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It was a quiet morning when Ada got the message: “Thank you for checking on me last night. You saved me from doing something stupid.” She froze. All she did was send a message “Hey, how are you holding up?” But those few words became a lifeline. Sometimes we underestimate the power of our presence. We think we’re too ordinary, too small, too unseen, yet somewhere, someone is whispering a prayer that your obedience will answer. You may not have everything figured out. You might still be trying to make sense of your own journey. But even in your uncertainty, God is still using you. Every smile you share, every word you write, every act of kindness, it carries the potential to heal someone’s unseen wound. You are God’s response wrapped in humanity. Your compassion is someone’s comfort. Your story is someone’s survival guide. So, when you feel unseen, remember this: You are seen by God and sent for someone. Keep showing up in love. Keep being kind even when it’s unnoticed. Because sometime...

She prayed passionately that night, tears soaking her pillow. “Lord, bless me. Open doors. Change my story.” And heaven heard her. But heaven also whispered something she almost missed: “You can’t pray and stay unprepared.” At first, she didn’t understand. But as days turned into weeks, it became clearer, Faith is not folding your arms; it’s rolling up your sleeves. Many times, we pray for rain but don’t dig ditches. We ask for opportunities but don’t learn the skills to manage them. We want to be seen, but haven’t built what’s worth showing. Prayer without preparation is like planting without watering, you’ll have seeds but no growth. Yes, God answers prayers, but He also honors readiness. When Joseph was in the prison, he didn’t just sit and sulk; he interpreted dreams, building a gift that would later speak before kings. David didn’t become a warrior overnight; his training started in the fields, facing lions before facing Goliath. So, girl, don’t just pray for the platform, prepare...

It started with a phone call. “Temi, can you handle this project?” Her heart leaped, this was the kind of opportunity she had prayed for. But as she stared at the requirements, her excitement slowly turned into fear. She realized she wasn’t ready. She wanted the stage, but she hadn’t learned the script. She wanted the blessing, but hadn’t built the capacity to carry it. That day, she learned a hard truth: God doesn’t just bless your prayers, He blesses your preparation. Many times, we pray for more without preparing for more. We ask God to enlarge our territory, but we don’t stretch our minds. We pray for open doors, but our skills, discipline, and mindset aren’t ready to walk through them. Building capacity means growing before the breakthrough comes. It’s studying when no one’s watching. It’s practicing when no one’s clapping. It’s learning, refining, and stretching yourself quietly because when the opportunity finally arrives, there’ll be no time to start learning. Girl, don’t wait ...

The day it hit her, she was scrolling through her phone again, watching people announce new jobs, online certifications, and fresh wins. She paused for a moment and whispered, “God, what am I even doing with my life?” Not out of jealousy, but realization. The world was moving, and somehow, she was standing still caught between comfort and fear. She had dreams, big ones. But dreams don’t grow if you don’t feed them. And then came that gentle nudge in her spirit: “Educate yourself. Add more to your knowledge.” It wasn’t just about school or certificates. It was about stretching her mind, growing her confidence, and refusing to let stagnancy become home. Because truth is, you can’t keep being on the same spot while others are progressing. Learning doesn’t end after graduation. Every new skill, every book, every course, every conversation adds a layer of wisdom that shapes who you’re becoming. Girl, the world is evolving. You can’t keep saying, “I don’t know how to,” when there are free re...

There was a time I thought being still meant being weak. I believed movement was proof of progress, and if I wasn’t constantly doing something, I was somehow failing. Until life slowed me down, painfully. I remember those quiet evenings when everything in me wanted to fix things. The unanswered prayers, the financial weight, the unspoken fears. But no matter how hard I tried, nothing shifted. And that’s when I heard it. Not audibly, but deep within my spirit: “Be still.” Still? When everything is falling apart? Still? When there are bills waiting and dreams hanging? It didn’t make sense right? But over time, I realized, stillness isn’t weakness; it’s strength. It takes courage to be calm when everything screams, “Do something!” It takes faith to rest your heart when the answers haven’t come. It takes trust to wait when you could worry instead. Stillness doesn’t mean idleness; it means surrender. It’s where God does His deepest work, in quiet hearts, not frantic ones. When you stop stri...

The waiting season can feel like a slow ache, you’ve prayed, believed, done all you know, yet it feels like heaven is still writing your story in pencil. There was a time I thought waiting meant doing nothing. But I’ve learned, waiting isn’t passive; it’s preparation. It’s what you do while you wait that shapes what comes next. While you wait, worship- even when it feels hollow. Because worship reminds your soul that God is still worthy, even when life feels weary. While you wait, work- not out of panic, but with purpose. Learn, grow, build. Don’t bury your talents because you’re waiting for the big stage; the lessons you learn now will sustain you when the light finally shines. While you wait, watch- for the quiet ways God is moving. He might not change the circumstance yet, but He’s changing you, teaching you patience, faith, humility, trust. And while you wait, rest- not in defeat, but in assurance that God’s hands never stop working. Even silence is strategy. Even delay has directi...

