Onomewrites

February 7, 2020February 7, 2020

LOVE SO DIVINE: THE CHARA WEDDING

Hi family,

Forgive me, I know it has been a while. I have been up to a number of things; reason I’ve been AWOL.

I have got news!

Your baby girl is getting married!!!

I am about to give you all the juicy details of our love story.

HOW WE MET

I took a decision to be single until the Lord sends my man (see my book, ‘Single Without Wrinkle’, for the full details). I wasn’t ready for a relationship, I was just enjoying my waiting season. During that period, I had been praying for a job. I finally got invited for an interview in one of the companies I applied to. The D-Day came and I aced the interview. I got called to resume work on a Tuesday morning. Upon my arrival on resumption day, I was asked to wait for the HR; that was when I met Daniel.

While waiting for the HR, this handsome dark-skinned young man walked up to me and said ‘hello’ amidst smiles. Although I wasn’t friendly, he however went on to introduce himself with the smile sculpted on his face (oh! he had such a cute smile). I told him my name and mentioned I was there to see the HR.

The HR finally arrived and guess what? I got sent back home because I was wearing a jean (the tomboy in me decided to embarrass me that day). I resumed the next morning, officially dressed and who did I meet….again? Daniel! As usual, he smiled and this time around, I smiled back as I was in a better mood. I overheard him talking about a Lecrae concert and how he didn’t want to miss the programme. In the course of the conversation, he mentioned being a member of Covenant Christian Center. That was all I needed to hear as I had just recently started listening to Pastor Poju and looked forward to being under his ministration live.

I asked for his number in a bid to go to church with him on Sunday and that was how we got talking. We went to church together as planned and became good friends. We talked about the bible and sometimes prayed together, all I saw in him was a “brother”.

I don’t know how it happened but I knew I started developing feelings for my so called ‘brother.’ I rejected it. I even took it a step further by praying and fasting. I kept telling God to remove the feelings but the more I prayed, the more it grew. Eventually, I had to call my spiritual father who told me to stop fighting but surrender it back to God.

I couldn’t run away because we worked in the same company and that was also a reason why I didn’t want the feelings to grow. I didn’t want to date someone I would see every day. I started avoiding him but he would always come around. One day, he told me we needed to talk.

We agreed to meet at Coldstone creamery. That day, he said to me “Onome Omodara you are a treasure, you are like that bible passage that says a man sells all he has just to buy the treasure, but Onome I need time” I can’t forget those words. If you have read ‘There was a girl’, you will understand why those words meant a lot to me. I got home and cried. No one had ever said that to me. I had been told I am smart, beautiful, and intelligent but treasure? That hit me.

On the 2nd of May 2018, he officially asked me out. He didn’t ask me to be his girlfriend; he told me to be his wife. I was shocked and kept wondering what he saw in me. I told him to give me a month and he never pressured me. I prayed and waited for confirmation. I wasn’t ready to go through another cycle of heartbreak so I wanted to be sure.

On the 29^th of May 2018, I said yes to him because it felt so right; I was at peace. Everything the Lord had said to me during my waiting season was apt when we started dating.

Daniel was intentional about our relationship; his love for me was so obvious. He was always willing to make sacrifices. There were days I thought we would break up but he would always say to me “Onome, I am not loving you by my own strength, mine would fail but God is my strength”. Daniel has been my safe place. Challenges have come our way but this man stood by me. This man prays with me and for me. He believes in my vision. He is God sent!

THE PROPOSAL

It was my birthday and my boss had told me she was throwing a birthday dinner for me and I should invite my close friends (I was surprised but happy to have a party). The day came and I saw my sister from Ibadan at the dinner; she appeared like a thief in the night (Fam, I was surprised). My friends came around and we were really having fun.

The waiter came in and said I had a special order, I opened and it was a ring! I wanted to run away (where was I running to sef?) The man of my dreams went down one knee asking me to marry him.

It was surreal. It showed that the wait is always worth it.

I have said enough.

I interviewed my man and he has something to tell you

Enjoy

Tell us something about yourself

I am a graduate of computer science from the great Tai Solarin University of Education. Obviously I’m a Christian (smile). I am the first born from a family of four. I am passionate about Christ, my career and whatever I set my mind to do. I am a focused and purpose driven person with great leadership capacity. I see myself as a servant-leader as I enjoy taking up responsibilities irrespective of any position I am in.

At what point were you sure Onome was the one?

