loves you Iwalewa, today is for you" she mouthed word for word. She turned around and seemed to be praying earnestly.

Within a matter of minutes I found myself on my knees at the altar. I lifted up my hands in total surrender. There was no altar call but I knew that I needed to be there. I couldn't leave there the same way I came in. I kept singing, "I want more of you...I want more of you." I don't know how long I was there for, I was lost in an oasis of God's love and glory. I never felt this way before. The senior pastor came on stage and continued worshipping briefly. 

I had my eyes closed throughout, until I heard "Arise and Shine my daughter for your light has come and the glory of The Lord is risen upon you."

I looked around and I was the only one at the altar.

"Yes, I'm talking to you."

I faced him, and pointed at myself. He nodded and smile wholeheartedly.

"The Lord says to tell you that it's a new season for you. He's perfecting all that concerns you. What the enemy meant for evil, is working together for your good. No more weeping beloved, for your joy has come. Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice!"

The church erupted in shouts of joy. I joined in, not caring who was watching. I can't believe that God singled me out from the hundreds of people that were there.

"Would you like to give or rededicate your life to Christ?" His eyes glistened and his smile was warm.

"Yes sir" I replied.

"Very good, is there anyone else that would like to join her?"

About 10 other people joined my at the front, the church clapped ecstatically.

The pastor led us in a prayer and then spoke briefly about being filled with the Holy Spirit. He said it was a gift from God and that we needed it to effectively live this new life that we've received. I wanted it all so I was eager for him to lay hands on me. Before I knew it I was on the floor, It felt like a wind came from no where and swept me off my feet. I began to speak in tongues uncontrollably, my belly was vibrating. 

The pastor shouted "Glory to God!"

You're blessed!


- Bunmi


Wait before you go:



1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_


6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi

Iwalewa VI

Hello Everyone! 

I'd like to thank those of you who have given me feedback on Iwalewa thus far...to all my silent-noncommenting-readers, I still love you! Believe it or not you silence speaks volumes *wink*

Without further ado, I present Iwalewa VI, for those of you who are new to the blog...Welcome! You can catchup with this story and other posts by clicking archives on the right of the screen.


****

I don't like to remember that day, I felt terrible. It was a mistake. It just didn't feel right. I put my foot down and made it clear to Jamilla that it was the first and last time. She felt bad and blamed herself, she kept apologizing. But I made it clear that we were both at fault. I couldn't continue living like this, my conscience wouldn't let me rest. I was tired of living a make believe life. I knew that I was better than this, greatest lived within me and was pleading for expression. I just didn't know how to let it out. 

I made up my mind to make some drastic changes. I stayed back at school to take summer school classes. I also took up a work study job on campus, I chose to work at the library. I was determined to make up for the past year. My job gave me the opportunity to study without distractions and make some money while doing it! That's what you call easy money!

By the time I got back to the room every night, it was really late so I'd shower and sleep. Jamilla and I's friendship dwindled, we exchanged greetings and had small talk. She still partied, drank, and smoked but no longer involved me. And I was cool with that.

***

Deep down within me there was a beckoning that I could not explain. I just knew that there was more to life then what I've been experiencing. I knew that I didn't have to be a victim of situations and circumstances. 

For the first time in a long time, I got down on my knees and prayed one faithful night. I really didn't know what to say, "Good evening God...it's me, Iwalewa. I'm sorry, I know that I've messed up but I need you. There's a void and I'm sure you know what can fix..." I began to wail from the depths of my soul and couldn't continue praying, I drew my knees to my chest and just laid there...crying uncontrollably. 

***

Bukky had a long week, she needed to rest like never before. As she was about to turn over and enter into deep sleep she felt a nudge in her spirit to pray. At first she laid there unwilling to respond but the nudge got stronger. She rose up from her bed and obeyed. She didn't know what, who, or why she had to pray so she started by praying in tongues. Thirty minutes into prayer, her daughter Iwalewa came to her mind. She was tempted to get afraid but she preserved in prayer. Her prayers got stronger and louder. 

"Father in the name of Jesus, I place Iwalewa before you. I declare that it is well with her, no weapon fashioned against her shall prosper. I declare that she is preserved from the corruption of this generation, she is for signs and wonders, she's the head and not the tail, above only and never beneath. Her path shines brighter because she's your righteousness. No harm befalls her because she dwells in your secret place and abides under your shadow. She is taught of The Lord and great is her peace. She will never walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, she will never sit in the seat of the scornful in the name of Jesus..."

Bukky continued for about an hour until she felt at peace. She trusted God that he would make his Word good in Iwalewa's life. No matter how far she may have strayed from his Will, her faith was in God and she believed in the power of prayer to transcend distances and change things. She would not be moved. After praying that night, she made up her mind to go on a seven day fast to continue to pray for Iwalewa, trusting God to perfect all that concerned her. 