The waiting season feels like standing in a long queue you never planned for. You’re watching others being called ahead of you, someone gets the job, someone gets the promotion, someone shares the testimony you’ve been praying for. And there you are, still waiting, still holding your number, still whispering, “Lord, am I a stone? How long will it take?” Waiting isn’t easy. Sometimes it feels endless, like your prayers are stuck in traffic. It tests your patience, your peace, and your belief in God’s timing. It exposes the parts of you that crave control and teaches you to surrender what you can’t change. The waiting room is quiet, but it’s not empty. That’s where God works behind the scenes, aligning hearts, shifting circumstances, and preparing you for what’s ahead. Sometimes the delay is divine protection. Sometimes it’s redirection. And sometimes, it’s simply growth. If God gave you what you prayed for too early, you might lose it trying to manage it. So He waits, until your faith i...

That night, Peju couldn’t hold it in anymore. The tears came without warning-hot, heavy, uncontrollable. I knelt beside my bed, not with bold faith this time, but with a broken heart. I cried. I prayed. I begged. “Lord, please… just this one thing.” But the heavens stayed silent. No sign. No shift. Just quiet. I remember staring into the darkness, whispering, “God, are You still listening?” Because how do you keep believing when nothing seems to move? How do you keep praying when your words feel like echoes that never return? It wasn’t that I stopped believing, I was just tired. Tired of holding on. Tired of explaining to people why things still weren’t changing. Tired of pretending that I wasn’t breaking inside. You see, no one talks enough about the waiting room of faith — that sacred space between prayer and manifestation, where silence feels like rejection, but it’s really preparation. In that quiet pain, God didn’t answer my prayer the way I wanted but He answered me. He strengthe...

It’s always in the midnight. Iffy turned from one side of the bed to the other, chasing peace like it was hiding in the corners of her room. No matter how she tried to quiet her mind, it kept shouting- bills, disappointments, unanswered prayers. She whispered, “God, I just want peace.” But even that prayer felt too heavy to finish. You ever get to that point where peace feels like a luxury? Where your thoughts run faster than your faith? You smile in the daytime, but when night comes, your chest feels heavy and you start to wonder if peace is meant for people like you, or if you somehow missed it. I’ve learned something, peace isn’t something you chase; it’s something you receive. Peace doesn’t always mean silence. Sometimes, it’s the strength to stand in the storm. It’s the calm that settles in your heart when everything around you is still chaotic. God never promised a life without noise, He promised His presence in the middle of it. And sometimes, peace doesn’t come in the absence o...

No one sees it, do they? That silent weight you carry every day, the one that doesn’t show on your face but sits heavy on your heart. You wake up, dress up, and show up, smiling like everything’s fine. But deep down, you’re tired. Not just tired, weary. There’s a weight that doesn’t make noise. It’s the burden of being the strong one, the dependable one, You’ve learned to hide it so well that even your tears have learned silence. Sometimes, you wish someone could just see through your strength and say, “You don’t have to be okay today.” But everyone assumes you’ve got it figured out. They don’t know you cry in between victories, that some nights you whisper, “God, I can’t do this anymore.” And yet, even in that exhaustion, grace still finds you. God sees what others don’t. He knows how long you’ve been holding on, and He’s not distant from your pain. He’s been walking with you, quietly carrying the part of the weight you couldn’t bear. So, take a deep breath. You don’t have to hold eve...

I was pacing again. You know that restless walk you take when you’ve prayed, but nothing seems to move? That “God, are You sure You’re hearing me?” kind of pacing. I wanted results. I wanted answers. But heaven felt quiet, painfully quiet and I was running out of patience. Until one morning, a gentle whisper settled in my heart: “Be still. I’m still working.” It stopped me. Because I realized I’d been treating God like an employee, someone I expected daily progress reports from. Every time nothing changed, I assumed He’d forgotten me. But He hadn’t. God doesn’t forget. He just works differently. He builds quietly, behind the scenes, while we’re busy panicking. He’s not in a rush; He’s in control. Sometimes, the delay you hate is the protection you need. Sometimes, the silence you fear is the setup for a testimony you’re not ready to handle yet. So now, when my heart starts to worry, I remind myself: Stillness isn’t weakness, it’s faith. It’s choosing to trust even when your miracle fee...

It was one of those quiet nights again, the kind where your heart feels louder than your prayers. I sat on my bed, staring at the ceiling, whispering words that felt too heavy to say out loud: “God… are You still there?” It’s strange how silence can sound so loud. You kneel, whispering prayers with trembling lips, and all you hear is the clock ticking- mocking your faith with every second that passes. You check again- no answer. You listen again- no voice. And slowly, you start to wonder, “Did I do something wrong?” “Maybe God has forgotten me.” I’ve been there — in that sacred silence where heaven feels shut, and your tears become your only language. But here’s what I’ve learned: God’s silence isn’t absence; it’s strategy. When He’s quiet, He’s crafting. When He hides, He’s healing. When He delays, He’s developing something deeper in you. Sometimes, God’s quiet doesn’t mean He’s not speaking, it means He’s teaching you to trust without evidence. He’s showing you that faith isn’t built...

