Valedictory Service

Wow! How time has just flown past! I clocked the one year mark in my new job two weeks ago and I couldn't believe it was one year already.

I woke up this Saturday morning, taking my time since I didn't have to go to work and had no compelling program, absolutely nothing, to do till evening. All I needed to do could be done at home and I intended to enjoy this rare time. That is a rare occurrence honestly and the rareness of that is one of the reasons I haven't been able to write on this blog in the past six months and only write sporadically in the six months before that.

My MBA graduation comes up on Thursday. Thinking towards that, I marveled at the goodness of God. I started my MBA program 16 days after the father of my children, my late husband passed on. My family didn't think it was a good decision to embark on the program but I felt, after much thought and prayer that it would be one way to ensure I didn't lose it as my new life as a widow with significant responsibilities unfolded. How right I was! How glad I am that I took that decision.

Friends, the devil roams about, the Bible says, seeking whom he may devour. Idle time is an opening for him. I really wish I could be someone who does her best work when there is little else to do. I am not. If I have only one thing to do in 24 hours, most likely I won't complete that one task. However, if I have 3 or 4 things to do, and I have to juggle balls, I am very likely to accomplish at least 75% of what I needed to do. Such is my lot and I have accepted it. To thine own self be true.

The MBA program gave me the focus to stay sane. It was the challenge and motivation I needed as all the Nollywood-worthy drama from out-laws and in-laws played out, as different responsibilities right, left and center pulled at me. Honestly, in hindsight, it was a major tool in God's hands that He used to keep me steady and always moving forward.

As I walk up to that stage on Thursday July 7th, to receive my certificate, I will be walking towards Part 3 of my story. For some as-yet-unknown reason, I sense that this July marks another turning point in my walk towards fulfillment of destiny and Purpose. I don't know what Part 3 entails but I am sure I will find out soon enough. I am also sure it will be super glorious. I will not only be receiving a Masters In Business Administration, but also a Masters in Living Life! I may not undertake a PhD anytime soon, but I am surely on the path towards a PhD in life and living. 

A number of people have asked why I stopped blogging. I gave one reason earlier on. Another, perhaps more pertinent reason is that I believe Incredible Courage has fulfilled its purpose from my side. Cyberspace is a wonderful place because it allows us to keep things alive in perpetuity. When I logged in today, I was surprised to find that though I hadn't written anything in the last six months, 85 people had read one article or the other on Incredible Courage in the last four weeks. That further convinces me that even though this will be my last post (as far as my eyes can see), Incredible Courage continues to live and to bless those that God needs it to bless, even after I also change addresses, in another 50 years to come, if Jesus tarries.

So, while I will not be the valedictorian on Thursday, I am giving my valedictory speech via Incredible Courage. Whenever anyone reads any of the 47 posts on this blog, I pray it continues to bless, inspire and encourage. Wherever God leads me as far as writing is concerned, Incredible Courage stands as a testimony to the power of Courage, under pinned by a God who is faithful and has a purpose for every minute of our life.

I leave you with a song that expressed my heart to God this morning as I walked - You are Sovereign by Aaron Keyes. Particularly, he says:

" What the enemy meant for evil, God turned it for our good,
   His plan is still to prosper,
   He is Faithful forever,
   Perfect in love,
   He is Sovereign over Us"

Blessings on You and Yours,

Bunmi Oke-Afolabi