EDITORS' MUSINGS : HELP FOR BROKEN PEOPLE.

Yesterday, I was slammed with activities and I thought to get a breather. I scrolled  through WhatsApp and there, on an alumni WhatsApp group, I learnt of the passing of our coursemate. 

It must have been Kayode Okikelu's frame I had seen last  on Channels TV when lecture hall memories replayed in quick succession; She had passed the attendance sheet to me once or twice, I  pictured her charming smile.

It had to be a joke but again messages doubled on the platform confirming the sad reality.

On my way home , I noticed how everything seemed normal, the hustling hawkers, the  impatient drivers still cursing in traffic. No, the world didn't stop! 

I have read a couple of posts and what gets my attention is how alot of people conclude individuals risk life and limb in unions characterized by pain for fears of ".. what people will say, " wrong!

Most times, away from opinions, financial constraints or staying a "Mrs."  what stops people from leaving unhealthy places sometimes, is more of an internal fight;

1. A fight to hang in one more day with hopes that our goodwill or pure intentions will compel repentance.

2. A fight to watch things work, to get the fulfilment that we are capable of holding it all together.

3. A fight that exists because we can't imagine life away from familiar places.

Sometimes it's an internal fight and not the popular notions.

This got me thinking of what we must  do right and the Holy Spirit gave me an insight again on the need for churches to strengthen welfare systems and create HEALING HOMES (A temporary accomodation for men or women to get through difficult  situations such as this) where  therapy is made accessible as they learn to embrace the realities that have surfaced.

HEALING FUNDS (access to funds to gain skillsl or establish businesses) and where such persons can be gainfully employed in the Church ,by all means employ them.

There are different doctrines which would go hard against these solutions but if those who believe can get to work we can see a remarkable level of change.

AS INDIVIDUALS WE MUST LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER:

1. By doing away with a judgemental approach towards these sour experiences

2. Also, with the establishment of Healing Homes, funds, some who have been instructed to strain associations will remain in harms way. We owe them that one phone call to the necessary authorities or Orgarnizations when we genuinely sense mischief or see less of them.

3.We must tell ourselves the truth, we must pick the courage when prevailing circumstances clearly puts out lives at risk. There is no masculinity about danger, remember that .

4. As parents, we must realize that while we crave marital stability for our children we owe them first preservation in the face of danger.

I'm an advocate for good marriages because this is the order intended by God, yet amongst other things God has engraced me with the revelation of the validity of  self-preservation.

When I come across similar posts on the internet, I feel sad and after a while, I carry on but I have not had the peace to stay still and on that journey home, I heard God ask me ”will you keep quiet through this?" and it was  a resounding "No."  Until the end of time, by the grace of God, I will tell these truths as He leads me. 

May God comfort the hurting families who have had to go through similar experiences. Amen.

Merit Gogo-fyneface is a Lawyer, Creative  Writer, Founder Sarima City and Editor-in-chief, Sarima Magazine.

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BOOK REVIEW : THE POWER OF BEING A WOMAN, MICHELLE McKINNEY HAMMOND

The Power of Being a Woman by Michelle Hammond requires a great deal of understanding, an understanding that gives room for a woman to use her God given abilities to the fullest without limitations in this world which includes her family, her career and her service to God. 

The main focus of this book is on a woman’s influence and how God has unique traits peculiar to the female character.

She starts every chapter with an intense poem that generally accentuates what the chapter is about and ends it with a prayer and study questions. The study questions basically helps you remember what you have read in a chapter and not necessarily what you think or your view, so they are more like revision questions. 

The notion that femininity is likened to weakness is false. Michelle in this book talked about the secret of strength in women in the power of influence using the story of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. 

Michelle started with talking about the fall of man giving an insight on how Adam was influenced by Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit. The story was given in a more relatable scenery emphasizing  details of everyday life. 

It preaches on finding your authentic self and embracing it rather than sulking and trying so hard to be and operate as the opposite gender. This line of thought may contradict a lot of modern theories of equality but I love the fact that the author based her writings on the Word of God and how God instituted the relationship between a man and a woman. 

If you are looking for a book that will tell you how superior a woman is to a man, this is not the book for you because this book explains the necessity of submission and love using the scripture - Husbands love your wives and wives submit to your husbands. The wife totally submitting as the church submits to Christ and the husband loving the wife as Christ loves the church. 