There was a night I sat on my bed, tears falling faster than the words I could pray. “God, are You still there?” I whispered. Honestly, I didn’t feel strong anymore. Because sometimes, faith doesn’t roar, it trembles. Sometimes it’s not a shout of victory; it’s a quiet whisper through tears: “Lord, help my unbelief.” I had done everything I knew- prayed, fasted, encouraged others, yet nothing seemed to change. My faith, once loud and fiery, had become a trembling whisper. There are days faith feels strong, and you can conquer anything. Then there are days it feels fragile- when you’re holding on to promises that seem delayed, when you’ve prayed for months and nothing changes. It’s like holding a candle in the wind, shielding it with trembling hands, hoping the light doesn’t go off. But here’s the truth no one tells you: even faith that shakes still speaks. Even when all you can say is “Lord, help me,” it’s still a prayer Heaven hears. He honors your trying, even when you’re tired. He s...

Victoria sat pretty on her bed, scrolling through her phone again. Another friend just got engaged. Someone else moved abroad. Another started a new job. “God did it!” captions everywhere. She smiled, but deep down something in her whispered, “And there you are - still here- staring at your screen.” Then softly, “God, when will it be my turn?” It’s not envy. It’s that quiet ache of delay, the silent comparison that sneaks in when you’re trying to stay grateful, but your heart still feels left out. You tell yourself you trust God, yet part of you wonders if maybe you’re doing something wrong. It’s easy to feel left behind when everyone seems to be moving faster. When you’ve prayed, worked, waited, yet the answers still delay. You start to wonder if you missed your path or if God somehow forgot your address. I’ve been there. Waiting. Praying. Trying. And when it feels like everyone’s race is moving faster than yours, you start questioning your own lane. But here’s what God keeps teaching...

To the girl who’s tired, uncertain, and waiting on God. You’re not behind; you’re becoming. GIRL, ARE YOU SINCERELY OKAY? You keep saying “I’m fine,” but deep down, your heart knows otherwise. This isn’t weakness, it’s exhaustion. Read this slowly. Breathe again. Girl, are you sincerely okay? Not the “I’m fine” you tell your friends, not the “I’m good” you post online but the kind of okay that lets you breathe without pretending. You’ve been strong for too long, haven’t you?Smiling through pain, showing up when your soul is tired, carrying weight while quietly drowning There’s a kind of exhaustion no amount of sleep can fix, the kind that comes from fighting invisible battles. You’re trying to hold it together, but some days it feels like life is holding you by a thread. Some days, strength looks like tears. Some days, faith sounds like silence. If you’ve been holding it all together, this piece is for you. Girl, you deserve to pause. You deserve to exhale. You deserve to admit that yo...

“Asake, what is even wrong with you?” Mosunmola asked, her face tight with concern. “Why do you like to put others first before yourself? I just saw you ranting to Joy, yet a few minutes ago you were busy trying to please Faith. What’s up with this double character you’re playing?” Asake sighed deeply. “You know Joy is my sister—she’ll understand but people from afar? I gats act considerate now. It’s just a normal thing.” Mosunmola stood up slowly and nodded her head. “Sincerely, I don’t know what’s wrong with you. Just a few days ago, we were trying to figure out how to clear your debts, and now you’re here promising someone something you don’t even have?” Asake looked down, fiddling with her fingers. “You know I don’t want them saying things about me. You know how people can be—‘she calls herself a Christian,’ blah, blah, blah. I’m not ready for drama.” Mosunmola sighed. “You see that drama you’re trying to avoid? You’ll still act it because tell me, where were they when you were soa...

It whispers in your ear: You’re not enough. You should have done more. Others are ahead. Why are you still struggling? It makes your chest tight. It steals your sleep. It spins your mind with different thoughts, replaying every mistake, every moment you feel you fell short. Sometimes you feel like you’re drowning in it. Gasping for air. Wanting to scream, but no one sees the storm raging inside. They see the smiles. They see the calm but they don’t see the nights you lie awake, staring at the ceiling, tears soaking your pillow, silently begging for an answer from God The pressure is real. It’s financial debts, bills, responsibilities that never sleep. It’s emotional, the fear of disappointing those you love, the fear of failing, the fear that you’ll never be enough. It’s spiritual, the fight to hold onto faith when it feels like everything is falling apart, when prayers seem unanswered, when hope feels so far away and yet, even in this suffocating weight, there is a light A whisper of ...

There are some pain you choose to ignore and there are some that leaves you with a great lesson I resigned from a job to pick up another job in another sector with an higher pay. Bills are billing and I just told myself, “this is the opportunity I have been waiting for” The interview happened on WhatsApp call but the network interrupted and I even had to switch to the office router. These were signs but I ignored again. (I means who does interview on WhatsApp call) Then after several interruptions, she created a google meet link and i didn’t get to see her face. On that same day, i got accepted without offer letter and when I asked, i was told to write my offer letter. (As how now, smiles) Still, I ignored it Why? Because the salary looked like the answer to my prayer Weeks passed, workload increased and I even had to pull a friend to join, on contract. Then payday came and went. Promise turned to silence. Number stopped going through . The HR’s identity was fake. I didn’t even get dat...

Be kind to people in words, actions and support. Many are carrying burdens you cannot see because there’s no peace in mind, even on social media. The pressure, the weight, the struggles to become something, the debts, the joblessness, they all speak louder than the voices fighting in the mind and before you know it, depression start to creep in. If you let it in, it will take the whole being and life will still continue even when you’re broken. Life has a way of bullying you and devil use that opportunity to expand it and make you surrounded by it but you have the power to push back by making it a necessity to speak to yourself each day when you wake, tell yourself, I FIND PEACE. You are a young lady but the challenges you are facing have added years to your age, you look like you’re old. You are 20 but looking 30. You stay awake each night because of lack of peace. Return those worries and doubt but speaking peace to yourself and it’s through the positive words of your mouth that shap...

