L.I.F.E

No one knows where the future lies,

No one knows what tomorrow holds,

Nobody knows what time they will die,

But long life and prosperity, is what we all hope.

Life is a struggle, Life is a race,

From start to finish, we try to keep up pace,

Life can be merciless and or full of grace,

But where there’s a will, there’s always a way.

Fulfillment lies not in possessions but in the impact made,

The decisions taken and the legacies laid;

For behind every hero’s glory is an untold story,

Life is a teacher, we live and we learn.

The only thing we can be certain of,

The day when the music finally stops,

When our heartbeats cease and we are no more,

Our final rest… lasting forever more.

For one thing we can be sure,

Death comes but once and then, Never again.

Leave an Impact for Eternity,

Imprint your name on the sands of time.

#BringBackOurGirls

        

Well over 200 young Nigerian girls were abducted by the Boko Haram sect on the 14^th of April 2014; and still are yet to be rescued despite the ongoing efforts of the federal and state governments, the Nigerian military... with assistance from foreign countries such as the U.S, U.K, France and China already been deployed to the country.

Whilst many have chosen to remain insensitive to the seriousness of the issue at hand by cracking jokes, stereotyping the Islamic folks and pointing accusing fingers here and there, others have embarked on numerous campaigns, ranging from social media to blogs and street protests to express their discontent and or to plead with the federal government to intensify efforts to bring home our daughters and sisters safely.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN: UNDERMINING THE EFFECTIVE USE

Since the abduction, #BringBackOurGirls, #TheChibokGirls have been trending topics worldwide on Twitter, Google+ and a number of other social media, with a massive number of users expressing disgust/dissatisfaction over the slow response of the Nigerian government and calling for different kinds of aid from across the globe to speed up the rescue operation.

Celebrities and renowned individuals of society however have not failed to contribute their quota by lending a voice to the #BringBackOurGirls social media campaigns by expressing their concerns and calling for the release of our girls.

Although it is saddening that it took 14days for a majority of Nigerians to understand the severity of the situation and react to the abduction, the outcry by many has definitely sparked a global response which has in turn played a vital role in the offer of assistance by foreign countries and also the acceptance by the Nigerian government.

Truly, the whole world is singing one song: #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS.

I was listening to a local radio show sometime last week when I heard an OAP say “Tweeting BRING BACK OUR GIRLS would not get the girls back home.” He went on and on, talking about how we needed to “act” to get these girls back home.

I sincerely still do not understand what he meant by “act” (as presently in Nigeria, there are street protests in a majority of the 36 states, ongoing prayers and vigils by churches and mosques, Every television and radio station seems to be talking about the rescue of these girls… all in a bid to ensure they are brought back safely).

Sometime in 2012, a young lady who was diagnosed with cancer needed a certain amount of money to undergo an operation termed her only shot at living; with the aid of her fellow countrymen using a particular social media, she was able to acquire the required funds and today she lives amongst us. Although, the social media did not on its own provide the required funds, it however provided a platform to voice out and an audience to listen and “act.”

My point is, we cannot all march into the sambisa forest to rescue these girls (even if we were certain of their exact location), we can only express our concern over the issue and reach out to the authorities in charge through whatever means we have. However, for those who say or think that social media is useless in this situation, the question is; what efforts have you made to ensure the girls are brought home safely?

I would also like to use this medium to charge the federal government to intensify efforts to rescue our girls. I urge all officers in charge of the ongoing rescue operation to do all that they can to bring back our girls. The security and welfare of the people should be government’s utmost priority. It has been well over a month since the abduction and I can only imagine the trauma the young girls are going through and the stigma they might have to live with in the aftermath.

-          LIVE RESPONSIBLY

-          SAY NO TO CORRUPTION (Because corruption is one of the fathers of violence)

-          SAY NO TO TERRORISM

-          SAY NO TO VIOLENCE

#BRINGBACKOURGIRLS  

NOT JUST - A POEM

Not the jar, but the water in it we drink,

Not the bulb, but the filament in it that glows,

Not the TV set, but the images transmitted we watch,

Not the expensive watch, but the time it tells we need.

Not the number of bank accounts, but the amount of money in them,

Not the bodywork of a car, but the performance of its engine,

Not the caliber of mobile phone, but the SIM card that enables it function,

Not the level of education, but the level of impact made.

 Not the outward appearance, not just the physical sight,

Not how pretty, but what you carry on the inside,

Not the number of fans but your ability to reach out,

Not the hurdles, but your zeal to get to the finish line.

Not where you were born, but whose son you truly are,

Not where you started from, but where your destination lies,

Not the diversity of talent, but how well they are utilized,

Not a poem, just sharing a few thoughts of mine.