(Deep sigh!) Well, it’s not like I heard a voice from heaven or something “spectacular” just like the days of Adam (smile), when something is right, you just know; the spirit bears witness remember. I don’t mean to sound too spiritual but pardon me; that is my default. Like the saying goes “Opposite attracts”. Onome is a “wokilumo” kinda person to put it in English, you will always notice her when she enters a room as oppose to my kinda nature; I am a reserved person. So I saw in her a woman that together we can do great things for Christ.

Onome is outspoken without being rude and very intelligent. Since men will always look at the outward, Onome is beautiful to behold and young at heart. Above all, I saw in Onome a woman that can help “womb” a vision and birth great dreams. A woman strong in the things that I seemed to be weak in.

What makes Onome special to you as a person?

(Deep breath) Permit me to keep the details to myself (smiles). But really, when you truly love someone you may not have a “special” reason for loving him/her. You just “apape” (add them together) them. Sometimes what makes somebody special to you could be the strength they exhibit that wowed your weakness. Many ladies have done wonderful things for me but the core of who she is, outclassed them all!

How do you feel about getting married?

CAPITAL MIXED FEELINGS (laughs) but I look forward to it.

What’s your most exciting memory about her?

The one I am yet to experience with her because every moment with her is a blessing.

THE CHARA WEDDING

We decided to use the chara wedding as our hashtag because we wanted a word that depicted exactly how we felt and “JOY” was the perfect word. Chara is a Greek word that means Joy.

CONCLUSION

“He hath made everything beautiful in his time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11a)

God is very intentional and each time I look at Daniel I am just reminded of God’s love. People have asked me how I feel about getting married and all I can say is “I am grateful”. If you know my story you will understand that God is faithful.

I don’t know how you feel right now but I need you to know that God has not forgotten you. Your marriage is going to happen and it’s going to be a testimony!

I look forward to sharing your story.

You have my love.

Onome.

December 23, 2019December 23, 2019

IFY: THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE AND WEDDINGS

Her aura speaks peace, her intelligence and depth got me attracted and I asked myself “who is this girl?”. From the moment I heard her speak, I knew she had to be my friend. Ify is not your regular tech lady; she is an amazing personality. We got talking the first time we had to work on a project. The passion she puts in her career is applaudable.

I was surprised when I heard she was getting married; not because she is too young but because she was just too calm to be preparing for a wedding. I wondered what her secret was and even after her wedding, she was still glowing.

I sat down with Ify one beautiful afternoon after her honeymoon and we had a chat about her wedding preparations and the place of love in relationships.

Take a bottle of cold Fanta and sip, as we have a chat with Ify

ONOME: Tell us a little about yourself

IFY: I am Ify N. Ebelebe, a tech enthusiast. I am an individual who loves to learn and apply new skills. I am quiet when surrounded with people I’m not familiar with but jovial with close pals. I love simplicity and I also enjoy my space.

ONOME: At what point in your life did you start thinking about your marriage?

IFY: You can call me a geek but what matters to me is learning new skills and applying it, so marriage wasn’t on the table for me in my undergraduate days but after I finished school I had to ask myself what I wanted from life and while thinking about that, I knew someday I would get married. It’s safe to say I started thinking of marriage a year after my Undergraduate days.

ONOME: How did you meet your husband?

IFY: We attended the same University but never talked nor greeted. We met again during NYSC at a conference organized by NCCF. We only greeted and parted ways. Not until we met at the wedding of a University colleague, where he sat on the same table I sat with other colleagues. He cracked jokes and made everyone laugh. We got talking after the wedding and exchanged phone numbers and the rest they say is history.

ONOME: When did you become certain he was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with?

IFY: That’s a very interesting question Onome and very important. Love is very important but at the same time it is not the only thing you need to be convinced. I became certain he was the one because amidst the love his presence brought an unexplainable joy and peace and his dreams and goals align with mine.

ONOME: How did you feel the first time you were going to meet his parents?

IFY: Meeting the parents, that’s a lot. We are from different tribes so I was really nervous and also excited that he was going to meet my parents. I initially felt my parents would say no because of the tribal difference but it was a different story entirely. They love him and his own parents welcomed me with love too.

ONOME: How is it like preparing for a wedding ceremony?

IFY: Preparing for a wedding ceremony can be stressful especially when you have no event planner. I didn’t have the chance to shop during the week because of work. I only had weekends to do my shopping and planning. I tried as much as possible not to be excessive in spending since it was just going to be a day event; I could be very strict when it comes to budgeting. I stuck strictly to what I needed and nothing more. I wrote a list of all I needed in order of priority and it really helped in managing my finances.

ONOME: If you had the chance to change something about your wedding day what would it be?

IFY: My wedding day? Absolutely nothing! I had the time of my life and I was able to manage my finances well. It’s a day I can’t forget!

