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"KEVIN I NO GET". WHAT THE VALLEY TAUGHT ME

 


Yesterday, it felt very humbling, yet strangely satisfying, to be vulnerable.

I honestly cannot remember the last time someone asked me for a small cash favour of about ₦20,000 and I couldn't respond almost immediately. Even when I forgot to send the money, it was usually because I got caught up with work.

But yesterday, I looked at my friend and simply said:

“Kevin, I no get.”

I don't know what he saw in my eyes, but instead of brushing it aside, he started asking questions to make sure I was alright.

And sincerely, I am.

In more than 15 years, I don't think I have ever been at this particular point. Yet, strangely, I am writing about it because it felt good to be vulnerable.

It reminded me of many years ago, when I could barely afford transport to some of the places I wanted to go.

Those days taught me something about friendship.

A lot of the people I hung out with then were genuine. We didn't love or respect one another because of what we had in our bank accounts. We valued each other because of what we carried: our ideas, our thoughts, our dreams, our visions, HOW CAN I FORGET MUSIC 😆 and our conversations about how to make those visions fly.

Yesterday reminded me of that.

Kevin didn't suddenly remember an urgent phone call because the ₦20,000 he needed wasn't coming from me. 😂

He stayed.

He sat with me, genuinely concerned, until he was satisfied that my inability to give him ₦20,000 wasn't troubling me.

And truly, it wasn't.

Interestingly, just a few days earlier, during my devotion on the YouVersion Bible App, I came across a reflection on humility.

The lady described humility as having a deep sense of one's moral littleness.

She went further to explain that the longer we walk with Jesus, the easier it can become to fall into the trap of feeling spiritually accomplished. Yet humility requires us to remain honest about who we are and how completely dependent we remain on God.

That thought stayed with me.

Perhaps humility is not only about refusing to boast when things are going well.

Perhaps there is also humility in being able to say:

“I don't have it right now.”

No unnecessary packaging.

No pretending.

No borrowing ₦20,000 somewhere else just so Kevin would continue to think Chuka always has ₦20,000 to give. 😂

I have never really known how to behave in this kind of season, especially because I know that nothing terrible or reckless brought me here.

But being at this point, particularly yesterday, forced me to think.

It made me think seriously about what I need to build, change and execute so that, God willing, I never have to tell Kevin, “I no get ₦20k” again for as long as I live.

I have some plans.

I pray they work.

At least, the season also came with some benefits. 😂

I stayed in my house for a very long time, drank plenty of tea, read plenty of books and didn't have to worry about encountering anybody on the road who would suddenly ask me:

“Do you know who I am?” 😂

But beneath the humour, there is something I am genuinely grateful for.

I got to spend some time with God in the valley.

And there was so much to learn there.

Sometimes, the valley reminds you who your real friends are.

Sometimes, it strips away the packaging.

Sometimes, it forces you to confront yourself.

And sometimes, it gives you the hunger to climb again.

So, my people, as you enjoy your weekend, please remember your brother. 😂

I look forward to your printing and publishing jobs, as well as your office supplies and procurement requests.

Bring the deals before Sapa will finish person. 😂

But whatever season you are in today, don't be too ashamed to admit where you are.

There may be something God wants to teach you there.

I am grateful for my little time with God in the valley.

Now, we climb.

Enjoy your weekend.

#askchuka

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Location: Lagos, Nigeria

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