IF YOU ARE DOWN EMOTIONALLY, Pray with me… Lord, here I am again with trembling hands and a heavy heart. I don’t have the right words anymore, just tears and whispers. I have tried to be strong, but I am burdened. I have tried to carry the weight, but it is crushing me. I have smiled in public, but in secret, my heart has been breaking. So I come to You, not with fancy words but with a plea: Help me. Help me when the world feels too loud and my faith feels too small. Help me when bills pile up, when responsibilities drown me, when I feel I am not enough. Help me when silence feels like an answer, when waiting feels like a punishment, when hope feels like a stranger. Lord, see my tears. They are not just drops of water, they are prayers. Each one carries a story, a wound, a need. And I lay them all at Your feet. “You are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) You said You will never leave nor forsake me. God, I hold onto those promises like a...

I was off a month and one thing I’ve realized is that nothing beats a moment of reflection, even in the midst of the storm. Sometimes, all you need is to retreat. Watch out for my writings on this space; it’s going to be therapeutic, a little sanctuary for your mind. DON’T HIDE. DON’T GIVE UP Over the years, so many people have chosen silence but silence often makes healing harder. It’s an emotional struggle Sometimes, emotion mix up because the life you want, looks like the one someone else is living Or the job you’ve been craving doesn’t come through, no matter how hard you try. You can’t just find happiness and so, little by little, you start to give up. You shut the door to new opportunities not because you want up but because you’re tired of getting hopes high again You are so fast to shift blame’s on others even though you know deep down it’s not but you just want to feel right You live quietly, secretly hoping that one day, someone will notice you. But how? When? What if no one...

Reader Review of Ada – The First Daughter by Temilade Alokan “I just read Ada – The First Daughter, and it is a beautiful piece of writing, richly embodied in God’s nature and inspiration. SUMMARY Ada tells the story of a young woman who carries the weight and burdens of her loved ones on her shoulders, often neglecting herself in the process. In her quest to find peace, she resorts to solitude — unwilling to accept love and unable to connect freely with the few people in her corner. Her journey is one of pain, healing, and rediscovering what it truly means to live in obedience to God. ANALYSIS The character development, plot, style, tone, themes, and message were delivered articulately. I especially love the spiritual aspect of the book. Each episode ends with a prayer point, reminding us that our help comes from the Lord. ✨ One powerful lesson I took from this book is: “Sometimes obedience to God means disappointing others.” I recommend this book to: 1️⃣ Those overwhelmed by family r...

Reader review of Ada (The First Daughter) As a first daughter, reading this book felt like looking into a mirror. Every page of Temilade Alokan’s ADA (The First Daughter) carried pieces of my own journey silent sacrifices, unspoken tears, unacknowledged responsibilities, and yet, the undying hope that somehow, God will make a way. One chapter that struck me the most was Episode 3, Midnight Tears. Ada’s quiet prayer in the dark, muffling her sobs so no one would hear, pierced my heart. I saw myself in those words, how often first daughters pour out strength in the daytime but wrestle with heavy burdens at night. Temilade captured that reality with such honesty that I couldn’t hold back my tears. This book is not just fiction, it is every first daughter’s hidden story. It validates our struggles while reminding us that we are not forgotten, that God still sees, still remembers, and still answers. To every first daughter, this is a healing balm. To every parent, it is an awakening. To me,...

SERIES 11: WHISPERED PRAYERS #TheUnseenStruggle They see my strength. They hear my laughter. But they don’t hear the prayers I bury in the dark. The kind that never make it into conversation. The kind I whisper when everyone is asleep, when the only sound is the clock ticking and my heartbeat begging God to hear me. I’ve prayed for a door to open. I’ve prayed for a “yes” to finally break the silence. I’ve prayed for a miracle I can’t explain to anyone. And still, the quiet lingers. I serve while waiting. I keep showing up. I keep carrying others. I smile while wondering if I’m forgotten. I clap for others while whispering, “When will it be my turn?” It’s not that I’ve lost faith. It’s just… some prayers grow old in my hands. Some words get repeated so many times, they start to feel like part of your breathing. And in that breathing, the ache continues. Some nights, I want to stop asking. Some nights, my voice trembles. I want to stop knocking on a door that doesn’t open. But hope or m...

 SERIES 10: CHOOSING MYSELF #TheUnseenStruggle They say, “You deserve to rest.” But the moment I try… guilt creeps in. Because for so long, my worth has been tied to what I give. I get praised when I’m working. They call me amazing when I’m pouring out. But the moment I choose me? It feels like betrayal. Like I’m leaving someone behind. Like I’m selfish for even thinking about my own needs first. I’ve been the dependable one. The one who shows up. The one who rearranges her life to fit everyone else’s emergencies. So when I say no, the silence feels heavy. I feel like I’m letting someone down. I cancel my plans for theirs. I stretch myself thin to help them. Because for so long, I’ve been wired to think my worth is measured by how much I give. That my duty is to always be available. That good daughters sacrifice without question. But what about me? What about the girl whose soul is tired? What about the woman who’s been running on empty for years? When I finally do something for my...