ONOME: What’s your advice to every bride preparing for her big day?

IFY: Spend wisely. This is very important. Don’t put your fiancé under pressure. Don’t try to please anyone because after that day you are left alone with your spouse to face the music. Cut your coat according to your cloth. Do not panic before the D-day because that day will come and pass and finally make sure you enjoy your day. Don’t allow anything to get you angry or upset. You are the bride! it’s your day, so don’t forget to smile.

ONOME: What is the place of God in marriage?

IFY: The way I see it is that He is the centre of a successful marriage. He is a very important factor and without Him, there is no successful marriage!

ONOME: What do you love about your husband?

IFY: A lot but these are on top of my list; He is neat, jovial and very caring.

ONOME: How does it feel adjusting to the new life of being married?

IFY: I see it as a learning process. It’s been fun trying new things. Adjusting is the big thing but I’m getting there but above all, it’s been an interesting ride so far; I’m really enjoying it.

ONOME: Thank you so much Ify, it’s been great talking to you. Thank you for being so real and honest.

IFY: The pleasure is mine, Onome. Thank you for having me.

CONCLUSION

“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4: 6 (NLT).

Weddings are beautiful moments that can’t be erased and at the same time, pressures would always come around but you need to stop worrying. One of the things that attracted Ify to me was that state of rest she had. For a bride who had no event planner, she felt too relaxed; but this lady just knew God would come through and He sure did. Her wedding was a massive success.

Dear couples to be, you need to plan and relax. Don’t try to please anyone. Weddings will come and go but the marriage should be your priority. Everyone would go home but your partner is all you have; so don’t lose each other while planning your big day.

Don’t forget to speak into existence what you want for your marriage, confess positive things and close your ears to all negativity. Somehow everybody has the best advice for you when you are getting married, but you need to be sensitive and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.

To everyone preparing for their big day, it’s going to be a glorious day.

He Is not into me

Have you ever wanted someone so bad but the person is not looking in your direction? Or has your love interest put you in the friend zone? I know that feeling; let me tell you my story.

I had eyes for him from afar and the first day we spoke, he said I was intelligent; this made me melt. Concentration was impossible whenever I was around him. I knew guys like him would never have anything to do with girls like me (I was first rejected by my low self-esteem). I was a nerd and a bookworm. I didn’t like parties so I was convinced he would never like me.

The first time we met, I liked him. We had a conversation on books and feminism, which led him to say I am Intelligent. He was impressed by my ability to hold an intelligent conversation, so he asked for my phone number. I knew he liked me but he was scared his friends would laugh at him if he had anything to do with me.

I desired him but we became platonic friends. I was that friend he would speak with for long hours on the phone but would avoid in public. I was quite comfortable being in the shadows; at least I was the girl he spent more than 3 hours over the phone with.

I wanted more but I only appealed to him intellectually. I was upset when he started dating a friend of mine. (She was sexy and cute; no surprise he went for her). I stopped picking his calls. I sent him a message when I found out he was with my friend but he didn’t reply to my message, so I let him be.

Some years later we reconnected and became good friends. We had both become mature and knew what we wanted from life. The problem was; my feelings were rekindled and this time it was intense. I wanted to deny my feelings but the more I tried, the stronger it became.

We had become best of friends and I didn’t want to lose the friendship, so I decided to play it cool, but deep down; I was in love. I prayed about it and heard a ‘yes’ (I actually wasn’t expecting any other answer). I started praying that God would convince him to ask me out but the prayer never got answered. I had to summon the courage to ask him.

I asked him what we were doing because we ended every phone call with “I love you” and he would call me sweet names. I needed clarity. He told me he loved me but was still praying about us.

I waited patiently but couldn’t pretend any longer. I needed to be sure where we were headed as I had no time to waste. I called one evening and told him we needed to talk. We spoke at length then he gave me the shock of my life. He said, “Bunmi, God is not saying anything about us”. I couldn’t hold back the tears. ‘What was wrong with me?’ I thought my days of singleness were behind but they just started.

I went back to God for healing. That was when I discovered it was never God’s idea but mine. I concluded on God’s behalf. It was a painful experience but looking back now, I am grateful it did not work out. We are still friends but it took me a long time to realize that we could never have worked out as a couple because our purposes do not align but I was willing to compromise because my feelings for him were so deep.

CONCLUSION

Here’s the thing; I know it hurts that he is not looking at your direction and that he sees you as a sister and a friend but you can’t force a man to love you! If he is meant to be yours, he will come around. You have to trust God to give you the best you deserve.

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3: 11) NLT.