Not you/me/him/her or they, but US,

Not I alone, but WE.

MY HERO'S HERO

I choose to celebrate the life you lived,
I choose to give thanks for everything.
You sat and watched my mother's infant head,
raised and taught her to be the best.

You instilled in me, a culture of respect
and taught me to tell stories in mummy's dialect.
Every time you came around, the atmosphere became cool
You were loving, compassionate and so gentle.

If Christ was a lady, He had to be you.
You displayed kindness to the ugly, the bad and the good.
The life you lived, utterly worthy of emulation
You loved all, regardless of tribal differences and segregation.

Dear God, thank you for giving me a wonderful grandmother.
Thank you again for helping her raise the best mother.
Thank you for a life well spent,
Thank you for everything.

I would have loved her to carry my kids
and perhaps my kids' kids
But, she's gone back to her maker
and I know Heaven's a better place.

I would miss how you never forgot to give me meat after you finished eating though.

Once again, I celebrate the life that you have lived,
Mrs Patience Adolie Ogbor,
Till we meet again to part no more.

REST IN PEACE grandma. I LOVE YOU.

MY WORST NIGHTMARE

Imagine how men debate to whatever extent, do anything to protect the prestige and image of the football clubs they support? How ladies are so obsessed with fashion and the latest trends and how they invest so much time in trying to get the perfect look? The time they spend in trying to get 'The perfect Display Photo' ?
I mean, you need to see how passionate and zealous my sister gets when it's time to take photos and, she never stops until she gets the EXACT look she craves.

Once upon a time, I was ill with neither money in my pocket nor food on my table (I had nothing in my system all day) but as 2pm drew nigh on that Sunday, out of the blues I realized money, not to feed myself or procure medical pastilles to help improve my health but money to watch the Liverpool Vs Manchester City game.
Ever watched two young men argue football? We do this like our lives depended on it (just for the passion and without getting paid) i.e If I'm for the notion that Derby county is a better footballing side than Real Madrid, there's no convincing me otherwise. I will argue to whatsoever length and go as far as stating FACT that really do not exist.
Then, I ask myself, so much energy we channel into these things. What if, we put in the same amount of energy and time into either of our religious life, academics or workplace? How much results would be yielded?

I've been privileged to encounter numerous brutal assaults on football lovers by fellow football fans, the very first of which had me thinking like 'okay, there must be more to football than meets the eye.' But then, It is just football.
There are so many things I would do, extreme lengths I would go to protect the image of the football team I support but then, would i invest this much energy in my academics, workplace or religious life ???

April 2008, was it?  'stamford bridge is falling down, up Liverpool.' Liverpool supporters of command secondary school Lagos kept chanting. It was the semi-finals of the prestigious UEFA champions league. Indeed, we hoped the then firing Liverpool team would take the game to the bridge and defeat their English rivals (Chelsea FC) but, at the end of 90minutes, it would be Chelsea FC's Jose Mourinho coached side progressing to the finals of the league.
My heart sank, I went down to the ground in tears, disappointment and heartbreak written all over me. I couldn't handle the hurt and stayed up all night sobbing because of one football match.

My Liverpool had failed me...


Such passion, zeal, dedication and sacrifice all for a game of football... I don't know how it happens, but, every time we (Liverpool)  suffer a loss, my heart sinks.

I want so bad to invest this much time, make as many sacrifices and dedicate myself utterly to the things that matter the most and to love and serve my maker unconditionally. Why does it seem so hard? I tried, I am trying and I will keep trying.

You all have read, now it's time to tell... My worst nightmare, SERVING GOD AND ENDING UP IN HELL.

THE STRANGER

I'm lost in my very thoughts

The battle i never really fought

The emotions instantaneously caught

Your warmth and sweet words, i all bought

Out of the blues and in my coldest hours,

You turned up and hit the hot shower,

Took away my pain and gave me the much needed power

To overcome my shame and design a brand new manual.

When I believed I had no choice, You gave me two.

In difficult times, you helped see me through

At times when i was losing it, you fit my lose screws

All these you did, even though i wasn't your baby boo.

You walked with me in my loneliest times,

Lent me a shoulder when i needed to cry,

Turned my biggest frowns into effortless smiles

Stayed with me through my journey of a thousand miles.

Once upon a time, You were but just a stranger,

Anonymous to me like so many others

But you came to my rescue in a time of danger

And when i fell prey, you knocked out my hunters.

How can i ever begin to express my gratitude

Or repay your kind, patient and loving attitude

But to open the gates of my heart

And to carry yours in mine always.

How happy could i get, After the first time we both met,

A stranger has stolen my heart, in a way not many others can

As long as you guide it forever in your heart, I really do NOT want it back.

