I was flogged by my father for doing music – Wizkid
I got pregnant at 17, during my secondary school days – Genevieve Nnaji
I didn't even complete my university education – Bill Gates
I once sold plantain – Inetimi Odon (Timaya)
I used to serve tea at a shop to support my football training – Lionel Messi
I slept under the bridge in Lagos – Ramsey Noah
I sold rat poison – Patrick Okorie (Patoranking)
I was an unwanted baby, my mother almost aborted me – Cristiano Ronaldo
I was formerly a maid – Mercy Johnson
My family was so poor that even poor people called us poor – Pastor E.A. Adeboye
I was once a bus conductor – Atunyota Akpobome (Ali Baba)
When I remember my past, it was poverty. When I pass on the road, people usually laugh at me – Duncan Mighty
I was in the university for 9 years – Ayo Makun (AY)
I was a school dropout – Mark Zuckerberg
I grew up in a slum at Ajegunle – John Asiemo (Daddy Showkey)
I begged for a chance to perform on stage for free for just 5 minutes, but I wasn't given the chance – Francis Agoda (I Go Dye)
I once had no shoes – Goodluck Jonathan
I was rejected from birth by my father because he didn't want a girl – Chika Ike
I got pregnant when I was in SS3 and was banned from singing in church choir – Aituaje Iruobe (Waje)
My family was the poorest in my village; I sold firewood, I was a butcher and also a hairdresser – John Okafor (Mr Ibu)

---

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
Life will always give you 1,001 reasons to give up, but please don’t.
Keep your head up, guard your peace, and stay joyful.

GOD can convert:
Discomforts Comforts
Pains Gains
Story Glory
Shame Fame
Losses Profits
Tears Smiles
Sorrows Joy
Debts Credits
Mess Message
Foes Friends
Dreams Realities

Just Believe in God.
#FromGrassToGrace #DontGiveUp #YourStoryIsValid #GodIsAble #KeepPushing #MotivationMonday #BelieveInYourself #Inspiration #RealLifeStories #AgainstAllOdds #GodDid #DestinyChanger #PurposeDriven #YouCanMakeIt #FaithOverFear #BetterDaysAhead #TestimonyLoading

“Daddy, your blood pressure is not spiritual. It’s swallow.”
Obiageli had never shouted at her father before.
But that day, she did.
The third time he slumped.
It started quietly.
He would wake up in the morning holding the side of his head.
“This my BP is high again,” he’d say.
“Maybe it’s because of the stress… or the weather… or the landlord that came yesterday.”
And every time, he would reach for his drawer and bring out the Amlodipine.
Swallow it with water. Rub his chest. Sit quietly for a while.
Then he’d go back to eating his usual:
—White rice.
—White bread.
—3-4 wraps of Fufu with egusi.
—No vegetable. No fiber. No fish. No protein.
—Just carbs, oil, and excuses.
Obiageli had tried to talk to him before.
“Daddy, this your daily bread is killing you.”
“Leave me, you that studied food, do you know how long I’ve lived?”
“It’s not the food. It’s this hard country. It’s our bloodline.”
He would say his own father had high blood pressure.
And his grandfather before that.
So he just accepted it as fate.
But fate came with hospital bills and fatigue and ringing in the ears and a BP machine that was now permanently on the dining table.
The day it got real was the day he slumped in the kitchen.
Not fainted. Slumped.
Eyes open. Hands shaking. Mouth drooping slightly.
Obiageli froze. Then screamed.
Neighbours ran in.
They rushed him to the hospital.
BP: 198/112.
Doctor said: “If you didn’t bring him in time, he would have entered stroke. A full one.”
And even then… when he woke up, the man still asked for rice and stew.
That’s when Obiageli snapped.
“Daddy, your BP is not hereditary.
It’s not that old woman that doesn’t greet you.
It’s not the village.
It’s the plate you keep piling with rice and meat and nothing else.
It’s your body trying to shout louder than your excuses.”
He looked at her. Quiet. Tired. Confused.
“Then what do I eat, Obiageli? You want me to starve?”
She softened. Held his hand.
“No, Daddy. I want you to live.
I want you to walk me down the aisle.
I want you to hold your grandchildren.
I want you to stop making your blood fight every time you swallow eba.”
She taught him.
That it’s not salt that is killing Nigerians.
It’s swallow 3 times a day.
It’s processed carbs without protein.
It’s bread, biscuit, malt, sugar, repeat.
She told him the truth:
—Insulin is what’s causing the pressure.
—High carb = high insulin = high fluid retention = blood vessels under siege.
—It’s not prayer-resistant. It’s food-provoked.
And for the first time… he listened.
Three Months Later
He walks more now.
He eats eggs. Vegetables. Protein. He fasts.
He doesn’t wake up dizzy anymore.
The BP machine is still on the table — but it reads 128/82 now.
And sometimes he tells the neighbours:
“My daughter saved my life. Not with drugs. With knowledge.”
Obiageli’s Final Words?
If your father is still blaming stress for his high blood pressure,
If your mother still thinks rice is harmless,
If your uncle is swallowing medication but never fixing his food…
You better speak up.
Because stroke doesn’t care who you’re praying to.
But food?
Food will either destroy or deliver.
Don’t wait till your loved one slumps.
Don’t wait till your own BP machine becomes furniture.