It showcases the uniqueness of women and how they can never be like men because they weren’t created to be so, they were created to be the best  they could, not to cause a conflict of genders. 

A lot of women shrug at the word ‘Submission’. They find it  repulsive to say the least. Michelle made it clear that “life is not a competition but a journey”.  The devil from the get-go has always caused strife between both genders. His sole aim is to bring a division where both genders would drift apart, live in contention in order to stop the purpose of God. The author elaborates on the essence of both genders complimenting each other. 

With feminism taking the media space, a book like this would likely not get the attention it deserves as a result of its emphasis on submission to a man who is a husband. The author appears to  believe that feminism would do more harm than good. She sees a deception in the movement that goes against what God has originally planned for the woman. The author also stated that feminist movements only causes contention between both genders and that is only the agenda of the devil because she clearly has a firm belief in the complimentary existence of men and women. She stated how most feminist movements are masked to lesbian movements, also stating homosexuality and lesbianism are great deceptions from Satan. 

Using the story of Deborah who was respected and followed by many even without acting like a man. She embraced her femininity by being submissive to God and her husband. 

As a Judge, she did not feel threatened by males in her community neither did she abuse her authority over them. Even without the support of a feminist crew, Deborah still ruled and won great feats while embracing her feminity. 

Deborah understood that she was first a woman and  a wife . She understood her spiritual calling which had no relations to whether she be a male or female. It was solely dependent on her being submissive to God and staying in His will. In order for an individuas to walk truly in that revelation of who God has called them to be, they have to be fully submitted to Him. 

The author also talked about the Life of Hannah who when found in a situation of unfruitfulness did not put the blame on anyone but relied solely on God for all her wants. As a woman, God is the only one who can truly satisfy our needs according to Psalm 23 which tells us God is our shepherd and we shall not want. Men exist not to fill a void but to compliment us so we can work together for the good of the Kingdom of God. 

There are a lot of women going into Ministry in these times who have supportive husbands. Being in Ministry as a woman and having a supportive husband who isn’t in Ministry does not make you the spiritual head of your family. You could be the spiritual head of a church but at home, your husband remains the head. It is paramount that there is an understanding concerning these matters. Your husband is your responsibility and should be taken care of before anyone else. That is why the Bible admonishes Bishops to have a peaceful home because God understands and respects the authority that He has given to a husband. 

Michelle's mother was a typical example of a feminine woman. She is married to a typical man who always has the last say in the house. Her mother is a submissive woman who never gets intimidated by the masculinity of her husband. She understood the act of submission and staying under the protection of her husband.  Her submission had a great influence on how her husband treated her. He was loving and always available to assist her(Michelle’s mum). 

Michelle’s mum was not a housewife, she was gainfully employed and still carried out her house chores without  grumbling. Her house was always tidy and they always had food prepared to eat. Michelle complimented her mother's ability to cook all sorts of food and also bake and at the same time keep the house spotless. 

The story of her Mother reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman who is able to take care of her household. She is handy, productive and submissive. It may seem too much of a thing for a woman to handle but that is how it has been orchestrated. The Bible does not turn a woman to a slave for her husband but rather speaks of complimenting. As a woman is meant to submit, a husband expected to love as well. Love can only be seen in action just as God gave because He loved. A man's love will make him go any length for his wife especially when she submits to his authority. A whole bunch of females will find that statement irky but that is what it is. There is no way of sugar-coating it. 

A man has been created to be the head of his family and his wife to help him be that. A wife is never to doubt or trash his ability as a man ( you married him in the first place). The friction that is being placed between the male and female today is caused by the devil. I believe the devil understands what God has ordained and the power that comes from aligning yourself with it, so intentionally the enemy creates a drift that causes severe opposition between both genders in order to stop them from achieving and being in alignment with God's will.

A visible nature that every woman has been blessed with , the ability to cater for people around her. The nurturing nature of a woman can not be overlooked. It is only natural for a woman to want to take care of the people around her. The author spoke about this in a woman making her home. 

Ever wondered why there is always tension and competition between females? It could either be to get the attention of a man or it could be physical appearance. Most women perceive other women who they deem as attractive as threats.  The list is endless. There is strength and power in sisterhood as the Author said. When women work together in unity and love they can achieve the unimaginable. 