MY LOVE IS FOREVER

Console me not, let me cry out,
Let me bleed and let the pain out.

I tried so hard to tell myself otherwise,
Cooked up a fairytale and Believed in my lies.

Only now i realize, this love is not mine
I have to let go, the things i cannot have.

But, i wish to love you yet again in another life,
Treat you better and learn to love you right

Your love has slapped me in the face,
Restrained me to the bottom of the race.

But, my love for you would never cease,
For i believe in my heart
The memories we shared were pure and true.

THIS IS LOVE... THE KIND THAT NEVER GIVES UP!

X and O

A little poem from a broken heart to a once special person.
Oh!  How time flies
How supposed truths become lies
How fierce emotions gradually die
How lovers are too quick to say goodbye
Beautiful memories turn into regrets
Pleas & apologies all fall on rejects
Once upon a time, we were a Romeo & Juliet
But now, you'd rather I take the bullet
Not long ago, it was all about me
None other mattered, only I was key
In my heart, you were always here
Even in trying times, you were forever near
One silly mistake and then another
Ranging from being Fumy to sunnier
But I tried to clear the atmosphere and bother
Made you understand that there was none other
Tossed into a den of lions filled with Martinis
But stuck together still despite hangovers and difficulties
The little time spent felt like forever
The beauty of having you and I together
Lots of X-factors aimed at separating us
But in all of this, we stood victorious
All in a flash, my motivation gone
I'm left nude, like a BB without a pouch
I couldn't paint you a Monalisa
But I cherished you as a brother does his sister.
I have no regrets in my heart
Of time spent with you who was my heart.
But all i plead and ask,
Bury whatever hatchet between us
And let sleeping dogs lie.
Once upon a time, you were my X and i was your O.

DEAR READERS

Dear AB readers, I sincerely apologize for the long wait. I hope you all do understand that i've had a myriad of academic workload to handle in the past weeks, thus, my long absence.

I'm back now and It's crunchtime on #CMN as the month of love is here.

CRUCIFYMENOT promises to show love to its readers and well-wishers with lots and lots of new introductions. Ranging from  POEMS to TOUCHING LIVE STORIES, INSPIRATIONAL PIECES, FREEBIES and a whole lot more.

DON'T GO ANYWHERE AS I PROMISE TO THRILL YOU WITH MY KIND OF LOVE THIS VALENTINE SEASON ON #CMN.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF #CMN

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY TWIN -@MELVNN__

Hey Boo,

        Remember back in the day growing up in the children's department of THE REDEEMED EVANGELICAL MISSION? when we used to have the company of Seyi, Joseph, Ebuka and Rasheed?

Together, we were a great team until...
A supposedly inseparable team became vulnerable and the big boys amongst us decided we were rather too small. Still in all of this, we stuck together. You and i, all the way through to university level and both got admitted into the same faculty of the very same university.
Remember how you always got my back and covered for me in times of my numerous lapses? how it was you who helped me summon the courage to confront Mellyanne?
Remember how i would flash you on countless occasions back then in school when i had no money and you always turned up to my rescue? LOL

I miss you so much you know? i mean, all those times you wrote my tests for me and kept motivating me musically and academically... I could go on and on.

You are much more than a friend, a brother and a twin. You're a second me.
All those fun times we had whilst you were still in Nigeria; ranging from our dance rehearsals in church to our trips to Hilton and stuff.

Okay, the first teardrop just landed on my bed sheet. I miss you so much.
I pray for you everyday, I trust you'd make us all proud in the end.

I got no gifts- diamond, silver, gold, versace, bugatti and stuff to give to you on this special day, in as much as i'd love to but you know we'll have all of these things in abundance eventually, with God on our side.

With these little words of mine, i hope to put a smile on your face on this special day of your life. I LOVE YOU bro.
keep striving to make mum and dad proud. WE ALL LOVE YOU.

GOD BLESS YOU AND HAVE THE VERY BEST OF DAYS.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Twitter Nigeria Drama

Founded by Jack Dorsey , Evan Williams and Co in March 2006 and launched in July of the same year, twitter has grown to become one of the world's most popular social networks with a database of over 200million users from the  different countries of the world.
For some, it is an avenue to meet with people, interact, share ideas, make business transactions and so on.

Twitter Nigeria came alive in 2011. On one hand is a place of endless humour, exciting and so much fun and on the other, a place of endless controversies and drama.

- Sometime in 2012,  #SaveDebby was a trending topic in Nigeria. A young lady's life was saved thanks to the effort of her countrymen on this social media. 