You're blessed!


- Bunmi


Wait before you go:



1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_


6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi

Iwalewa V

Hello Everyone! Thank so much for stopping by the blog today, I love you all!!! Can you believe that October is literally right around the corner? Thank God for the past nine months, in the name of Jesus I declare that the last three months of this year will be much more glorious then the last nine for you!

Today I bring to you Iwalewa V, have you been enjoying this short story so far? If so, leave me some feedback in the comment section. I'd love to hear from you!

If you haven't done so already, read parts I-IV by clicking on the short stories tab at the top of this page.

ENJOY!

****

One year later, I sit here in my dorm room wishing that that day never ended. After a year in college, I could not look myself in the mirror. I was ashamed of who I had become. I got distracted, doing well in school and becoming a Physical Therapist no longer interested me. The parties, drinking, and attention seeking drew me in the opposite direction.

I stared at my grades from this past semester and I almost stopped breathing. My GPA was a 1.9, I was a failure. They were threatening to kick me out of school. I didn't want to go home, how could I face my mom.

I'm sure you're wondering what happened. Well I messed up, mingled with the wrong people and found myself in a trap. I arrived at school and instantly found myself in the middle of an identity crisis. A part of me wanted to be a good focused student, while the other part wanted to be free and reckless. Guess which part won? 

My major influence was my roommate Jamilla. From the first day I met her, I knew that she was no good. But she was friendly and she kinda grew on me so I ignored her flaws. Even when she started smoking weed in our room. I brushed it off.

One day I had a break in between classes so I decided to go back to the room and have lunch. I ran quickly into our suite because I had to use the bathroom. After urinating, I felt relieved. I took out the keys for our room door but surprisingly it was open. That was strange, Jamilla usually had a class at this time. When I walked in the room, I couldn't believe my eyes. She was in bed with a girl. I caught them off guard and they both froze. 

"I'm so sorry" I ran out before I could get a response.

For the rest of the day, I couldn't focus. The scene kept replaying in my head. She sent a text to apologize but I didn't respond. I decided to stay in the library until late, hoping that she'd be asleep when I came in. But she wasn't.

"Hey Iwa"

"Hey J" I avoided her eyes.

"I'm really sorry about earlier, I didn't mean for you to see me like that."

Still avoiding her eyes, "It's okay"

"I wanted to tell you but didn't know how, I feel terrible."

I finally faced her, she looked ashamed "It's okay Jay, it's really none of my business."

I walked out of the room and headed to the bathroom to take a shower.

END OF DISCUSSION

*****

Fast forward to a few weeks later, I woke up from another nightmare. I forgot to take my sleeping pills that night. And I scared Jamilla, she said I was screaming "Stop, stop, get off of me!" I just broke down into tears, she walked over to my bed and hugged me really tight. 

"It's okay Iwa, calm down and take a deep breath" I did just that and I felt a bit relieved.

"I have something that will calm your nerves"

She walked over to her side of the room, opened her draw and pulled out a blunt. 

"No Jay I can't, I'll be fine."

"Chill Iwa, it's not a big deal. I used to have nightmares very similar to yours and this has been my saving grace." She held up the blunt before me.

I heard my Mommy's voice in my head "Remember the child of whom you are."

I suddenly found strength and authoritatively refused "No Jay, I am not smoking that!"

She looked scared and quickly walked over to her bed, I turned to face the wall and prayed that sleep would overwhelm me soon.

Unfortunately, I had another nightmare two weeks after that. This time it was too scary, it felt so real. Jamilla came to my rescue again and when she offered me the blunt this time I couldn't resist. I needed to escape from reality.

At first I kept coughing, right when I was about to give up Jamilla encouraged me to take another puff and I got the hang of it. It became our daily routine. Before you knew it I was going to clubs with her, even had my first drink with her. 

On one of our drunken nights, I opened up to her and told her what happened on December 7, 2007. I had never told anyone before. I cried throughout the narration as she held my hands. At the end of my story, I found myself in her arms. We both cried on each other's shoulders. She had been raped too, but it was her cousin that committed the unforgivable act. We cried until our shirts were soaking wet. We fell asleep in each other's arms.

After that day, I started having some weird desires to be in her arms everyday. I couldn't explain it. I just loved the way it felt, to be able to open up to someone and for them to understand how you felt. I was confused and I didn't know how to deal with my feelings. I decided to ignore them and focus on other things. 

It was a Saturday night, and as usual we were going clubbing. I found the tightest and shortest outfit and threw it on. Jamilla and I met up with some friends and danced the night away. I lost count of how many drinks I had, I discovered that I had one too many when I found myself in the bathroom vomiting into the toilet. Jamilla saw me and said it was time to go.