The author in the last chapter gave her revelation on the Proverbs 31 woman and the virtues women should have according to the scriptures. 

This book is for everyone  who desires to understand the capacity that both genders hold. Despite its title “The power of being a woman,”it also gives insight of the peculiarities of masculinity. It gives an understanding of both genders and their interwoven abilities, without the other, balance can not  be achieved.

Staff Writer - Miranda George

"…THE FAITH I HAVE IN GOD AMPLIFIES MORE THROUGH HIS WORDS IN MELODY THAT RESONATES WITH MY STORY." ARAMIDE FADILEPO

CAN WE MEET YOU?

My name is Aramide Fadilepo. I am a simple and principled woman.

A dedicated Christian

and lover of God's work. I am also a mother, wife and

by His grace a Gospel Minister for God.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SALVATION EXPERIENCE?

 I got saved many years ago at Believers Love World, then in University Campus.

(Now ,Christ Embassy)

There, my spiritual eyes were  opened to come to His knowledge of truth in Christ Jesus by accepting Him as my Lord and saviour.

To God's glory, I have tasted of His heavenly gift and also a partaker of His Holy Spirit from then till now, Halelujah!

HOW DID YOUR TALENT COME TO LIGHT?

 I started developing passion for singing in my primary through to secondary school days.

As years go by, I started to notice this more through my University days within our fellowship at BLW. 

After singing  in my local Church for many years, God said it is time I became more serious with the calling and we thank God for where He is taking us to for His glory.

 WAS THERE ANY MOMENT IN YOUR JOURNEY AS A MINISTER WHERE YOU FELT YOU WERE NOT GOOD ENOUGH?

As a human , doubt set in at some point but I have come to the knowledge that I am unique in my own way and God is using me differently from others.

I have my own unique assignment tailored to my ability and strength though I keep working on myself to improve on my ability to enable me deliver my assignment in a better way and at this point, I want to appreciate my husband my children , Church and fans for all their support as this keeps me going and gives me determination to do more

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC GENRE OR STYLE?

As a Gospel Minister , the only genre or style of my music is total worship to my maker. I do not sing to merely entertain but to feed the people of God with His words of Healing, Salvation, Hope and Freedom in Christ through melody. I do this  with messages consistent with the words of God by ensuring  the Godly message is not lost. Ultimately, I regard myself musically as a natural worshiper even though this could be done in various styles of music

WHAT'S YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE?

My creative process is something I know personally but could be difficult to explain as all of my songs are from the spirit realm. The process is not by my power but by God's.

Many times, God gives me songs in my dreams, while in my stillness I hear from God, in the  bathroom or even in the kitchen! The creative process many times gets enhanced by always having my recording phone handy, always to be ready to save any musical inspiration that I am blessed with in spontaneity.

After this is done, through God's given talent, I  develop it and pass it over to my producers for technical and professional input.

Many of my songs were produced through this process and I thank God for His musical impartation and ability to write my songs myself at same time, it could only be from God. All honour back

to Him.

AWAY FROM MUSIC,WHAT ELSE DO YOU GET UP TO?

As a mother of three young boys my hands are always full. When not doing music I am always with my family and few friends especially my local Church brethren. One passion I also have

and never get tired

of is listening to Gospel music in my leisure time, apart from my family. Music takes most of my time apart from my family life and secular work.

I love travelling and enjoy the company of Godly people especially Bible study and listening to sermons.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SINGING?

I have been singing  both intensely within my church choir and professionally for 15 years in total.

I now regard those years of intense choir responsibilities as building the ground unto my professional take off as a recording minister of God.

WHATS YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE AND WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN, GREATLY INSTRUMENTAL TO YOUR FAITH JOURNEY?

My philosophy of life is our God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.(Heb 11 : 6) Our God will never owe you, just serve Him NOT as  pleasing in the sight of men but genuinely and He will show up for your case at the right time.This has been my watchword and through everything I have faced in my life He has rewarded me massively.

This has made me even more determined to serve Him more and use the talent He has given unto me to proclaim His name and enlarge His kingdom here on earth through my music. Many challenges I faced in life were all surmounted and overcome through my passion for Gospel music that kept me going and trusting Him in all situations. Ultimately, "faith comes by hearing and hearing of the words of God".