- A private chat between 2 followers  was leaked sometime in 2013 about a lady who requested for N100,000 in return for sex.. The lady (handle undisclosed) went ahead to trend and was crucified verbally by many..  Yet we say ' IT'S JUST TWITTER. '

- "Can all these bloggers just die? " , "Ughh! I HATE bloggers. "

Yet 95% of us all read/visit blogs! Yes, I said so. As a matter of fact, if you're reading this and saying 'wrong, I don't ' then you're amongst the 5% MINORITY who don't read or visit blogs. Yet we rain all sorts of insults on bloggers.
In truth, 30% of these people who curse don't know who a blogger is, they simply insult innocent people who have twitterfeed connected to their accounts.

- There's the issue of questionnaires too, many claim to detest them yet their questions get answered... By spirits? I thought so too.

- Some will go as far as insulting the family members of others and in defense tell you 'It's just twitter'

-No one should be judged by their tweets? NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO JUDGE YOU, TWITTER OR REALITY!

Still, that's no license to some of the things we do in our online lives. WE CANNOT VIEW YOUR LIFESTYLE VIA TWITTER, YOU CAN ONLY PORTRAY YOUR PERSONA VIA YOUR TWEETS. It's quite simple, How can you tell @TweetMOPOL is funny when you haven't even heard him speak or call @Sucreplum69 a hoe when you haven't encountered her ?

-Some go ahead to state 'Tweet your mind, whether you do or not, people will still unfollow you.' Ask yourself, is it all about the number of followers you have?

-Others will say 'people will judge you no matter what so tweet your mind.' Again I ask, wouldn't you prefer to be judged in a positive light? Would you rather be called ugly than intelligent?
Many of us wouldn't even be proud enough to show our parents the activities that go on in everyday online lives.

Ladies, where is your dignity? So when Men misbehave, joining them is the right thing to do?
Make no mistake, I'm not saying you have no right to express yourself but some things are best kept to yourself!

A few questions i'd Love answers to ...

1) If you're not a "HOE" why portray yourself as one?

2) Why should you tweet every irrelevant thing that crosses your mind?

3) what do Ladies do with nudes of themselves? (For the Ladies only)

Be careful what you say / do, wherever and whenever!

On the last day of 2013, I came across a tweet that read 'How can someone on twitter make your 2013 amazing?' I'll answer that question here with an example.

Picture a scenario where an Arsenal fan who had a terrible day decides to log into twitter to clear his head and the second he does, the first tweet on his T
timeline reads "With the way Man Utd are going down, they'll soon discover oil" except he lacks a good sense of humour, he'll burst into laughter... automatically bettering his mood. At that point in time, an obscene, abstract twitter user has just met his need and whether or not he likes it, it'll remain in his memory for a long while.
There are different scenarios where people who you don't know make an impact with 'mere tweets'

Be cautious, you never know who's observing you. A friend once told me about a company that actually requests for your twitter handle and go through your TL before employment, I had no reason to doubt because really we're gradually heading to that stage.

To be Continued...

THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA

FIREWORKS ! FIREWORKS !! FIREWORKS !!!

Melodious tunes in the atmosphere, another string of 365 days gone by. What's most important is we saw 2013 come and go, it didn't see our end.
Thankful hearts, joyful, smiling faces, Resolutionists and optimists ready to either embark on a fresh run or pick up the pace from where they dropped off...

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, I WELCOME YOU TO YOUR YEAR OF GREATER GLORY, OVERWHELMING GRACE, ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES, DIVINE FAVOUR AND ESTABLISHMENT.      2014 IS HERE AND I'M GLAD WE BOTH MADE IT.

Speaking about new year resolutions, some make ones they.begin to break even before the second day of the year. I've never really been a huge fan but this year, I've decided to give it a shot at believing that God will see me through. Here's a couple I made...

1) Explore as many opportunities as I can this year (I've always limited myself in the past)

2) Cut down on the yabs and insults and become a much friendlier person (Not like I'm not friendly, but, last year , my fun was always to at someone's expense. Either I was dissing someone and making another laugh or something similar, someone just had to be on the receiving end)

3) Inspire more young persons (This time around, not just with my craft but my lifestyle as well. Leading by example is vital)

4) Become a better Christian.

Once again, I welcome you to the new year. A year which promises more exciting, inspiring, motivational work by God's grace. This year promises to gift you readers with the best of Touching true life stories, interviews with a select gifted persons, interviews with readers, motivational talk, interactive sessions, celebrity stories with interviews, freebies and lots more.  *Whew, I could go on and on.

Stayed tuned to #CrucifyMeNot this year, I promise to make every step of the way worthwhile, tell your friends , inform your enemies too. This year has a lot in store.

Thank you for being a part of #MistaAntoinesBLOG in 2013, thank you for making it happen, thank you for the love, support, encouragement etc

I Love you and appreciate you. May this year produce much more than all the others have for you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!