SERIES 9: EMOTIONAL NUMBNESS #TheUnseenStruggle Why do I always look calm? But calm isn’t always peace, Sometimes, it’s just shutdown. I didn’t choose to be numb. It happened over time. Just like that: Each ignored feeling, Each buried pain, Each moment I told myself, “Just survive.” I laugh, but it never reaches my chest. I celebrate, but it feels distant. I comfort others, but I can’t feel anything for myself. I wasn’t always like this. But emotions started to feel like a luxury I couldn’t afford. If I pause to feel it all, It would drown me. So I just exist. It’s not sadness. It’s not peace. It’s that numb space in-between, Where everything feels unclear. People think I’m healed, Because I don’t cry anymore. Because I smile. Because I keep moving. But the truth? I’m not healed, I’m just numb. Being the strong one costs more than we admit. I don’t react like I used to. Not because I’m stronger… But because I’m tired of feeling everything too deeply Only to be left drained again. So n...

SERIES 8: SILENT STRENGTH  #TheUnseenStruggle They clap when I show up. They rejoice when I perform my duties. They praise me, when I produce. But what about the silent wins? The quiet efforts? The strength it takes just to keep going, When no one’s watching? Sometimes, I look around and wonder, Who would notice if I stopped? Who claps when I don't have it all together? When I’m not achieving, fixing, or saving the day? The truth is, I have become so used to being the one who claps for others, I forgot what it feels like to be celebrated without earning it. When I am the strong one, the dependable one, the background pillar holding up the room, I rarely get a spotlight. But I’ve had victories too. The kind i don’t post. The kind no one asks about. Like choosing to rest instead of breaking. Like forgiving myself. Like showing up with a soft heart after being hurt. Still, the applause is quiet. The room is silent. And it hurts sometimes. Not because I need the world to cheer, But bec...

SERIES 7: THE PRESSURE TO BE PERFECT #TheUnseenStruggle They said I was “the good one.” “The one who never disappoints.” “The example.” And without realizing it, I became trapped in a role I never auditioned for. Perfection wasn’t a choice. It was expected. And when you’re the first daughter, Without abiding by the roles often feels like failure. I learned early how to tuck away flaws. How to smile through pain. How to get it right, or not at all. Because mistakes meant, “You’re slipping.” Because failure meant, “You’re not who we thought you were.” So I chased perfect. In my grades. In my emotions. In how I showed up. Even when it broke me quietly. I’m praised for my composure, But no one sees the anxiety behind it. I’m told I’m responsible, But no one asks, if I’m exhausted. I’m admired for having it together, But they never notice the cracks I hide in silence. Because perfect girls don’t cry. Perfect daughters, don’t fall apart. Perfect sisters, don’t need space. I learned to shrink...

SERIES 6: COMMITMENT They say I’m guarded. I'm scared of love They ask, “Why are you still single?” They don't understand, I'm not just scared of love, I'm scared of losing myself inside it What they don’t know is, I’ve committed to people all my life. To my family. To responsibilities, I didn’t choose. To being dependable when I needed help too. Commitment for me has always looked like, Carrying more than my share, Silencing my voice to keep peace Becoming what others needed, Not who I truly was I’ve loved without being asked. I’ve poured without being filled. I’ve shown up for others when no one showed up for me. So now, when love looks at me, I hesitate. Not because I don’t want it But because I’m afraid it’ll be another place where I disappear to keep peace. Where I shrink again. Where I’ll give more than I receive. I've played parent, Fixer, Therapist  I've been responsible for everyone but myself  So when I imagine commiting to someone new, My heart whispe...

SERIES 5: The Loneliness They Don’t See #TheUnseenStruggle They say I’m never alone. Because I’m always needed. But being needed isn’t the same as being known. And being around people doesn’t mean i feel seen. I laugh with them. Support them. Fix what’s broken. Be the cheerleader, the big sister, the example. But deep down? There’s an ache. A silence that echoes after I hang up. A feeling that I’m there for everyone — but no one knows how to be there for me. No one sees the emptiness sitting beside me  I'm never really off duty Even in Joy, I'm calculating needs Even in silence, I'm carry thoughts for everyone else. I long for a safe space where I don't have to be wise, Or perfect. A person who doesn’t need me to be useful first. Someone who sees me not for what I do, but for who I am. Sometimes I just want to talk not solve. I want to be held not hold with expectations  I want to be heard not managed. But I don’t know how to ask. Because every time I try, it feels like...

SERIES 4: ALWAYS THE STRONG ONE They call me strong. And I smile. But they don’t see the shaking hands behind that smile. They don’t see the nights I pray for strength because even I, don't know how I’m still standing. They say, “i am the strong one,  i’ll be fine.” But what if I’m not fine? What if I’m tired of being the one who never crumbles? What if strength has become a silent sentence to hold it all together while falling apart inside? I hold space for others, check in on everyone, show up, speak peace, fix things. And when I break? Silence. Because no one expects the strong one to bleed. No one checks the foundation until it cracks. I am the one they call first The one who listens, fixes, prays, gives. The one who can’t afford to crash because if i fall, everything else might fall with me. So i keep going. Wiping tears while helping others dry theirs. Smiling through storms. Showing up even when you feel invisible. But inside, I’m exhausted. I’m screaming in places where my ...