*A KIDNAPPING DEN*

One day while John was driving his car on a dilapidated road to his village in Enugu, four men with guns came out from the bush and shouted at him to stop. John quickly obeyed them and held up his hands at gunpoint.

They took him into a solitary place in the forest, where there were wild animals and lizards; where flies were buzzing, birds and butterflies fluttering in the air. The five men trekked in the forest for two hours. John's left sandal got cut from long walk.

Then a tall black man appeared to meet them; he was the leader of the kidnappers. His men handed John over to him and went away. John stayed in their den for eight days and nights without water or food.

The amount the kidnappers demanded for John's release was 50m naira. The negotiation was still going on when the mask their boss wore mistakenly fell out. John saw his face, recognized him and called his name! Both of them stared fixedly at each other. The man was juniour staff, who worked under John in a finance office before he retired from government service!

"What're you doing here, sir?" the leader of the kidnappers asked John in surprise.

"I'm from this place," John replied.

"Oh no! You don't mean it! Your people are very wicked!" the man exclaimed.

The leader of the gang was a Boko Haram member from Kogi State. He was hired for the business by John's younger cousin whom he trained in the university.

"Do you know this name . . . ?" The kidnapper mentioned the name of John's cousin and showed him his phone number. Both of them had the same surname.

The kidnapper dropped his AK47 on the ground, knelt down before John and promised that nobody would harm him. He took John's phone, searched through it and saw a video showing where some Boko Haram men were punishing their victims.

"From where did you get this video?" He asked John.

"I got it from my WhatsApp group," he replied.

"Look at me in the video. I was with my colleagues in Katsina forest, carrying out an operation there. Please, sir, I'll take this your phone."

John said, "Okay."

"Your brother asked us to collect 50m naira from you. If you refuse to pay it, we should kill you. But, as long as I'm concerned, nothing will happen to you. I remember how good you were to me, Oga. Will you be able to get 5m naira?" He asked.

John promised that he would try.

The kidnapper then gave John his phone and asked him to call his people to gather the 5m naira immediately. That was on the ninth day John was with the kidnappers in the forest.

Much later on, the 5m naira was brought to the kidnappers. They handed it over to their boss. The latter collected John's mobile phone, with the _SIM cards_ inside it, and said his farewells and left.

John walked quickly away and entered the vehicle that was used to bring the money. He was carried home to meet his people who had gathered to welcome him.

QUESTIONS:
*°* Who was the person that planned and arranged for John's kidnap?
*°* Who was the person that saved John's life?
*°* Explain why John was not killed.

_I leave you to answer the questions._

*--------------------*
*~ 'LEXIS N. O.*

Mahmuda Terrorists Strike Again In Kwara, Slaughter Resident, Others Feared Abducted

Terrorists suspected to be members of the Mahmuda sect have attacked Kemanji Village in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The attackers slaughtered one person and reportedly abducted an unknown number of residents.

If she does not *cum* in 30 minutes my bro feel free to *cum* women have this habit of *cumming* late everywhere, even to church and village meetings . My brother it's no longer your fault oooo....

10 WAYS TO AVOID CHEATING ON YOUR PARTNER

Over the past week, issues about cheating has been on discus. People are discussing and arguing about the best way to treat their cheating partners. Some said, to divorce, others said, to cheat back and some are of the opinion that forgiveness is the best option.