(Romans 10:17)

The faith I have in God amplifies more through His words in melody, that resonates with my story. I thank God for all He has done for me.

WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

Sinach, Nathaniel Bassey and Maranda Curtis

This is solely based on how their ministry has affected me personally in terms of writing skills and the spirituality in their ministry.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE GOSPEL MUSIC INDUSTRY AND WHAT CAN WE DO BETTER?

The Music industry within the concept of Gospel musical ministry is a Godly mission.It is not a ministry you accept by looking for financial gain as the main intention from the  onset. It is a sacrifice both financially and spiritually. I and  my husband are devoted to this calling.The calling takes pre-eminence over family holiday on many occasions as we make it a duty to keep on going. Gospel ministers should see less of themselves and more of the Gospel they are propagating through their songs as the priority.

They should just stop looking too inwards! They should help shore up in the profile of  other ministers of low standing and eschew a rivalry mindset that could set in. It is all about Jesus first and foremost, even the secular artistes help one another. They should stop the habit of assuming they are protecting their territories by clinging only to their clique or imaginary circle of friends. Ordinarily, liking content of up-coming minister goes a long way on social media.

If that becomes a problem, how then could they even sing those up-coming ministers' songs?

We all need to go back to the basics, where it all started, "at the Cross", and be there for one another in every little way.

WHICH DO YOU CONSIDER THE BEST SONG YOU HAVE RELEASED AND WHY?

Hmmmmmm Well that's so hard to be honest  because each of my song has it's own uniqueness and the message  God has for his people  and the assignment for each song is uniquely different

So far, I have released Sounds like Olododo, Same God, Ologojulo, I'm a winner,  Grateful Medley all in Winner Album  and It's by Miracle..which I just released and another one will be released in a couple of days  so  all these Sounds  are unique in their own ways like I said earlier and it is very difficult to have s preference. Many of our fans have different things to say about each track that ministers more to their life circumstance.

This in itself attests to the fact that it is very hard for me to have a preference or a particular one as the best (laughs)

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW PROJECT WE SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR?

Oh yes! All glory back to the giver of gifts and sounds to bless lives . We just released 'It's by Miracle' in February which is a blessing to lives  and another New Sound  titled 'Good to Me' which will be released in a few days and we have more Sounds  before the release of  our Second  Album which will be  ready by the  end of 2021 .  Kindly tell your readers to watch out for these inspiring Sounds on all our social media platforms and digital stores . We thank God for His mercies.

ONE MESSAGE FOR YOUR FANS OUT THERE AND ASPIRING GOSPEL ARTISTS AS YOURSELF.

They should continue to pray for us and also keep subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following us on all social media platforms.

My appreciation also goes to them for their huge support all these years especially for sowing to my ministry in form of buying our CD's and Streaming our contents on digital  platforms.My huge appreciation also goes to my church members for their unflinching support, I say thank you.

For those who have the calling and are up-coming in the Gospel Music Ministry, my advice is to be  focused on their calling without distractions. God will open more doors of opportunities for them.

SARIMA CITY HANGOUT/EXHIBITION, FEBRUARY 2021 EDITION

The maiden edition of the  Sarima City Hangout/Exhibition was amazing.

The hangout which is one of the many projects of Sarima City, a Christian Organization invested in leading the world to Christ began with an opening prayer and a briefing of the Orgarnizations focus  by the pioneer, Merit Gogo-fyneface.

The Exhibition began after  a Bible talk by Dr. Lulu , a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt.

A total of thirteen vendors were in attendance such as;

@perfecto_apparenza

@imikanz_fashionhouae.

@dmadery_stylehouse

@veekiesdesigns 

@zrpphe

@joecymkoncept

@hairxcellent

@eritage.generalstore

@hairdom

@accessories_by_mara

etc

The event came to an end after a closing speech by the pioneer.

The Sarima City Hangout/Exhibition was sponsored by GIA BRIDALS  , a leading bridal dress store in Portharcourt, TECUMUS NIGERIA , the software specialists in Port Harcourt. PAMDRIVE NIGERIA also offered attendees ten percent off all rides to and from the event.

Other sponsors were AD_PORTS, the advert guru and YOLS AND J'S  FABRIC AND JEWELRY STORE.

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