SERIES 3: TRADED PURPOSE They said I was selfless. They called me reliable. They praised my strength.. But what they didn’t see Was the pile of dreams I folded. They didn’t mean to overlook it, But life happened… and I adjusted. Because they needed me. Because someone had to be responsible. Because being the first daughter meant I had to sacrifice. So, I put my dreams on hold. I wanted to study more  But I paused school. I wanted to travel — But I turned down the chance. I wanted to write that book — But I shelved my passion. I told myself, “One day.” And in between the one days and maybe laters, Life whispered, “Not now. They need you first.” So I pushed my dreams aside. I postponed growth. I took the job that helped everyone else survive. I poured out… Until I forgot what I even wanted. Not because I didn’t believe in my dreams. But because I was taught that duty comes before desire. I celebrate others… while grieving my own delay. I clap for them… while wondering when it’ll be m...

SERIES 2: THE UNVOICED WEIGHT They never told me. There was no announcement. No one asked, “Are you ready?” It just happened. From the moment I arrived, I started carrying the weight. Not physical weight—but invisible ones: Unseen expectations. Unspoken assignments. Silent responsibilities. Emotionally. Mentally. Spiritually. I’ve learned to sacrifice... quietly. To say, “I’m fine” even when I’m not. To become the unofficial parent. The fixer. The example. The listener. The one they lean on. Even when I’m collapsing inside. I was never allowed to fall apart. I learned in silence that my feelings could wait. So I carried it all: Every “please help me” answered, While guilty for every “No” I whispered. Every unvoiced request, I saw it. I felt it. I fixed it. I carried family secrets in my chest like sacred trust. I solved problems I didn’t cause. And I wore responsibility like it was stitched into my identity. Like an armor but it gets heavy. Now? I’m tired. Tired of being the one who ho...

Series 1: FEAR #The unseen struggle# Fear of failing them. Fear of not meeting expectations. Fear of being unavailable. Fear of breaking down. Fear of the waiting seasons. Fear of, “Will I ever be enough?” Fear of, “Will they still trust me if I fail?” The silent fear of “What if I let them down?” You don't talk about it much but it's always there. Always sitting quietly in the corners of your decisions. What if I fail my parents? What if I fail my siblings? What if I fail the version of myself that's always been “the strong one”? Every step is carefully calculated. If I choose to be different, will I be seen as irresponsible? If I say no, will I disappoint them? Will this choice make them proud? I carry their expectations like a personal assignment. And when things go wrong, I ask myself, “Was it my fault?” Even when it wasn’t. Most times, saying "No" brings guilt. Not because I did wrong, But because I was taught that being unavailable, is the same as failing. S...

There are stories we carry for years before we find the words to write them. For me, ADA (The First Daughter) started as a quiet ache — a longing to give voice to the weight that so many women, especially first daughters, carry without recognition. In many African homes, especially in Nigeria, the “first daughter” is more than just a child. She becomes the second mother, the silent pillar, the fixer, the forgiver, the sacrifice. And yet… she is often unseen, unheard, and unmet in her own need for support. I wrote ADA for the girls who became women too early. For the daughters who gave when they had nothing left. For the women who smiled when they were breaking. And for the ones who are still holding it all together… quietly. Most importantly, I wrote it for healing. I wrote it because I believe that God sees the quiet strength we often dismiss — and He uses it for something glorious. ADA is not just fiction. It is faith. It is a reminder that even in silence, God sees, God knows, and G...

If I fade away like a leaf, And my voice is silenced, my breath leaves, I hope you'll read these words I've sent, And find the meaning that my heart means. I hope you'll see the depth I've hid, The struggles, tears, the weight I've rid, And though I'm gone, you'll understand, The cries I whispered, the outstretched hand. But don't you dare, don't you feel sorry for me, Don't waste your tears, or sympathy, For if you couldn't help when I was alive, Why shed tears now, when I'm no longer here to thrive? I hope you'll find your happiness, In the freedom from the weight of me, If my presence was a burden, a strain, Then let my absence be a sweet refrain. Don't mourn my passing,  Don't whisper eulogies, or shed a single tear, Just live your life, with all its might, And let my memory fade into the light. But still, I know, you'll do none of these, You'll feel the guilt, the weight of what if's, You'll wonder what yo...

Why do trials follow me each day? Each time I think it's over, the storm comes in more Why do struggles seem to find their way? I have to keep praying against shame and disappointment  I'm a child of God, I love Him sincerely, But difficulties persist, what am I to do? In faith, I stand, in love, I cling, Yet challenges mount, and doubts creep in. The world outside seems hostile and cold, But still, I hold on to promises untold. The Bible says, "I'll never leave you nor forsake," But in the midst of trials, it's hard to Believe. I'm told to trust, to have faith and be strong, But when the road gets rough, my heart feels wrong. I feel alone, I feel helpless. Why do the wicked seem to prosper and thrive? Live the good, luxurious life While I, a child of God, struggle to survive? Struggle to feed, Live in debt and running each day, The questions swirl, the doubts they creep, But still, I choose to trust, to hold on and keep. Yet, I still live in fear Dear Bel...