There's a saying that, "Prevention is better and cheaper than cure". So, it's better to avoid and prevent cheating on your partner than to start looking for a way to handle cheating.

Many people have cheated on their partners unintentionally. They don't want to cheat but they fell into it unintentionally because they were careless and failed to be on the lookout.

1. Decide That You Will Not Cheat

Until you decide to do or not do something, you haven't started. Decision is the starting point of all achievements. Without decision nothing can be done. So, you must make this decision.

Even before you marry, you will have to make this decision that you are not going to cheat on your partner no matter what. Daniel in the land of Babylon purposed in his heart, he decided that he won't defile himself with the king's food. So, you too must decide not to cheat on your partner(Daniel 1:8).

2. Shut Your Eyes

After you got married or entered a relationship, you will keep seeing people more beautiful, handsome, richer, endowed and romantic than your partner and if your eyes are still open, the chances are high that you will cheat.

As a guy, shut your eyes against any other lady than your woman. As a lady, shut your eyes off every other man. King David saw a man's wife bathing and he lost all his senses. He slept with the woman and even kill the woman's husband! Close your eyes and look away(see 2 Sam 11:1-12; Job 31:1)

3. Avoid Sharing Your Problems With The Opposite Sex For Pity And Sympathy.

When I was in the village, there was this woman that was an expert in sharing her problems with the aim of securing pity and sympathy from people and as well as cash. Whenever you see her, expect one complain or another.

So, avoid sharing your problems with others especially the opposite sex for pity or sympathy. If it's not solution you're looking for, avoid the sharing stuff. Problems have a way of bonding people. You will become emotionally entangled.

4. Avoid Too Much Play With The Opposite Sex

Cheating doesn't just happen, it starts little by little. Little play here and little play with the opposite sex and before you know it, emotions are developing to the point it becomes uncontrollable.

Playing with the opposite sex while you're married or have a partner that you are in a relationship with is like when a lion and a goat is playing. You know what that means. Oga, that girl that whenever you see her, chemical reaction begins to take place in your body, the early you avoid her the better, the same is applicable to you, madam. You can't walk on fire and won't get burnt!

5. Limit Communication With The Opposite Sex

Communication is the blood of relationship, without communication relationship suffers. Communication fosters intimacy and understanding in a relationship. It keeps the fire burning.

So, limit communication with the opposite sex. When you don't have something really important to discus, avoid all those unnecessary discussions. It will lead to something else.

6. Be Committed And Devoted To Your Partner

When you're committed and devoted to something, you will have little or no time for something else, it will take your time, energy and resources. So, be committed and devoted to your partner.

When you're committed and devoted to your partner, you will have little or no time for someone else, you'll have time for your partner. Be Committed and devoted.

7. Think About The Consequences

As a married woman, what do you think will happen if your husband should catch you while you're sleeping with another man? Ask yourself the same question as a man, what will happen if your woman should catch you cheating on her? Think about it.

Also, think about the effect your cheating will have on your partner. Think about how heartbroken, devastated and traumatized your partner will be. Think about the lost of trust and confidence your partner will have for you.

Cheating can end your marriage. It can make your partner to commit suicide. You will lose the trust, love and confidence of your partner. Does cheating really worth all these? Think about it.

8. Avoid The Company Of Those That Don't Value Fidelity.

Proverbs 13:20 says that, when you follow the wise, you'll become wise and when you will follow fools, you shall be destroyed. Who you follow determines what follows you. Who you company with determines what accompanies you.

So, avoid the company of those that are not faithful to their partners, avoid those that don't respect their marital vows and and the sacredness of marriage. It's just a matter of time before you join them. Bad company corrupts good character.

9. Value What You Have

When you don't value what you have, you will treat and abuse it. When you don't have value and respect for your partner, you will cheat on the person. What you value, you cherish, guide, protect and care for.

If you value your partner, you will cherish him or her, you will care about his or her feelings. Place a premium value on your partner.

10. Love Your Partner

Love is a strong force that can either compel you to do or not to do something. When you truly love your partner, you won't like to cheat on him or her. The love will constrain you from doing such(see 2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

Remember : Let me stop here. If really you are serious about being a faithful partner, with these 10 points you are good to go. God bless us all.

