Hello everyone,
First I would like to thank Khaleelah for inviting me to write a small piece on her blog. I’d also like to congratulate her on implementing an initiative that serves as a creative and safe outlet for Black women. Today, I will be speaking on spirituality and what that looks like for me.
I was raised in a Christian home, my parents took my brothers and I to church every Sunday. We prayed every night, we memorized verses which I still recite every night before I go to bed. We fasted as a family from food during special holidays such as Easter, Christmas, New Year and more. Yet, at the age of 15, I began to question my faith. I wanted to define who and what God looked like to me. I seek a personal revelation of God in my life.. I am fortunate to have two amazing individuals as parents, who are also my best friends. They allowed me to ask questions when I did not understand bible verses, concepts or scriptures. Aside from the practicality of biblical knowledge, I saw them live out their Christianity daily as parents, husband and wife, as well as individuals.
Each year as my birthday passes, I get very reflective – as of late, I have been reflecting on my relationship with God and how it has evolved over the years. He is my best friend. When I am unsure of big decisions I am faced with, ethical, romantic and professional, I sit in silence and he is there. I wait to listen and he speaks. He never steers me wrong. He speaks through the bible, yes. But, sometimes, I hear him and see him in the stillness of things, on the treadmill or when I am cooking, talking to a girlfriend on the phone. His messages are always accompanied with the spirit of peace. I am not the perfect Christian, maybe one day, by his grace I will reach that point. I am an evolving Christian, every day I find that as a woman and more importantly a Black woman in today’s society, his guidance is necessary.
If you are struggling to hear his voice or understand his plan. Do the last thing he instructed you to do and do it well, do it with excellence, for the bible says we work as though we are working unto him. Do it with cheerfulness and gratefulness, the bible also says all good things come from him so be thankful in your works, be diligent and be earnest. Most importantly, wait to hear him speak, his plans for us are good and kind, he will not lead you astray and the word says if you seek with him all of your heart, mind and strength, there will you find him.
Obianuju Orjioke was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. At the age of eight, she relocated to Australia where she finished her secondary schooling. She holds a bachelor degree in History, with a concentration in West African History where she graduated with honors. Obianuju is currently pursuing professional study, a Master’s of Science in Higher Education and Policy at the University of North Florida. She is a graduate research assistant with the College of Education.
My twitter is @astoldbykelechi