When darkness falls, and fears arise, And doubts creep in, with sorrowful eyes, When trial and temptation comes and you think, No help can come for you Know this truth, you are not alone, For God is in you, wherever you may roam. In times of struggle, when the time is long, And burdens weigh, with heavy thoughts, He's there to guide, with a gentle hand, A presence constant, in a changing situations. When tears fall like rain, and heartache becomes the reality, And it feels like hope, is far from you, God's love surrounds, like a shelter, Guiding you on the path to take. In silence, He whispers your name, A gentle reminder, of His loving claim that, You're not forgotten, you're not without help For God is in you. Through trials and tribulations, He'll be near, A comforting presence, His strength will sustain, His peace will abide, And in His love, you'll find a place to reside. So don't be afraid, don't lose your way, For God is in you, night and day, He...

When darkness falls and fears arise, And doubts creep in, Remember, strength lies deep within, A spark that glows, a fire willing to light up. In every storm, a calm will come, A dawn will break, a new day's begun. The struggles we face, the trials we bear, Are stepping stones to a brighter care. Don't let shadows define your path, For in the light, a new dawn will emerge at last. The voice that whispers "you can't" is wrong, For in your heart, a desire burns so strong. With every step, with every fall, You rise again, and stand tall. The scars you bear, the wounds you've known, Are testaments to the strength you've grown. So hold on tight, don't let go, For in the struggle, you're not alone. There's a power within, God's force so grand, Guiding you through, hand in hand. Keep pushing forward, don't give in, For every end marks a new beginning within. The journey's long, the road is wide, But with each step, you'll find your str...

Everytime I check the mirror,  I see a stranger's face, A reflection of a soul in a daze. I've lost my way, my path are unclear, A sense of self, that I once held dear. I search for answers, in the noise and place, But the more I seek, the more I stray. I've tried to fit, into the roles I've played, But none of them feel, like the real me, displayed. I've worn masks, and pretended to be, Someone I'm not, just to fit in, you see. But the weight of these masks, it's crushing me, A suffocating feeling, of not being free. I just want to find my way I'm lost in the crowd, I'm searching for a lifeline, a beacon of light, To guide me back, to my true self, The world outside, it whispers you loud, "You are what you do, you are what you own." But I know that's not true, that's not my name, I am more than that, I am more than just a claim. I'm a traveler seeking, my true identity's sight. I'll keep on searching, through the noise ...

Sometimes, I wonder if I am not good enough, I wonder what could have gone wrong, Am I too picky? Is the problem from me? A fear that grips me, a heart turned to stone. The thought of being single, for so long, It bothers me and makes me feel unease. I watch couples laugh, and hands entwined, A longing in my heart, a love left behind. I wonder if I'll ever find my way, To a love that's real, to a heart that'll stay. The years go by, and I'm still on my own, A fear that I'm unlovable,  I try to shake it off, to let go of the pain, But the fear of being single, it still remains. I see others happy, with partners by their side, And I'm left wondering, if I'll ever reside. In a love that's warm, and a heart that's true, Or will I be forever, alone and blue? The world moves fast, and I'm stuck in time, A fear that I'll never find, a love that's mine. But still I hold on, to hope in my heart, A glimmer of light, a brand new start. Dear Sisters,...

Most things don't end well, or so it seems, A truth that can't be denied through life's themes. Some dreams are shattered,  hopes are dashed, And promises broken, leaving hearts smashed. Some relationships crumble, Like fallen leaves, Fading away, like a dried leaf The memories linger, Flashes of things hoped for, A reminder of what could've been,  a love in vain. Most times, It don't end well,  it's a hard pill to swallow, A reality that's difficult to accept. The what-ifs and the maybes,  they haunt the minds, A constant reminder of what we've left behind. Where you are supposed to be But even in endings, there's a glimmer of hope, A chance to learn, to heal, to cope. For every door that closes,  another opens wide, A new beginning unfolds, and a chance to step inside. You can use to mend and, Put pieces together, We can find the strength, in what we've been through, And rise above, with a heart that's anew. Most things don't end well, ...

Nobody talks about the thoughts that comes, with waiting, The stress, frustration, the mood swings that comes during the waiting period, Especially when you see others, walking in the path you desire. Then you keep asking God, How long should I wait for? Why is my manifestation taking a long time? I'm getting tired and I am losing my faith? I need confirmations, you are still with me? In the quiet moments, you wait and pray, Your heart beats strong, your soul feels alive, As you trust in His plan, and His timing to thrive. Like a river flowing, God's plan unfolds, A journey of faith, where trust is assured In the waiting, you're refined and made new, Your heart beats stronger, your spirit gets renewed. God's love is constant, His mercy is so true, In every moment, His faithfulness shines through. For in His perfect time, He'll make it come to pass. In the stillness, you'll hear God's gentle voice, Whispering truth, and a heart of choice. To trust and obey, t...