This how we grow up in our village

*OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

*DATE: SUNDAY, JULY 13TH, 2025*

*THEME: HELPMEET INDEED 1*

*MEMORISE:*
*“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” - (Proverbs 31:11)*

*READ: Proverbs 31:10-31 (KJV)*

10. Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

11. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.

12. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.

13. She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.

14. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.

15. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.

16. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.

17. She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.

18. She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.

19. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.

20. She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

21. She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

22. She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.

24. She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.

25. Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.

26. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

27. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.

28. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:

29. "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all."

30. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

*MESSAGE:*

A helpmeet is a wife who complements and supports her husband to fulfil God's purpose for their lives even when it is not convenient.

God ordained marriage as an institution where a wife helps her husband instead of competing with him, as the world paints it today. Just as the individuals in a team cannot compete against their teammates and expect to win, couples who compete against each other should not expect a successful marriage. A house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25). A husband and his wife are one and should work together as a team to achieve success in their marriage and in life (Mark 10:7-8)

Some highly successful women have allowed pride into their hearts such that they stop submitting to their husbands. Up until today, my wife cooks my meals. When the situation permits, she irons my clothes, and I iron hers too. When I was a teacher, and we were living in a remote location, she used to cut my hair. Just like the virtuous woman's husband in today's Bible reading, my heart safely trusts in her. She is never too busy to help me, and she upholds anything I uphold.

I remember when we were building the Mount Carmel Prayer Village. It was a massive project, but I went there only thrice - the day the foundation laying ceremony was done, the day I decided to take my grandchildren there, and the day the completed project was dedicated. Throughout the duration of the construction, my wife supervised the project diligently - that is a helpmeet indeed! She is always willing to go through the necessary rigours to see that I achieve my goal. She has stood by me through thick and thin, which is why she has full access to everything God blesses me with. When a responsible man has a true helpmeet as a wife, he'll go the extra mile to protect her and make her comfortable and happy. I often say that a fellow can slap me, and I'll turn the other cheek, but if anyone touches my wife, such a fellow will have my God, the Consuming Fire, to contend with.

As a wife, can your husband rely on you? You must be able to make up for his weaknesses, celebrate his successes, and be his number one cheerleader. If you are a man that has a helpmeet indeed by his side, you must nourish and cherish her. She is a priceless gem and must be treated as one.

*PRAYER POINT:*
Today is my wife's birthday, please join me to pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen and uphold her.

*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:*
Song of Solomon 1-4

*AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE*

*HYMN 24 - I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS*

1. I want to be like Jesus,
So lowly and so meek;
For no one mark'd an angry word,
That ever heard Him speak.

2. I want to be like Jesus,
So frequently in prayer;
Alone upon the mountain top,
He met his Father there.

3. I want to be like Jesus,
I never, never find
That He, though persecuted was
To any one unkind.

4. I want to be like Jesus,
Engaged in doing good;
So that of me it may be said
"He hath done what he could."

5. I want to be like Jesus,
Who sweetly said to all,
"Let little children come to Me;"
I would obey the call.

6. But oh I'm not like Jesus,
As any one may see;
O gentle Saviour, send Thy grace,
And make me like to Thee.

“In 1968, when I wanted to marry, I didn’t have money for a ring, suit, or big party. Life was not easy then, but I knew what I wanted.

There was this beautiful girl I liked. I didn’t waste time. I went to the market, bought a strong, healthy goat, carried it on my head, and walked all the way to her village.

That goat was my own engagement ring. When I reached their compound, I met her father and said, “Sir, I want to marry your daughter.” He looked at the goat, then looked at me and smiled. He said, “This one is serious husband material.”

That day, I didn’t kneel down or take pictures. No camera, no Instagram, no drama. Just a goat, respect, and boldness.

That girl later became my wife. We built a home with love, patience, and hard work — not filters and fake lifestyle and it's been 57 years.

Young people today, you think love is about flowers and trips to Dubai. Sometimes, it's about sacrifice and being responsible.

— Pete Edochie

If you visit my village, people will tell you they support Peter Obi simply because I mentioned he’s a Christian — Babachir Lawal https://phoenix-browser.com/Jg40LHQeX6d