Last weekend, I attended the Life Series Event by Ibukun Awosika (North America Edition) and It was phenomenal. I rarely “fan girl” – but after sitting under Mrs Ibukun Awosika for a couple of hours and listening to her life experiences and successes; It reminded me why self development is very important. Why Foundational work matters. I admired the freedom I perceived she had in Christ. She is a very much grounded woman. Clearly, she partnered with God and did “the work/doing the work”!

We are born into this world in different circumstances and maybe even with different opportunities and chances – but you see that work on inner self? It is on you. Pretty much my whole life’s mission nowadays. Invest in yourself, understand who you are, your gifts, your inspiration, your life’s value and purpose – so that you are not roaming about, letting life happen to you, serving your precious valuable self to just any Tom, Dick and Harry . Your life very much depends on your knowing who you are. Everything circles back to this one truth.

I took a lot of notes on the day. It’s been a while someone ignited in me and fired me up – some of the things I heard strengthened my conviction and disposition of the last two years. “When you wake up, it is truly your morning” – Never get mad about failures, mistakes, detours – Just be thankful that you are awake when you learn better and when you do know better. We are in the information age, it is not anyone’s fault if you do not take advantage of it. Read your bible, read books, listen to Podcasts. Follow who know road but with Godly caution. Here goes our scripture this week from another POV. Bet, you already know it!

“ Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” – Romans 12:2

Worldly Patterns can also come in form of traditions, culture, herd mentality, people’s opinions of you including even church norms that are not grounded in biblical wisdom. Inherited beliefs fall in this category as well – and dare I say “popular takes” from your favourite spiritual leaders. Men at best are men. When the scripture admonishes us to be transformed and to renew our minds, It’s also asking that when we do take in information, we filter it with the word of God. And this is why it is important that you have a personal relationship with God, so that he is the one “Oking” your thought patterns, your choices, your decision making and general disposition in life. Otherwise every time you meet new people, go to new places, hit difficult seasons, you get stuck in limiting cycles.

We are not all called to be the same, do the same things and react to life in the same way: but we are all called to find out our life’s mission & purpose and then to fulfill it. My challenge question to you this week, as I was challenged at the event last week – Who have you been called to be? Are you being true to yourself? Do you pause to take stock of your life? What are your joys? your passions, your gifts? Are you moving in that direction? Not the plans your parents have for you. Not the ones your pastor has for you. Not the ones your friends have for you. The Ones God has for you!

In the words of Mrs Ibukun Awosika – “Whenever you are awake, it is your morning. To thy self be true”.

Friend, Let’s not allow life go through us. Let’s be Intentional about this One life we get to live. And it starts with our daily choices and our moment to moment decisions.