What happens when we pray? When we pray, our hearts unfold, A sacred space, where love is told. In whispers so low, we share our fears, And find solace in His gentle ears. With every word, we pour our soul, Seeking guidance, a brand new goal. In prayer, we find our peaceful nest, A refuge from life's stormy unrest. In prayers, we find rest and calm rest When we pray, our spirits soar, refire and rebrand. Connected to the One we adore. We lift our hands, our voices raise, In gratitude, in praise, in holy gaze. In the stillness, we find our voice, A whispered prayer, a heartfelt choice. To trust, to believe, to have faith too, That God is near, and His love shines through. When we pray, our burdens fade, As we lay them at His feet, unafraid. He listens closely, with a loving ear, And whispers back, "Fear not, I am near. You are not alone,  God is with you" In prayer, we find our strength anew, A sense of purpose, a heart that's true. We pray for wisdom, for guidance and...

*GETTING IT RIGHT* We all have plans and set time for fulfil but, Most times it just doesn't happen according to that for some because, Life happens and the truth is that, We just want to get it right. Getting it right, a journey so grand A path of discovery, where we take a stand With every step forward, we learn and we grow And though we may stumble, our spirit will glow We strive for perfection, we aim high and true And though we may falter, our hearts remain anew With patience and practice, we master the way And getting it right becomes our everyday Through trials and errors, we find our own pace And learn to navigate life's twists and turns with grace We rise above challenges, and shine with might And getting it right becomes our beacon in the night With each success, our confidence grows And we become more resilient, as our spirit glows We learn from our mistakes, and use them as a guide And getting it right becomes our constant stride Dear sisters, Let's not be disco...

"I just want to break free Break free from chains that bind the soul Shake off the weight that makes me whole Rise up and let go of doubts and fears Unshackle my heart, dry all my tears Within me, I know there's something genuine but I need to, Find my voice, let my spirit soar Don't let struggles define who i am I am strong, resilient, and bright Break out of darkness, into the light Something, those negative thoughts  Tie me down, making feel like I am a failure  But, I am a warrior, with scars to show Those scars don't define who I am I am a survivor, with a story to tell Of trials and tribulations, of lessons to learn and dwell Indeed, I have been through a lot, I have been belittled, messed up, looked down on I've been through fire, and I've been through rain But I am emerging stronger, with a heart that's not in pain I've learned to adapt, to navigate the night And i've found my inner strength, my guiding light I have learnt to trust God in pr...

Situations will come  Burdens can be overwhelming  The struggles can get deep The weight can be heavy and Help might seems far But, God's helping hand, a guiding light In times of need, a gentle might Comforting presence, a soothing peace A refuge from life's stormy The help of God is in resistable  It is total dependence where,  We lay down everything and acknowledging, How insufficient we are without him With faith and trust, we call on His name And find solace in His loving claim Through trials and tribulations, He stands tall A rock-solid foundation, for us all His mercy abounds, His love shines bright A beacon in darkness, a guiding light In every struggle, He's near A helper, a healer, always dear and there In moments of doubt, He whispers low "Fear not, for I am with you, don't you know" His promises true, His word a guide Illuminating paths, where shadows reside With every step, He strengthens our way And leads us through life's uncertain day Throu...

In life's many things happen, we weave our dreams, With threads of hope, and vibrant plans. We envision paths, where success is key, And every step of triumph is what we seek But life, it seems, has other plans, Challenges comes, And twists and turns, our carefully laid hands. The road ahead becomes uncertain and wide, Unfolds with surprises, we'd rather not abide. We will keep trusting towards our paths  We want control, we want to cheers To make each choice, and banish every fear. But the universe, it has its own way, And often, our desires, are not its priority today. The winds of change, they blow so strong, And our best plans, are swept along. We cling to what we know, and what we've planned, But flexibility, often happens In all of this, We need to understand surrendering our plans to God, In surrender, we find a peaceful place, Where trust and faith, can fill the space. For when we let go, of our need to control, We open doors, to a broader soul. The journey's pa...

When words feel distant and my heart feels cold Prayer seems impossible and a weight to hold  Doubts get in and faith feels weak How can I speak? Prayer feels like a distant, fading surprise The words that once flowed like a gentle stream Now stuck, like a parched dream The heart that once beat with fervent fire Now feels like ice, devoid of love's sweet desire The mind that once focused on heavenly things Now wanders, lost, in worldly, fleeting things The silence screams, "How can I speak?" The words that once poured out, now seem weak to talk The soul that once yearned for connection deep Now feels like dust, in a spiritual sleep But still, we search for that sacred space Where heaven and earth entwine in a loving embrace Where tears fall like rain, and hearts are made new Where prayer becomes a lifeline, strong and true In the midst of struggle, we find a way To lift our voices, come what may To whisper prayers, like a gentle breeze That stirs the soul, and brings us t...

How do I explain this pain that I feel? How do I explain this burden? Is it really the curse?  "Growing up I watch my parents baptism us with curses anything they are angry with us. Deeply within me even when everything is fine, I still feel like I am hunted with those curses. Everytime I want to progress, I feel those words stopping me and I feel caged. Even I know I am heading somewhere good but I just feel I wouldn't make it pass it because those words keep replaying" Tomiwa said as she was crying  "Tommy, this is not the moment of crying. This is a time to battle in the place of prayers. This will keep pulling you back from moving forward and that's what the devil wants to cage you, steal and rob you of your peace" Ese said "Ese, I have tried praying, it worked for a while but it stopped working" Tommy said  "Prayer doesn't fail, you are the one that stopped praying. Even after the victory, you still need to keep praying because bible ...