A lot of times we are in a hurry and we allow impatience to fuel our desires and influence our decisions but we have to be patient to get the best. I understand that you like him. He makes your heart skip when he is around and you can’t control your emotions. My sister, you need to relax.

There is time for everything. Relationships are way beyond butterflies in the belly. The one God has for you is always worth the wait. You don’t have to embarrass yourself and make stupid decisions to make a man love you.

You can’t force relationships; it has to happen naturally. You need to stop worrying your head about the how and the when. Let God write your love story because He has your best interest at heart and He loves you so much so, you can be rest assured he will give you the best.

I know it hurts, but you have to let him go so you can embrace God’s best for you. Begin your healing process and allow God to give you the best at the right time.

RELATED: GOD, WHEN?

I look forward to sharing your love story!

Your friend and sister,

Onome Omodara

October 10, 2019October 10, 2019

RELATIONSHIP WAS MY IDOL

Hi fam,

Forgive me for taking a break. I know it has been a while but I can assure you that it is all for good. I have been learning, unlearning and relearning but thank you for sticking with me and cheering me on. You are more than amazing.

There was a time in my life when I made relationship my idol. I longed for closure. I irrationally hoped that a man would love me with all my baggage. I was not interested in making any attempt at self-development. All that mattered to me was being in a relationship. Hence, I became desperately obsessed.

I was told that God is the answer, so I intensified my prayers; in hopes that God would bring me a good man. Perhaps if I became a good Christian, I would attract a good man. This became my idol. I was desperately aching for a genuine relationship but I was the obstacle.

I had a lot of issues I needed to deal with. I had secrets I was not ready to share or come to terms with; rather, I expected a good man to show up like a knight in shining armour and fix my problems by the wave of his sword.

I was tired of making mistakes. I was tired of being broken and dejected. Coming to God meant I had to stop idolizing relationships and allow Him be my lover and best friend.

May I be completely honest with you???

Letting go was hard but I knew without a doubt, that God loves me. I had to come to the realization that I was idolizing relationships. I was overwhelmed with the need to be in a relationship that I had forgotten how to be single. I had forgotten how to live.

The day I handed over my relationship to God, I knew I had come to a place of rest. I was at peace with myself and my status. I became genuinely happy for my friends who were getting engaged or married.

GOD, WHEN?

Writing for me is beyond a hobby. It gives me great pleasure and more so fulfilling when people send me feedback about how my writing has helped them. However, there were times when I did not feel like writing. What happens when the one major thing that makes me happy feels like a strange place?

These past few weeks have been quite challenging. I was dealing with a major writer’s block and not just that; nothing made sense to me. I felt like I was running on an empty tank and it became crazier when I couldn’t even pray.

The fact that God loves me was not in doubt but then, it felt like He was so far. I could feel Him all around but I needed more than just a feeling. I had a lot of questions to ask and I knew He had so much to say to me but I wasn’t ready to listen.

It’s in all of these I got to understand, that God surrounds us with the best people. While I was being so grumpy and angry, my significant other just decided to be so patient. He listened as I kept ranting. His presence is a deep assurance of God’s love.

If God could give me this man, then He surely loves me. Even in the midst of love and pampering, there was a vacuum that nobody could fill. There was a longing in my heart that needed satisfaction.

The journey felt so long and I was getting tired. The truth is, I felt like I was becoming invisible and because I had writer’s block I felt I was not functioning in purpose anymore but what I forgot was that God had to take me through a process and I must be willing to wait.

It wasn’t until I found my way back to the father; the one whose arms are always open wide to welcome me home in love, the one who would never give up on me. I cried my eyes out as I asked him to fill the longing in my heart, I asked him for strength because my own strength had failed.

I don’t know what your own story is, I don’t know the pains you are feeling right now. Yours might be a loss or a big failure and just like me you have been seeing God doing it for others and you are asking the same question “God, when?” “When will you answer me?”

CONCLUSION

“Be strong. Take courage. Do not be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; He won’t leave you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) MSG.

Your waiting season is like being in the wilderness; it is not going to last forever. In the middle of the storm, God is right there with you. He has promised not to let you down and you can count on Him not to fail you.

When you decide to leave your challenges at the feet of the father, He will give you peace that passes all understanding. It was after I had cried out to the father that I found peace. I am at this phase of my life, where I am at peace in spite of all that is going on around me because I am certain that the father would always come through.

I listened to a sermon that helped my faith and strength. I believe it’s going to be of great help to you too. It is by Pastor Mike Todd. The title is Peace under Pressure.

Press play and listen

You are not alone and you will come out of this stronger and better.

I love you!