I don't remember how we got back to our dorm room. But I did remember finding myself in our bathroom vomiting yet again. 

"Iwa, get it together!" She lifted me off the floor.

"Come let's get you cleaned up."

She proceeded to take off my soiled clothes and put on the shower for me. I couldn't stand straight so she held me up with one arm as I attempted to scrub my body. Afterwards, she tucked me in bed and proceeded to clean the mess I made. I drifted up to sleep in no time. 

However, I was awaken by another nightmare momentarily, this time Jamilla didn't wake up. I was so scared so I joined her in her bed. As I slid beside her, I collided into her naked body, she shifted and opened her eyes. She smiled at me and kissed me with her liquor laced breath, I tried to fight her off but she was too strong. 

What had I done? 


You're blessed!


- Bunmi


Wait before you go:



1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_


6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi

Iwalewa IV

Hello! Glad to have you here today! I hope that you've been enjoying Iwalewa thus far. If you haven't read Iwalewa I, Iwalewa II, or Iwalewa III yet please do so!

Now enjoy Iwalewa  IV!

                               *****

The appointed time had finally come, after four long years it was finally here! Graduation day! June 19, 2008 was a good day for me, another chapter closed. I was definitely looking forward to opening a new chapter. I felt that going away for college would give me a fresh start in life. My mom was overjoyed, she had on the biggest gele (African head tie/head gear) in the auditorium. She was all smiles, she invited all our family and friends to witness her only daughter's graduation from high school. I was only given 5 graduation tickets, I'm not sure how the other 10 guests got into the auditorium. But then again Nigerians always have their way of doing things.

It was my turn to be called onto the stage to receive my diploma, I stood smiling from ear to ear, proud of all that I had accomplished despite what I've been through. I-WA-LE-WA O-NI, surprisingly my name was pronounced correctly. My family and friends took over the auditorium with their loud chants and screaming, mommy being the loudest "Eledami o ma se o, Modupe! Jesu seun!" (My creator thank you, I am grateful. Thank you Jesus!). She said all this while on both knees, to say that I was embarrassed is an understatement. But I just laughed it off. I proudly posed for all the cameras with my diploma in my hands. I made it!

The rest of the day went on well, I made up my mind to enjoy the moment. I deserved it! After the graduation ceremony, we had a get together at my house. There was food for days, jollof rice, fried rice, efo riro, egusi, pounded yam, asaro, plantain, buka stew, fried fish, fried chicken, beef...you know the Nigerian staples. Surprisingly my appetite was back for the day and I indulged while entertaining guests. Mommy went all out. We even had a DJ. I had a great time, I got to spend time with family and friends that I hadn't seen in a long time. 

By 9pm, it was a wrap! Everyone said their goodbyes and it was cleanup time. My siblings were in the basement playing video games and gisting. That left mommy and I to do the cleaning. I started by picking up deserted plates and cups in the living room, mom started in the kitchen. Our paths crossed when I was about to toss the items into the trash, she was about to open the fridge and place leftovers in it. She stopped and smiled at me, she looked deep into my eyes.

"Iwalewa"

I tossed the items into the trash.

"Yes mommy"

"Do you know how much I love you, you make me proud."

I blushed "Ohhh mommy stop! Why are you being mushy?"

"Look at me Iwalewa, I'm serious"

I lifted my chin slowly.

"You are dear to my heart, you're the apple of my eye."

I nodded as our eyes stayed united.

"I prayed for you and God surpassed my expectations, I admire your strength and I know that your future is bright no matter what the enemy has tried he can't stop your destiny, you will fulfill your purpose. It's a great purpose and I always pray that God will open your eyes to see it."

I got emotional, I don't know where the tears came from but there was a small piece of me that believed every word that she spoke. After so many months, I actually felt hopeful.

"As you go away to school, remember the child of whom you are. Don't mix with the wrong people. Protect your destiny, I'm always praying for you."

She reached out to me and I did the same, she embraced me. I felt at peace and secure in her arms. We hugged for about 2 minutes all the while tears were rolling down the sides of both of our cheeks. 

Before letting go, she whispered into my ears "I love you Iwaoluwalewa"

I responded, "I love you too mommy."

She placed a soft kiss on my left cheek and then did the same on the right one.

We went about our business and the house was cleaned within 30 minutes. I was exhausted, it had been a long day. I hopped into the shower and laid on my bed afterwards. I thought about all mommy had said and wondered if she was sure of what she said. There was something about her, she spoke with so much confidence and conviction. The conversation replayed over and over in my mind until I fell asleep. 

"It's a great purpose and I always pray that God will open your eyes to see it."

"I admire your strength and I know that your future is bright no matter what the enemy has tried he can't stop your destiny."

"Protect your destiny"

You're blessed!


- Bunmi


Wait before you go:



1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_


6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi